Whether you’re looking for a tough working vehicle, or need a machine that can haul all the necessities of modern family life, the 1.0-tonne pickup category is packed with worthy contenders. In the case of our winners, they’re also good to drive, and will happily double-up as workhorses and replacements for your family car. The best pickup for that job right now is the Ford Ranger.
In turning a solid workhorse into an aspirational lifestyle pickup without losing that hard-working capability as well, Ford has shown that it’s still got what it takes when it comes to knowing what customers want. It’s a best-seller already, despite being a very established model, yet a programme of continuous improvement keeps the Ranger ahead of rivals at both the hard-working entry-level and conversions end of the market, and on the driveways of company car drivers looking for low, fixed costs for a strong towing vehicle.
You don’t need to choose a Raptor to get the best out of the Ranger, either. The Limited and Wildtrack offer confident, assured handling, impressive refinement, and the option of comfortable performance from the 213hp Ecoboost diesel. Our votes put the Ranger ahead regardless of popularity, but frankly, the amount of buyers voting with their wallets is hard to ignore.
You’ll rarely find a D-Max outside Waitrose or crawling in urban traffic for the school run, paint shiny and steps unmuddied; immense towing capacity and robust interiors set the Isuzu apart. With the new D-Max, though, Isuzu learned some lessons from the lifestyle range and has improved ride, handling and refinement immensely.
What sets the new D-Max apart though is the impressive standard safety tech, and impressive economy available when unladen from the 1.9-litre diesel. It’s more car-like inside, easier and more rewarding to drive, and safer, without losing any of the flexibility and strength of the previous generation. It’s good value, too.
In the UK, the reputation of the Hilux owes a lot to TV stunts – but those stunts were born of a seemingly indestructible nature, and Toyota has worked hard to keep that intact. This year marks the introduction of a powerful 204hp 2.8-litre diesel and rugged Invincible X trim, as well as refinements to the steering and suspension to improve performance on-road.
The end result is a tough, no-nonsense pickup with a surprising amount of creature comforts and an equally startling turn of speed. It still feels built for hard work and farm work, but that rugged nature, proven 4x4 and long-term spares support means your Hilux will live to exceed its potential 10-year warranty.
