Your average pickup truck certainly looks tough, but they don’t all live up to that image when it comes to how much stuff they can carry. The gap between the best pickups for payload and the worst is quite a large one
We’ve done the legwork and scoured the specifications of every pickup on sale in the UK and so that you can choose the best new model for your needs.
What’s more, we’ve gone in-depth with the figures and broken down the best pickups for payload in each body style. So we have not only listed the most popular double-cab pickups but we have also highlighted the less common single-cab and crew-cab variant, too.
Best double-cab pickups for payload UK
Double-cab pickups have two full rows of seats and four proper doors. This gives them the shortest load space but best allows them to do double-duty as family or lifestyle vehicles as well as working trucks.
4. Toyota Hilux Double Cab: 1,105kg maximum payload
The 2021 model year Hilux saw the arrival of a new 204hp 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel at the top of the range, which addressed some of the shortcomings of Toyota’s popular truck when compared with its rivals. However, it didn’t improve the pickup’s payload weights. The best for payload continues to be the 150hp model in basic Active spec, which can carry 1,105kg.
Upgrade to Icon or Invincible trim and this reduces slightly to 1,100kg, but these payloads apply to both the manual and the automatic models. It’s a different story for the 2.8, though, which has slightly different payloads for the manual and the auto, at 1,090kg and 1,085kg respectively. (Note that Toyota sometimes reports its payloads as 75kg lower, due to the way it calculates kerb weight.)
Engine: 2.4-litre turbodiesel (150hp/400Nm) or 2.8-litre turbodiesel (204hp/420-500Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,525mm/1,540mm/480mm
>> Read our full Toyota Hilux review
>> Find a Toyota Hilux for sale near you
3. Isuzu D-Max Double Cab: 1,120kg maximum payload
As emissions regulations catch up with the pickup class, we’ve seen a drop in the maximum payload weights on offer. A prime example of this is the Isuzu D-Max. It used to be powered by a 2.5-litre diesel, but payload weights have tumbled by around 30kg with the introduction of a more efficient 1.9D.
The work-focused versions have the best figures, with the Utility model able to carry 1,115kg and the DL20 manual going 5kg better at 1,120kg. Add an automatic gearbox and this falls slightly to 1,090kg, and it’s a similar story with the generously equipped DL40, which can carry 1,100kg as a manual, but only 1,070kg with the auto. The highest-spec V-Cross model has the same payload weights as the DL40.
Engine: 1.9-litre turbodiesel (164hp/360Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,495mm/1,530mm/490mm
>> Read our full Isuzu D-Max review
>> Find an Isuzu D-Max for sale near you
2. SsangYong Musso Double Cab: 1,140kg maximum payload
There are three versions of the Musso available, all with payload capacities in excess of 1.0 tonne. The range kicks off with the standard manual, which can carry 1,050kg, while the auto version bumps that up to 1,095kg. Both of these use car-like rear suspension.
At the top of the range, the Musso Rhino LWB has a longer load bed, more traditional leaf spring suspension (like every over pickup in this list) and can carry the most weight – up to 1,140kg. In addition to this, all models get a seven-year warranty and lots of standard equipment.
Engine: 2.2-litre turbodiesel (181hp/400-420Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,300mm (Rhino 1,610mm)/1,570mm/570mm
>> Read our full SsangYong Musso review
>> Find a SsangYong Musso for sale near you
1. Ford Ranger Double Cab: 1,140kg maximum payload
The arrival of 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesels in 2019 saw the Ranger improve in terms of efficiency and refinement, but there was a slight penalty to be had in terms of payload weights. Even so, the 170hp XL model still manages to match the Musso Rhino’s best of 1,140kg when fitted with the manual gearbox.
We’ve placed it above the SsangYong in the list because there are higher payload available across the rest of the line-up. Move to a better-specced XLT or Limited and these can carry 1,121kg and 1,088kg, respectively, though adding Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission to the latter reduces payload weight to 1,068kg.
The more powerful 213hp EcoBlue only comes with the auto box, and in Limited trim this has a payload of 1,036kg. Meanwhile the popular Wildtrak version has a sports bar fitted to its cargo area as standard, and the extra weight of this reduces the pickup’s payload to 1,024kg and changes the load area dimensions.
The flagship Ranger Raptor isn’t really a work vehicle, as its 620kg maximum payload weight attests.
Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (170-213hp/420-500Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,575-1,613mm/1,560mm/511-541mm
>> Read our full Ford Ranger review
>> Find a Ford Ranger for sale near you
Best crew-cab pickups for payload UK
Crew-cab pickups have standard front seats and a set of ‘occasional rear seats’, accessed by a small set of rear doors. They have longer load beds than double-cab models and most – but not all – carry extra payload.
3. Toyota Hilux Extra Cab: 1,075kg maximum payload
The Hilux Extra Cab is Toyota’s crew-cab model, and it only comes in the most basic Active trim. But it can be fitted out with a Tipper or Dropside rear body in place of the standard load bed.
While the standard load bed version gives you a cargo area nearly 300mm longer than the Hilux double cab, the payload weight comes in at relatively limited 1,075kg. That 40kg reduction makes this the only crew-cab that carries less than the equivalent double-cab.
