Pickup trucks are the ultimate utilitarian vehicle. They have powerful engines, high towing, and hauling ratings, and are useful all year round. However, one thing many truckmakers failed to consider was passenger space.
What are ranchers, farmers, construction workers, or other blue-collar workers to do when they have children? Trade it in for a minivan or an SUV? Gross.
Don’t worry. Modern trucks have come a long way regarding passenger comfort, child safety features, and rear passenger space, and creature comforts.
So, hang tight – with these four trucks, you won’t have to give up your day job (or your truck) to keep your work site moving and get your family where they need to go on the same trip safely.
The F-150 is the best-selling truck in America for a reason
The F-150 has been the nation’s favorite truck for decades. With about two million trim levels, add-ons, and aftermarket support, it’s not difficult to understand why.
Aside from a variety of flavors, it has a spacious SuperCrew cab that makes sitting in the second row seem like you’re sitting in the back of a Lincoln. Depending on the trim level, rear passengers can enjoy their own climate control settings, heated rear seats, charging ports, and large windows.
There’s enough space for car seats too, and the ride height makes it easier to get a seat in and out, too. Lower anchors are easy to access, and top tethers are just behind the seat.
It’s also not terribly priced for a full-sized truck, either. The XL 4WD SuperCrew 5.5′ Box truck starts at 47,600. and the Lariat 4WD SuperCrew 5.5′ box truck starts at $65,495. It’s obviously a tad more if you opt for the bigger bed or the hybrid version, though.
Chevy’s Silverado 1500 almost rivals the Ford
Chevy’s been one of Ford’s biggest rivals since the very beginning, and the Silverado 1500 is evidence of the decades-old feud. Like the Ford, the Silverado is known to be a workhorse and can be configured to have a roomy and comfortable extended cab (or Double Cab) to make second-row passengers extra cozy.
The GMC Sierra equivalent has a snazzier interior, but notable features like climate control, radio control functions, comfortable seats, and ample legroom make either truck great for families that might make frequent hauling trips.
The Silverado also comes with a lot of customization options and similar prices to the Ford. They start at $37,445, with the prices going higher depending on the trim.
Unlike the Ford, though, the Silverado 1500 can’t be bought as a hybrid, though they both can be bought as an expensive EV. Though, if you live on the east coast, it should be noted that the Chevy has the best warranty for rust coverage.
Ram makes a great family truck, too!
Let’s not forget about the third part of Detroit’s “Big Three.” Now called Ram, the 1500 Quad Cab is a great work truck that could double as a family hauler. The Ram’s ride, according to reviewers, tends to be smoother than both the Ford and the Chevy.
Plus, the second row in the Quad Cab can recline, making it extra cozy for rear passengers who aren’t in car seats. Car seats are easy to install though, with easily accessible latches and tethers.
It’s also one of the two trucks listed that earned excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS and is one of the more affordable options. The Quad Cab starts at $36,800 but goes up depending on the trim level and engine choice.
It also has the best roadside assistance warranty from Stellantis, if warranties are important to you.
Last but not least – the Toyota Tundra
While the Toyota Tundra has the most radical design of the four, it has the best warranty, the most reliable, and the most space thanks to the CrewMax. It has the most legroom, optional leather or cloth, and more creature comforts.
It’s also a Toyota, so you won’t have to worry about fixing it like you might have to with the other options.
Due to its brand, though, it’s the most expensive option, too. The CrewMax starts at $45,000 and can go up to $75,000 in the Capstone trim.
However, it does have more advanced driver assistance features, exclusive styling, and fancy leather seats.
Like the others, the rear seats are easy to access, car seats would be easy to install, and optional running boards would make getting int he back fun for kids.
