Best 2018 Trucks for Towing a 5th Wheel

In front of every fifth-wheel camper is a powerful towing truck—so which 2018 vehicle is best for the job? We've assembled the most important data for heavy-duty towing all in one place to help you decide. See how Ford's Power Stroke® diesel engine stacks up against Ram's legendary Cummins®, discover which heavy duty machine offers the highest towing capacity, and decide which truck will accompany you on your fifth-wheel adventure.

For more information on choosing between payload capacities, gas vs. diesel, SRW vs. DRW, and more, check out our Guide to Choosing the Best Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing.

You can also check out our comparison of 2017 trucks and 2019 trucks.

View comparisons for:

Truck towing fifth wheel trailer in front of mountains

Top 2018 1-Ton Trucks

The 2018 truck lineup is tougher and smarter than ever before. From fifth wheel prep packages to sturdy dual rear wheel setups, these are the up-for-anything trucks designed to handle your toughest towing jobs.

Ford F-350 Super Duty

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

27,500 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option:

Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8:

(935 torque; 450 horsepower)

• Most Torque

• Most Horsepower

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Ram 3500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

30,000 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option: Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 (930 torque; 385 horsepower)

• Highest Towing Capacity

• Most Awards (Tied)

× Most Recalls

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

23,300 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option: Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8 (910 torque; 445 horsepower)

• Best Resale Value

• Most Awards (Tied)

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

GMC Sierra 3500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

23,300 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option: Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8 (910 torque; 445 horsepower)

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

*When properly equipped

Opinions, Awards, & Recalls

Ford F-350 Super Duty

PROS: The 2017 version of the F-350 already had one of the best engines available, but the 2018 Ford F-350 outshines its predecessor with its best-in-class 935 torque output and 450 horsepower. In addition to power, the F-350 brings advanced technology to the table with up to seven available cameras (including a center high-mount camera ideal for easing fifth-wheel hookup) and a variety of other safety features, such as Collision Warning/Brake Support with trailer brake controller integration. Most drivers report a surprisingly comfortable ride for a truck of its size (more so when weighed down with a load, of course). The F-350's relatively light aluminum body translates into a considerable towing capacity of 27,500 lbs.—enough to tow almost any fifth wheel camper you could dream of.

CONS: Like most 1-ton trucks, the Ford F-350 prioritizes hauling ability over fuel economy. The truck also has the highest starting price out of its competitors, and if you want to step up from that base model and enjoy all the perks Ford has to offer, that price skyrockets even higher. What's more, this hefty price tag still won't get you the most powerful towing truck on the market (for more on the Ram 3500, see below).

Ford Brand Awards:

Vincentric Best Value in America - Best Truck Brand

Ram 3500

PROS: With a record-breaking 30,000-lb. fifth-wheel towing capacity, the 2018 Ram 3500 can tow even the largest campers without breaking a sweat. Ram's Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine is also more powerful than ever, with a torque output of 930 lb.-ft. Ram's widely praised, user-friendly Uconnect® infotainment system is back for 2018, as are other technological perks, such as Electronic Stability Control (standard on all Ram 3500 trucks) and a cargo-view camera that makes hooking up a fifth wheel easier than ever. The rugged exterior is a selling point for those who prefer to tow in style, and to top it all off, the Ram 3500 claims the lowest base-model price point of its competitors.

CONS: Despite its legendary reputation, Ram's Cummins® engine still trails Ford in terms of torque and horsepower. The Ram 3500 also lacks some top-of-the-line safety technology offered by its rivals, and like most 1-ton trucks, the 3500 doesn't have the smoothest ride when unhitched.

