2020 Pickup Truck of the Year: Judges Choice

When we judge Pickup Truck of the Year, we try our best to be impartial and to avoid mob mentality. We evaluate each truck based on its own merits—not our personal penchants or preconceptions—and we feel like we do a decent job of giving each pickup a fair shot. That's what setsTruck Trend's award apart from others: We don't blindly ballot for our favorite; we use numbers and data to decide which is worthy of the title.

Still, in order to allow our individual preferred pickups a chance to shine, we give each judge the opportunity to choose which one he or she would take home, if money were no object. Without further ado, here are our personal picks and why we would choose them.

Jason Gonderman, Editor,Truck Trend:Ford F-250Super Duty Tremor

This year's group of contenders was so good it's difficult to choose just one. However, the one that stood out most to me as the best fit for my driveway was the Tremor. With a lift, big tires, superb styling, and an amazing new 7.3L V-8 engine, this was the truck I connected with most.

Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Truck Trend Network:JeepGladiator orFordF-250 Super Duty Tremor

How is it possible that either of these vehicles is being produced in today's crazy climate? Both should be celebrated by enthusiasts everywhere. Immediately. In my driveway.

Brett T. Evans, Staff Editor, Truck Trend Network: Jeep Gladiator

The doors and roof come off, it's available with a manual transmission, and it's styled like a Hot Wheels car from the '80s—ugly but cool. My choice is obvious: the Gladiator. Make mine a Rubicon, in orange please.

Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor,Four Wheeler:GMC SierraAT4

With an uncluttered instrument panel, full suite of "robo-spotter" cameras, the 3.0L I-6 Duramax diesel, and a factory lift kit, the GMC Sierra AT4 is my choice for highway trips and rugged trail rides. Lastly, did I mention the red tow hooks?

KJ Jones, Editor,Diesel Power:Chevrolet Silverado1500 LTZ

I would take home the Silverado 1500 LTZ. Why? Well, because it's powered by the all-new, 277hp 3.0L Duramax I-6 engine, and I've been in love with that powertrain combination since the first time I experienced it. With the torquey (460 lb-ft) new oil-burner and 10-speed gearbox in place, it instantly becomes the hands-down "hot rod" pickup of the segment.

John Lehenbauer, Tech Editor,Diesel Power:GMC Sierra 2500HDAT4

If I could take home one of the trucks we tested it would be the GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4. For me, it's a great all-around truck that has refined looks, a comfortable and spacious interior, excellent highway manners, good off-road prowess, and amazing towing capability.

Greg Smith, Art Director,Truck Trend:Ram 1500Rebel

Tough choice this year, but the 3.0L EcoDiesel Ram Rebel would be my pick. I love that it suits my towing needs, wheels confidently off-road, and gets good fuel economy for daily driving.

Maher Boulos, Network Ad Director,Truck Trend:Chevrolet Silverado 2500HDLTZ

This truck is a beast but still nimble enough to drive easily around town. The interior design is well thought out and very comfortable. Very elegant for a heavy-duty truck.

Stuart Bourdon, Tech Editor,Jp: Ford F-250 Super Duty Tremor

The Tremor is a stable towing platform, has a comfortable interior, is easy to drive despite its size, and the new 7.3L big-block V-8 pulls like a monster.

Chad Kirchner, Freelance Editorial,Truck Trend: Sierra 1500 AT4

It's difficult for me to not select the Ford F-250 Super Duty Limited as the truck to take home, because of the comfort and luxury features combined with incredible performance. I just don't need a truck that big. I'd rather have the Sierra 1500 AT4 with the 3.0L Duramax I-6 diesel. The tech is good, and the powertrain is so good I can forgive the lack of a posh interior.

Stephanie Wilcox, Freelance Social Media Specialist:Chevrolet Silverado 1500LTZ

The vehicle I would take home would be the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ since it was the truck with which I most intuitively connected. I've never had a truck for a daily driver and with how easy this was for me to drive and handle I could really see myself behind the wheel.

Robert Guio, Photographer

Amir Saidi, Photographer

Steven Hauber, Production Assistant