There are a lot of important factors to consider when you’re shopping for a used truck. You want something with a formidable powertrain, the ability to pull and transport cargo, and something that’s not going to rack up a considerable amount of repair bills. All of these are the basic items that many consumers look for. However, one more factor sometimes gets overlooked, and it relates to enjoyment whenever we’re behind the wheel.
The stereo system has seen a remarkable evolution through the years, from the AM radio to the 8 Track tape, the cassette deck, the CD player, and now to the streaming audio system. If you’re looking at used trucks for sale, the idea of what type of infotainment system you’ll have has at least crossed your mind. While it’s not the most important aspect of choosing a pre-owned vehicle, you do want to be able to enjoy your time behind the wheel. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite pre-owned models when it comes to infotainment and audio systems.
The 2020 Ram 1500
It’s been a few years since Ram separated from Dodge to become the truck-exclusive brand of the Stallanis group. Of all the domestic pickup truck brands, Ram carries a reputation for granting sophistication and refinement to its interiors. For those who like to go big or go home, an available infotainment screen measured out to 12 inches had a unique vertical placement. However, the most impressive feature of the entertainment system was its stereo.
With ten speakers provided by Alpine and an amplifier that possesses 506 watts of power, the 2020 Ram 1500 is a truck that perfectly serves the audiophile in us all. For those looking to take things just a little bit further, a 19-speaker setup with noise cancellation was also available from the experts at Harmon-Kardon. The higher levels of trim came with Sirius XM and real-time navigation.
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline
It’s not just the domestic manufacturers who provide exciting pickup trucks for consumers. And one of the hottest imports is the Honda Ridgeline. Consistently getting excellent reviews from industry insiders for its superior handling and a wide array of standard features, Honda pushed the envelope for entertainment during the 2017 model year. The 8-inch touch screen that connected drivers with HondaLink software and the various entertainment features might have been on the side of normal, but its high-end stereo system that pumped 540 watts of power through eight speakers was more than worth it.
Not only did customers have plenty of sound power to drown out the worries of the world, but a tri-zone climate control ensured maximum comfort, no matter what the weather was like outside. Other highlights included compatibility with Pandora and Sirius XM and satellite navigation to keep you en route and on time to any destination you wished to travel to.
The 2019 Ford F-150
When it comes to the world of pickup trucks, the Ford F-150 needs very little in the way of an introduction. The highest-selling and most popular pickup for several years, the F-150 has been praised for its versatility and how it can be customized to suit any driver’s needs. 2019 was an interesting year for Ford’s flagship product, as this was the year when they removed the CD player from the vehicle.
This was certainly a sign that the entertainment world was changing, and Ford had its pulse on this new age of consumer needs. If there was a collective sigh from those who hold their collections of physical media, the upper trims of the F-150 made up for it with an earth-shaking stereo system from Bang & Olufsen. The ten-speaker system, complete with a subwoofer, worked in conjunction with a digital signal processor for supreme clarity.
The 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500
It would be impossible to mention the F-150 on our list and not do the same for the Chevy Silverado 1500. The rivalry between Ford and Chevy dates back several decades, and determining which brand is superior is certainly a matter of subjection and speculation among the faithful brand loyalists. The upper trims of the Silverado, particularly the High Country, are packed with features that rival most luxury sedans, and the facets of entertainment are no exception to this observation.
A seven-speaker stereo system from Bose equipped with a Richbass subwoofer makes any commute enjoyable. Other features, such as enhanced voice recognition and compatibility with Apple and Android streaming services, allow you to take your favorite apps, music, and other methods of entertainment on the road with you, no matter where your destination might end up. As has been par for the course with many GM vehicles, Sirius XM and OnStar-connected services are included and are in place to maximize the experience.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra
There are plenty of drivers who much prefer the truck designs from years past as opposed to the more curvaceous shapes that are abundant on the marketplace. If you gravitate towards this aesthetic but still want to harness some of the best entertainment features, the 2018 Toyota Tundra offers you the best of both worlds. And nowhere was this more apparent than on the 1794 edition of the Tundra. Not only was the vehicle gifted with an array of special features such as satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation, but Toyota opted to roll out the red carpet in the form of a stereo system from JBL. Twelve speakers are more than enough to help you get in touch with your inner metalhead.
The 2019 GMC Canyon
Some detractors of the GM brand might dismiss the offerings from GMC as nothing more than a decked-out version of Chevy. There is some truth to that, as GMC places more emphasis on luxury and sophistication. Truth be told, they have much more in common with Cadillac than the bow-tie brand. The GMC Canyon, sibling to the Chevy Colorado, is the smaller-sized pickup that offers quite a bit in the way of creature comforts and entertainment.
For those who hold luxury in high regard, there’s no denying that the Denali trim of the GMC Canyon will be more than ideal for your needs. The Denali trim, highly coveted among many, offered drivers a seven-speaker stereo system from Bose, a wireless charging pad, and a mobile hotspot. Decked out from top to bottom in everything you could ask for, this is for those who want to enjoy the ride to its maximum potential.
A Truckload of Entertainment Can Be Yours
While there’s no denying that the pickup truck is often associated with hard work and prowess, they also have plenty of variations that put entertainment and luxury to the forefront of their individual designs. The models we’ve looked at today are exemplary in terms of what they have to offer. No matter what activity you utilize your pickup for, whether it’s the rough and tumble world of off-roading or the occupation obligations of the job site, there’s one common factor: the interior is where you’ll be spending much of your time. No matter what the purpose or the distance might be, these models can provide you with the ideal entertainment to make every moment behind the wheel one that’s thoroughly enjoyable.