Awards & Accolades:

Vincentric Best Value in America Award (Full-Size 1-Ton Pickup Category)
Vincentric Lowest Cost to Own in America Award (Full-Size 1-Ton Pickup Category)

Recalls:

Power Train: RECALL #: Not Available ISSUE: FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 180,975 trucks, including certain 2017-2018 Ram 3500 pickups, in the U.S. to help prevent occupants from inadvertently shifting their vehicles out of "park." An FCA US investigation discovered the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) may overheat on certain vehicles equipped with steering column gear-shifters. POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 180,975

Chevrolet Silverado 3500

PROS: With a fifth-wheel towing capacity of 23,300 lbs., the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is well equipped for heavy-duty towing. Still, despite its size, most drivers report a relatively smooth and quiet ride. The Silverado offers an array of safety features, including Forward Collision Alert and a rear camera perfect for easing fifth-wheel hookup. The Silverado HD also scored first place in Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value contest (full-size pickup category) for the second year in a row, with a projected value retention of 61.8% after 36 months on the road, so you can be certain you're getting the most truck for your buck.

CONS: Even the highest fifth-wheel towing capacity offered by the Silverado 3500 is still considerably lower than that of Ford or Ram. GM's Duramax® diesel engine has neither the highest torque output nor the highest horsepower, though it does have the highest price tag. When it comes to capability, at least in terms of straight numbers, both Ford and Ram have Chevrolet beat.

Awards & Accolades:

Best Resale Value Award (Full-Size Pickup Category) - 1st Place - Kelley Blue Book
2018 5-Year Cost to Own Award (Full-Size Pickup Truck) - 2nd Place - Kelley Blue Book

GMC Sierra 3500

PROS: The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 is stylish and strong, with a relatively smooth, refined ride for a heavy duty truck. The Sierra offers a variety of technological options, including an available center brake light camera to help ease the fifth-wheel hookup process. For the best in luxury and technological perks, the popular Denali trim includes features like heated and ventilated leather seats, a spray-on bedliner, and a standard enhanced driver alert package (with Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and a host of other safety technology). The Sierra 3500 took home 2nd place in Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Award contest for the second year in a row (full-size pickup category), with a projected value retention of 60.6% after 36 months on the road.

CONS: With the same basic makeup as its cousin, the Silverado 3500, the Sierra 3500 shares many of the same shortcomings. The Sierra is bested by Ford and Ram when it comes to towing capacity and engine power. Not to mention, the luxury and style of the ever-popular Denali trim comes with a hefty price tag some drivers feel isn't justified.

Awards & Accolades:

Best Resale Value Award - 2nd Place - (Full-Size Pickup Category) - Kelley Blue Book

Top 2018 3/4-Ton Trucks

These trucks aren't quite the behemoths that their 1-ton siblings are, but what they lack in towing capacity they make up with a superior ride quality.

Ford F-250 Super Duty

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

18,000 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option:

Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8 (925 torque; 440 horsepower)

• Most Torque

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Ram 2500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

17,290 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option:

Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 (800 torque; 370 horsepower)

× Most Recalls

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

18,100 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option:

Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8 (910 torque; 445 horsepower)

• Highest Towing Capacity (Tied)

• Most Horsepower (Tied)

• Most Awards

• Best Resale Value

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

GMC Sierra 2500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

18,100 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option:

Duramax® Turbo-Diesel V8 (910 torque; 445 horsepower)

• Highest Towing Capacity (Tied)

• Most Horsepower (Tied)

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Nissan Titan XD

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

12,760 lbs.*

Diesel Engine Option:

Cummins® DOHC V8 Turbo Diesel V8 (555 torque; 310 horsepower)

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

*When properly equipped

Ford F-250 Super Duty

PROS: The 2018 Ford F-250 excels in most of the same areas as the F-350: the truck is powerful, comfortable, and modern. The F-250 features the same best-in-class Power Stroke® diesel engine with an unsurpassed 935 torque output and 450 horsepower. The seven available cameras include a center high-mount camera ideal for easing the fifth-wheel hookup process as well as a variety of other safety technology, such as Collision Warning/Brake Support with trailer brake controller integration. The cab is comfortable, and most drivers report that the truck handles a load with surprisingly quick, smooth efficiency, particularly when loaded.

