Consumer Reports Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Trucks

Used Trucks Recommendations

An underlying point of a recommended video posted by the Your Advocate Alliance YouTube channel is that many new vehicle owners are overpaying on specific models of vehicles. Chief of which are truck shoppers who are finding themselves in serious truck debt from having to pay as much as $1,000 or more per month!

As such, earlier articles related to used truck shopping have proved to be popular that include ChevyTrucks to Buy and Not Buy Explained by a Chevrolet Mechanic; and, one titled “Why You Should Look at a Used Silverado Before Considering Buying a New Model.”

The good folks at Consumer Reports as well have provided some interesting truck shopping related advice with number crunching of their data base than includes survey analyses and recommendations for shoppers based on a “New Listing of This Year’s Trucks Buyers Liked and Disliked After Buying.”

Yesterday, however, CR automotive analysts came out with their latest recommended selection of used 3-year-old vehicles, of which there are four pickup truck recommendations from 2021 that can prove to be helpful for the truck shopper focused on buying a lightly used truck…without new truck pricing.

Related article on some older used truck models: Consumer Reports Lists What's New in Small Pickup Trucks

The gain from buying a 3-year-old truck is that it is still under its manufacturer’s warranty; possesses many of the safety features provided in trucks today; and, comes at a significantly depreciated adjusted price tag that makes the unaffordable, affordable. Just not brand new.

As such, here is a summary of the truck portion of their 3-year-old vehicle recommendations that are the most reliable and least likely to bog your budget down with expensive repairs.

Related article: Mechanic Talks Candidly About the Best Used Car You Should Not Buy

As always with this site and some repeated advice from CR analysts about their listings: “Make sure to have the one you’re considering thoroughly inspected by a certified mechanic before you sign on the dotted line.”

That said, here is a summary of their recommendations toward buying a used truck:

Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks from 2021

Ford Ranger 2021

Price Range:  $21,750 - $33,475

Owner Reported MPG:  22 mpg

Reliability Score: 79/100

Owner Satisfaction Score: 3/5

Safety Features: FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection were standard, but look for a Ranger XLT, which added BSW and RCTW.

Pros CR Analysts Found:

• “The 2.3-liter, turbo four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic transmission made the Ranger responsive, and returned a good 20 mpg overall,” said CR analysts.
• An easy-to-use Sync 3 infotainment system.
• It is a compact truck that “…combines modern elements with some primitive execution.”

Cons CR Analysts Found:

• A stiff and choppy ride, especially without a load in the back.
• Clumsy handling at low speeds.
• Noisy engine.
• Poorly designed controls.
• High floor is not desirable for short riders or those with physical limitations.

Honda Ridgeline 2021

Price Range:  $27,875 - $33,750

Owner Reported MPG:  22 mpg

Reliability Score: 64/100

Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5

Safety Features: FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection were standard, but BSW and RCTW were available only on the two top trims.

Pros CR Analysts Found:

• “Power comes from a slick 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, returning an impressive 20 mpg overall in our tests,” state CR analysts.
• Luxury-like SUV handling and comfort.
• A tailgate that opens downward or sideways and lockable trunk below the bedspace below the bed.
• Well-designed quiet cabin with comfortable forward seats.
• A “…refreshed exterior and interior, standard all-wheel drive, and an updated touchscreen infotainment system.”

Cons CR Analysts Found:

• A modest 5,000-pound towing limit.
• Rear seat spacing is modest and doors do not open wide.

Toyota Tacoma 2021

Price Range:  $21,800 - $43,500

Owner Reported MPG:  20 mpg

Reliability Score: 88/100

Owner Satisfaction Score: 3/5

Safety Features: FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and LDW are standard, but BSW and RCTW are optional.

Pros CR Analysts Found:

• “The rough-and-tumble Tacoma features a 3.5-liter V6 hooked up to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic; with the automatic we got 19 mpg overall in our four-wheel-drive truck,” said CR analysts.
• Optional 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
• Modern connectivity features.

Cons CR Analysts Found:

• “Though the truck is tough as nails and delivers impressive off-road prowess, it’s primitive,” said CR analysts.
• Riding is stiff and ponderous.
• Loud cabin.
• An awkward low driving position.

Toyota Tundra 2021

Price Range:  $28,075 - $47,325

Owner Reported MPG:  15 mpg

Reliability Score: 62/100

Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5

Safety Features: FCW, AEB, and LDW were standard.

Pros CR Analysts Found:

• Three cab sizes and three bed lengths were available in this model.
• “We found the 5.7-liter V8 to be rewardingly powerful and able to tow around 10,000 pounds. Mated with a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic, we measured a competitive 15 mpg from this engine,” states CR analysts.
• Ample room and supportive seats.
• “The Tundra’s biggest advantage is its consistent superior reliability,” say CR analysts.

Cons CR Analysts Found:

• “Lacks the refinement of many of the domestic competitors.”
• Not as quiet or smooth of a ride compared to competitors.
• Requires a long reach to get to “…otherwise simple to use controls.”

For additional articles on truck-related recommendations, here are three for your consideration:

• Avoid a Carfax Report Error on Your Toyota Tundra’s Permanent Record
• This 2023 Toyota is the Last Ultra Reliable Truck-Like SUV You Can Buy Today
• Toyota Tacoma Parts Advice for Older Tacoma’s

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks Consumer Reports Recommends

Image source: Deposit Photos