Pickup Trucks in UAE: Prices, Variants & Best Options

Abu Dhabi: The pickup truck market in the UAE is one of the segments that has been growing steadily. Pickups have been mainstream as a lot of buyers now use them beyond their obvious commercial applications, more as lifestyle and utility vehicles. They are not about appearance or fashion but a wide range of applications. To serve such diverse customers, automakers offer multiple pickups catering to almost every need. 

Be it carrying logistics or construction materials to a site in RAK, deploying for small business cargo delivery needs, or just a vehicle that can handle the desert and still look good on Friday, the segment has grown beyond the old work truck-only image. In 2025, it is common to find pickups everywhere across the country, and they are from luxury models with more tech than cars to affordable workhorses that just get the job done. The market is genuinely diverse. Here is a look at the top options for every need, which you can consider.

Toyota Hilux: The leader 

Price Range: AED 115,900 – 155,900

There is no chance the pickup list starts without this legend. The Hilux isn't just popular; it is the ultimate market leader, not this year but for many years now. Toyota has just captured the market with this brilliant pickup that is now not only capable but proven for its purpose. If recent numbers are of any indication, the Hilux remains the top seller in the UAE. And no surprise that this globally popular pickup, and for some serious reasons.

Hilux comes with multiple engine options, including 2.7L petrol (164 hp), 2.4L diesel (147 hp), or the 4.0L V6 Adventure variant (235 hp). That spread covers different needs perfectly.

Here's the reality about the Hilux: over 85% of UAE Hilux owners go past 100,000 km without major repairs, and local fleet managers report trucks exceeding 500,000 km on desert routes with barely a hiccup. That's not marketing talk but a real-life use experience speaking about a vehicle. And so, it proves what happens when you design for heat, dust, and abuse.

With the latest 2025 updates, Toyota has made the Hilux even more compelling with features like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Updated headlights for early morning sand driving, Lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise, features that transform a traditionally tough vehicle into something comfortable on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Customers like the lower ownership costs, and fleet owners know the maintenance is extremely competitive, and easy part availability with Toyota service is hard to beat. On top of that, resale value is strong, and people want Hilux trucks.

Who should buy it: Contractors, small business owners, families who need genuine truck capability, and anyone who has seen what the Hilux can survive. First-time pickup buyers nearly always start here.

Buyer Need	Recommended Truck Model	Reason/Notes
Challenging use	Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max	Reliable in demanding conditions
Modern tech and comfort	Ford Ranger higher trims, Kia Tasman	Latest connectivity and interior experience
Maximum power	Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost, F-150	Highest horsepower
Tight budget but need utility	Isuzu D-Max, pre-owned Hilux	Better value than cheap new imports
Premium luxury	Ford F-150 Platinum, GMC Sierra Denali	Luxury with truck capability

Kia Tasman: New entrant 

Price Range: AED 120,490 – 180,590

This is Kia's first real pickup, and it is newer, fresher, and it aims to disrupt a market that had settled into Toyota dominance. The powertrain is a 2.5L petrol engine, with 277 hp of power on all variants. That's quite a sufficient one for tough applications and meaningful power. The interior feels more modern than the Hilux, notably better materials, cleaner design, and touchscreen tech standard across the range.

Here's what matters: The Tasman is priced to take on the market leader Hilux. Essentially, for the same price as Hilux, Kia is offering a completely new pickup that has more power, stylish and well-equipped. You’re also assured of Kia's solid warranty and superior after-sales support across the country.

The question: Will it hold value like the Hilux? That's unknown, but you can trust the brand Kia for its reliability and quality. While Hilux has decades of proven resale, the Tasman is proving itself now. If you plan to keep the truck 5+ years, the Hilux could be a better choice. If you want the latest tech and don't mind slightly more uncertainty on resale, the Tasman is competitive.

Power-wise, the Tasman edges ahead; in reliability-wise, Hilux has the track record. This is a genuine trade-off for buyers.

Ford Ranger: American pick 

Price Range: AED 139,000 – 195,500

The Ranger splits the difference between compact utility and real power with engine options of 2.0L four-cylinder (168–207 hp) or 2.3L EcoBoost (298 hp). The 4x4 Wildtrak at 195,500 AED is genuinely capable. It comes with better towing capacity than the Hilux in some trims. Modern infotainment. Comfortable cabin. Ford's service presence in the UAE is strong.

But here's where it gets real: The Ranger is more expensive than a comparable Hilux at the same capability level. The running costs are higher, and parts are not as widely available as Hilux. Also, when it comes to resale value, it can’t match the Hilux; buyers prefer Toyota in this market.

But the Ranger is a great choice if you specifically want Ford, fancy American pickups. Like the extra power, or need specific features, because here you are clearly paying a premium

Who should buy it: Buyers who can afford the price and have a more of lifestyle use, Ford loyalists, buyers wanting higher horsepower, and those with towing-specific needs.