CONS: Like most heavy duty trucks, the 2018 Ford F-250 doesn't offer the smoothest ride when unloaded. And whereas the base model F-250 is certainly not the most expensive of its class, the more luxurious options and packages drastically raise the price.

No Overall NHTSA Safety Rating Available

Awards & Accolades:

Buyer's Choice Award (Best Heavy Duty Truck) - Autobytel
Pickup Trucks 2018: Editors' Choice - Car and Driver

Ford Brand Awards:

Vincentric Best Value in America - Best Truck Brand

Ram 2500

PROS: The 2018 Ram 2500 is a capable machine surrounded by a rugged exterior. The Ram's unique five-link coil rear suspension offers a smoother ride than many of its rivals, and the exclusive Uconnect® infotainment system continues to be a user-friendly favorite. The 2500 has multiple available cameras, including a cargo-view camera ideal for easing fifth-wheel hookup.

CONS: The upgrades that gave the 3500-model Ram the best-in-class towing capacity were not extended to the 2500, which can't compete with its rivals in terms of fifth-wheel capacity or engine power. Unlike Ford's Power Stroke® and GM's Duramax®, Ram's Cummins doens't offer the same level of power in its 3/4-ton model as with its 1-ton model (you'll lose a significant 130 lb.-ft. of torque output as well as 15 horsepower). The Ram 2500 also trails its competitors when it comes to innovative safety technology.

Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: (4/5Stars)

Crew PU/CC 2WD and 4WD models. Other models not rated.

Awards & Accolades:

Heavy Duty Pickup Truck of Texas* - Texas Auto Writers Association
Vincentric Lowest Cost to Own in America Award (Full-Size 3/-Ton Pickup Category)

*Limited Tungsten Model

Recalls:

Power Train:RECALL #: 18V100000ISSUE: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 RAM 2500 vehicles equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 180,462
EquipmentRECALL #: 17V824000ISSUE: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable.POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 61,915

Chevrolet Silverado 2500

PROS: The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 features a best-in-class fifth-wheel towing capacity of 18,100 lbs., beating Ford's F-250 by a hair and tying with GMC's Sierra 2500. The Silverado's Duramax® diesel engine offers best-in-class horsepower, yet the Silverado 2500 doesn't sacrifice ride quality for power. The popular opinion is that the Silverado offers an unexpectedly smooth, comfortable drive quality, so you can enjoy the long ride to the campsite. The Silverado HD also took home the gold in Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value contest (full-size pickup category) for the second year in a row, with a projected value retention of 61.8% after 36 months on the road. Safety and convenience technology includes a Trailering Camera System with a rear camera to ease fifth-wheel hookup.

CONS: The Chevrolet Silverado 2500, while offering a comfortable ride for its class, is still a heavy duty truck; as such, it makes a better tow vehicle than a daily driver. The Silverado also lags behind Ford when it comes to the most innovative safety technology.

Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: (4/5Stars)

All models.

Awards & Accolades:

Vincentric Best Value in America Award (Full-Size 3/4-Ton Pickup Category)
Best Resale Value Award (Full-Size Pickup Category) - 1st Place - Kelley Blue Book
Pickup Trucks 2018: Editors' Choice - Car and Driver
2018 5-Year Cost to Own Award (Full-Size Pickup Truck) - 2nd Place - Kelley Blue Book

GMC Sierra 2500

PROS: The 2018 GMC Sierra's maximum fifth-wheel towing capacity and incredible 445 horsepower tie with the Silverado for best-in-class. Still, the Sierra isn't all about brute strength—the truck also provides plenty of comfort and convenience with its smooth, responsive ride and modern technology, including a center brake lamp camera that eases fifth-wheel hookup. The popular and luxurious Denali trim includes features such as heated and ventilated bucket seats, a spray-on bedliner, a standard enhanced driver alert package, and more.

