Scott Clifton Opens Up on Liam’s Choices
Emmy-winning actor Scott Clifton, who plays Liam Spencer on The Bold and the Beautiful, is candid about one aspect of his character he’s grown increasingly frustrated with: Liam’s endless back-and-forth between women. In a recent interview, Clifton admitted, “I hate that,” referring to the iconic love triangle between Liam, Steffy, and Hope.
While Clifton loves playing Liam, he says some of the soapy tropes that made audiences swoon decades ago now feel outdated—and even unattractive.
Soap Operas Evolve Along With Culture
Clifton explained that in previous decades, the narrative of a man torn between two adoring women was considered the pinnacle of romantic drama. “That was like soap bread and butter for a really long time,” he said, recalling the Ridge, Brooke, and Taylor triangle.
However, he argues that cultural tastes have shifted. “I don’t think we live in that world anymore. We’re at a place now where that’s not only not attractive but beginning to be unattractive,” Clifton said.
This statement signals that the classic soap trope may no longer resonate with modern audiences. Viewers today expect characters to act with more emotional accountability, particularly in relationships.
Perspective Shapes the Performance
For Clifton, the key to portraying Liam is understanding that he’s no longer simply the “hero” of the story. Instead, he acknowledges Liam’s flaws, including how he mishandles his romantic entanglements. “It just means when I’m playing Liam, I’m recognizing that I’m not playing the hero, I’m playing that [bleep] that we all know and tolerate, but we wish that he treated women better,” Clifton explained.
By embracing this perspective, Clifton ensures Liam remains a compelling character while subtly critiquing outdated relationship dynamics. Fans can expect the actor to bring a grounded realism to Liam’s struggles, balancing drama with emotional honesty.
A Turning Point for Liam?
Clifton hints that Liam may be entering a period of personal growth, suggesting the character is poised to “simmer down.” Soap operas have historically thrived on love triangles, but Clifton believes audiences are ready for characters to evolve, showing maturity and self-awareness instead of repeating the same romantic mistakes.
This evolution may signal a shift in the storylines for Liam, potentially bringing more depth to his relationships with Steffy and Hope. As the soap adapts to contemporary expectations, viewers could witness a more nuanced portrayal of love, responsibility, and the consequences of indecision.
Why It Matters to Fans
Soap fans have long been captivated by Liam’s emotional tug-of-war. But as Scott Clifton points out, the days of glorifying romantic indecision may be waning. His candid critique underscores the need for stories that reflect modern values while maintaining the tension and drama audiences crave.
For The Bold and the Beautiful, this could mean a reimagining of traditional love triangles—focusing on character growth, accountability, and realistic emotional stakes. Clifton’s honesty offers fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the thought process shaping Liam’s journey and the show’s creative evolution.
The Ultimate Guide to the Top 10 Iconic Pickup Trucks Defining 2025
For over a century, the pickup truck has been more than just a vehicle; it’s an American institution, a global workhorse, and an emblem of capability and versatility. As we accelerate into 2025, the pickup truck market is experiencing an unprecedented evolution, blending raw power with cutting-edge technology, sustainable powertrains, and sophisticated luxury. From the bustling job sites of North America to the rugged outbacks of Australia and the vibrant markets of Asia, these machines continue to adapt, innovate, and dominate.
Having spent the last decade immersed in the automotive industry, witnessing firsthand the shifts in engineering, consumer demands, and market dynamics, I can confidently say that 2025 represents a pivotal moment for pickup trucks. The competition is fiercer, the technology more advanced, and the choices more diverse than ever before. This isn’t just about horsepower and towing anymore; it’s about smart utility, environmental responsibility, and integrated digital ecosystems.
In this comprehensive expert guide, we’ll dive deep into the ten most iconic pickup trucks that are not only leading their respective markets but also shaping the global landscape for 2025. We’ll explore what makes them legends, what innovations they bring to the forefront, and why they continue to capture the hearts and wallets of truck enthusiasts and commercial operators alike. Get ready to explore the future of rugged utility, refined performance, and significant market impact.
