# The 10 Best Used 1500-Class Pickup Trucks of 2026

*Published May 2026 · Data source: OwnerKeep reliability database*

![The 10 Best Used 1500-Class Pickup Trucks of 2026](./img/hero_10-best-used-1500-trucks-2026.jpg)

Light-duty pickups (F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Tundra, Sierra 1500, Titan, Ridgeline)
are the most-bought used vehicles in America. Not all are created equal. We ranked every
1500-class pickup from model years 2014–2022 in our database of **1877** reliability
reports. Here are the ten that stand out.


## The Ranking at a Glance

![Ranking chart](./img/chart_10-best-used-1500-trucks-2026.png)



## Full Ranking Table

| Rank | Truck | Reliability Score | Est. Annual Cost | Watch-Outs |
|------|-------|------------------|------------------|------------|
| 1 | [2019 Toyota Tundra](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-tundra) | **93/100** (A-) | $500/yr | Secondary Air Injection System (SAIS) (moderate); AC Blower Motor (minor) |
| 2 | [2016 Honda Ridgeline](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2016-honda-ridgeline) | **91/100** (A-) | $400/yr | Power Steering System (moderate); HVAC Blower Motor & Resistor (minor) |
| 3 | [2020 Nissan Titan](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-nissan-titan) | **88/100** (A-) | $450/yr | Electrical & Infotainment (minor); Sensors & Modules (moderate) |
| 4 | [2022 Gmc Sierra 1500](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-gmc-sierra-1500) | **86/100** (B+) | $600/yr | Engine (V8 DFM System) (critical); Transmission (8-Speed Automatic) (major) |
| 5 | [2019 Ford F-150](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-ford-f-150) | **85/100** (B+) | $400/yr | Transmission (moderate); Engine (3.5L EcoBoost) (major) |
| 6 | [2020 Ram 1500](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-ram-1500) | **83/100** (B) | $500/yr | Uconnect Infotainment System (moderate); eTorque Mild-Hybrid System (major) |
| 7 | [2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2015-chevrolet-silverado-1500) | **82/100** (B) | $450/yr | 6L80/6L90 Automatic Transmission (major); Active Fuel Management (AFM) System (V8 engines) (major) |
| 8 | [2022 Ford F-150 Lightning](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-ford-f-150-lightning) | **78/100** (C+) | $200/yr | High-Voltage Battery Control System (critical); Charging System & Infrastructure (moderate) |

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## Methodology

We analyzed **1877 individual vehicle reliability reports** from OwnerKeep's database, restricted to model years 2014–2022. Each report combines:

- Reliability score (0–100, derived from aggregated owner issues + known failure patterns)
- Risk level (low / moderate / high)
- Estimated annual maintenance cost (midpoint of reported range)
- Top risk areas (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.) with severity
- NHTSA recall data where applicable

1500-class models only. Ranked by reliability score, tiebreak by lowest annual maintenance.

One model year per nameplate was kept to prevent a single vehicle (e.g., the Ford F-150) from dominating the list across consecutive years.

## Full Breakdown — Each Vehicle

### 1. [2019 Toyota Tundra](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-tundra)

**Reliability Score:** **93/100** (A-) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $500-750

The 2019 Toyota Tundra stands as a fortress of reliability in the full-size truck segment, offering unparalleled peace of mind for buyers seeking a long-term workhorse. While its design may be dated, its robust powertrain and legendary build quality translate into minimal unexpected breakdowns and significantly lower long-term ownership stress compared to competitors. This is one of the safest used truck investments you can make, built to tackle hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Secondary Air Injection System (SAIS) (moderate)
- AC Blower Motor (minor)
- Power Sliding Rear Window Motor (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-toyota-tundra)

### 2. [2016 Honda Ridgeline](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2016-honda-ridgeline)

**Reliability Score:** **91/100** (A-) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2016 Honda Ridgeline is a remarkably dependable vehicle, representing the culmination of the first generation's robust engineering. It stands as one of the most reliable and uniquely versatile mid-size trucks you can buy, seamlessly blending SUV comfort with practical utility.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Power Steering System (moderate)
- HVAC Blower Motor & Resistor (minor)
- Timing Belt Service (critical)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2016-honda-ridgeline)

