The popularity of trucks has been on an upward trajectory for decades and now accounts for over 20% of new vehicle sales. While the humble work truck remains, modern buyers also demand an upscale pickup appointed with premium accoutrements, the latest technology, infotainment options and flashy details. To determine the best luxury trucks, we looked at standard interior appointments including substrates, standard tech and infotainment features, interior design, exterior design cues and overall ride quality and interior noise levels. 

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Ram 1500’s top-tier Limited trim, the maker cooked up the cleverly named Limited 10th Anniversary Package. That only adds to the Ram 1500’s reputation as the smoothest-riding and quietest full-size half-ton pickup on the market. The standard top-tier Limited Starts at $62,390 including a $1,795 destination and includes leather seating, the Uconnect 5 infotainment with an 8.4-inch screen and premium 10-speaker audio among other features. Power comes from the proven 5.7-liter hemi V8 with an eight-speed automatic, but you can spec the e-torque version at no charge or opt for the 3.0-liter diesel for $3995. The 10th Anniversary package is a steal at $2,145, bringing quilted leather seating and door inserts, real wood and metal trim details, a suede headliner, jeweled shifter knob and a massive 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with a 19-speaker premium sound system. Ultimately, however, it’s the Ram’s serene interior and smooth ride that land it at the top of the list. Read full review

If you’re the type of customer who prefers the one-and-done style of shopping, the Ford F-150 Limited is for you. True, its $76,030 (including $1695 destination fee) price is about $14,000 more dear than Ram Limited’s base price, but the Ford comes absolutely loaded to the gills right from the showroom floor. That means a leather-lined interior, dual-pane sunroof, adaptive cruise control, the entire suite of Ford 360 safety and assist features, a tow package with trailer backup assist, 22-inch wheels and more. Really, the only options are four-wheel drive ($3,425) and the V6 hybrid powertrain ($1,900) to replace the standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed automatic. While the F-150 lacks few amenities, the Ram has an edge in refinement—for now.  Read full review

New for 2022, the Sierra Denali Ultimate’s interior is a mobile clubroom, featuring real wood accents, full-grain leather front and rear seats, door panels and console lid— even the instrument panel gets wrapped in cowhide. A micro-suede headliner, 16-way adjustable and massaging front seats and power sunroof add to the vibe. Remarkably, GM’s Super Cruise driver-assistance technology is standard, as are a 15-inch Head-Up Display, 12-speaker Bose audio system and rear-view camera mirror all find themselves on the Denali Ultimate’s standard equipment list. Like the F-150 Limited, the 2022 GMC Sierra Denali the adheres to the kitchen sink approach and it wears an $80,395 MSRP as the result. 

Toyota’s Tundra Capstone is a new entry for 2022, superseding the still in production Tundra 1794 edition at the peak of Toyota Tundra luxury mountain. Essentially the Lexus of pickups, it, and all 2022 Tundras, get a new coil-spring rear suspension that does wonders for the ride. The Capstone, however, ships with the i-FORCE MAX 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid powerplant and 10-speed automatic transmission as the sole powertrain. 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats upholstered with semi-aniline leather and a power-adjustable, leather-wrapped steering wheel cosset the driver, while genuine walnut accents, a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled rear seats and an acoustic laminated windshield and side windows provide quiet comfort. A vertically opening rear cabin window is a nice touch. Toyota’s top-tier infotainment system features a 14-inch touchscreen and 12 JBL speakers and Toyota throws every safety and driving assistance feature it has in on the deal. 22-inch chrome and machined wheels increase the bling factor. We expect pricing closer to the Tundra Capstone’s on-sale date in the spring of 2022. Read full review.

Redesigned for 2019, the Silverado missed the mark in terms of interior appointments and technology. The company pivoted and addressed the issues for the 2022 Silverado, adding new touchscreens and software, a standard suite of safety gear and increased towing rating for the diesel-equipped version. In the case of the Silverado High Country, that means real wood trim on the console, standard leather upholstery with detailed stitching in a choice of Jet Black or Nightshift Blue colors and real stainless accents including the speaker grilles for the standard Bose audio system. GM’s vaunted Super Cruise driver assistant technology is available on the High Country. Just remember, due to the microchip shortage the older model still exists as the “Silverado 1500 LTD” for the first part of 2022 and luxury-seeking buyers are advised to wait until the “new” Silverado High Country with the upgrades to hit showrooms in the the spring of 2022. It wears a base MSRP of $58,495, including a $1,695 destination fee. Read full review.

Nissan remains a bit of an outlier in the full-size pickup segment, but it’s Titan Platinum Reserve still has the goods to cosset occupants looking for a civilized pickup experience. It’s ace-in-the-hole is its version of Nissan’s vaunted zero-gravity seats that are both cushy and supportive; on the downside, they come in even the base trim. All the usual accoutrements are present: premium leather seating, heated and cooled front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wood and metal detailing bits. The problem isn’t that the Titan is bad, rather just that competition is better. On the other hand, the two-wheel drive Crew Cab Platinum Reserve starts at “just” $58,395 including $1,695 destination (4×4 is $61,675). Four-wheel drive is a $3,280 upcharge. 

To determine the best luxury pickups, we looked at standard interior appointments including substrates, standard tech and infotainment features, interior design, exterior design cues and the overall quality of the ride and interior noise levels. 

For 2022, our evaluation covers seven areas: 

For partnership inquiries please reach out to us at partnerships@forbeswheels.com