2021 Ford F-350 XL

This is Ford's heavy-duty pickup, the one you step up to when a half-ton isn't enough for serious towing and hauling. It drives with the commanding presence you'd expect from a truck this size, and the steering is direct enough to place it confidently on the highway. The cabin is built for work, with durable materials and a straightforward layout that puts controls within easy reach. Expect fuel bills to be substantial, but that's the trade for the capability this truck brings to the job. The XL is the work-truck trim, so you get vinyl floors and a rubberized rear floor liner instead of carpet, which makes hosing out the cab easy. The XL's standard suspension is tuned for payload, so expect a firm ride when the bed is empty, but it settles down nicely with a load on board.