### 3. [2020 Nissan Titan](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-nissan-titan)

**Reliability Score:** **88/100** (A-) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $450-700

The 2020 Nissan Titan stands as a remarkably robust and often overlooked full-size truck, offering a highly dependable V8 powertrain that is among the most reliable in its class. While minor electrical glitches and interior trim issues can surface, these are typically not catastrophic and are overshadowed by its strong mechanical foundation, making it a confident choice for value-conscious truck buyers.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Electrical & Infotainment (minor)
- Sensors & Modules (moderate)
- Interior Trim & HVAC (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-nissan-titan)

### 4. [2022 Gmc Sierra 1500](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-gmc-sierra-1500)

**Reliability Score:** **86/100** (B+) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $600-800

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 stands as a highly capable and generally reliable full-size truck, representing a strong contender for those prioritizing utility and comfort. While overall robust, buyers must be vigilant regarding the well-documented powertrain issues present in some V8 engines and the 8-speed automatic transmission to ensure long-term satisfaction and avoid significant repair costs.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Engine (V8 DFM System) (critical)
- Transmission (8-Speed Automatic) (major)
- Electrical/Infotainment (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-gmc-sierra-1500)

### 5. [2019 Ford F-150](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-ford-f-150)

![2019 Ford F-150](./img/v_ford-f-150.jpg)

**Reliability Score:** **85/100** (B+) · **Risk Level:** low · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2019 Ford F-150 stands among the most dependable full-size trucks on the used market, blending robust engineering with practical everyday utility. While a few specific powertrain and electronics issues can crop up, especially on higher-mileage examples, overall it’s a truck you can count on—if you’re diligent with maintenance and choose carefully.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Transmission (moderate)
- Engine (3.5L EcoBoost) (major)
- Electrical System (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-ford-f-150)

### 6. [2020 Ram 1500](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-ram-1500)

**Reliability Score:** **83/100** (B) · **Risk Level:** moderate · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $500-800

The 2020 Ram 1500 offers impressive comfort and capability, making it a compelling option in the full-size truck segment, but potential buyers must be aware of its specific electrical and mild-hybrid system complexities. While structurally robust, the advanced technology can introduce frustrations and costly repairs if not properly maintained or inspected. This generation represents a significant step forward, yet it demands a cautious approach due to common high-tech hiccups.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Uconnect Infotainment System (moderate)
- eTorque Mild-Hybrid System (major)
- Air Suspension System (major)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2020-ram-1500)

### 7. [2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2015-chevrolet-silverado-1500)

![2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500](./img/v_chevrolet-silverado-1500.jpg)

**Reliability Score:** **82/100** (B) · **Risk Level:** moderate · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $450-650

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers exceptional utility and a robust chassis, making it an attractive used truck option. However, buyers must be acutely aware of its two primary weaknesses: the 6L80/6L90 transmission and the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system on its V8 engines. Addressing these known issues proactively can transform it into a dependable workhorse, but neglecting them will quickly lead to significant, costly repairs.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- 6L80/6L90 Automatic Transmission (major)
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) System (V8 engines) (major)
- Electrical System (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2015-chevrolet-silverado-1500)

### 8. [2022 Ford F-150 Lightning](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-ford-f-150-lightning)

**Reliability Score:** **78/100** (C+) · **Risk Level:** moderate · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $200-400 (mostly tire rotations, cabin filters, software updates)

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, as a first-generation EV truck, presents a mix of groundbreaking utility and the typical 'early adopter' challenges. While its electric powertrain promises reduced mechanical complexity, owners should be prepared for potential software glitches, charging system quirks, and a handful of significant recalls that impact driveability and safety. This truck is a capable workhorse, but requires careful attention to updates and potential early component failures.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- High-Voltage Battery Control System (critical)
- Charging System & Infrastructure (moderate)
- Software & Infotainment (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2022-ford-f-150-lightning)

## Citations

All data in this study comes from OwnerKeep's reliability database (**1877 individual year-make-model reports, 2026**). To cite this study:

> OwnerKeep. "The 10 Best Used 1500-Class Pickup Trucks of 2026". May 2026. https://ownerkeep.com/studies/10-best-used-1500-trucks-2026

Every truck on this list has specific engine and transmission options that matter. The full reliability report for each model year breaks down which powertrain variants are worth it.

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*Want your specific year-make-model fully analyzed? Run a free reliability check at [OwnerKeep.com](https://ownerkeep.com/).*
