Pick-ups might not be the most obvious new car choice, but these models are no longer the agricultural workhorses they once were.
Many have gone upmarket and have become more ‘lifestyle’ oriented than ever. They’re also more comfortable, while offer a lot of appeal to company car drivers who can benefit from their low company car tax and VAT that can be reclaimed.
So, what are the pick of the pick-up crop in 2020? Here are five of our favourite choices.
Ford Ranger – from £20,845 (excl VAT)
Ford is a hugely successful firm in the commercial vehicle world, and while you might think much of this comes down to the Transit, the Ranger pick-up also plays a big part. It’s one of the most versatile pick-ups around – varying from the utilitarian single cab versions through to the more stylish Wildtrak and then the flagship Raptor variant, which is simply unstoppable off-road.
A new bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine is one of the cleanest in the pick-up world, while you’ll also find it fitted with safety kit that other models aren’t available yet – self-parking and adaptive cruise control, for example.
Volkswagen Amarok - from £29,560 (excl VAT)
If you do a lot of miles and want a more comfortable pick-up, the Volkswagen Amarok is a great choice. It’s one of the most car-like trucks to drive, and is helped by two punchy V6 diesel engines, which you can choose with either 201bhp or 254bhp – the latter offering great performance.
Add in a high-quality interior, a large flat bed and a roomy cabin, and you can see the appeal. It comes at a price, though, as a top-spec Amarok would set you back more than £50,000. Also be aware that this VW’s days are numbered, so you might want to act quickly if you fancy a new one.
Mitsubishi L200 – from £21,755 (excl VAT)
The Mitsubishi L200 is a pick-up that’s been around for quite some time, and we’re now in its sixth-generation, which arrives in 2020. That makes it the freshest pick-up on sale, and with its bold styling, it certainly looks that way.
It’s one of the most useful trucks if you want to head off-road, while this latest model features a new engine, a new gearbox and is also lighter which makes it much better to drive than its predecessor. The interior in the L200 isn’t one of the best, though opt for a high-spec version and you’re treated to full leather upholstery, a soft opening tailgate and a 360-degree parking camera.
Toyota Hilux – from £21,987 (excl VAT)
The Toyota Hilux built up an impressive reputation over the years for its durability and reliability, and those are factors that continue today. It’s a model that means business and is one that’s tailored more towards the working market, rather than the lifestyle sector.
There’s nothing wrong with that, as the Hilux has a robust and durable feel about it that you just don’t see with other pick-ups. That said, Toyota has improved the quality on its latest truck with softer interior materials, along with additional technology on high-spec versions.
SsangYong Musso – from £21,995
SsangYong might not be the first name you think of when it comes to pick-ups, but if you value affordability and want something to tow with, the Musso is not to be ignored.
The South Korean firm has taken this latest model further upmarket – just as it did with the latest Rexton, to which this model shares plenty in common with. It’s certainly far more refined and comfortable than you might expect a pick-up to be. A useful 3,500kg limit is great if you tow heavy items regularly, while its 178bhp diesel engine offers more than enough power. You’re also able to get it in LWD form, which adds an additional 30cm to the load bay. A seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty is also the longest of any pick-up.
