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Best Pickup Trucks 2025 UK: Group Test & Buying Guide

Modern pickup trucks have evolved into versatile all-rounders, capable of conquering tough off-road terrain, handling workday payloads, and catering to family shopping trips alike. To identify the top models in the UK market and those best avoided, the Parkers team conducted an exhaustive group test—evaluating on-road and off-road performance, towing capability (including hauling a trailer with a racing car), and everyday practicality. We focused exclusively on double-cab variants, which dominate UK sales due to their five-seat capacity and spacious load bays, while excluding models with payloads under 1,000kg (such as the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster) and basic utilitarian trims. All tested vehicles feature four-wheel drive, smartphone-compatible infotainment systems, and modern comforts like heated seats and wireless charging, reflecting the demands of today’s buyers.

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1.Editor's Choice: Ford Ranger

The 2024-launched Ford Ranger continues its predecessor’s legacy as the UK’s top pickup, retaining Parkers’ "Best Pickup Award" for 2025 thanks to its class-leading sales and all-around excellence. It outperforms rivals in nearly every category: it’s engaging to drive, boasts a peerless interior, excels off-road, and offers enhanced strength and capability. Uniquely in the segment, it’s available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with an unusually quiet driving experience—initially unfamiliar without diesel rumble but quickly becoming a welcome luxury. Unlike its close relative, the VW Amarok (co-developed with Ford), all Ranger variants meet the 1,000kg payload threshold, and the PHEV option adds a compelling selling point for eco-conscious buyers.

2.Volkswagen Amarok: Best for Lifestyle Luxury

The latest Volkswagen Amarok maintains its reputation as a pickup blending comfort and luxury, though it shares core components (engines, gearboxes, underpinnings) with the Ford Ranger through the Ford-VW partnership. It delivers the same strong on-road and off-road performance as the Ranger, with models like the Aventura offering smooth rides thanks to off-road suspension. VW distinguishes it with unique body panels, cabin trims, and infotainment design, ensuring a distinct aesthetic. Priced competitively with the Ranger, buyers should avoid top trims—their large alloy wheels reduce payload below 1,000kg—and note that no PHEV variant is available.

3.Isuzu D-Max: Best for Working Toughness & Safety

The repeatedly updated Isuzu D-Max has evolved into a robust workhorse, with recent upgrades bringing a refreshed interior, additional tech, and a clever Rough Terrain mode for off-road driving. Its 1.9-litre diesel engine, though smaller than rivals’ 3.0-litre units, handles towing and rough terrain admirably. Visually, the top-spec V-Cross offers a sleek look, while base models retain black plastic bumpers and steel wheels for a utilitarian vibe. While less family-friendly than some competitors, the D-Max excels in durability and practicality: it’s lightweight, boasts high payload ratings, and all variants can tow 3,500kg. A single-cab option is also available, though it lacks the range-topper’s luxuries.

4.Toyota Hilux: Best for Warranty & Rugged Reliability

The Toyota Hilux’s decades-earned reputation for ruggedness and reliability is backed by industry-leading aftersales support and a 10-year warranty (with Toyota servicing). However, it shows its age against newer rivals like the Ranger and Amarok: its cabin feels more utilitarian, it’s noisier on the move, and its automatic gearbox feels outdated. Most models use a 2.8-litre 204hp diesel engine (with mild-hybrid assist that’s barely noticeable), while the older 150hp 2.4-litre variant is best avoided due to its mid-range positioning and lack of cost or efficiency benefits. Despite its shortcomings, the Hilux remains a strong off-road performer, offers all three body types (double, single, extended cab), and lives up to Toyota’s reliability claims.

5.KGM Musso: Value-Packed Former SsangYong

Previously known as the SsangYong Musso, the KGM Musso retains its core design and value-focused proposition. Sold exclusively as a double cab in the UK, it’s based on the Rexton SUV, offering car-like rear suspension and generous creature comforts—except for the long-wheelbase model, which uses leaf springs for a massive load bay (trading off against the standard model’s class-shortest bay). It impresses with a 6,450kg gross train weight (allowing 3,500kg towing plus over 1,000kg payload) and a five-year/100,000-mile warranty. However, its rough ride (even by pickup standards), poor automatic gearbox, and questionable build quality hold it back compared to rivals.

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