It's an undeniable fact that pickup trucks have become deeply ingrained in our national identity. A long time ago, the American people embraced them wholeheartedly, and we show no signs of letting go. We often believe that we build the best trucks, and there's a strong case to be made for that. However, the Ford Ranger Raptor presents a unique situation - it's only partially American, yet it has won The Drive's Best Truck of 2024 award by a significant margin.

Unmatched Balance and Performance in a Pickup

The Gravel-Slinging Ranger Raptor - Australia's Specialty

For a long time, the gravel-slinging Ranger Raptor was an Australian phenomenon. It was sold in other markets like Thailand, but North America had long been denied this desert rally truck. In 2024, the Blue Oval changed that by bringing it to the US. This year saw a new generation of midsize pickups, with even better performance versions. Even the Toyota Tacoma got a new model, highlighting the significance of this year.The Ford Performance crews in Australia and the US worked together on this project to create an exceptional truck. There are features like "Fox Live Valve shocks" and the mysterious "Watts link" that add to its allure.

Runner-Up: Toyota Tacoma Hybrid

José Rodríguez Jr highlights the improvements in the 2024 Tacoma. The midsizer is now more enjoyable to drive on the highway, and the hybrid configuration gives it greater torque and a more usable power band. The TRD Pro model is capable of handling steep hills and remote paths with ease. This new model is a culmination of 27 years of Toyota's hybrid development, pairing the popularity of the Tacoma with the success of the Prius. It shows Toyota's stubbornness to change and their ability to make a great hybrid.

Runner-Up: Ford F-150 Tremor

José Rodríguez Jr explains the seesaw of the F150's talents. The Tremor strikes a balance between an off-road truck and a work truck. It's capable of taking on trails and handling tasks that truck owners need. While it's not as sophisticated as the Raptor, it offers controlled navigation and off-road assists that make challenging trails more manageable.

Runner-Up: Honda Ridgeline TrailSport

Jerry Perez likes the TrailSport trim for its added personality and improved ride. The wider and longer wheelbase gives it a more comfortable ride around town, while still offering the quiet and comfortable driving experience of an SUV. It's a versatile truck that can handle various tasks, from hauling kids to adventure gear.

Runner-Up: Ram 1500 RHO

Ram showcases the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO as the TRX replacement. With a 3.0-liter high-output twin-turbo inline-six, it has 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for sport-truck activities. The suspension and shocks play a crucial role in its performance, making it feel stable and smooth on the road. It's even faster than the 2024 TRX in a zero-to-60-mph run.

Winner: Ford Ranger Raptor

It's a bold statement to say that the high-po Ranger is the best Raptor. It may not have the largest tires like the Bronco Raptor or the F-150 Raptor R, but it excels in balance. Andrew put it well in his review, emphasizing that the Ford Raptors are a combination of key features that work together to create a well-rounded machine optimized for rough and loose terrain.The Ranger Raptor's size and maneuverability make it Andrew's favorite. While the F-150 Raptor R is impressive, its power can be overwhelming. The Ranger Raptor, on the other hand, offers a great time on a tight course and has room for improvement with practice. The stability of the Ranger Raptor is aided by the Watts link, which helps keep the rear axle centered through high-speed bumps. It was tested constantly in the desert and cut its teeth at the Finke Desert Race.Justin Capicchiano, the Ranger Raptor Program Supervisor, mentioned that they used his personal truck during prerunning and that it would have beaten some race cars. This truck truly does everything it was built to do exceptionally well. It's no longer just a workhorse or a daily driver; it's everything to those who want one. That's why the Ford Ranger Raptor is The Drive's Best Truck of 2024.[Ed. note: The Ford Ranger Raptor also takes home the honor of being our People's Choice winner. In a series of polls on The Drive's Instagram, it was the most popular truck of this bunch. Congratulations, Ford. —CT]