CONS: Although the 2018 Sierra Denali holds its value better than most trucks in its class, the Chevrolet Silverado scraped first place in this category, landing the Sierra in second. Under the hood, the Silverado and Sierra are virtually the same truck, although you'll pay more for the Sierra.

Overall NHTSA Safety Ratings: (4/5Stars)

All models.

Awards & Accolades:

Pickup Truck of the Year* - Truck Trend Network
Pickup Trucks 2018: Editors' Choice - Car and Driver
Best Resale Value Award - 2nd Place - (Full-Size Pickup Category) - Kelley Blue Book

*Denali Model

Nissan Titan XD

PROS: Popularly termed the "Goldilocks" truck, the Nissan Titan XD falls somewhere between half-ton trucks and 3/4-ton trucks in terms of its capability, comfort, and performance. For those that need more towing power than the half-ton trucks can offer but can do without the bulk of the 1-ton or 3/4-ton trucks, the Nissan XD is not too big, not too small, but just right. The truck drives more comfortably than a 3/4-ton truck while still offering a considerable fifth-wheel towing capacity of up to 12,760 lbs. with the powerful Cummins® DOHC Turbo Diesel V8 engine. Like its rivals, the Nissan XD offers a variety of technological safety features, including the Intelligent Around View® Monitor, which utilizes four cameras to offer a birds-eye view of your vehicle.

CONS: The downside of a "Goldilocks" truck is that it's forever in-between—not as capable as the larger 3/4-ton trucks, but not as comfortable as the half-ton class. The less-than-ideal fuel efficiency and small fuel tank also leave a lot to be desired.

No Overall NHTSA Safety Rating Available

Awards & Accolades:

Full-Size Truck of Texas* - Texas Auto Writers Association
Commercial Vehicle of Texas** - Texas Auto Writers Association
America's Fastest Growing Full-Size Truck Brand

*Midnight Edition

**King Cab SV Model

Top 2018 Half-Ton Trucks

Bigger isn't always better. These incredibly powerful machines offer the best in everyday driving comfort and fuel efficiency while maintaining the work ethic expected of a truck.

Ford F-150 Super Duty

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

12,100 lbs.*

Premium Engine:

3.5L V6 EcoBoost® (470 torque; 375 horsepower)

Estimated MPG:

18 City/24 Hwy*

• Highest Towing Capacity

• Best Safety Ratings (Tied)

• Most Torque

• Most Awards

x Most Recalls

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Ram 1500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

10,620 lbs.*

Premium Engine:

3.0L V6 EcoDiesel (420 torque; 240 horsepower)

Estimated MPG:

21 City/29 Hwy*

• Best Fuel Economy

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

11,600 lbs.*

Premium Engine:

6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (460 torque; 420 horsepower)

Estimated MPG:

18 City/24 Hwy*

• Most Horsepower (Tied)

• Best Safety Ratings (Tied)

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

GMC Sierra 1500

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

11,600 lbs.*

Premium Engine:

6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (460 torque; 420 horsepower)

Estimated MPG:

18 City/24 Hwy*

• Most Horsepower (Tied)

• Best Safety Ratings (Tied)

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Toyota Tundra

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

10,200 lbs.*

Premium Engine:

i-FORCE 5.7L V8 (401 torque; 381 horsepower)

Estimated MPG:

15 City/19 Hwy*

• Best Resale Value

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

Nissan Titan

Max. 5th Wheel Towing:

9,740 lbs.*

Premium Engine:

5.6L Endurance® V8** (394 torque; 390 horsepower)

Estimated MPG:

15 City/21 Hwy*

VIEW AWARDS, RECALLS, & MORE

*When properly equipped

**Only engine option currently offered (A V6 engine will be available for the Nissan Titan at a later date)

Ford F-150

PROS: The 2018 Ford F-150 is the half-ton truck to beat. The truck's best-in-class fifth wheel capacity is made possible in part by its light-weight aluminum body, and with four engine choices for the F-150 (five including the Raptor models) and the 3.0L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel set to arrive in Spring 2018, there is no shortage of power options available. The F-150's torque output is higher than any half-ton competitor (even besting Ram's diesel engine). The EcoBoost® V6 also allows for surprisingly decent fuel economy for a truck, and the available technology (including a 360-degree camera system) brings your towing experience into the 21st century.

