Top 10 Full-Size Pickup Trucks 2015 — Best Overall + Best Value

*Published 2026-06-15 | Updated 2026-06-15*

The 2015 model year was a turning point for the full-size truck class. Ford ripped up the rulebook with the all-new aluminum-body F-150, shaving roughly 700 pounds and pairing it with two turbocharged EcoBoost V6 options. Ram was a year into its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel experiment, which proved a half-ton could break 28 mpg on the highway.

More than a decade later, 2015 produced some of the most durable and capable half-tons of the era. This is a past-tense retrospective ranking of the ten that mattered most.

Direct Answer

The Best Overall full-size pickup of 2015 was the 2015 Ford F-150 Lariat with the 3.5L EcoBoost, priced from a 2015 MSRP of $39,880. Its aluminum body, best-in-class 12,200-pound tow rating, and twin-turbo torque made it the most forward-looking truck of the year. The Best Value pick was the 2015 Ram 1500 Tradesman/Express with the 5.7L Hemi, with a 2015 MSRP of about $27,000, delivering 395 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic, and the smoothest ride in the class for the least money.

Both still represent strong used buys today.

How We Ranked the Top 10

This retrospective weights the criteria that mattered to 2015 buyers plus what matters to a used shopper now.

• Towing and payload — 25%: The core job of a full-size truck; we used period max-rated figures.
• Reliability and durability — 20%: Drawn from long-term owner data and known engine track records over the following decade.
• Value in period — 15%: What you got for the 2015 MSRP versus rivals.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%: Engine choice, real horsepower and torque, and EPA-rated fuel economy.
• Ride and interior — 15%: Cabin comfort, materials, and on-road manners.
• Used value now — 10%: How the truck has held up and held value as a used purchase.

Sources include period road tests from TFLtruck, Edmunds historical specs, Kelley Blue Book, Cars.com, U.S. News rankings, The Car Connection, and manufacturer Wikipedia model pages.

1. Ford F-150 (3.5L EcoBoost, Lariat) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2015 MSRP: $39,880 | Best for: Buyers who wanted maximum capability with future-proof tech

The headline truck of 2015 was the redesigned F-150, the first mainstream pickup to swap a steel body for military-grade aluminum, cutting up to 700 pounds. In Lariat trim with the 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, it made 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, good for a best-in-class 12,200-pound tow rating, with payload near 3,300 pounds in some configurations.

EPA figures landed around 17/24 mpg, in RWD or 4WD. A decade on, well-maintained EcoBoost F-150s remain strong used trucks, with clean Lariat examples commonly trading in the low-to-mid teens.

Pros:

• Best-in-class 12,200 lb towing with the 3.5 EcoBoost
• Lightweight aluminum body improved efficiency and resisted corrosion
• Strong low-end turbo torque that felt like a small diesel
• Huge trim and configuration range from work truck to luxury

Cons:

• Aluminum body panel repairs cost more and need certified shops
• Early intercooler condensation could cause a brief stumble in humid weather

Verdict: The most important and most capable truck of 2015, and still the smartest all-around used pick.

2. Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (Laramie)

2015 MSRP: $45,000 (approx., Laramie EcoDiesel) | Best for: High-mileage drivers chasing real diesel economy

The 2015 Ram 1500 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 was the efficiency champion, making 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm while returning a class-leading 20/28 mpg. Paired with an eight-speed automatic and Ram's coil-spring (or available air) rear suspension, the Laramie EcoDiesel rode like a luxury car and could tow up to roughly 9,200 pounds.

The diesel commanded about a $2,850 premium over the Hemi. Today these are prized but demand careful inspection of EGR cooler and emissions history.

Pros:

• Class-leading 28 mpg highway from the EcoDiesel V6
• 420 lb-ft of low-rpm torque ideal for steady towing
• Best ride quality in the class thanks to coil/air rear suspension
• Premium Laramie cabin with rich materials

Cons:

• EcoDiesel emissions components (EGR cooler) can be costly if neglected
• Diesel price premium took years of fuel savings to recover

Verdict: The most refined and most efficient 2015 half-ton, best for buyers who tow steadily and drive a lot of miles.

3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (LTZ, 6.2L V8)

2015 MSRP: $44,000 (approx., LTZ 6.2) | Best for: V8 traditionalists who wanted big naturally aspirated power

The 2015 Silverado 1500 LTZ with the 6.2L V8 produced 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic and rated to tow up to 12,000 pounds. The mid-tier 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft) hit 16/23 mpg and was the volume seller. The Silverado's quiet cabin and proven small-block make it one of the most trouble-free used buys of the year.

Pros:

• 420 hp from the 6.2L V8 with a new eight-speed automatic
• Up to 12,000 lb towing in proper configuration
• Bulletproof small-block reliability reputation
• Quiet, well-isolated cabin

Cons:

• Some V8s of this era used active fuel management lifters that can wear
• Interior design trailed the F-150 and Ram in flair

Verdict: The dependable, no-drama V8 choice that still earns its keep as a used truck.

4. GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (6.2L V8)

2015 MSRP: $52,000 (approx., Denali 6.2 4WD) | Best for: Luxury-truck buyers who wanted maximum power

The Sierra Denali was the upscale twin of the Silverado, and with the 6.2L V8 it shared the same 420 horsepower and 450 to 460 lb-ft of torque plus a class-leading 12,000-pound tow rating. Denali added magnetic ride control, a richer interior, and a unique grille. Denali Crew Cabs started near $49,665 and climbed past $52,000 with the 6.2 and 4WD, but it has aged into a desirable used luxury hauler.

Pros:

• 420 hp 6.2L V8 with eight-speed automatic
• 12,000 lb towing capability
• Magnetic Ride Control for a composed ride
• Genuinely premium Denali cabin

Cons:

• High original MSRP meant steep early depreciation
• Thirstier than the EcoBoost and EcoDiesel rivals

Verdict: The plushest GM half-ton of 2015 and a smart used luxury-truck value now.

5. Ford F-150 (2.7L EcoBoost, XLT)

2015 MSRP: $31,890 | Best for: Buyers who wanted efficiency and turbo punch on a budget

The surprise of the lineup was the smaller 2.7L EcoBoost V6, which made 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, numbers that embarrassed several rival V8s, while returning 19/26 mpg and 22 mpg combined. In the popular XLT trim it could tow up to 8,500 pounds and carry up to 2,250 pounds of payload, making it one of the best efficiency-per-dollar trucks of the year.

Pros:

• 325 hp from a compact twin-turbo V6
• 22 mpg combined, excellent for a full-size truck
• Affordable XLT trim with strong feature content
• Light aluminum body aided acceleration and braking

Cons:

• Smaller tow rating than the 3.5 EcoBoost
• Turbo plumbing adds complexity over a simple V8

Verdict: The efficiency-minded F-150 that proved a small turbo six could do a truck's job.

6. Ram 1500 (5.7L Hemi, Tradesman/Express) 💎 BEST VALUE

2015 MSRP: $27,000 (approx.) | Best for: Buyers who wanted the most truck for the least money

The value champion of 2015 was the Hemi-powered Ram in Tradesman/Express spec. The 5.7L Hemi V8 delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic, with EPA figures around 15/22 mpg in RWD form and a max tow rating up to roughly 10,650 pounds.

You got the segment's best ride, a strong V8, and a low entry price. These remain plentiful and affordable used today, making the Hemi Ram the best dollar-for-dollar pick of the year.

Pros:

• 395 hp Hemi V8 for the lowest price in the class
• Eight-speed automatic for smooth, efficient cruising
• Best-riding chassis among 2015 half-tons
• Strong used availability and affordability now

Cons:

• Hemi fuel economy trailed the EcoBoost and EcoDiesel
• Base interiors were plain compared with upper trims

Verdict: The smartest money in 2015 then, and still the value play on the used lot.

7. Toyota Tundra (5.7L V8, SR5)

2015 MSRP: $33,000 (approx., SR5 5.7) | Best for: Buyers who prized long-term durability above all

The 2015 Tundra was the durability benchmark. Its 5.7L V8 made 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 10,500 pounds in the lightest configuration, though fuel economy was thirsty at roughly 13/17 mpg. The aging platform trailed the domestics in efficiency and refinement, but legendary reliability means high-mileage examples still command premium used prices.

Pros:

• 381 hp 5.7L V8 with a stout reputation
• Outstanding long-term reliability record
• Up to 10,500 lb towing
• Strong resale value that persists today

Cons:

• Poor fuel economy versus newer rivals
• Dated interior and only a six-speed automatic

Verdict: The truck to buy if you plan to keep it for 250,000-plus miles.

8. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (LT, 5.3L V8)

2015 MSRP: $33,000 (approx., LT 5.3) | Best for: Mainstream buyers who wanted a balanced V8 work truck

The mid-grade LT Silverado with the 5.3L V8 was the volume seller for good reason. It made 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, returned 16/23 mpg, and could tow up to about 11,500 pounds. With a clean cabin, a proven drivetrain, and broad parts availability, the 5.3 LT is one of the cheapest 2015 trucks to own used.

Pros:

• 355 hp 5.3L V8 with proven durability
• Up to 11,500 lb towing
• 23 mpg highway, competitive for a V8
• Easy, inexpensive ownership as a used truck

Cons:

• Active fuel management lifter wear on some units
• Less standalone luxury than the LTZ or Denali

Verdict: The sensible middle-of-the-road V8 that does everything competently.

9. Ford F-150 (Platinum / King Ranch, 3.5L EcoBoost)

2015 MSRP: $49,690 (King Ranch) to $52,155 (Platinum) | Best for: Luxury buyers who wanted a flagship half-ton

At the top of the F-150 range, the King Ranch and Platinum trims paired the 3.5L EcoBoost (365 hp, 420 lb-ft) with massaging seats, real leather, and a best-in-class 12,200-pound tow rating. These were the most expensive mainstream half-tons of 2015 and depreciated hard early, making a clean used King Ranch or Platinum one of the better luxury-per-dollar buys now.