Toyota Tundra: The Reinvigorated Challenger
The Toyota Tundra, once considered a steadfast but understated player in the full-size pickup segment, has emphatically revitalized its presence as we enter 2025. Facing off against the established giants like the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra, the Tundra has shed its conventional skin, emerging as a formidable contender driven by innovative hybrid technology and a bold design philosophy. Its remarkable sales growth in recent years signals a clear message: the Tundra is here to compete, leveraging Toyota’s legendary reliability reputation with modern performance.
Toyota has smartly positioned the Tundra for the 2025 market by focusing on powertrain efficiency and advanced driver-assist systems. While its core dimensions remain optimized for full-size utility, offering generous bed lengths and a commanding stance, the real story for 2025 is its i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. This 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine, delivering an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, not only provides substantial power for demanding tasks but also offers competitive fuel economy, a critical consideration for both individual buyers and commercial fleets facing rising operational costs. The seamless integration of the 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth power delivery, whether hauling heavy loads or cruising the highway.
Inside, the 2025 Tundra pushes the envelope with an intuitive infotainment system, featuring a large touchscreen display and robust connectivity options, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its advanced safety suite, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, comes standard, enhancing driver confidence with features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. This blend of reliability, power, and sophisticated technology makes the Tundra a compelling option for those seeking a modern full-size truck with a strong emphasis on long-term value and reduced truck depreciation rates. The Tundra is no longer just an alternative; it’s a front-runner, particularly for buyers prioritizing long-term ownership benefits and an eco-conscious yet powerful drive.
GWM POER: Asia’s Rising Global Contender
While less known in the North American market, the GWM POER (also marketed as Great Wall P-Series or Cannon in various regions) stands as a monumental force in global pickup truck sales, especially across Asia, Australia, and emerging markets. By 2025, GWM’s strategic expansion has solidified the POER as a critical benchmark for what a modern, globally competitive mid-size to full-size pickup can offer at an accessible price point. Its presence in this top 10 list highlights the shifting dynamics of the global automotive industry forecasts, where new players are making significant inroads.
The POER’s success lies in its multifaceted approach, offering distinct variants – passenger, commercial, and off-road – tailored to diverse consumer needs. This modularity, coupled with options for both short and long beds, allows it to serve as everything from a rugged work truck for construction sites to a comfortable family vehicle or a capable off-road adventure vehicle. The range of powertrains, including efficient 2.0L and 2.4L diesel engines delivering strong torque (up to 480 Nm) and a punchy 2.0L gasoline engine, provides flexibility for various operating environments and fuel preferences. Notably, the off-road variant, equipped with three differential locks, delivers serious off-road capability, challenging more established rivals in its segment.
For 2025, the GWM POER continues to refine its offerings with enhanced cabin technology, improved safety features, and a commitment to competitive pricing. Its growing influence underscores the importance of emerging markets and the increasing quality of Chinese automotive engineering. For US consumers, the POER represents a fascinating case study in how global competitors are innovating, potentially influencing future compact and mid-size truck segments even if direct import isn’t immediate. It’s a testament to how intelligent design and market-specific tailoring can create an iconic status on a global scale.
Ford Maverick: The Disruptive Urban Utility Vehicle
Ford, a name synonymous with pickup truck innovation, has three entries on this prestigious list, underscoring its enduring dominance. The Ford Maverick, though a relatively recent introduction (production began in late 2021), has already carved out a significant niche and by 2025, it’s a fully established disruptor. It challenges the conventional wisdom that bigger is always better, instead championing compact versatility and exceptional fuel efficiency pickups for the modern urban landscape. This game-changer has ignited a new interest in the small truck market, proving that significant utility can come in a smaller, more affordable package.
