Whether it’s going to be used as a workhorse, a family car or a mix of the two, knowing how much your pickup can carry is pretty important. From the outside, there’s rarely a visual indication of carrying capacity so we’ve looked through the specifications and calculated what the best pickups for payload are in the UK so you don’t have to.
Our list looks at some of the best pickup trucks starting with double-cab options. We’ve also identified the best crew-cab and single-cab pickups for payload as well, even though they are less common. While the double-cab pickup market dominates UK sales, the change in pickup tax rules means that some single cabs might see a slight rise in popularity among those who want their truck to be a working vehicle above all else.
Best double-cab pickups for payload UK
Double cabs are typically the best option for those looking for a work vehicle to double as a family car. With five seats and four full-sized doors, a double-cab pickup offers the best passenger space which means load space is the shortest compared to crew-cab or single-cab versions.
1. KGM Musso double cab: 1,205kg maximum payload
Formerly known as the SsangYong Musso, the KGM Musso has long been a leader in payload and towing capacity combinations. All versions of the model come with a double cab and the Musso Saracen+ features an extended wheelbase to increase load space by more than 300mm. It is this version that provides the biggest payload, too, at 1,205kg. However, capacity across the range is impressive with Rebel and Saracen trims able to carry up to 1,095kg and EX up to 1,105kg.
The range is competitively priced with the entry-level version starting notably lower than its double-cab rivals and even the top spec Saracen+ offering a very competitive price. The South Korean-built truck comes with a five-year/100,000 mile warranty as standard, a couple of years less than its warranty period under the SsangYong name.
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel (202hp/400Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,300 (1,610mm for the Saracen+)/1,570mm/570mm
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2. Isuzu D-Max double cab: 1,110kg maximum payload
The new Isuzu D-Max takes second place with a payload of 1,110kg for the double cab version of its Utility specification. DL20, DL40 and V-Cross models come in close behind with payloads of 1,105kg when fitted with an automatic gearbox. Opt for the manual gearbox in the top three specs and payload dips slightly to 1,085kg.
The Isuzu D-Max was refreshed in 2025 with a new touchscreen media system and driver’s display on DL40 and V-Cross versions. A new rough terrain mode should be a useful feature for muddy sites or wet grassy conditions. For keener off-roaders the Isuzu D-Max now has a menu to view pitch and roll angles.
Engine: 1.9-litre diesel (164hp/360Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,520mm/1,570mm/500mm
Find an Isuzu D-Max for sale near you
2. Toyota Hilux Double Cab: 1,105kg maximum payload
Back in 2023, the Toyota Hilux claimed the prize as the Best Pickup in the Parkers Van and Pickup Awards. It’s still a strong pick and with a maximum payload capacity of 1,105kg when equipped with the 2.4-litre diesel engine, it tops some of its close rivals. Opt for the more powerful 2.8-litre diesel and payload is still above 1,000kg.
What sets the Hilux apart from its competitors is its impressive warranty period. As standard it comes with a three-year warranty but services with an approved Toyota garage can extend the warranty period up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Engine: 2.4-litre or 2.8-litre diesel (150-204hp/400-500Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,525mm/1,540mm/480mm
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4. Volkswagen Amarok double cab: 1,101kg maximum payload
There are various different payload figures across the Volkswagen Amarok range so it’s a good idea to look at what you need before opting for a particular trim. The entry-level Life specification, with the only manual gearbox of the range and a 2.0-litre 170hp engine, offers the best payload at 1,101kg.
Typically payload drops off with higher specifications and weight is used to add extra luxuries. The top spec Amarok Aventura has a significantly lower payload at 870kg. With the towing pack specified, this drops further to 835kg, which means it is not eligible for the same VAT-reclamation rules as other pickups, which could make it significantly more expensive. All versions apart from the base configuration have a towing capacity of 3,500kg.
Engine: 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre diesel (170-240hp/405-600Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,624mm/1,584mm/529mm
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5. Ford Ranger double cab: 1,098kg maximum payload
The Ford Ranger has consistently been the UK’s top performing pickup truck. As a result, it claimed the crown for the Best Pickup in the Parkers Van and Pickup Awards 2025. Ford’s new Ranger is the result of a collaboration with Volkswagen so the Ranger shares much of its underpinnings with the new Amarok, although Ford was the lead partner so the fundamental elements like the engines and gearboxes etc are Ford’s.
Unlike the VW, each one of the Ranger’s standard trim levels offers a payload in excess of 1,000kg including its sporty MS-RT version. However, its maximum payload is slightly short of the Amarok’s best at 1,098kg. As the range-topping Ranger Raptor is quite different from the standard Ranger line up we’ve included it as a separate model below.
