Looking for a reliable, dependable pickup truck? J.D. Power knows which trucks are likely to last a long time, based on surveys of thousands of new- and used-vehicle owners each year. By measuring a variety of factors related to quality and dependability, the annual Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and Initial Quality Study (IQS) provide the raw data that is used to calculate Power Circle Ratings that predict long-term reliability.
Listed in alphabetical order on the pages that follow are the top-rated trucks in terms of predicted reliability, according to J.D. Power. Do keep one thing in mind, however. The ratings reflect the expected dependability of the models as compared with direct competitors within the same market segment, and not across all truck segments.
Though it cannot match the Ford F-Series Super Duty or Ram Heavy Duty in terms of sheer towing and hauling strength, the Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty (HD) sits at the top of its segment in terms of predicted reliability. As is true of its competitors, the Silverado HD is offered in a wide variety of configurations, from basic regular cab to luxurious crew cab and in both 2500HD and 3500HD model series, and with a gasoline or a diesel engine.
The 2016 Silverado HD receives an overall predicted reliability Power Circle Rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Among light-duty, full-size pickup trucks, the Chevy Silverado Light Duty (LD), better known as the Silverado 1500, is expected to be the most dependable over time. Last redesigned for 2014, the 2016 model receives a minor refresh and is available in numerous special editions that provide a unique appearance. A wide variety of cab styles, trim levels, and equipment helps the Silverado 1500 to serve a variety of uses, and three engine choices are available.
The 2016 Silverado 1500 receives an overall predicted reliability Power Circle Rating of 4.5 out of 5.
In its final year before its first complete redesign since the 1990s, the Ford F-Series Super Duty continues to supply gargantuan towing capability in F-450 guise. Most people choose the F-250 or F-350, though, which are offered with a choice between a gasoline or a diesel engine and come in multiple cab styles and trim levels.
The 2016 F-Series Super Duty receives an overall predicted reliability Power Circle Rating of 4 out of 5.
Essentially a restyled version of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the GMC Sierra Light Duty (LD), or Sierra 1500, is mechanically identical to its corporate twin. Similarly, the Sierra sees a minor styling refresh for 2016, and gets a handful of other updates that are designed to keep it competitive. Not quite as basic as the Chevy, the GMC is offered in a Denali trim level that layers on the luxury.
The 2016 Sierra 1500 receives an overall predicted reliability Power Circle Rating of 4 out of 5.
A decade after its debut, the full-size Toyota Tundra continues its bid to siphon traditionally loyal truck buyers from the segment’s heavy-hitters. Designed in California, largely engineered in Michigan, and built in Texas, the Toyota Tundra is one of the most reliable light-duty full-size pickups you can buy, and it is also one of the most “American,” according to the Kogod Made in America Index.
The 2016 Tundra receives an overall predicted reliability Power Circle Rating of 4 out of 5.