Taming The Torque
Are you finding that your truck is too hard to handle? Are you sick of that white-knuckle grip on the wheel? It’s not in your head—it’s your truck fighting back. But rest assured, not all trucks suffer the same fate. So why does one ride feel smooth and controlled while another leaves you stiff and exhausted? The answer lies in how these machines are built to handle the road. Today, we’re here to take you through both ends of the spectrum, starting with the pickups that push back.
1. Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350)
These heavy-duty beasts top 6,000 pounds, which makes tight urban turns and parallel parking a nightmare. Older 7.3 L and 6.0 L diesel models earned a reputation for hard shifts and high maintenance needs. In 2017, 52,000 trucks were flagged over brake issues.
2. Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck’s angular design has polarized safety experts—it still hasn’t passed NHTSA or IIHS crash tests. Tesla recalled all 46,000+ early units in March 2025 over trim problems. Critics point to spotty build quality and awkward touchscreen-only controls.
3. Ram HD With G56 Manual (2006–2018)
This rare manual setup often struggled under torque-heavy diesel engines. The G56 gearbox suffered from failing input shafts and dual-mass flywheels. Specialized tools and consistent fluid changes were essential for survival. After 2018, drivers were stuck with automatics—many of which introduced their own mechanical headaches.
I Found My Dream Third Gen Cummins With a G56 Manual Transmission by Just Diesels
4. Lincoln Blackwood (2002 Only)
Marketed as luxury, the Blackwood delivered very little utility. Its carpet-lined trunk bed baffled buyers, especially those wanting a working pickup. Reviewers like Car and Driver called it one of the worst flops in decades. Even Autoblog listed it among the “20 Dumbest Cars of All Time.”
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
5. Ford 10R80-Equipped Trucks (F-150, Ranger)
Ford’s 10-speed automatic has sparked class-action lawsuits over harsh gear shifts. Drivers report jolting and sudden power loss. The McCabe v. Ford lawsuit cited over 38 NHTSA complaints tied to 2019–22 models. Ford called it “normal” behavior, which left drivers frustrated.
Ford F-150 RoadMaster 10R80 Transmission 2.7L/3.5L/5.0L 2018-2020 by BD Diesel Performance
6. 2013 Ram 1500
This model earned just 2 out of 5 stars for reliability from Consumer Reports. Transmission failures and persistent electrical bugs plagued early adopters. Many owners faced repeated service visits within the first few years. It may look work-ready, but driving it daily proved anything but smooth.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
7. Volkswagen Amarok (2nd‑Gen)
Though it shares a platform with the Ranger, the Amarok’s hefty diesel engines and high ride height can feel cumbersome in tight spaces. Its shift-by-wire 10‑speed auto sometimes hesitates, and visibility from the double‑cab layout can challenge city driving.
8. Toyota Hilux GR Sport
Upgraded suspension and lifted stance make this off‑road powerhouse excellent off the beaten path—but on urban streets, the firmer shocks and higher profile compromise maneuverability. While the all-terrain tires offer good grip in certain conditions, they can also slip and shudder on smoother surfaces.
9. 2025 Toyota Tacoma (Hybrid)
The hybrid Tacoma comes with 326 horsepower, but the added weight changes how it handles. Its 33-inch tires and Fox shocks suit dirt trails, not city streets. While it starts at $31,590, the price can balloon to $68K with options. Feature overload may puzzle those wanting a simpler ride.
10. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71
The turbocharged 310-hp engine packs 430 lb-ft of torque, yet fuel economy dips to 20 mpg. An 8-speed automatic with multiple drive modes adds a learning curve. It can tow up to 7,700 pounds—but doing that in suburbia isn’t always smooth. The durability of its small turbo engine also raises flags.
Now, it’s time to look at 10 trucks that turn every drive into a breeze.
1. Ford Maverick (2022–Present)
This compact hybrid pickup delivers smooth acceleration and excellent mileage, especially in city traffic. Its tight dimensions and light steering make parallel parking feel effortless. Even with the 4K Tow Package, towing remains straightforward.
2. Hyundai Santa Cruz (2025)
As a compact truck crossover, the Santa Cruz blends SUV comfort with pickup utility. Its car-like handling and smaller footprint make parking and cruising effortless, while still offering enough power and cargo space for light-duty needs.
3. Mazda BT‑50 (2025)
Mazda’s all-new BT‑50 hides serious capability behind surprisingly effortless drivability. Reviewers praise how easy it is to park and maneuver, thanks to the high seating position and external cameras. It also has just the right amount of tech, which delivers utility without tiring the driver.
Discover the All-New 2025 Mazda BT-50: Features, Specs, and Performance by Car Channel
4. Ford Ranger (2025)
Ford Ranger offers a lighter, more responsive steering feel, and a tighter turning radius than one might expect from a truck with off-road capabilities. Features like the Ford Co-Pilot360 and the optional surround-view camera contribute to a more confident and comfortable driving experience.
5. Ford F‑150 Lightning (EV)
The all-electric Lightning drives like a luxury sedan, with whisper-quiet operation. BlueCruise enables hands-free highway cruising, which reduces fatigue on long drives. EV perks like low maintenance and seamless torque make it an unexpectedly relaxed full-size truck experience.
6. Nissan Frontier (2025)
Nissan’s 3.8 L V6 is tuned for smooth power delivery. This makes acceleration feel natural. The intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen and ergonomic cabin simplify controls. Steering leans firm in close quarters, but ride comfort remains high. Towing up to 7,150 lb further adds practical versatility.
2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x Off-Road Review in Arizona by Driving Sports TV
7. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Driving the Silverado feels surprisingly light for a full-size pickup. Its V8 engine pairs with a ten-speed auto for smooth power transitions. The multi-function tailgate adds practical convenience, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make the interface feel familiar.
8. GMC Sierra 1500
The truck’s Super Cruise turns highway drives into a hands-free experience and takes the pressure off the driver. Built on the same platform as the Silverado, it offers a roomy cabin and easy-to-use infotainment. The composed ride remains stable even over long distances.
9. Toyota Tundra (2nd Gen, 2007–Present)
Toyota’s second-gen Tundra continues to earn praise, recently nabbing IIHS’s Top Safety Pick for 2022. The hybrid i-Force Max V6 adds smoothness to open-road cruising. Awards for towing and all-around performance reflect its daily drivability.
10. Rivian R1T (EV)
With adjustable air suspension and selectable drive modes, the R1T adapts easily to road conditions. MotorTrend named it 2022 Truck of the Year for a good reason—handling feels balanced and intuitive. Plus, safety ratings from IIHS back up its comfort with confidence.