Engine: 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre diesel (170-240hp/405-600Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,564mm/1,585mm/511mm
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6. Maxus T90EV double cab: 1,000kg maximum payload
The first electric pickup truck to come to the UK ranks fairly high on our list considering the weight penalty of batteries. In line with the rules at the time, Maxus prioritised achieving a 1,000kg payload so the T90EV would qualify for commercial vehicle status. This means its towing capacity is a bit limited compared to its diesel rivals at 1,500kg for a braked trailer.
Our Maxus T90EV review delves into all the details on this electric pickup. It’s currently only available with a single 88.5kWh battery which provides an official range of just over 200 miles. While the T90EV might have enough range and payload capacity for some applications, the model is quite expensive with prices starting from just under £50,000 (ex VAT).
Battery: 88.5kWh battery (201hp/310Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1485mm/1510mm/530mm
7. Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster: 835kg maximum payload
Ineos is battling it out to become one of the best pickups in the UK with its Grenadier Quartermaster model. On the payload front it falls short of being classified as a commercial vehicle and much cheaper competitors are able to offer superior load capabilities. Since it’s been adapted from the Ineos Grenadier, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is designed for a life of off-roading.
While it’s hugely capable off-road, its long wheelbase and steering setup which doesn’t self-centre makes it more challenging to drive on the road. Its abilities don’t outweigh the drawbacks in our view, and its sub-1,000kg payload is one of these.
Engine: 3.0-litre petrol (286hp/450Nm) 3.0-litre diesel (249hp/550Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,564mm/1,619mm/485mm
Find an Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster for sale near you
8. Ford Ranger Raptor: 652kg maximum payload
The Ford Ranger Raptor is designed to be more of a lifestyle vehicle than a workhorse. Although it’s not cheap to run or buy, it’s created to attract drivers who love pickups and want a taste of American pickup truck culture with a vehicle that can (just about) fit on UK roads and in supermarket parking spaces. As a work companion it would be best suited to bulky light loads or towing a braked trailer up to 2,500kg.
Even though its stats aren’t hugely impressive for a pickup, the Ranger Raptor makes up for it in on-road driving fun and off-road capability. It can be had with either a twin turbo charged V6 EcoBoost petrol or a Bi-turbo EcoBlue diesel engine. The diesel version will be slightly more economical but the V6 delivers maximum fun for the heart-over-head choice.
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel (210hp/500Nm) 3.0-litre petrol (292hp/491Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,564mm/1,585mm/529mm
Find a Ford Ranger Raptor for sale near you
9. Maxus eTerron 9 Double Cab: 620kg maximum payload
The new Maxus eTerron 9 is another electric pickup from the Chinese manufacturer. Unlike the Maxus T90EV, the eTerron 9 focuses on towing capacity which means its maximum payload capabilities suffer. In contrast to its maximum payload of 620kg, it can tow up to 3,500kg. Thanks to a 102kWh battery the eTerron 9 has a longer range of up to 267 miles.
Available in Luxury and Premium specifications, both come with four-wheel drive as standard. The Maxus eTerron 9 can be charged at up to 115kW to replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in just over 40 minutes. Although it’s significantly more powerful than the Maxus T90EV, pricing is not too dissimilar, starting from £53,000 (ex VAT).
Battery: 102.2kWh (442hp/450Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,561mm/1,500mm/535mm
Best crew-cab pickups for payload UK
Crew-cab pickups sit between full-sized double cabs and single-cabs with two seats. The back seats are designed to be used occasionally rather than offering the space to use the pickup as a comfortable family car when you’re not at work. The smaller cab space means there’s a longer load bed but given the niche market these pickups target, not many manufacturers still offer crew-cab pickups.
1. Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab: 1,155kg maximum payload
Isuzu offers two crew-cab options, a Utility trim variant which is focused on business use and a DL20 version which is designed to be an all-rounder. The Utility extended cab variant has a maximum payload of 1,140kg and the DL20 gets the highest payload for this bodystyle at 1,155kg with added creature comforts like heated seats.
To access the rear cabin, the front door has to be opened to release the rear-hinged half door. In 2024, around 9% of Isuzu’s D-Max sales were dedicated to extended cab models. The same percentage opted for the single-cab variant which we’ll look at below, while 82% went for the double-cab.
Engine: 1.9-litre diesel (164hp/360Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,785mm/1,530mm/500mm
Find an Isuzu D-Max for sale near you
2. Toyota Hilux Extra Cab: 1,075kg maximum payload
A crew-cab version has been part of Toyota’s Hilux range since 2006. Since it’s also not a huge seller for Toyota, there’s just one trim option available, entry-level Active. Thanks to the shorter passenger compartment, load space is increased by nearly 300mm and there’s additional storage under the rear bench.
Compared to the double-cab version, payload capacity is up by around 60kg which isn’t likely to make a massive difference. Just like the Isuzu D-Max, there’s no exterior handles on the rear doors so the front door needs opening to gain access.
