When you’re in construction, you want a hardy truck that is at home in any territory, powerful enough for whatever you confront. But there is no shame in wanting it to look magnificent too. We look at five of the best work trucks for the construction business that have the aesthetics to match their bad-boy qualities and all the performance features you need.
Toyota Tundra
We start with the Toyota Tundra because it comes at a good entry-level price of between $35,270 and $54,645. While some critics state that it hasn’t evolved much since it came out in 2007 and fails to match up to later trucks in terms of fuel economy, extra technology in its interior, looks, or performance, it is still one of the best older models around.
With a V8 engine that can pull 381 horsepower and tow over ten thousand pounds, it is at its best off-road. It boasts armor for a tough underbelly and has remote reservoir dampers. If you still have doubts, take a closer look at the TRD Pro model.
If you want to improve the looks of this gem, take note that a lot of contractors are choosing to accessorize their trucks; to see the difference this can make, click here.
The Toyota Tundra also has great safety features.
Ram 1500
Motortrend awarded the title of Truck of the Year to the Ram 1500 in 2019. As if this accolade wasn’t enough once, the vehicle sustained this tribute through 2020 and 2021. Car and Driver bestowed The Editor’s Choice on the Ram 1500 in 2022.
Starting at $33,940 to $71,790, you will pay more for the RAM 1500 with all the trims. However, even without all the bells and whistles, this truck provides a more comfortable ride than the most expensive alternatives out there, courtesy of its superior suspension.
Choose between the Tradesman, the Limited, or the TRX to have the fastest, most powerful truck on or off the road. Decide if you need the trimmings over and above what is under the hood – V8 395 horsepower and the ability to tow 12, 750 pounds. Additionally, the interior has been ergonomically designed.
Nissan Titan
In 2021, the Nissan Titan became even more powerful, increased the size of its infotainment screen, and was fitted with a nine-speed automatic transmission. There are more bed and cab choices too.
It falls a bit behind some of the other trucks listed here when it comes to towing only 9,350 pounds and a less developed technological interior. Still, it runs on a V8 engine with 400 horsepower and is very fuel efficient.
AutoMart compares the Titan favorably with the Ram 1500.
Sadly, this vehicle is set to be discontinued as Nissan moves ahead with electrical vehicles.
2021 GMC Sierra
The 2021 GMC Sierra has the MultiPro multiple-purpose tailgate and a carbon-fiber bed. Additionally, it has great lines. So, you hardly feel the sting as you fork out more for this truck than the Chevrolet Silverado (see below). Costing between $31,695 and $63,785, this is still an excellent price.
The Chevrolet Silverado and the 2021 GMC Sierra are on a par with identical chassis and engines, the driving feel (somewhat jerky), and a stale interior design. These similarities are contrasted with different towing capacities. The GMC Sierra can tow up to 12,100 pounds versus the Chevy’s 13,300 pounds.
You can choose your GMC Sierra engine from 3.0L, 4.3L, 2.7L turbo I-4, 5.3L V-8, and the 6.2L V-8 with good fuel economy all round.
Chevy Silverado 1500
Despite the many similarities between the GMC Sierra and the Chevy Silverado from a mechanical perspective, their aesthetic appeal is vastly different with the changes made from 2020. Some fans put the GMC Sierra in the driving seat in terms of its looks.
Nevertheless, the Chevy allows a choice of a 3.0L diesel engine, a 4.3L V-6, a 2.7L turbo I-4, a 5.3L V-8, and a 6.2L V-8. Horsepower is 277, 285, 310, 355, and 420, respectively. Despite its performance, the interior features fail to attract any positive comments. It also has the same multi-function tailgate as the GMC Sierra. Fuel costs range from 14 to 23 up to 18 to 33 miles per gallon.
It is currently available in glacier blue metallic, but trim can be provided in cherry red or iridescent pearl. There is a shortage on the Silverado ZR2.
With these great options, choosing a new construction vehicle may be more difficult than you thought. However, once a selection is made, there is always the option to accessorize. This leads to a whole lot of additional choices, but that is part of the appeal.