Which Trucks are All-New and Redesigned for 2021 and 2022 Model Years?
If you are in the market for a new truck, there has never been a better time to buy. To meet the ever-increasing demand for pickups, manufacturers are rolling out completely new models, extensive redesigns and mid-cycle refreshes in an attempt to sway buyers toward their trucks in an increasingly crowded field. Here is a list of the pickups that have been redesigned or are all-new for the 2021 and 2022 model years.
2021 Honda Ridgeline
Often ridiculed for its uncharacteristic styling, the Honda Ridgeline wears a brave new face for the 2021 model year. The outgoing model’s rounded proportions and aerodynamic profile too closely resembled the Honda Odyssey—leading many to poke fun at the Ridgeline being a minivan with a pickup bed. Luckily, there will no longer be any resemblance due to all new sheet metal being used from the windshield forward.
The front fascia is positioned more vertically upright, with squared off edges and a power bulge hood. The front bumper has been revised as well, with functional and aggressively styled vents that improve aerodynamic efficiency. For the first time, Honda Performance Development will also be offering an HPD appearance package on all Ridgeline trims which includes an exclusive black open-air mesh grille, black fender flares, bronze-colored wheels and stylish HPD bed graphics.
Trim Levels and Pricing
- Sport (starting at $36,490)
- RTL (starting at $39,470)
- RTL-E (starting at $42,420)
- Black Edition (starting at $43,920)
Powertrain Specifications
- 3.5L V6 (280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque)
Max Towing Capacity
- 5000 pounds
Release Date
- Early 2021
2021 Ram 1500 TRX
Prior to even hitting the trails, the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX was already crowned the new king of off-road full-size pickups. The truck is so surreal, that it even has a dedicated Baja mode intended to provide soft-landings if you decide to take the TRX airborne. Not surprisingly, people have already put this feature to the test.
Its off-road superiority is further strengthened by its 11.8 inches of ground clearance, 13 inches of front suspension travel and 14 inches of rear suspension travel. The TRX’s Bilstein Black Hawk shocks are the most sophisticated dampers ever offered on a production pickup, offering an unparalleled level of off-road control with the ability to continuously adapt to speed, throttle position, braking torque, steering angle and the changing terrain.
Trim Levels and Pricing
- TRX (starting at $71,790)
- TRX Launch Edition ($92,010) sold out*
Powertrain Specifications
- 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 (702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque)
Max Towing Capacity
- 8100 pounds
Release Date
- Available now
2021 Ford F-150
Though it bears a strong resemblance to the outgoing generation, every exterior panel on the F-150 is brand new for the 2021 model year. With its widespread appeal and popularity, Ford is going out of its way to make the F-150 as customizable as ever to cater to different tastes. A total of 11 grille options will be available across the lineup, so chances are there will be a model that catches your eye.
The 2021 F-150 will feature a standard 12-inch infotainment screen on the Lariat and above trims in addition to a new available 12-inch digital gauge cluster that is capable of displaying off-road data and navigation directions. In the event of unforeseen winter mayhem and widespread loss of electricity (cough, Texas, cough), the F-150 also has you covered with an available Pro Power Onboard with up to four cargo bed-mounted 120 volt 20 amp outlets as a portable source of power.
Trim Levels and Pricing
- XL (starting at $28,940)
- XLT (starting at $35,050)
- Lariat (starting at $44,695)
- King Ranch (starting at $56,330)
- Platinum (starting at $59,110)
- Limited (starting at $70,825)
Powertrain Specifications
- 3.3L V6 (290 horsepower, 265 lb-ft of torque)
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 horsepower, 400 lb-ft of torque)
- 5.0L V8 (400 horsepower, 410 lb-ft of torque)
- 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Turbo-Diesel (250 horsepower, 440 lb-ft of torque)
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (400 horsepower, 500 lb-ft of torque)
- 3.5L PowerBoost V6 Hybrid (430 horsepower, 570 lb-ft of torque)
Max Towing Capacity (When Properly Equipped*)
- 14,000 pounds (3.5L EcoBoost V6)
- 13,000 pounds (5.0L V8)
- 12,700 pounds (3.5L PowerBoost V6 Hybrid)
- 12,100 pounds (3.0L Diesel V6)
- 10,100 pounds (2.7L EcoBoost V6)
- 8,200 pounds (3.3L V6)
Release Date
- Available now
2022 Nissan Frontier
Perhaps no other truck experienced a more significant glow up than the Nissan Frontier, which arguably sported the most tired face in the industry. The truck’s exterior and interior styling still closely resembles the 2004 model when the second generation Frontier debuted. To say the model was due for a redesign is certainly an understatement.
