The Drive Awards: The Top Truck of 2026 Is the Rivian R1T Quad

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      While America may be stepping back from electric vehicles for a bit, there's no doubt that the reigning pickup truck champion is a startup offering: The Rivian R1T Quad.

      This second-gen R1T won our pickup truck showdown decisively, earning The Drive’s Best Truck title for 2026. Why? Simply put, it exemplifies the ideal combination of excellence coming together to create perfection.

      The Rivian R1T Quad strikes the perfect balance more than any other truck we drove in the past year, covering the needs for work and play while bringing smiles-per-mile, all while remaining practical and capable. It may not look very different, but the R1T Quad returns with newly developed in-house motors, offering more power, greater capability, increased speed, extended range, and the same outstanding design that made it a winner from the start.

      Runner-Up: Ram HD

      Caleb Jacobs

      "The Ram HD isn’t entirely new for 2025, but it does come with a significant mid-cycle refresh from the 2500 model up to the 5500.

      "What truck enthusiasts will care about is the powertrain, and those in that camp will be pleased to hear that the biggest updates come here. The 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine now produces 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque across all 2500 and 3500 models, eliminating the previous standard and high-output versions. Additionally, in news that excites some, the diesel engine now features glow plugs for improved cold starts instead of the older grid heater. The sole transmission available is a fresh TorqueFlite HD eight-speed, and based on my brief experience, it performs well—better than the previous six-speed Aisin. The 6.4-liter Hemi gas engine remains, producing 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque.

      "While I expected to be impressed by the Cummins inline-six, what I was uncertain of was how the new eight-speed automatic would perform. Despite trying, I couldn't force a hard shift, and the logic is smart enough to avoid downshifting abruptly just because the driver accelerates.

      "As mentioned earlier, my impressions of the 2025 Ram HD are largely positive, but not without some reservations. I drove an unladen 2500 Longhorn Limited from Las Vegas to the test site near Laughlin, Nevada, and at times that truck felt so bouncy on the interstate that my wife could hear it in my voice during our conversation over the truck's hands-free system. While the road condition plays a big part, that vehicle felt like a springboard without any weight behind it. I doubt it would have felt great in a leaf-sprung truck, but I suspect the Ram’s rear five-link coil suspension may have exaggerated the experience a bit." –Caleb Jacobs, Senior Editor

      Runner-Up: Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

      Nico Demattia

      "Getting into the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X feels like stepping back 15 years.

      "Some customers might be turned off, particularly by its outdated cabin technology, but those who truly appreciate trucks for their functionality will likely enjoy the Frontier.

      "Even if the Frontier feels like a relic among antiquities, its striking looks are undeniable. It seems ready to withstand anything with its Afterburn Orange paint and robust black wheels. I'm not usually drawn to pickup trucks, but approaching the Nissan each day filled me with a sense of adventure that never got old.

      "Entering the cabin feels like a nostalgic experience. It’s filled with prominent, physical buttons that have a satisfying, clicky feel. It seems Nissan designed them with the expectation of gloves. Everything feels substantial and requires effort, enhancing that rugged, classic character. The orange accents throughout may seem a bit juvenile, yet I thoroughly enjoyed my time inside the Frontier simply for its refreshingly quaint charm.

      "The steering is exceptional. The first turn of the Frontier Pro-4X’s steering wheel confirmed we were going to get along. It surprisingly feels heavy and provides excellent feedback.

      "However, if you prioritize increasing suspension travel over touchscreen size, the Pro-4X might be just what you're searching for." –Nico Demattia, former Staff Writer

      Winner: Rivian R1T Quad

      Joel Feder

      "The R1T Quad reimagines what a pickup truck—and indeed a vehicle—can be across every aspect. The second-gen Quad elevates everything from its industry-leading electric architecture that’s so impressive, Volkswagen decided to abandon its own plans and invested $5.8 billion to take a cue from Rivian. Plus, it features new, in-house designed and engineered oil-cooled electric motors—two per axle, of course. All of this is housed in the same astonishing packaging, with an even more refined interior.

      "Unsurprisingly