Pickup trucks are huge sellers here in the UK. With a specification rivalling some of the top SUVs on the market but also with great load carrying credentials, it’s no wonder they’re popular.
Here, we take a look at the top 5 4x4 pickup trucks available today.
1) Ford Ranger
In 2024, the Ford Ranger was the third best-selling commercial vehicle in the UK. It proved that customers consider it to be one of the best pickup trucks on the market, beating all other 4x4 pickups and many vans to the third spot.
Upgraded in 2023, there’s a Ranger for every need. The Ranger XL is a relatively basic model available in single cab form. It’s designed to appeal to those needing a durable workhorse that’s at home in forests and rough terrain.
On the other hand, the Ranger Raptor is the ultimate Ford pickup with its upgraded suspension and the option of a 292PS V6 petrol engine.
The best-selling Ranger is the Wildtrak double cab model, boasting a high level of trim and equipment.
This includes leather seats and a huge, Tesla style multimedia screen that gives access to navigation, telephone and audio streaming and drive mode selection.
It also lets the driver choose the appropriate driving mode depending on driving conditions such as ice and even ‘mud and ruts’.
The screen also includes a front camera that displays pitch and roll angles when off-road.
Although there’s no fully electric Ford Ranger available just yet, there’s a choice of 170PS, 205PS and 240PS diesel engines, as well as a hybrid version.
All Rangers except Raptor have a payload of over 1000kg, making them VAT-friendly for many business users.
2) Volkswagen Amarok
Easily making it into our guide to the best 2025 pickup trucks is the Amarok. Much of what you read in our summary of the Ranger also applies to the Amarok as it’s the product of a joint venture with Ford.
The pickup trucks are fundamentally the same although there are differences in trim and equipment.
Trim levels are four in number, starting with the Life, through to the Style, PanAmericana and to the range topping Aventura.
The Volkswagen is different to the Ford’s exterior, as it has the company’s corporate front grille, side mouldings and unique alloy wheels, all dependent on the trim model.
3) Toyota HiLux
One of the longest established, top pickup trucks, the Toyota has made many loyal friends since it was introduced in 1968.
Although its last major facelift was back in 2020, the truck remains competitive in its style, practicality and level of equipment.
The thorn in its side was the lack of a higher-powered engine but the facelift saw the introduction of a 2.8 litre unit - a 204HP output that provides enough power for the most demanding of operators.
Three cab styles are available: the single cab with two seats, extra cab with half-width rear doors and some basic seating for occasional use, and the double cab that seats five comfortably.
Although there’s only the single engine option, all Hilux models are four-wheel-drive, and there’s a choice of manual or automatic transmission.
From the entry level Active grade through to the luxurious Invincible X model, there’s a Hilux for everyone. There’s plenty of driver aids and safety tech as standard too.
All Hilux models have a tax friendly 1000kg+ payload, and combined with the 3500kg towing capacity, the Toyota fully deserves its reputation as one of the top-ranked pickup trucks.
4) Isuzu D-Max
With a lengthy list of industry awards to its name, the Isuzu D-Max continues to be possibly the most popular 4x4 pickup truck in the agricultural community.
The vehicle is a common sight in rural areas - often pulling a heavy livestock trailer and making the most of the 3500kg towing capacity.
Having a reputation as perhaps the most dependable pickup truck due to its well-proven 1.9 litre 164PS diesel engine, the D-Max just gets the job done.
2025 sees the Isuzu get a minor makeover, with updates to the frontal aspect and some refinements in the cab area, too.
It’s not a basic, utilitarian truck, especially if the range-topping V-Cross model is chosen.
Standard equipment includes dark grey side steps, grey 18” alloy wheels and Bi-LED headlights that make it stand out from the crowd and give the truck some presence on the road.
There are 17 driver and safety aids on board. For driver and passenger comfort, there’s dual zone climate control, heated leather seats and the 9” multifunction touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
5) Maxus eTerron9
As it’s the only fully electric pickup truck available on the UK market right now, it’s only right to include the Maxus in our list of the top five best pickup trucks.
With looks that might be a little ‘Marmite’ to some, the 4WD truck has two electric motors that provide a combined output of a stunning, even outrageous 442hp.
The battery pack, which has a capacity of 102kWh, can be charged from 20% to 80% of capacity in as little as 40 minutes using a 115kW rapid charger. The truck has an official range between charges of up to 261 miles too.
The eTerron9 is clearly aimed at those who are less likely to use the vehicle off-road. Its high performance combined with a more luxurious interior is more likely to appeal to those who would normally buy or lease a mid-range SUV car.
Importantly, for those hoping to take advantage of any taxation loopholes provided by a pickup truck, the eTerron 9’s payload of around 620kg means that it is classified as a passenger car.
Tim Cattlin
Consultant and freelance writer to the van industry
I started my career selling vans in the mid-eighties, progressing through dealer groups to management level. In 2010 I joined vehicle valuation company CAP, being made responsible for forecasting future used values for all makes and models of vans and trucks, this data being used by leasing companies and manufacturers to assess future risk. This role entailed very early exposure to new models including extensive testing across Europe.
In 2016 I started up my own consultancy business dedicated to the LCV industry. In addition, my freelance written work has been used by a number of clients and I am a regular contributor to WhatVan? magazine. I’m also a judge for their annual ‘Van of the Year’ awards.
To relax, I enjoy travel and walking near my Yorkshire home.