Engine: 2.5-litre turbodiesel (150hp/400Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,808mm/1,540mm/480mm
>> Read our full Toyota Hilux review
>> Find a Toyota Hilux for sale near you
2. Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab: 1,140kg maximum payload
Isuzu’s medium-sized body is called the Extended Cab, and it features occasional seats in the back that can be accessed via a rear-hinged half door. This means you can’t open the rear doors without opening the fronts first.
As with other D-Max models, power comes from a 1.9-litre diesel. Go for a Utility model and the payload is 1,140kg, while the generously equipped DL20 has a slightly higher limit, at 1,148kg. Both models are manual gearbox only.
Engine: 1.9-litre turbodiesel (164hp/360Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 1,805mm/1,530mm/490mm
>> Read our full Isuzu D-Max review
>> Find an Isuzu D-Max for sale near you
1. Ford Ranger Super Cab: 1,197kg maximum payload
If you want more than a basic-spec crew cab, then the Ranger Super Cab is your best option, since it comes in three trim levels, and the top model is well equipped and fancy to look at. Not that the alternatives aren’t impressive in their own way.
All three versions come with the 170hp EcoBlue diesel and a six-speed manual gearbox, while they have payload weights of 1,197kg (XL trim), 1,170kg (XLT) and 1,142kg (Limited) respectively.
Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (170hp/420Nm)
Load bed length/width/height: 1,847mm/1,560mm/511mm
>> Read our full Ford Ranger review
>> Find a Ford Ranger for sale near you
Best single-cab pickups for payload UK
Single-cab pickups have a single row of seats (for driver and passenger) only, and just the two doors. This means they have longer load areas than other types, but don’t qualify as dual-purpose vehicles, restricting them to the same speed limits as vans.
3. Toyota Hilux Single Cab: 1,105kg maximum payload
As with the Hilux Extra Cab, the Single Cab is only sold in basic Active trim, and is designed much more as a work vehicle compared with the dual-purpose Double Cab variant. As a result, it only comes with the smaller 150hp diesel.
It has the same payload weight as the Double Cab Active, coming in at 1,105kg. Neither the Single Cab Hilux nor the Extra Cab are available with an automatic gearbox.
Engine: 2.4-litre turbodiesel (150hp/400Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 2,315mm/1,575mm/480mm
>> Read our full Toyota Hilux review
>> Find a Toyota Hilux for sale near you
2. Isuzu D-Max Single Cab: 1,205kg maximum payload
If you want a reasonably well-equipped work truck, then the D-Max Single Cab is a pretty good choice. It comes with a surprising amount of standard equipment, including a long list of safety kit and fuel-saving stop-start.
There are 2WD and 4WD options available but whichever version you choose, there’s a 1,205kg payload weight on offer.
Engine: 1.9-litre turbodiesel (164hp/360Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 2,315mm/1,530mm/465mm
>> Read our full Isuzu D-Max review
>> Find an Isuzu D-Max for sale near you
1. Ford Ranger Regular Cab: 1,252kg maximum payload
As with rival single-cab pickups, the Ranger Regular Cab only comes in basic XL trim, because it’s designed as a work vehicle first and foremost.
The basic 130hp version has a 1,182kg payload weight, but we’d recommend the more powerful 170hp EcoBlue engine every time. Not only is it a better performer, but its 1,252kg payload weight is a substantial step ahead, too – and it’s available as a chassis cab, if required.
Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (130-170hp/340-420Nm)
Load bed length/width/depth: 2,317mm/1,560mm/511mm
>> Read our full Ford Ranger review
>> Find a Ford Ranger for sale near you
What’s the best new pickup for payload – the Parkers verdict
It doesn’t take genius to work out that the Ford Ranger performs extremely strongly when it come to payload ratings – topping the list of all three body styles. Just another reason why it won the Parkers Pickup of The Year award three years in a row. It’s only its imminent replacement that has stopped its winning run.
However, if you’re after a double-cab model, don’t overlook the SsangYong Musso – especially if towing is also a major priority. Thanks to some enormous gross train weights (the total legally allowed weight of pickup and trailer), the Musso is the only truck here that can carry over 1,000kg in the back while also towing to its maximum capacity.
FAQs
What pickup truck has the most payload?
As you can see from the list above, it is the KGM Musso that has the biggest payload of all the pickups you can buy in the UK, if you want a double cab truck.
If you aren’t fussy about the number of people you carry then there are a couple more options available to you that will beat the Musso’s maximum payload. The Isuzu D-Max extended cab and Ford Ranger single cab both beat the KGM’s figure,
Which pickup truck is best for loading?
Does lifting a truck reduce payload capacity?
Pickup payload ratings explained
It’s worth noting that the figures quoted here are for each pickup in its most basic form, before accessories such as hard tops, roller shutters or tow bars have been added. If you do fit extras, then their weight will need to be deducted from the maximum payload figure.
If this dips below 1.0 tonne (1,000kg) – the minimum payload rating for a pickup to qualify as a commercial vehicle – then tax is paid at regular car rates, which is much pricier than standard pickup truck tax.
>> Van and pickup tax explained
