SlashGear’s September 1, 2024 roundup gathered ten pickups its writers drove or reviewed, from an economical compact to heavy-duty off-roaders and electric trucks. “Cool” means something different for each: useful packaging, specialized trail hardware, comfort, power or electric range. This is an editorial selection, not a standardized head-to-head test, and one entry—the Ram—is a 2025 model.
How to read this list
The trucks span compact, midsize, full-size, heavy-duty and electric categories, so their towing, payload, efficiency and off-road abilities are not directly interchangeable. Figures and driving impressions below are those reported by SlashGear in its article by Ivo Gievski; they were not independently verified here. Prices, specifications and availability may have changed since publication. Read the SlashGear roundup.
Ten standouts, and what makes each interesting
1. 2024 Ford Maverick: practical compact utility
The Maverick is the list’s compact, relatively economical choice. SlashGear reported 29 mpg on its test of an EcoBoost version, with a 1,500-pound payload and up to 4,000 pounds of towing when equipped with the Max Tow Package. Those capacity figures depend on configuration. The separate hybrid powertrain was listed at 191 hp and rated at 40 mpg city; that rating is not the EcoBoost test result.
2. 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: serious trail equipment
The TRD Pro stands out for its off-road hardware: a suspension lift, Goodyear Territory R/T tires, Fox shocks, a stabilizer disconnect, a locking rear differential and IsoDynamic seats. SlashGear reported 17 mpg after a week of mixed driving and up to 6,000 pounds of towing. Its focus is trail capability rather than maximizing fuel economy.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- SCALE DETAILS: Precisely crafted 1:46 O scale die-cast metal model of the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, measuring approximately 5 inches in length
- AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Features detailed black exterior finish, realistic wheels, and accurate body styling matching the full-size 2019 Ram 1500 truck
- CONSTRUCTION: Built with durable die-cast metal construction and high-quality plastic components for long-lasting play value
- DISPLAY QUALITY: Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts, with authentic detailing including grille, headlights, and body contours
- RECOMMENDED AGE: Suitable for ages 3 years and up, makes an ideal gift for truck enthusiasts and young collectors
3. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 Bison: heavy-duty off-road towing
This diesel-powered heavy-duty truck combines towing-oriented size with off-road protection. SlashGear cited 975 lb-ft of torque, 35-inch mud-terrain tires and protective equipment developed with AEV. It also noted a rough ride on choppy pavement. The article gave a price of $95,680 for the ZR2/Bison setup it discussed; that is a cited 2024 article figure, not a current quote.
4. 2024 Toyota Tundra Platinum: hybrid power with an upscale cabin
The Platinum pairs a luxury-oriented interior with a hybrid powertrain. For the tested configuration, SlashGear reported 437 hp, 583 lb-ft of torque, 1,565 pounds of payload and 11,020 pounds of towing. The article praised cabin space and features but described the truck as thirsty. Its cited starting price was $61,775, as reported in 2024.
Rank #2
- SCALE DETAILS: Precisely crafted 1:46 O scale die-cast metal model of the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, measuring approximately 5 inches in length
- AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Features detailed black exterior finish, realistic wheels, and accurate body styling matching the full-size 2019 Ram 1500 truck
- CONSTRUCTION: Built with durable die-cast metal construction and high-quality plastic components for long-lasting play value
- DISPLAY QUALITY: Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts, with authentic detailing including grille, headlights, and body contours
- RECOMMENDED AGE: Suitable for ages 3 years and up, makes an ideal gift for truck enthusiasts and young collectors
5. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition: off-road hardware with a premium brief
The AT4X AEV Edition aims to combine upscale appointments with substantial trail equipment. SlashGear’s reviewed truck had an AEV steel bumper and protective plates, a two-inch lift, Multimatic dampers and a two-speed transfer case. It used a 305-hp Duramax diesel producing 495 lb-ft of torque. The mud tires that suit rough ground also reduce on-road refinement.
6. 2024 Rivian R1T Dual-Motor: electric performance and utility
The regular Dual-Motor R1T is the more restrained alternative to Rivian’s much more powerful Quad Max. SlashGear reported 533 hp, a 0–60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and up to 11,000 pounds of towing for the Dual-Motor version described. Its storage and off-road utility broaden its appeal beyond acceleration. Gievski wrote, “The R1T is comfortable over bumps, too.”
Rank #3
- [Alloy Car Model]: The size of the car: 6.8 *2.7*2.5 in. Weight: 0.5 lbs.Outer packaging: exquisite colored translucent packaging box.
- [Material Quality]:This product is made of high-quality zinc alloy material, the body is made of zinc alloy, the windshield and the interior of the car are made of environmentally friendly ABS material, and the tires are made of rubber.
