The 4 best pickup trucks for enthusiasts and modifiers

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Canadians are increasingly taking to the outdoors, and the habits of Canadian drivers are changing. Automakers are watching the trend, and as a result, Canadian shoppers now have more options than ever for high-capability SUV’s, crossovers and pickups designed to help connect them more confidently with new adventures.

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If you’re considering a new pickup and you’re an enthusiast planning to modify that truck to better suit your needs, read on. B elow, We’ll walk through some impressions of four pickup trucks popular amongst enthusiasts in northern Ontario, and some impressions on each based on thousands of kilometres of real-world testing.

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The 4 best pickup trucks for enthusiasts and modifiers Back to video

I’ve chosen four specific models to demonstrate the variety of choices available to pickup truck shoppers today, and cumulatively, these machines represent my primary recommendation for shoppers considering a new pickup to modify and tailor to your specific tastes or lifestyle.

RAM Rebel 

Price: From $57,965

Towing capacity: 11,000 lbs (approx)

Key impressions: The RAM Rebel is built with enhanced hardware and design touches that enable high-capability off-road performance, right from the factory. A locking rear differential, off-road optimized suspension, and tough, off-road tires lay a solid foundation for off-road confidence, and gear the Rebel up for frequent use on the road less travelled.

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Multiple box and cab styles can specified, and the Rebel benefits from the latest Ram interior and interfaces, which are among the best in the segment. 

Key reasons to consider: The Ram Rebel is the only pickup on the page to offer an available diesel engine. This $3,900 option increases torque and reduces fuel consumption, with NRCan data showing a reduction in annual fuel costs approaching approximately $1,000. 

With diesel power, the Rebel boasts both the best towing capacity and lowest NRCan annual fuel costs on the page. With its 5.7 litre HEMI V8, the Ram Rebel is powered by a highly-proven gasoline engine option, too. Of all the trucks here, the RAM Rebel is simply the most capable when it comes to towing.

Best for: The rough stuff. If you’re looking to modify your pickup truck for off-road capability, for added confidence in reaching remote locations, or for camping and trailering, the RAM Rebel makes a good fit. A solid basis for off-road confidence comes built in, and a variety of accessories ranging from tents to steps to covers to off-road underbody protection are available to help tailor the RAM Rebel to an adventurous lifestyle.

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Though the size and fuel economy of the RAM Rebel may strike it from the lists of some shoppers, its generous capability and confidence form a solid foundation upon which to build your machine for a new lifestyle or hobby.

Ford Raptor

Price: From $61,145

Towing capacity: 8,200 lbs

Key impressions: The Ford Raptor is an extreme-performance variant of the Ford F-150, which features an extensive list of modifications and upgrades. A highly specialized suspension system enables stable handling and precise control, even when speeding over rough terrain. 

A 450-horsepower twin-turbo engine cranks out 510 lb.-ft of torque, making this the most powerful truck on the page. Enhanced low-end torque versus a conventional V8 engine makes the Raptor a highly-responsive performer in any situation. Extensively tuned to cater to enthusiastic driving styles, the Raptor’s driving experience is made to entertain.

Designed to perform and attract attention, towing capacity is strong at 8,200 pounds — though the RAM Rebel is still the better pick for those with the heaviest jobs. 

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Key reasons to consider: Driving enthusiasts needn’t look much further than the Ford Raptor. It’s a capable off-roader that’s expert at covering rough terrain quickly and comfortably — all while giving enthusiast drivers high levels of power and handling.

Unlike the Ram Rebel, the Raptor is the performance flagship in its lineup.

The Ford Raptor’s infotainment system is approachable and easy to use, and the Fox Racing shock absorbers smooth out even the roughest backroads surfaces. Pothole season doesn’t stand a chance. 

A large online owner’s community and strong aftermarket support also mean that Raptor drivers have access to a wide range of performance, lifestyle, and off-road upgrades, as well as strong online networking to share stories and ideas in Facebook groups and chat forums.

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Best for: Off-road speed. Though the Raptor has serious off-road chops and a solid towing rating, the main appeal is likely its driving experience, which is carefully engineered around an enthusiast driver. If you’re planning to modify your truck, the Ford Raptor gives you one of the most entertaining, highest-performing pickups ever built as a starting point. 

Toyota Tacoma

Price: From $38,350

Towing capacity: 6,500 lbs

Key impressions: There’s little you can’t do with a Toyota Tacoma, and of all the trucks on this page, few have as fiercely loyal a following, or as strong a reputation. Shoppers can select Access Cab or Double Cab configurations, and all units include four-wheel drive and the Tacoma’s latest 3.5 litre V6 engine with 278 horsepower.

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The Tacoma has a strong reputation for reliability, owner satisfaction, durability, and resale value. For many shoppers, it’s a smart choice when the capability and bulk of a full-sized truck aren’t required.

The latest Tacoma addresses some wishes from owners of earlier models, including an improved interior layout and styling, and a more powerful engine.

Key reasons to consider:  The Tacoma is available in a variety of configurations, and a variety of pre-packaged equipment bundles are available from Toyota Racing Development (TRD). 

With the TRD Pro package available on some models, upgrades include skid plating, premium stereo systems, an off-road camera system, specialized Fox shock absorbers, a recalibrated suspension system, fender flares, and more.

Further, the Tacoma is the only truck on this page available with a manual transmission. 

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Best for: Adventuring forever. The Toyota Tacoma is a solid bet for the long-haul. If its size and towing capacity can tackle what you’ll throw its way, you’ll enjoy a truck that excels at a wide range of tasks, while delivering a smaller fuel bill and friendlier small-truck driving dynamics. 

If you’re looking to build and customize from a proven platform noted for dependability and long-term value, the Tacoma makes a great starting point.

Honda Ridgeline

Price: From $45,535

Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs

Key impressions: The Honda Ridgeline is one of my favourite pickup trucks, because it drives and feels more like a car or crossover than a bigger, heavier truck — and that’s a good thing for the way that most drivers use most trucks, most of the time.

The Ridgeline is built on a car-like structure and has the lowest towing capacity on this page. It’s the only truck here without a low-range transfer case, too.

That said, the Ridgeline is exceptionally handy and easy to drive. If you want a functional pickup truck that drives more like a car, and if you’re not too concerned with extreme off-road performance, it’s a solid choice.

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Key reasons to consider: The Ridgeline is relatively easy for canines and humans to board and exit, features loads of handy interior storage space, a generous cabin, and a handy lockable trunk that fits underneath its bed.

On the road, the feel, steering and maneuverability are all more car-like than truck-like. Compared to many pickups, the Ridgeline is more comfortable, laid-back, and easy to drive. On-board storage space is clever and generous, so Ridgeline drivers and their families can easily stay organized on the go. 

The Ridgeline is also powered by one of Honda’s most proven current powertrains, with a 3.5 litre, 280-horsepower V6 under the hood, a nine-speed automatic, and a fully-automatic AWD system with driver-selectable traction modes.

Best for: Small loads and highway cruising. The Honda Ridgeline makes a solid foundation to build upon when shoppers are after a truck that’s easy to use on the daily, even in tighter spaces. Its car-like drive and easygoing maneuverability are easy to appreciate on every drive. Shoppers after an easy-driving truck that can quickly adapt from towing dirt bikes and a motorboat to family road trip duty and anything in between will find it a compelling starting point.