Pros:

• Flagship luxury cabins with premium leather
• 365 hp EcoBoost and 12,200 lb towing
• Aluminum body efficiency in a heavy luxury truck
• Strong used luxury value after depreciation

Cons:

• Highest original MSRP in the F-150 line
• Expensive options to repair or replace if damaged

Verdict: A flagship that aged into a luxury-truck bargain on the used market.

10. Nissan Titan (SV/SL, 5.6L V8)

2015 MSRP: $31,000 (approx.) | Best for: Bargain hunters who wanted a comfortable, simple V8 truck

The outgoing 2015 Titan was the oldest design here, but its 5.6L V8 still produced 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, with EPA figures around 13/18 mpg and a max tow rating near 9,500 pounds. It used a five-speed automatic when rivals had six or eight speeds.

The Titan's appeal today is low used pricing and a roomy cabin, though capability and efficiency lag the leaders.

Pros:

• 317 hp 5.6L V8 with smooth power delivery
• Spacious, comfortable crew cab
• Low used pricing makes it a budget option
• Simple, durable mechanicals

Cons:

• Dated five-speed automatic and lowest tow rating here
• Thirsty fuel economy and aging interior

Verdict: The budget outlier — fine if priced right, but outclassed by the leaders.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One Was Right for You?

What to Look For in a 2015 Full-Size Truck (Then and as a Used Buy Now)

• Aluminum-body repair: The F-150's aluminum panels resist rust but require certified body shops and cost more to repair; check for prior collision work done correctly.
• EcoBoost intercooler: On 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost F-150s, condensation in the intercooler could cause a brief misfire in humid conditions; verify a software update or upgraded charge-air cooler was applied.
• EcoDiesel reliability: On the Ram 3.0 EcoDiesel, inspect EGR cooler and emissions service history; well-maintained examples are durable, neglected ones are not.
• Miles and maintenance records: Towing-heavy lives wear drivetrains; favor trucks with documented fluid changes over low-mileage trucks with thin records.
• GM active fuel management: On 5.3 and 6.2 V8s, listen for lifter tick that can signal cylinder-deactivation wear.
• Matters less than nostalgia implies: Minor cosmetic bed scratches and faded trim matter less than nostalgia implies — frame, drivetrain, and service history determine a good used 2015 truck far more than showroom shine.

FAQ

What was the best full-size truck of 2015? The all-new aluminum-body Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost, especially in Lariat trim, earned Best Overall for its best-in-class 12,200-pound towing, light weight, and strong turbo torque.

What made the 2015 F-150 revolutionary? It was the first mainstream pickup with a military-grade aluminum body, cutting up to 700 pounds, which improved fuel economy, payload, and corrosion resistance.

Was the 2015 Ram EcoDiesel reliable? The 3.0L EcoDiesel was efficient at 28 mpg highway and durable when maintained, but its emissions components (notably the EGR cooler) demand careful service history when buying used.

Which 2015 truck had the best fuel economy? The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel led the class at roughly 20/28 mpg, followed by the F-150 2.7 EcoBoost at about 19/26 mpg.

Which 2015 truck is the best used value now? The Ram 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi offers the most truck for the money used, while the GM 5.3 V8 trucks and the Tundra are the most dependable long-term picks.

How much could a 2015 full-size truck tow? The strongest configurations — F-150 3.5 EcoBoost at 12,200 pounds and the GM 6.2 V8 trucks at 12,000 pounds — led the class, while the Titan trailed near 9,500 pounds.

Bottom Line

The 2015 model year reshaped the full-size truck class. The aluminum F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost stood out as Best Overall for its mix of efficiency, class-leading towing, and forward-looking engineering, and it remains the smartest all-around used pick. The Hemi-powered Ram 1500 took Best Value with the most capability for the least money, a title it still holds on the used lot.

Between the efficient EcoDiesel, the muscular GM 6.2 V8 trucks, the bargain 2.7 EcoBoost, and the durable Tundra, 2015 gave buyers more genuinely good choices than almost any year before it, and a decade later the best of them are still worth owning.

Sources

• Ford F-150 2015 specs and engines — Cars.com
• 2015 Ford F-150 pricing to start at $26,616 — Kelley Blue Book
• 2015 Ford F-150 trims and MSRP — CarBuzz
• 2015 Ram 1500 performance and engine options — U.S. News
• 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel specs — Woodhouse CDJR
• 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 specs and prices — Cars.com
• 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 performance and towing — U.S. News
• 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali specs — Edmunds
• 2015 Toyota Tundra performance and towing — U.S. News
• 2015 Nissan Titan review and specs — The Car Connection

*Full-size truck review — 2015 full-size truck reviews, rating, best full-size pickup 2015, and a retrospective review of the top used truck picks for buyers.*