The Best Trucks for Montanans

February is Truck Month at Taylor’s Auto Max, so we complied a list of the trucks we feel best fit the lifestyle and culture of Montana. We sorted our choices by which trucks are best for those harsh, Rocky Mountain winters, which trucks are best for farming and ranching, and we’ll take a look at Montana’s most popular vehicle overall.

10 Best Trucks for Snow and Ice:

Pickups have established plenty of traction in today’s marketplace, and the best trucks for wintery conditions are just as successful on the ice. Of course, it certainly helps when those trucks have a competent four-wheel-drive system, so all of the options on our list do, in fact, have that hardware on their options lists. Most can be ordered with additional cold-weather comforts as well, including heated seats, heated steering wheels, and heated exterior mirrors. But if you do get completely snowed in, some of these trucks can even function as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, to keep you connected until the plows come. And while these trucks are ready when icy conditions strike, they’re also great vehicles 365 days a year!

Honda Ridgeline

The very best trucks for snow and ice go beyond four-wheel-drive technology multi-mode drive systems, they automatically adjust key driving systems for optimum performance in different surface conditions. The Honda Ridgeline, for example, features a standard Intelligent Traction Management system with dedicated “Snow” settings for both front- and all-wheel-drive models. The all-wheel-drive Ridgeline further provides settings for “Mud” and “Sand.” As for other handy content for cold-weather climates, the Ridgeline can be ordered with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, and a rearview camera is standard. Also standard in the midsize Ridgeline is a 280-horsepower V6 engine, while also optional are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a full complement of Honda Sensing driver technologies.

Ford F-150

The Blue Oval continues to upgrade the best-selling vehicle in the country, and as a result, the Ford F-150 is one of the best trucks for snow and ice in the full-size segment. The latest advantage is an optional 10-speed automatic transmission with five driver-selectable operation modes. Needless to say, “snow/wet” is among them, but also in the mix is a “normal” setting, along with three modes for optimum fuel efficiency, maximum performance, or hard-core towing and hauling. Nor is that transmission the only new item on the menu for the F-150. The new gearbox is standard with an all-new 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, and then Ford boosts technology with available resources like a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

Chevrolet Silverado

Unlike the best trucks for snow and ice with multi-mode drive systems, the Chevrolet Silverado relies on an electronically locking rear differential for an important traction benefit. Per Chevy, this gives the truck the extra traction it needs to “power through the toughest terrain by keeping the rear wheels moving together” (instead of independently.) Also, though that differential is indeed standard for rear-wheel-drive models, owners can pair it with four-wheel drive for greater levels of grip. The Silverado seals the deal for cold-weather customers by offering heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. When it comes to the industry’s hottest technologies, Chevy serves up a standard mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

Chevrolet Colorado

The best trucks for snow and ice in some cases are the same models designed for high-performance off-road duty. The Chevrolet Colorado, for one, starts with a standard all-speed traction control system specially engineered to maintain grip in snowy or wet conditions. However, it’s the new ZR2 model that’s the most capable player in the lineup. Designed to handle everything from rock crawling to desert running, the Colorado ZRZ also gains two inches of ground clearance to keep you above the white stuff, wider front and rear tracks for a more stable ride, and both front and rear locking differentials (when equipped with AWD). Naturally, the Colorado checks the same boxes for standard connectivity tech and optional heating as its bigger sibling.

Toyota Tundra

Boasting the perfect name for our best trucks for snow and ice, the Toyota Tundra can deal with slick surfaces in a variety of ways. Rear-wheel-drive trims feature a standard automatic limited-slip differential as part of their traction control systems, for instance, and four-wheel versions are configured with Toyota’s A-TRAC Active Traction Control. A-TRAC itself has a multi-mode controller to ensure the Tundra’s traction settings are a match for the relevant road, or trail, conditions. Unsurprisingly, the full-size Tundra can fill out its content list with heating elements for the seats and exterior mirrors, although oddly enough, not for its steering wheel. Something else that’s unexpected here are standard safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.