The Maverick’s genius lies in its unibody construction, borrowing engineering principles from SUVs to deliver a more car-like ride comfort, yet still providing the practicality of an open bed. Its compact dimensions, including a practical 4.5-foot bed (1400 mm depth), make it incredibly maneuverable in city environments where larger trucks struggle. The standard 2.5L hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 191 horsepower, remains a cornerstone of its appeal for 2025, offering segment-leading EPA-estimated fuel economy that significantly reduces truck ownership costs. An optional 2.0L EcoBoost engine provides a more traditional punch for those needing extra grunt.
What makes the Maverick truly iconic for 2025 is its value proposition. With a starting price point that often undercuts even small sedans, it opens up pickup truck ownership to a broader demographic, appealing to first-time buyers, urban dwellers, and small business owners who don’t require immense towing capacity but need versatile cargo solutions. Its innovative “FLEXBED” system, featuring customizable tie-downs and provisions for DIY accessories, speaks to a new generation of users. The Maverick embodies smart design and affordability, proving that utility doesn’t have to break the bank or compromise on practicality, making it a critical player in the evolving landscape of truck market trends.
Isuzu D-MAX: The Unyielding Global Workhorse
The Isuzu D-MAX, a name that resonates with rugged dependability across countless international markets, maintains its status as an iconic global pickup in 2025. While its direct market share in the US remains limited, its unwavering popularity in Australia, Southeast Asia (particularly Thailand and the Philippines), and parts of Africa and Europe speaks volumes about its engineered resilience and practical utility. Introduced first in 2002, the D-MAX has continuously evolved, solidifying its reputation as a mainstream commercial pickup truck and a reliable everyday driver in its dominant regions.
For 2025, the D-MAX continues to be lauded for its robust build quality and exceptional durability, qualities highly prized by fleet vehicle solutions and individual owners in demanding environments. Its pragmatic design prioritizes function and longevity, ensuring it can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use. The core powertrain, often featuring a highly efficient and torquey 1.9L diesel engine (130 kW/410 Nm), paired with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivers the necessary grunt for towing and hauling while maintaining commendable fuel efficiency – a key factor in its global appeal.
Modern iterations of the D-MAX have seen significant improvements in cabin comfort, advanced safety features, and infotainment systems, bringing it more in line with contemporary expectations without sacrificing its fundamental robustness. It offers a balanced blend of practical dimensions and capable performance, making it an ideal choice for a diverse range of tasks, from agricultural support to urban deliveries. The D-MAX’s continued presence on this global list is a testament to its tried-and-true formula, reminding us that sometimes, steadfast reliability and practical design trump cutting-edge luxury, especially in markets where truck ownership costs and long-term durability are paramount.
Ford Ranger: The Versatile Mid-Size Dynamo
The Ford Ranger, often affectionately dubbed the “mini F-150” by enthusiasts, has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the global mid-size pickup segment. For 2025, the Ranger continues to impress with its blend of formidable capability, advanced technology, and a design aesthetic that clearly draws inspiration from its full-size sibling while offering a more agile footprint. It represents a sweet spot for buyers who need more capability than a compact truck but find a full-size too unwieldy or expensive, making it a key player in the fiercely competitive mid-size trucks category.
What makes the 2025 Ranger iconic is its commitment to versatility. Its global platform benefits from extensive testing in some of the world’s toughest conditions, resulting in a truck that is exceptionally robust for both on-road comfort and serious off-road excursions. The latest generation brings a refreshed design, a more premium interior, and significant technological upgrades. Under the hood, the Ranger offers potent engine options, including a proven 2.3L EcoBoost gasoline engine (190 kW/450 Nm) known for its strong performance and responsiveness. In many international markets, a powerful 2.3L diesel engine (137 kW/470 Nm) provides optimal torque for heavy hauling and towing. These powertrains are typically mated to sophisticated 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmissions, optimizing efficiency and driver engagement.