- [Function]: This product can be opened with all doors, the front hood, the rear cover, and the doors on both sides can be opened. Pressing the wheel or opening the left or right doors can trigger the sound and light control switches, and the sound simulates the sound of an engine. It has a strong pullback function, pull it back, release the hand and run forward. The interior of the car is realistic and clearly visible.
- [Ornament and Collection]: This product is very suitable for static ornaments, and can be used as ornaments next to the computer. For those who are keen to collect model car models, it is a very good collection of art.
- [Suitable for Birthday and Christmas gifts]: Exquisite packaging, which can be used directly for children over three years. Used as a model display as a gift for adults.
7. 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport: a comfortable, car-like pickup
The Ridgeline’s unibody design gives it a more car-like character than traditional body-on-frame pickups. SlashGear cited up to 5,000 pounds of towing and a 1,521-pound payload for the TrailSport. The trade-off is limited equipment for demanding off-road use: the article notes that it lacks low-range gearing and locking differentials.
8. Ford F-150 Tremor and Raptor R: two very different off-road approaches
The Tremor is oriented toward slower travel over rough terrain; the Raptor R is built for high-speed desert performance. For the Raptor R, SlashGear reported 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque, plus 37-inch tires and Fox shocks. The article also cited up to 13,500 pounds of towing and 2,455 pounds of payload for the broader F-150 lineup. Those maximums are not specifications for every trim, and should not be attributed to the Raptor R without checking its exact configuration.
Rank #4
- SCALE DETAILS: Precisely crafted 1:46 O scale die-cast metal model of the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, measuring approximately 5 inches in length
- AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Features detailed black exterior finish, realistic wheels, and accurate body styling matching the full-size 2019 Ram 1500 truck
- CONSTRUCTION: Built with durable die-cast metal construction and high-quality plastic components for long-lasting play value
- DISPLAY QUALITY: Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts, with authentic detailing including grille, headlights, and body contours
- RECOMMENDED AGE: Suitable for ages 3 years and up, makes an ideal gift for truck enthusiasts and young collectors
9. 2025 Ram 1500: a refined ride and new engine choices
Although the roundup is about trucks driven in 2024, this entry is explicitly a 2025-model-year Ram 1500. SlashGear describes the shift to Hurricane inline-six engines in 420-hp and 540-hp tunes, while a 305-hp mild-hybrid V6 remains available. Its first-drive impressions praise refinement and ride comfort. The article’s fuel-economy figures are its own reported figures, not independently verified ratings here.
10. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition: long-range electric hauling
The Silverado EV RST First Edition brings electric power and flexible cargo space to a full-size pickup. SlashGear cited a 450-mile official EPA range and estimated 445 miles from its own drive; the latter is the publication’s estimate, not an EPA result. It also cited 10,000 pounds of towing and a $94,500 price. The article noted a firm ride and no Apple CarPlay.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBest Value
- Front doors open
- Dimensions: Approx 8x3x3 inches
- Made of diecast metail with plastic parts, rubber tires
- Official license
Which truck fits which priority?
| Priority | Closest match in the roundup | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Compact utility and efficiency | 2024 Ford Maverick | EcoBoost test fuel economy and hybrid city rating describe different powertrains; towing capacity depends on the Max Tow Package. |
| Trail-focused midsize pickup | 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro | Specialist hardware and a week-of-mixed-driving result of 17 mpg as reported by SlashGear. |
| Heavy-duty towing with off-road protection | 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 Bison | High torque and protective equipment come with a rough ride on choppy pavement and a cited $95,680 setup price. |
| Upscale full-size hybrid | 2024 Toyota Tundra Platinum | Strong output and substantial cited towing capacity, with fuel consumption criticized by the article. |
| Premium off-road setup | 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition | Trail-focused suspension and protection; mud tires compromise on-road refinement. |
| Electric performance and cargo flexibility | 2024 Rivian R1T Dual-Motor | Fast acceleration and a high cited tow rating; confirm the exact version and configuration for any capacity comparison. |
| Everyday comfort with light-duty pickup utility | 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport | More car-like manners, but less specialized equipment for demanding off-road terrain. |
| Off-road F-150, from trail to desert | Ford F-150 Tremor or Raptor R | Choose based on slower rough-terrain use versus high-speed desert performance; lineup maximums do not apply to every trim. |
| Ride comfort and revised powertrain choices | 2025 Ram 1500 | This is the sole 2025 model-year entry in a 2024-titled roundup. |
| Long-range electric full-size truck | 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition | Keep the EPA range distinct from SlashGear’s drive estimate; the article also notes a firm ride. |
Why there is no single winner
The list rewards different strengths rather than comparing all ten on common test routes or a shared scoring system. A compact truck’s efficiency, a heavy-duty model’s towing-oriented hardware and an EV’s range answer different needs. Even within one nameplate, equipment and configuration can materially change capacity or performance. Treat the published numbers as starting points for identifying candidates, then verify the exact model year, trim, package and official ratings before making a purchase or towing decision.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