Toyota Tacoma

Toyota’s best trucks for snow and ice also include its midsize pickup, the Toyota Tacoma. Backed by a firmly established reputation for off-road performance, the Tacoma takes things to the next level, with a brand-new TRD Pro edition that was developed for “uncompromising off-road expertise.” But that means no sacrifices when there’s slush or snow on the road either, especially since the truck is tricked-out with Kevlar-reinforced all-terrain tires, an automatic limited-slip differential, heated front seats, and even LED fog lights for cutting through blizzard conditions. To appeal to tech-minded customers, the Tacoma TRD Pro also has standard features such as a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an app-based navigation system.

Nissan Titan XD

For a diesel-powered alternative, the Nissan Titan XD stands out because it not only carries the only V8 turbodiesel in the segment (with 310 horsepower and 555 lb.-ft. of torque on tap,) it also can be configured with a highly capable four-wheel drive system for enhanced traction. Front and rear differentials, a transfer case, and a limited-slip braking-differential function are all standard, as are segment-competitive tech resources that include hill-descent control and hill-start assist. Another benefit for folks who hate freezing weather is that the Titan offers heating for both the front and rear seats, and that warming function can be paired with both leather and cloth seats, for affordability.

Ram 1500 Rebel

The most off-road capable version of the RAM 1500, is the Rebel model which combines 33-inch tires and 1-inch factory lift kit for 10.3 inches of altitude. With that kind of ground clearance, and a four-wheel drive and an automatic locking rear differential, the truck can keep out of trouble in a wide range of winter weather conditions. The Rebel also rocks the latest smartphone-integration technology, thanks to an infotainment system that bundles an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The typical trio of heating features also is available to warm up the seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors.

GMC Sierra

Like many of the best trucks on this list, the GMC Sierra offers a dedicated model for the most demanding road surfaces. At the Professional Grade brand, that’s the Sierra All Terrain X that showcases Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, four-wheel drive with a two-speed Autotrac transfer case, and for more traditional off-road adventures a trail-friendly suspension with Rancho monotube shocks. This being a GMC product, drivers in the Sierra All Terrain X also can enjoy luxury touches such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. The truck shares a common GM advantage, too, with standard connectivity technologies that extend to a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

GMC Canyon

As you might guess, the midsize GMC Canyon is available with most of the same goodies as the Sierra, so it gets the same recognition as one of the best trucks for snow and ice. To be exact, the Canyon comes with its own All Terrain X package for Wrangler DuraTrac tires, an automatic locking differential, a standard two-speed transfer case, heated seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a heated steering wheel. Standard leading-edge connectivity technologies are onboard with a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Canyon (along with the Sierra and the Chevy Silverado and Colorado) also bring GM safety technologies like forward collision alert, low-speed forward automatic braking, and lane-keeping assistance.

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10 Best Trucks for Farming and Ranching:

A majority of farm trucks found working in the fields are composed of Fords, Dodges, Chevys, and the occasional GMC. If it isn’t American made, then it probably isn’t out on the farm. Farmers look for some key points when shopping for trucks. They want something reliable, both in model and in brand recognition. They want may want 4-wheel drive allowing them to actually get through tough terrain. They may want a dually for pulling trailers. They want a good engine that can last while pushing it to its limits. They also want a long truck bed or a flatbed so that there is plenty of room to work with.

Farmers also look towards other truck owners for their opinion and experiences with certain models when shopping. And while some may suggest some newer model trucks, there are others that suggest older models as they’re proven workhorses and can be had for a bargain. Plus, used options allow owners to beat on their truck without much worry. We took all this information and looked at which trucks farmers are currently utilizing or have been looking to get their hands on over the years. Even if you’re not a farmer, you may want to take a look at some old farm trucks as some have relatively low miles and/or have been maintained (to an extent) pretty well over the years.