Isuzu D-Max: The ultimate budget 

Price Range: AED 110,800 – 131,900

The D-Max is another workhorse that isn’t shiny in terms of look or feel, but it is performance where it matters the most. It is affordable and genuinely capable.

The 3.0L diesel engine, 190 horsepower, is available in manual or automatic. Crew cab seating for 5, and towing capacity matches the Hilux.

The advantage: It's a serious truck at a lower entry price. Isuzu has a solid reputation for durability. Maintenance is cheap, and getting parts is quick and easy. 

The disadvantage: It doesn't have the luxury feel of newer trucks; the cabin is more functional than comfy. The resale value isn't as strong as the Hilux, so basically, it is your everyday pickup to take on all challenging tasks without any concern; it delivers for sure.

Who should buy: For contractors who are purely focused on getting work done without premium comfort, the D-Max is smart.

​​5-Year Ownership Cost Comparison

Model	Price (AED)	Fuel Cost/year (AED)	Service/year (AED)	Insurance/year (AED)	Total Annual Cost (AED)	Resale Value After 5 Years
Toyota Hilux 2.7L GL	1,15,900	3,600	1,200	1,500	6,300	65-70%
Tasman 2.5L LX 2WD	1,20,490	3,000	1,400	1,600	6,000	55-60% (estimated)
Ford Ranger 2.0 4x4	1,70,500	3,300	1,800	1,700	6,800	50-55%
F-150 Regular Cab 5.0	1,83,500	4,500	2,500	2,000	9,000	40-45%

Premium category 

Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra LD

Price Range: AED 183,500 – 424,900 (F-150); AED 167,400 – 303,900 (GMC)

These are full-size American pickups. They're big, powerful, and expensive.

F-150 engines come with 5.0L V8 (400 hp) up to 3.5L Hybrid (430 hp), while the GMC Sierra: 5.3L V8 (310 hp) up to 6.2L (420 hp).

These trucks are for buyers who want luxury, power, and don't worry about fuel costs. The F-150 Platinum feels like a premium SUV with a big cargo deck, and the GMC interior is upmarket with leather, ambient lighting, and the works.

Keep in mind, the fuel economy is lower than expected with a high-power engine, and the service cost is higher. But if you want an American truck with a strong brand and legacy, and don't care about operating efficiency, this is perfect for your needs.

Resale value? Weaker than the Japanese competition. The used market for full-size American pickups in the UAE is smaller.

Who should buy: Those wanting American luxury, business owners using the truck as a status symbol, buyers where fuel costs don't factor into decisions.

The Value Play

Maxus T60 and GWM Wingle

Price: AED 59,900 (Maxus T60); AED 4,990 (GWM Wingle 5)

These are budget pickups. GWM Wingle at AED 40,990 is almost comical pricing for a functioning truck.

Realistic expectations: always remember, these aren't daily driver experiences like a Hilux. They're basic, simple, and they are fine for minor work, but you feel every bump. Interior quality is minimal and almost basic.

But it does serve a purpose. For those customers who need cheap pickup truck capability for occasional cargo moving or light commercial work, the pricing is impossible to argue with. GWM trucks appear in labour camps and small operations throughout the UAE.

Resale value is poor. Dealer support is basic, but then you won’t shell out a lot of money while buying them as compared to a traditional pickup.

The Emerging Segment

Hybrid and Electric

BYD Shark 6 at AED 158,900 is a plug-in hybrid pickup, gets a 1.5L engine plus electric motors, 430 total hp of power. This is the future of the pickup truck industry, and they are slowly making their way into the market. If you care about emissions or want efficiency with power, hybrid pickups are starting to appear. But the market is small, dealer support is limited, and long-term value is unproven.

Fully electric pickups exist globally, but haven't gained real traction in the UAE yet. Charging infrastructure is expanding, but pickup trucks hauling loads don't suit current EV range limitations. But they will ultimately find their way into the UAE sooner or later. 

Conclusion 

In 2025, looking at the pickup segment of the UAE automotive market, there are a lot of options for buyers across budgets and applications. We have world-class pickup right here in the Emirates. And, the choice is quite clear, the Hilux is a safe bet, proven, reliable, strong resale, and low ownership costs. Tasman is new to modern tech and has more power without the premium price of American trucks. The Ranger, if you want a Ford or need that extra 2.3L power for serious towing. The D-Max is a workhorse for budget buyers who want a reliable pickup for their business without luxury. It would be wise to avoid budget Chinese unless you're buying for ultra-short-term or specific fleet use. Similarly, the American full-size pickups are not for everyday use, but more of a lifestyle pickup. 

Before finalising any one, test drive the Hilux and Tasman side by side. Feel the power difference. Check the interior fit and finish. That comparison matters more than any number here. Ultimately, what matters is which matches your actual use, not the one you think you'll use.