Engine: 2.8-litre diesel (204hp/500Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,808mm/1,540mm/480mm
Find a Toyota Hilux for sale near you
Best single-cab pickups for payload UK
Single-cab pickups offer the smallest cabin of the bunch with just two seats for a driver and passenger. This configuration maximises the load bed area but means the pickup doesn’t qualify as a dual-purpose vehicle, so drivers must keep to the same speed limits as vans.
1= Toyota Hilux Single Cab: 1,205kg maximum payload
The single-cab Hilux in Active trim kicks off the Hilux range from just over £29,000 (ex VAT). It’s only available in the entry-level trim like all other single-cab pickups in our list since these are designed to be work-focused tools.
In its single-cab form, the Hilux comes with the larger 2.8-litre engine to offer maximum moving power for loads up to 1,205kg. It’s also able to tow the same 3,500kg as the rest of the range.
Engine: 2.8-litre diesel (204hp/500Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 2,315mm/1,575mm/480mm
Find a Toyota Hilux for sale near you
1= Isuzu D-Max Single Cab: 1,205kg maximum payload
Featured in Isuzu’s business range, the single-cab D-Max is offered in 4×2 and 4x4 configurations. The 4×2 version has slightly lower payload and towing figures at 1,190kg and 2,500kg respectively.
There’s only one engine option in the D-Max range so its single-cab variant gets 164hp and 360Nm of torque. Compared with rivals like the Hilux and Ford Ranger it’s a little underpowered, especially in the torque department. For regular towing jobs, we’d rather be driving a Hilux or Ranger.
Engine: 1.9-litre diesel (164hp/360Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 2,290mm/1,530mm/465mm
Find an Isuzu D-Max for sale near you
3. Ford Ranger Single Cab: 1,200kg maximum payload
Ford has ditched its crew-cab offering in favour of single- or double-cab options. It retains a 3,500kg maximum towing capacity and a payload of 1,200kg, barely topped by the other two pickups in this section.
Designed to be a workhorse, the Ranger’s tailgate can be used as a work bench. It features pockets to use with clamps so the paint and bodywork doesn’t get scratched. The Ranger is also offered as a chassis cab for conversions.
Engine: 2.0-litre (170hp/405Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 2,332mm/1,585mm/511mm
Find a Ford Ranger for sale near you
What’s the best new pickup for payload – the Parkers verdict
Depending on your people carrying needs, the best pickup for payload will vary. For out-and-out towing duties it will be a single cab that is the best fit but most drivers will be looking for a double-cab pickup that can carry more than two. On this basis, the The KGM Musso is the pick of the double-cab options. Not only does it offer the highest payload, it can tow at its maximum capacity at the same time as carrying more than 1,000kg in the bed.
It’s far from the best pickup though, and the Ford Ranger is the reigning title holder in the the Best Pickup in the Parkers Van and Pickup Awards 2025. It’s not got the biggest payload but it still has enough to cover most tasks and provides a good blend of strength and luxury.
FAQs
What pickup truck has the most payload?
With a maximum payload of 1,205kg the KGM Musso Saracen+ offers the same weight-carrying capacity as the top single-cab pickups. If you don’t need a double-cab for carrying extra passengers then the single-cab Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max can offer the same payload with around 700mm extra loading space length.
Which pickup truck is best for loading?
If bed length is a priority then the single-cab Ford Ranger is the best pick with 2,332mm of length to play with. The Toyota Hilux tops the crew-cab options with a load space that’s 1,808mm long. For those looking at a double-cab pickup, the Volkswagen Amarok offers the best load length at 1,624mm.
If bed height is a priority then the KGM Musso has the deepest loading bay.
Does lifting a truck reduce payload capacity?
In most cases, lifting a pickup truck – raising the ground clearance for improved off-road capability – won’t impact its weight-carrying capacity. A truck can be lifted with or without altering its suspension but either way its centre of gravity will be higher. This can impact how the truck handles when it’s fully loaded. If the vehicle has modified suspension this can also make the load sit slightly differently than it would with a factory configuration.
While modifications are unlikely to add a lot of additional weight to the truck, it’s a good idea to keep track of weight being added to make sure the truck is still within its gross vehicle weight limit when it’s loaded. This is the total amount the pickup is legally allowed to weigh with its maximum load.
Pickup payload ratings explained
This list details all the figures for pickups in their standard factory specifications, before extra equipment and accessories like hard tops, roller shutters and tow bars. Just like a lift kit, any additional extras need to be considered and deducted from the maximum payload capacity.
Following the Autumn 2024 Budget, classifications for pickups are due to change which will affect tax rates for these vehicles. Our van and pickup tax explainer runs through all the details about commercial vehicle tax rates with new information based on the 2024 Budget.
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