CONS: The 2018 Ford F-150 issued more recalls within the first few months of its release than any of its competitors, which doesn't suggest the greatest degree of reliability out of the gate. The F-150's other shortcomings are those common to modern-day full-size pickups: that is, the truck has both the road habits and the price tag of a full-size truck.

Overall NHTSA Safety Rating: (5 Stars)*

*Super Crew PU/CC 4x4, Super Crew PU/CC 4x2 models. Other models not rated.

Awards & Accolades:

2018 Motor Trend Truck of the Year
Best Buy Award (Pickup Truck Category) - Kelley Blue Book
2018 5-Year Cost to Own Award (Full-Size Pickup Truck) - 1st Place - Kelley Blue Book
Truck of Texas - Texas Auto Writers Association
Top Safety Pick* - IIHS
Vincentric Best Value in America Award (Full-Size 1/2-Ton Pickup Category)
Vincentric Lowest Cost to Own in America Award (Full-Size 1-Ton Pickup Category)
Best Full-Size Pickup Award - Car and Driver
Pickup Trucks 2018: Editors' Choice - Car and Driver
Most Wanted Award (Large Truck Category) - Edmunds
Most Innovative Truck - Edmunds
Buyer's Choice Award (Best Truck of the Year) - AutoWeb
Buyer's Choice Award (Best Full Size Truck) - AutoWeb
Hispanic Motor Press Award (Pickup Truck Category) - Hispanic Motor Press Foundation

*Crew Cab/Extended Cab with optional front crash prevention

Ford Brand Awards:

Vincentric Best Value in America - Best Truck Brand

Recalls:

RECALL #: 17V672000 ISSUE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L engines. The cylinder heads may have been machined without lubrication supply holes for the camshaft bearing journals. POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 22
Power TrainRECALL #: 17V669000ISSUE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine, a 6-speed transmission and a column mounted shift lever. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral before the vehicle achieves Drive function. POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 12,429
StructureRECALL #: 17V598000 ISSUE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor Super Cab pick-up trucks not equipped with a moonroof. The structural roof braces may be missing rivets at the attachment of the roof rail, thereby reducing the structural integrity. POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 39

Ram 1500

PROS: As of now, the 2018 Ram 1500 is the only half-ton truck on the market that offers a diesel engine, and with it, fuel economy with which its gasoline competitors can't compete. The Ram's Corner Air Suspension also makes for one of the best rides in its class, and the base model truck has the lowest starting price. The Ram 1500 is an excellent choice if you plan on towing a smaller fifth wheel and using your truck as a daily driver.

CONS The Ram 1500 lags behind most of its competitors when it comes to fifth wheel towing limits, so if you're hoping to max out your half-ton truck's capacity, you might want to consider a Ford or GM product. The truck also lacks certain common safety features, such as pre-collision alert/assist technology (many of these features are set to debut with the 2019 Ram 1500). Also note that you'll pay a pretty penny for that (for now) exclusive diesel engine.

Overall NHTSA Safety Rating: (4/5 Stars)

All models.

Awards & Accolades:

Best Buy Award - Consumer Guide Automotive
Luxury Pickup of Texas - Texas Auto Writers Association

*Laramie Longhorn Southfork Edition

Recalls:

Power TrainRECALL #: Not Available ISSUE: FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 180,975 trucks, including certain 2017-2018 Ram 1500 pickups, in the U.S. to help prevent occupants from inadvertently shifting their vehicles out of "park." An FCA US investigation discovered the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) may overheat on certain vehicles equipped with steering column gear-shifters. POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 180,975

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

PROS: The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers an impressive towing capacity, coming second only to Ford in the half-ton truck category and tying with the GMC Sierra 1500. The truck's 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine (identical to the Sierra's) offers the most horsepower in its class as well as decent fuel efficiency surpassed only by Ram's diesel engine. Unlike Ford, Ram, and Toyota, Chevrolet has not yet issued any recalls for its half-ton truck.

