The term “one ton truck” is probably one of the most misunderstood in the automotive world, as most people assume that it is the weight of the vehicle. A ton is roughly 2,205 pounds, and even a tiny Kia Rio subcompact tips the scale higher than that. Others figure a pickup is called a one-ton because that's how much it can tow, but again, this is way off, as one-ton trucks can pull up to 40,000 pounds.

A one-ton truck is defined as one that can haul at least 2,205 pounds, and is another way of saying it's a heavy-duty pickup like a Ford F-250 or Ram 2500. Most full-size pickups, like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are 1/2-ton trucks, and just to make things confusing, 3/4-ton trucks are also heavy-duty pickups. Finally, mid-size and compact trucks would generally be classified as 1/4-ton, but people don't usually get them for hauling or towing.

Heavy-duty one-ton trucks live up to their name and can weigh up to and in excess of 8,000 pounds. They also have more hauling and towing capacity than smaller pickups due to more powerful engines, stronger suspensions, and most importantly, hardcore transmissions. Even among the one-ton pickup segment there is a hierarchy, with some having far more payload and towing capacity than others, so here's a handy guide for the best of the beasts.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources.

5 2024 Nissan Titan XD

Starting at $54,860

2024 is the final model year for the Nissan Titan truck line, and that includes the one-ton Titan XD. While certainly not a bad pickup, it has too much competition in the heavy-duty segment, which is dominated by American trucks. The biggest issue with the Titan XD, besides lack of sales, is that it isn't a true heavy-duty pickup, existing in a space between half-tons and one-tons. In reality, some full-size trucks are just as or more capable than the Titan XD. It's more capable than the regular Titan, but falls far below the rest of the one-ton field.

Power and Capabilities

The Titan XD's 5.6-liter V-8 engine makes enough horsepower, at 400, to be a heavy-duty contender, but with just 413 pound-feet of torque, it doesn't have the muscle for serious towing. The 11,050 top towing capacity of the Nissan is about half of what all the other trucks in the segment are capable of pulling. The 2,360 payload capacity, just barely qualifies the XD as a one-ton truck, and again, this isn't really heavy-duty pickup. It, however, doesn't fit in with any other segment either, and is big and heavy, so this is where it is classified.

4 2024 GMC Sierra HD

Starting at $47,395

The GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks are bruisers, made for working hard and playing harder, with several dedicated off-road packages. For the 2024 model year, the GMC HD workhorse one-tons actually got some style and luxury upgrades. With a new front fascia, LED lights, and interior enhancements, 2024 was a mid-cycle refresh for the heavy-duty truck line. Because the basic function of a Sierra HD is grinding it out, GMC also increased the power, which means even more hauling and towing.

Power and Capabilities

Both the Sierra HD engine options, the 6.6-liter gas V-8 and the 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V-8, have been upgraded from the previous year with more horsepower and torque. The 36,000-pound max-towing capacity of the Sierra HD is impressive, but has a lot of conditions to achieve. To pull that kind of weight requires the diesel engine, regular cab, rear-wheel drive, dual-rear-wheel axle, gooseneck hitch, and is only available with the 3500HD. The highest pulling power on the 2500HD is 22,500 pounds, which is still twice as good as a Titan XD.

3 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Starting at $46,395

The Chevrolet Silverado HD one-ton trucks are mechanically identical to the GMC Sierra HD pickups, but there are enough differences to give buyers something to consider. Like the Sierra HD, the Silverado HD got a slight appearance upgrade for 2024, as well as a substantial boost in power and capability. Perhaps the biggest difference between these two heavy-duty truck lines is that GMC is more refined with luxury and features, while the Chevrolet is a basic powerhouse. The Silverado HD ZR2 Bison top trim, however, is full of features and an amazing 4x4 package.

Power and Capabilities

The Silverado HD trucks also have a max-towing capacity of 36,000 pounds, which is dependent upon getting the correct configuration. The same is true for hitting the 7,442 payload capacity, with a regular cab Silverado 3500HD, dual-axle equipped with a diesel engine. A gas-powered Silverado HD is limited to 17,400 pounds of towing, while a diesel engine in any non-optimized variation can drag 22,500 pounds of equipment or toys behind it. The Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks are a little easier on the wallet than the GMC Sierra HDs, but don't quite have the finish of their corporate cousins.

2 2024 Ram HD

Starting at $47,245

The Ram HD one-ton trucks are the most versatile in the heavy-duty segment. They are among the most capable pickups in the heavy-duty segment, which make for incredible work trucks, and they are absolute off-road terrors, that drive like a dream on both paved and unpaved surfaces. For 2024, the Ram HDs have the perfect balance between functionality and luxury, with an aggressive styling that conveys their wicked nature. Even at the base-model, the Ram HDs are loaded with features, and they come in with a competitive starting price point.

Power and Capabilities

The standard 6.4-liter V-8 engine produces 410 horsepower and makes the Ram HD trucks quick and nimble. To truly unlock the power of the trucks, however, there is a high-output 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel inline-six that cranks out an Earth-moving 1,075 pound-feet of torque. Loaded with the Cummings turbo-diesel, the Ram 3500 can tow 37,090 pounds, which is second best in the class. A 2500 is limited to a max-towing of 19,010 pounds, but that's still quite impressive, for a truck that is essentially a luxury vehicle. There is no TRX super-truck at the HD level, but that's probably for the best.

1 2024 Ford Super Duty

Starting at $46,965

The Ford F-Series Super Duty one-ton trucks don't have the refinement of the Ram HD lineup and lie somewhere between the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, in terms of comfort and features. Where the F-250 and F-350 pickups excel is with their massive capabilities. For those looking for a pure workhorse, the Ford Super Duty trucks are the number one choice. Ford F-Series trucks are not just the most popular pickups, but the best-selling vehicle of any kind for more than a generation. The reason is simple, in that they deliver quality rides at an affordable price.

Power and Capabilities

The 2024 Ford Super Duty trucks offer a great selection of engine options, from the standard 400-horsepower 6.8-liter V-8 to the mighty 7.3-liter, which produces 430 ponies. The star of the lineup is the 500-horsepower high-output version of the 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel that churns out 1,200 pound-feet of torque. With that engine, a Ford Super Duty can tow 40,000 pounds, which comes in handy if one needs to drag a battleship into drydock. Also, in the right configuration, a Ford Super Duty has an 8,000-pound payload, which makes it a legitimate four-ton truck.