12 pickups owners say are worth stepping up a trim

Bobby Clark

02/17/2026

12 pickups owners say are worth stepping up a trim — Image Credit: Jennie Logan, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pickup trucks have long been a staple of American roads, offering the perfect blend of utility and comfort. While base models provide the essentials, stepping up to a higher trim can significantly enhance the driving experience. Here are 12 pickups that owners say are truly worth the upgrade.

Ford F-150 Lariat

Image Credit: RL GNZLZ, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Ford F-150 Lariat is a popular choice among pickup enthusiasts. This trim level offers a balance of luxury and performance, with features like leather-trimmed seats and a 12-inch touchscreen. The Lariat includes advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Owners often praise the Lariat for its comfort and technology, making long drives more enjoyable.

Stepping up to the Lariat trim also means access to the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which delivers a powerful yet efficient performance. The F-150 Lariat proves that a pickup truck can be both rugged and refined.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ

Image Credit: HJUdall – Own work, via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ offers a premium experience, combining the robustness of a truck with upscale interior features. From heated and ventilated front seats to a robust infotainment system, the LTZ trim enhances the driving experience significantly. The Silverado LTZ includes an available 6.2-liter V8 engine, providing ample power for towing and hauling.

Owners appreciate the Silverado LTZ’s balance of utility and comfort. The trim level includes advanced towing technology, making it easier and safer to transport heavy loads, which is a significant upgrade for those using their truck for work or recreation.

Ram 1500 Laramie

Image Credit: Kevauto, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Ram 1500 Laramie stands out with its high-quality interior materials and a smooth ride, often compared to luxury sedans. The Laramie trim includes features like a 12-inch touchscreen and premium audio system, catering to those who desire a touch of luxury in their truck.

Owners often highlight the Laramie for its exceptional ride comfort and advanced technology features. With a powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine option, the Laramie is not just about comfort; it’s also about performance, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many.

Toyota Tundra Limited

The Toyota Tundra Limited offers a robust blend of reliability and modern amenities. Known for its durability, the Limited trim adds features like leather upholstery and a premium audio system. The Tundra Limited includes safety enhancements such as Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which features pre-collision systems and dynamic radar cruise control.

Owners love the Tundra Limited for its reliability and comfortable interior. The 5.7-liter V8 engine provides the power needed for serious towing, making it a favorite for those who need a dependable workhorse with added comfort.

GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

The GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is synonymous with luxury in the truck world. This trim offers premium materials and cutting-edge technology, such as a heads-up display and adaptive ride control. The Denali trim includes an available 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers impressive power and efficiency.

Owners often praise the Denali for its luxurious interior and smooth ride. The MultiPro Tailgate, exclusive to GMC, adds versatility, making the Denali a practical yet upscale choice for truck enthusiasts.

Nissan Titan Platinum Reserve

2020 Nissan Titan — Image Credit: HJUdall, via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

The Nissan Titan Platinum Reserve is the pinnacle of the Titan lineup, offering luxury features and a strong powertrain. The Platinum Reserve is equipped with premium leather seats and wood accents, elevating the interior ambiance. The 5.6-liter V8 engine provides robust performance, suitable for both work and play.

Owners appreciate the Platinum Reserve for its combination of comfort and capability. The trim’s advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, provide added peace of mind on the road.

Ford Ranger XLT

Image Credit: Captainmorlypogi1959 – Own work, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Ford Ranger XLT is a mid-size pickup that offers a variety of upgrades over the base model. The XLT trim includes features like an upgraded infotainment system with SYNC 3 and dual-zone climate control, enhancing both connectivity and comfort.

Owners often choose the XLT for its improved interior and additional technology features. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, making the Ranger XLT a practical choice for those who need a versatile truck without stepping into full-size territory.

Chevrolet Colorado Z71

2024 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Z71 Crew Cab pickup truck display — Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

The Chevrolet Colorado Z71 is designed for off-road enthusiasts, offering features tailored to tackle rugged terrains. The Z71 includes off-road suspension, an automatic locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires, ensuring it’s ready for adventure.

Owners appreciate the Z71 for its off-road capabilities and everyday practicality. The trim also includes comfort features like heated front seats and an intuitive infotainment system, making it a well-rounded choice for those who want both adventure and convenience.

Jeep Gladiator Overland

The Jeep Gladiator Overland is the perfect blend of Jeep’s legendary off-road capability and modern amenities. The Overland trim includes a premium interior with leather-trimmed seats and a Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Owners often highlight the Overland’s versatility, capable of handling both city streets and off-road trails with ease. The Overland trim provides a more refined experience, making it a worthy upgrade for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds in a unique pickup.

Honda Ridgeline RTL-E

Image Credit: Paul Albrecht, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The Honda Ridgeline RTL-E is known for its car-like handling and versatile features. The Ridgeline RTL-E includes a premium audio system, a power moonroof, and Honda’s Sensing safety suite, which adds driver-assist technologies for a safer drive.

Owners love the Ridgeline RTL-E for its comfortable ride and innovative features like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate. It’s a great choice for those who want a pickup with the comforts of an SUV, making daily drives and weekend adventures more enjoyable.

Ram 2500 Big Horn

Image Credit: order_242 from Chile – Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Big Horn Quad Cab 4×4 2009, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Ram 2500 Big Horn offers heavy-duty performance with a touch of style. The Big Horn includes features like premium cloth upholstery and an upgraded infotainment system with a large touchscreen, providing both comfort and convenience.

Owners appreciate the Big Horn for its powerful engine options, including the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 and the Cummins turbo diesel. It’s a preferred choice for those who need serious towing capability without compromising on comfort and technology.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Image Credit: Jacob Frey 4A - CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons — Image Credit: Jacob Frey 4A – CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is built for off-road enthusiasts who want to explore beyond the beaten path. The TRD Pro trim includes FOX internal bypass shocks, a TRD Pro skid plate, and all-terrain tires, ensuring it’s ready for any adventure.

Owners often choose the TRD Pro for its rugged capability and reliability. The trim also includes features like a JBL sound system and a moonroof, adding a touch of comfort to its off-road prowess, making it a popular choice for adventurers who don’t want to compromise.

More from Fast Lane Only