Dodge RAM 3500 6.7L Diesel I6

Starting off the list of farm trucks is the 3rd gen Dodge RAM 3500 with the mid-generation 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel I6. This engine replaced the popular 5.9L Cummins I6 and brought with it a 6-speed automatic transmission, rather than the prior 4-speed. The RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins engine makes 350hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. It replaced the laggy fixed geometry turbo found in the 5.9L with a variable geometry turbo that experiences no lag and incorporated a turbo brake to the system. The main issues in this version are the added emissions components, like the EGR and DPF, that need to be checked for soot and carbon build up and there’s also some known head gasket issues due to the higher pressure built up in the cylinders. While it may come with some known issues, it is still quite the farm truck with regular upkeep and maintenance.

GMC Sierra 3500HD 6.6L Diesel V8

Coming in as one of the newest used farm trucks on the list is the 3rd gen GMC Sierra 3500HD from 2011-2014 with the revised 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 making 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. This mid-generation update tuned the GM Duramax engine, increased the axle weight to 6000 lbs, strengthened fully boxed frame rails, and upgraded the suspension. You may be thinking “isn’t the GMC Sierra 3500HD also the Chevy Silverado 3500HD?” and while that may technically be true, the Sierra version can experience a little more ride quality and comfort with GMC’s higher end trims. Why not ride in a bit of farm truck luxury when hauling livestock?

Ford F-250 7.3L Diesel V8

Ford diesel engines weren’t much to talk about in the 90s, with the exception of the 7.3L PowerStroke turbo-diesel V8 found in the 9th gen Ford F-250 from 1994-1997. This engine found in the F-250 is touted as one of the most reliable diesel engines ever built with a history of models surpassing 500k miles and many still acting as great farm trucks to this day. The original engine produced 210 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque and reached 0-60 mph in a little over 14 seconds. That doesn’t sound like much, but it created a long-lasting reliable truck that is renowned by Ford enthusiasts. The Ford F-250 came with either 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains, offered an 8ft bed, came as a single rear wheel or dually, and the HD version came with a heavier rear axle and larger springs and shocks. The 7.3L PowerStroke Diesel can also be found in the facelifted 10th gen Ford F-250s, but eventually it was replaced by the less than favorable 6.0L PowerStroke Diesel engine.

Dodge RAM D/W250 5.9L Diesel I6

Much like Ford, Dodge had its own renowned engine found in the 1st gen Dodge RAM D/W250s from 1989-1993. The introduction of the 5.9L 12-valve Cummins Diesel I6 engine was revolutionary for the time and led the way for the competitive diesel segment we know today. The original engine produced 160hp and 400 lb-ft of torque with a fixed geometry turbocharger, direct fuel injection, durable cast-iron block, and forged steel pistons. It was a simply engineered and reliable engine design that was paired with an outdated square body Dodge truck design making it a perfect farm truck. This iteration also featured Dana axles in their prime (Dodge eventually switched to AAM axles due to quality control concerns and legal issues in the early 2000s).

Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.6L Diesel V8

In 2001, GM introduced the world to the 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 found in the 1st gen Chevy Silverado and the 2nd gen GMC Sierra pickup trucks. For this list we picked out the 2500HD as it fell right in the sweet spot for hauling and working everyday tasks. The first iteration LB7 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 engine made 300hp and 520 lb⋅ft of torque. The platform was improved upon leading to the sought after LBZ version that is known for its reliability, performance enhancements, and being made prior to emissions standards. The LBZ 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 can be found in 2006-2007 models and makes 360hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

Dodge RAM 1500 5.9L V8

Now, into the non-diesel farm truck options we’re starting with the 2nd gen Dodge RAM 1500. If you think of this generation, you may consider it kind of a rusty beater that had trans issues. And while that statement has some truth to it, the Dodge RAM 1500 with the 5.9L Magnum V8 is pretty well rounded as a farm truck. Sure, it succumbs to the elements a little easier, but it has an engine that gets the job done and just allows you to run it ragged without worry. As for the transmission problems, these trucks are going for below $5,000 in some instances. That price point should leave some wiggle room to maintain or even upgrade the transmission creating a more reliable farm truck option.

