The pickup truck is not a quintessentially British sort of car. It's rather large for our tight roads and even tighter multi-stories, and it arguably looks a little out of place on these isles.
However, the pickup truck is proving increasingly popular among UK motorists. For the most part, this is because of a tax break for company cars, known as "Benefit in Kind''. For some drivers, it means a tax break of several thousand pounds.
Here we look at 10 of the best pickup trucks you can buy in 2021 - some of which you may find attractive even if you're not looking for a company car. After all, pickup trucks are great for carrying equipment for outdoors adventures, and can handle most off-road conditions well.
Some of these pickups haven't yet arrived in the UK, but should have by the close of 2021.
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The T70 pickup has already made waves in China under the SAIC brand. It will arrive on these shores in 2021, probably with the UK-based badge of LDV, formerly Leyland DAF, now owned by SAIC. The T70 will feature a 2.0-litre 161bhp diesel engine.
Credit: Richard Truesdell - Own work - Wikimedia
Rivian is an all-new car brand created by a talented group of designers and engineers. Built from scratch, the R1T is an all-electric 'adventure EV' with a 105kWh battery and a decent range of 200 miles in entry-level form, rising to 400 miles with the top-of-the-line model.
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If you thought the R1T looked futuristic, Tesla has pulled out all the stops to make its Cybertruck as eye-catching as possible. While it may be a little too angular for some tastes, if the stats are to be believed, it’s a great pickup: 500 mile range in top-line form; towing capacity of six tonnes; a load bay as big as a Ford F-150; and height-adjustable air suspension. 200,000 buyers have already put down deposits for the Cybertruck, which will cost between £50k and £60k when it arrives.
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The company car tax loophole has helped the L200 achieve great success in the UK, where it is now in its sixth generation. It features a 148bhp 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine and the choice of either ‘club cab’ or double-cab body. While the L200 has enjoyed praise for its fuel economy, performance and towing capacity, its cabin has been criticised as too cramped, and its steering too imprecise.
SsangYong Musso
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If you need a pickup on a budget, this could be it. The Musso offers decent performance, handling and towing capacity (3.5 tonnes). Featuring a 179bhp, 2.2-litre diesel engine, this South Korean-built vehicle actually has quite a modest footprint, making it easier to park on the UK's narrow roads and multi-storeys. And despite its diminutive size, it can hold up to four adults in relative comfort. However, the Musso loses points due to its noisy and unrefined ride.
Nissan Navara
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The Navara comes from respectable Japanese pedigree, featuring 2.3-litre turbo diesel engines which boast either 161 or 187bhp, and either rear-wheel for four-wheel-drive. It's good for towing and carrying, while the interior is practical if far-from-luxurious. Ride and handling are rather 'meh' despite Nissan adding a multi-link, coil-sprung rear axle to all trims, which eliminated most of the bumpiness.
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The D-Max is built for those who require a pickup in the classic sense: it's ruggedly built, with large knobs and dials for workers wearing gloves. What's more, this no-nonsense, durable vehicle can be 'picked up' for as little as £17,000 in entry-level form. Despite its workmanlike appearance, the D-Max is actually a little underpowered by its 1.9 litre diesel engine, but should do the job unless you’re a sheep farmer working on the ruggedest of Scottish hills.
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Among the one-tonne pickups available in the UK, the Ranger is easily the best option. All trim levels feature four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbodiesels of up to 210bhp, mated to either auto or manual gearboxes. You can choose from single-cab, two-plus-two-seater ‘super cab’ and four-door double-cab configurations. The driving position is comfortable, while ride quality is good.
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The Amarok was intended to take advantage of VW's near-premium badge rep, while luring non-pickup-fans into the fold. And the boffins at Wolfsburg have done a decent job - it's a well-handling pickup with a good quality (although far-from-luxurious) interior; you wouldn’t mistake the cabin for that of a Touareg or Tiguan, but it's decent nevertheless. Recent updates have seen the slightly underpowered 2.0 litre four cylinder engine replaced with a 3.0-litre TDI V6, making the Amarok a good deal more useful - and desirable.
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The Toyota Hilux has vast pedigree - having started out life in the 1960s. Since Then it has become more and more refined, beating off the swelling number of pickup truck brands on the market. Comfortable to drive with a good quality interior, the Hilux boasts great ride and handling and dimensions that aren't too ungainly for tight British roads. Buyers can choose from a variety of 148bhp 2.4-litre- and 201bhp 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engines. Entry-level single and twin cab options have longer beds, with costlier models presenting a range of options including a JBL sound system
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