3 Pickup Trucks To Avoid Buying in 2026
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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Not every pickup truck on the market delivers the performance and value you expect. In 2026, with new models and rising prices, choosing the wrong truck could cost you thousands in repairs, fuel and depreciation.
For those in the market for a 2026 vehicle that’s rugged, ready to haul all your stuff around and still gives you the most bang for your truck, there are at least three that experts would strongly caution you to avoid.
1. 2026 Honda Ridgeline
- MSRP: $42,090 to $49,645
This midsize truck maintains its smooth ride, comfortable interior and easy handling, per Edmunds, but it doesn’t offer impressive towing or off-roading capabilities. It also falls short with its 21-mpg fuel economy and overall value for the sticker price.
The Honda Ridgeline is ideal for consumers who don’t need to haul and are happy with a truck that drives more like an SUV, but it’s not for everyone.
“Despite its solid performance, the Honda Ridgeline is on the verge of being discontinued due to declining sales, especially with the rise of competitors like the Ford Maverick,” Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVhype, explained to GOBankingRates. “This could impact parts availability and resale value.”
2. 2026 Nissan Frontier
- MSRP: $33,845 to $44,065
The 2026 Nissan Frontier has a few new things to look forward to, like more driver-assist safety features and comfortable seats, but according to MotorTrend, there are no mechanical upgrades, which is concerning since previous models struggled with loud engines and terrible fuel economy. However, some find the old-school knobs and buttons easy to use.
In addition, the Nissan Frontier faces stiff competition from the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, which could be better options depending on consumers’ needs. Especially when you consider the interior is not as polished as competitors, as well as having only adequate towing capabilities.
“The Nissan Frontier relies on older battery technology and offers limited range compared to newer competitors,” Dillan said. “Its aging design and technology may not appeal to consumers looking for modern features.”
3. 2025 Ram 1500
- MSRP: $43,025 to $87,075
Though the price will dip to make room for the newer 2026 options, and big improvements were made to the 2025 Ram 1500 — including a pair of straight-six turbo engines instead of a V8 and upgraded technology and interior — it’s still not the best investment. There have been reports of serious safety issues, resulting in a recall.
“Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, is recalling approximately 33,777 Ram 1500 pickup trucks in the U.S. due to concerns with damaged front wheel bearing encoder rings that may affect and disable the electronic stability control system,” Dillan said.
Maintenance and repairs will cost $19,358 during the first 10 years of service, per CarEdge, which is $9,670 more than the industry average. However, Dillan warned that buying a new model could cost even more. “The issue could pose safety risks and lead to potential repair costs,” he said.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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