Ford F-150 4.9L I6

The 9th gen Ford F-150 is a modern classic farm truck. The exterior design was something new and modern rather than the boxy bodies of the 70s and 80s. The chassis and suspension components were similar to the proven ones of the previous generation with some tuning and improvements. And the line of engines available were all simple in design and easy to work with. There were plenty of higher powered V8 options in this time, but the 4.9L Ford 300 straight six is probably one of the most bulletproof engines out there. Making just 150hp and 250 lb-ft of torque the 4.9L engine might not be able to haul quite as much as most of the list, but it’ll keep working without question for everything else.

Chevy C/K 10

A little less of a “modern classic” and basically just considered a classic is that of the C/K 10 trucks found from 1973-1987. The predecessor to the Silverado took many forms, but the 3rd gen is probably one of the most recognized as a Chevy fan favorite. The square body was computer designed with more boxy proportions and had a curved front windshield. It featured a reworked suspension and rugged new axles while also bringing sedan like comfort into the interior. The C/K models carried quite the catalog of available engines ranging from straight sixes to different V8s and was one of the first trucks to offer a diesel engine option. While the 3rd gen Chevy C/K series has fallen into the realm of classic restoration pieces, their price hasn’t exploded yet and there’s some old farm trucks still chuggin’ today for great prices. Plus, the restoration surge just makes finding replacement parts and body panels an easier effort.

Nissan Titan 5.6L V8

Alright, Nissan isn’t your typical farm truck brand, but the Titan is slowly becoming a contender in the truck market and it is actually manufactured here in the USA. While it isn’t accepted by a majority of farmers, there are a select few who have found that the Nissan Titan can get the job done. The midway through the 1st gen Nissan Titan is a sweet spot of improvements that makes the Titan fit on the list. In 2008, Nissan added a longer wheelbase option increasing the bed size and the company also improved upon their drivetrains and axles that plagued the prior years’ versions. The only engine found in the Titan is a 5.6L V8 that makes 317hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. It isn’t a Chevy, Ford, or Dodge, but it’ll still get the job done.

Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8

Another slightly obscure farm truck is that of the 2nd gen Toyota Tundra. Like Nissan, the Tundra is from a Japanese company, but the manufacturing is done here in the USA. The 2nd gen Tundra is still being produced today just with the 2014 cosmetic facelift and some suspension tuning, but why not get basically the same performance in a slightly older used version found from 2010-2013? There are three engines available in the Tundra including a 5.7L V8 that makes 381hp and 401 lb-ft of torque and could also be paired with a TRD Supercharger. The Toyota Tundra also came with truck bed options ranging from a puny 5.5ft to a long 8ft option. So, while it isn’t the norm in the farming community, it’s still worth a mention as a farm truck option.

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The Most Popular Truck in Montana:

Let’s be honest, Montana is truck country.  From ranching and farming to just needing something that that will haul what you need to be hauled, Americans love their trucks and so do Montanans. According to some recent information when it comes to Montana consumers, the most popular new or used truck, is the same. Yep, whether new or used, the most popular truck in Montana is the Ford F-150. In fact, not only is it the most popular truck, it’s the most popular vehicle as well.

According to iSeeCars, the Ford F-150 has a 13.6 percent share of the new-vehicle market in Montana.  That percentage puts the F-150 in the top spot as far as new vehicles go.  So what about the used vehicle market?  The F-150 brings in 8.2 percent of the used vehicle market in Montana.

As we mentioned before, Ford’s F-150 is the top-selling vehicle in the United States, earning the spot of being the most popular vehicle in 22 states, including:

Alaska

Alabama

Arizona

Georgia

Idaho

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Minnesota

Missouri

Mississippi

Montana

North Dakota

Nebraska

New Mexico

Oklahoma

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Wyoming

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