The Best Trucks for Charlotte Drivers

No other type of vehicle has defined versatility and determination quite like the pickup truck. Trucks have been rolling off the assembly line for nearly as long as the automotive industry has existed. However, while many manufacturers produce a fair amount of sedans and SUVs, only a few brands manage to deliver pickup trucks that offer versatility and prowess.

For drivers in the Charlotte area, the pickup truck is essential for various tasks, such as the daily commute, workplace obligations, and, of course, the capacity for adventure. If you’re looking for a truck dealership near Charlotte, and want the ability to pick from the best selection and receive the very best service, shopping with the team here at the Hendrick Automotive Group is your first step on the way to owning one of the offerings we have in our inventory. The advantage of having online shopping and multiple locations is that our customers have a more comprehensive selection and a wealth of options.

No matter what you might be looking for in a truck, whether work-related capabilities, off-roading, towing, or simply tackling the daily commute, our staff will help you choose the perfect truck. Here are just a few of what we consider the very best options.

Chevy Silverado 1500

Debuting in 1999, the Chevy Silverado 1500 has continued to be one of the most coveted and sought-after trucks on the marketplace. In addition to a host of trims that cater to all of the different tasks that drivers in Charlotte look to accomplish, from hard work to off-roading, the 2024 Silverado 1500 has four impressive powertrains, each with unique abilities and advantages. The base engine is a 2.7L TurboMax that is ideal for maximizing payload capacity. This is followed by two gasoline-powered V8 options that are big on performance and capability.

Many drivers have come to rely heavily upon the 3.0L Duramax. This diesel-fueled six-cylinder engine produces an incredible amount of torque at low RPMs. It is also highly effective in unlocking the Silverado’s maximum towing capacity while providing fuel economy that allows drivers to go much further for less. A host of standard safety features and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA make the 2024 Silverado 1500 a wise investment for the practical pickup owner.

GMC Sierra 1500

The close sibling of the Chevy Silverado 1500, the GMC Sierra 1500 takes the basic premise of hard work and capability that Chevy has always exemplified and combines it with a discernable level of refinement and sophistication sometimes associated with Cadillac. The Sierra 1500 offers the same powertrain configurations as its Silverado sibling. Still, the trims are geared more towards individual needs, allowing drivers of all sorts to have the ideal vehicle for their daily uses.

Truck drivers who seek practicality and purpose will be pleased with the Pro, SLE, and Elevation trims, as they all offer a variety of powertrain and cab configurations and exhibit a fair amount of style to go with their prowess. For those who prefer a vehicle with off-roading capability and unsurpassed luxury, the Sierra 1500 can accommodate both tastes. The AT4 and AT4X trims come with lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and skid plates, all essential for those who prefer to spend time off the pavement on the road less traveled.

A staple of the GMC fleet for many years has been the Denali trim, which drivers who enjoy the finer things in life will find most appealing. With its leather interior, refined appearance, and high-grade stereo system, the Denali is among the most recognizable trims in its class. You’ll also have access to Super Cruise, GMC’s hands-free driving technology, which can help during lengthy stretches of highway driving.

Ram 1500

For potential truck buyers in Charlotte looking for that ideal compromise of precision, sophistication, and performance, the Ram 1500 is what they need to accommodate everything in a single package. The redesigned 2025 Ram 1500 has seen the departure of its celebrated HEMI V8, but not to worry. Two turbocharged Hurricane six-cylinder engines deliver more power and capability than ever, with up to 540 hp available to facilitate everything from workplace tasks to adventures that only the truly daring are willing to embark upon.

Aside from the high marks regarding the performance of the Ram 1500, its interior is decked out with a wide array of items that surpass some of those offered in high-end European luxury sedans. Some of these highlights include an available 23-speaker stereo system, which is undoubtedly the best in its class, and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen that provides access to Apple and Android products as well as navigation for those who plan on getting in touch with their inner explorer.
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Toyota Tundra

While the pickup truck is synonymous with the American automotive industry and domestic brands, manufacturers from overseas have been just as capable of churning out their versions that offer as much performance and capability. The Toyota Tundra is just one example: a truck that embodies Toyota’s long-standing reputation for sustainability and safety and the ability to keep up with its domestic counterparts in terms of achieving the most difficult tasks at hand.

All versions of the 2024 Tundra are equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission for the best performance. This engine's 389 hp is enough to fuel any driver’s ambitions, and the TRD Pro trim is suited for off-roading. An available 14-inch infotainment screen and premium stereo system from the pros at JBL are ideal for Charlotte residents who have a taste for the finer things in life. One of the best aspects of the Tundra is the multiple safety and driving assistance features, which all come standard, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

Charlotte drivers searching for high-performance and conservative fuel consumption will undoubtedly want to consider the Tundra Hybrid. The available i-FORCE MAX powertrain takes performance further with 437 hp, outperforming many of the competitors. With an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, the 2024 Tundra is shifting the paradigm of what a truck can accomplish.

Honda Ridgeline

Toyota isn’t the only brand that imports capable trucks to compete with the domestic competition. Honda also has a pickup that is just as capable as the others you’ll find on the road. Equipped with a V6 engine with 280 hp and the ability to generate an impressive 262 lb-ft of torque, the Ridgeline is known for its smooth handling and seamless shifting, all thanks to its nine-speed automatic transmission. The Honda Ridgeline can easily navigate the city streets, and multiple driving modes allow drivers who crave adventure to adapt to any environment instantly.

One of the most notable aspects of the Ridgeline is the vast array of standard safety features that allow for peace of mind whenever you’re behind the wheel. All trims come with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive feature suite that provides protection and oversight. From collision mitigation to adaptive cruise control, many features other brands lock behind pricier trims are standard across the board. Seating for five and tri-zone climate control makes for a comfortable trip, whether at the job site, off the pavement, or just taking a Sunday drive.