CONS: The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's ride isn't as quick or smooth as some of its rivals. The truck's towing capacity and torque output also fall short of Ford's.

Overall NHTSA Safety Rating: (4/5 Stars)

All models.

Awards & Accolades:

Best Buy Award - Consumer Guide Automotive
Best Resale Value: Top 10 - Kelley Blue Book
Pickup Trucks 2018: Editors' Choice - Car and Driver

GMC Sierra 1500

PROS: The GMC Sierra 1500 offers an impressive towing capacity, coming second only to Ford in the half-ton truck category and tying with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The truck's 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine (identical to the Silverado's) offers the most horsepower in its class as well as decent fuel efficiency surpassed only by Ram's diesel engine. For those who prefer a touch more luxury in their pickup truck, the Sierra Denali trim comes standard with features such as Magnetic Ride Control, heated and ventilated seats, Remote Keyless entry, and a spray-on bedliner. Unlike Ford, Ram, and Toyota, GMC has not yet issued any recalls for its half-ton truck.

CONS The Sierra 1500's base model starting price is on the high end of the spectrum. Its tow capacity and torque output fall short of Ford's, and the Sierra isn't as smooth on the road as some of its rivals.

Overall NHTSA Safety Rating: (5/5 Stars)

All models.

Awards & Accolades:

Best Buy Award - Consumer Guide Automotive
Best Resale Value: Top 10 - Kelley Blue Book
Pickup Trucks 2018: Editors' Choice - Car and Driver

Toyota Tundra

PROS: The 2018 Toyota Tundra throws its hat into the half-ton ring with the new-for-2018 Toyota Safety Sense™, which comes standard on all models and includes Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning, Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, and other safety technology. The Tundra took home the third-place trophy for Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value and 5-Year Cost to Own competitions (full-size pickup category).

CONS: The Toyota Tundra is scheduled for a major redesign with the 2019 model, and the updates can't come soon enough—the 2018 model just can't compete with its rivals in terms of towing capacity, fuel economy, or engine power. All but the Nissan Titan are better equipped for fifth-wheel towing, and all offer a more competitive starting price.

Overall NHTSA Safety Rating: (4/5 Stars)

All models.

Awards & Accolades:

Best Resale Value Award - 3rd Place - (Full-Size Pickup Category) - Kelley Blue Book
2018 5-Year Cost to Own Award (Full-Size Pickup Truck) - 3rd Place - Kelley Blue Book

Recalls:

Electronic Stability ControlRECALL #: 18V122000ISSUE: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Tundra vehicles. Electrical interference within the power supply circuit may cause the vehicle's electronic stability control system to be deactivated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 64,901
EquipmentRECALL #: 17V831000 ISSUE: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota Tundra vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 649

Nissan Titan

PROS: Though the 2018 Nissan Titan's rivals offer plenty of enticing upgrades, the Titan comes equipped with many of these features on its most basic model, including remote keyless entry, proximity key with push button start, power front windows, and a vehicle security system. The Titan's Intelligent Around View® system offers a 360-degree birds-eye view of your vehicle, and the V-8 engine—standard on all Nissan Titan trucks—offers the best-in-class standard horsepower and torque output.

CONS: While the base model 2018 Nissan Titan offers a lot of bang for the buck, it doesn't offer much in the way of upgrades. The Titan offers just one engine option, and while it fares well against its base-model rivals, it can't compete with premium engines in the class. With the lowest fifth wheel capacity of its rivals, lackluster fuel economy, and an outdated infotainment system, the Nissan Titan has some catching up to do.