Drawing inspiration from the Nissan Hardbody pickups of the 1980s and 1990s, the 2022 Frontier shares obvious styling cues with its predecessors that made them so popular among enthusiasts. Two off-road oriented models, the PRO-X (RWD) and PRO-4X (4×4) will also be offered—each equipped with rugged styling, skid plates, Bilstein shocks and a Dana 44 rear axle.
Trim Levels (Pricing N/A)
- S
- SV
- PRO-X
- PRO-4X
Powertrain Specifications
- 3.8L V6 (310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque)
Max Towing Capacity
- 6720 pounds
Release Date
- Summer 2021
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Soon, the Honda Ridgeline will no longer be the only unibody construction pickup truck offered in the United States. The South Korean automaker is stepping up to the plate with the brand’s first truck offering in an attempt to capitalize on the widespread popularity of midsize pickups.
Rumors of its production have surfaced for years ever since the concept was unveiled at the 2015 Detroit auto show, but it appears the Santa Cruz will finally arrive sometime this year as a 2022 model. The truck will be based on the same platform as the Hyundai Tucson—meaning it will likely share the same powertrain options and its front-wheel drive configuration. All-wheel drive models will likely be available. Make no mistake, the Santa Cruz won’t be confused for a workhorse—but rather a fuel-efficient versatile pickup that is sufficient for individuals and small families who seek the practicality of a pickup bed and have little intentions to tow.
Trim Levels and Pricing
- Unknown at this time
- $25,000 estimated starting MSRP, according to Car and Driver
Potential Powertrain Options (2022 Hyundai Tucson)
- 2.5L four-cylinder (187 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque)
- 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid (226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque)
Max Towing Capacity
- Likely below 5000 pounds. Actual specifications unknown
Release Date
- Production is expected to begin this year and the Santa Cruz will arrive sometime in 2022
2022 GMC Hummer EV
We’ve saved arguably the best for last. The final noteworthy new truck that is set to arrive later this year is the groundbreaking 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1. GM has finally decided to enter the emerging electric pickup segment, and it’s doing so with a cannon ball sized splash.
Advertised as the world’s first all-electric supertruck, the Hummer EV is likely to shatter the ceiling for the level of performance and off-road capabilities demanded by truck buyers going forward. With up to 1,000 available horsepower, self-driving capabilities and the ability to crabwalk through tight trails, the GMC Hummer EV is evolutionary in every sense of the word.
Trim Levels and Pricing
- Hummer EV2 (starting at $79,995)
- Hummer EV2x (starting at $89,995)
- Hummer EV3x (starting at $99,995)
- Hummer EV Edition 1 (starting at $112,595)
Powertrain Specifications
- Hummer EV2: 2 motors (625 horsepower and 7,400 lb-ft of torque and 250-mile range)
- Hummer EV2x: 2 motors (625 horsepower and 7,400 lb-ft of torque and 300-mile range)
- Hummer EV3x: 3 motors (800 horsepower and 9,500 lb-ft of torque and 300-mile range)
- Hummer EV Edition 1: 3 motors (1,000 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque and 350-mile range)
Max Towing Capacity
- Unknown at this time
Release Date
- Hummer EV2 (Spring 2024)
- Hummer EV2x (Spring 2023)
- Hummer EV3x (Fall 2022)
- Hummer EV Edition 1 (Fall 2021)