Ford Transit Connect Price: $24,005 - $31,320

Focused on utility and economy, this van is available in two wheelbases with seats for up to seven in three rows. There’s more than 100 cubic feet of cargo room; when properly equipped it has a payload of 1620 pounds and can tow 2000 pounds. The base engine is a 169-hp 2.5-liter four; a 178-hp 1.6-liter turbo four is optional. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are standard. With minimal extra power and minimal added fuel economy, we feel the 1.6-liter is not worth the extra cost.

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Toyota Tacoma Price: $25,280 - $43,920

The Tacoma’s ruggedly handsome looks and available off-road gear almost redeem its tight interior and so-so fuel economy. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder making 180 lb-ft of torque is standard and pairs with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic; a 3.5-liter V-6 (265 lb-ft) is optional and mates to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. When properly equipped, the V-6 can tow 6800 lb. For serious adventurers, a TRD Pro trim adds a bevy of appearance upgrades and a heavy-duty suspension.

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Honda Ridgeline Price: $30,415 - $43,910

The Ridgeline’s roomy cabin, ample storage, smooth ride, and innovative touches make its rivals seem outdated—and helped it earn a 2017 10Best award. Its 3.5-liter V-6 makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic; the all-wheel-drive model has a towing capacity of 5000 lb. In our highway-fuel-economy test, the all-wheel-drive version got 28 mpg. An optional bed extender offers extra cargo space; available bed-mounted speakers enhance tailgating festivities.

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Ram Power Wagon Price: $53,015

Based on the three-quarter-ton Ram 2500 crew cab, the Power Wagon returns with more mud on its tires as Ram’s top off-roader. A 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with 410 hp and 429 lb-ft helps it tow 10,030 lb. Peek under the Power Wagon’s 14.3 inches of clearance and you’ll find Bilstein shocks and a skid-plate belly. Potential overlanders will appreciate the standard 12,000-lb Warn winch, electronic-locking diffs, and electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar.

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Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Price: $34,705 - $59,305

Whether at the work site or on the open road, the Silverado 2500HD has the brawn to tackle just about anything. The standard 6.0-liter V-8 makes 380 lb-ft of torque; the optional 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 makes 910 lb-ft and boasts a towing capacity of up to 18,000 pounds. A six-speed automatic is standard. Choose among regular, double or crew cab body styles as well as 6.5- or 8.0-foot bed lengths and a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive for a bevy of available configurations to suit any job.

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