The Ranger’s interior for 2025 features an advanced infotainment system with available large portrait-oriented screens, robust connectivity, and a suite of driver-assist technologies. Its enhanced towing and payload capacities make it a go-to choice for contractors, adventurers, and families needing a capable utility vehicle without the bulk of a full-size. With its strong resale value trucks and robust aftermarket support, the Ford Ranger provides an exceptional balance of practicality, performance, and modern amenities, ensuring its status as a top-tier global pickup for years to come.
Ram 1500: The Redefined Luxury Workhorse
The Ram 1500, a brand that proudly carved its own identity from Dodge in 2009, continues to redefine expectations for what a full-size pickup truck can be in 2025. Moving beyond mere utility, the Ram 1500 has become synonymous with a luxurious, comfortable, and technologically advanced driving experience, all while maintaining its legendary capability. Its rich heritage dates back to the first Ram series in 1981, and today, models like the 1500, 2500, and 3500 represent the pinnacle of innovation and design in the heavy-duty pickups and light-duty segments.
For 2025, the Ram 1500’s iconic status is cemented by its class-leading interior quality, which rivals many luxury SUVs. Features like premium leather, real wood accents, and an expansive Uconnect infotainment system with a massive vertical touchscreen (often 12-inch or larger) set it apart. The emphasis on ride comfort, thanks to its unique multi-link coil spring rear suspension (and available air suspension), further enhances its appeal as a daily driver and long-distance cruiser.
Under the hood, Ram continues to offer a compelling range of powertrains. The eTorque mild-hybrid system on the 3.6L V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 engines provides improved efficiency and smoother stop/start functionality, appealing to buyers looking for a balance of power and hybrid pickup benefits. For ultimate performance, the beastly 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 in the TRX variant continues to dominate the high-performance off-road segment, a true luxury pickup with untamed power. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (though its future is evolving, still present in specific markets for 2025) offers robust torque and excellent fuel economy for those demanding maximum efficiency and towing prowess. With innovative storage solutions like the RamBox cargo management system and its undeniable blend of capability and refinement, the Ram 1500 stands as a benchmark for modern, sophisticated truck ownership.
GMC Sierra: The Premium Professional Grade
The GMC Sierra, General Motors’ premium full-size pickup, solidifies its “Professional Grade” reputation in 2025 by offering a compelling blend of robust capability, upscale appointments, and cutting-edge technology. Since replacing the C/K series in 1988, the Sierra has evolved into a distinctive option, positioning itself as a more refined and feature-rich alternative to its Chevrolet Silverado sibling, particularly appealing to buyers seeking a luxury pickup experience combined with serious work credentials.
For 2025, the Sierra distinguishes itself with its exclusive MultiPro Tailgate, an engineering marvel offering six distinct functions to enhance loading, accessing, and working from the truck bed. This innovation alone sets a high bar for truck technology and utility. The interior continues to impress with higher-grade materials, advanced infotainment systems, and features like available Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s expected in a pickup. Its Denali Ultimate trim, in particular, offers an unparalleled level of luxury and sophistication, including exquisite open-pore wood trim and full-grain leather.
Powertrain options for the 2025 Sierra are diverse and powerful, catering to a wide range of needs. From robust gasoline V6 and V8 engines (including the popular 5.3L V8 and the potent 6.2L V8) to the highly acclaimed 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, the Sierra delivers ample horsepower and torque for advanced towing technology and heavy hauling. The 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across most high-output configurations, ensuring smooth shifts and optimized performance. With specialized AT4 and AT4X variants enhancing off-road performance and its commanding presence, the GMC Sierra remains an iconic choice for discerning buyers who demand professional-grade capability wrapped in a premium package.
Toyota Hilux: The Indestructible Global Legend
The Toyota Hilux, a name synonymous with unparalleled durability and rugged reliability, continues its reign as an undisputed global legend in 2025. First launched in 1968, the Hilux has transcended mere transportation, becoming a cultural icon celebrated for its ability to withstand virtually any challenge thrown its way. Dominant in markets like Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of South America, it stands as a testament to engineering excellence under extreme conditions. While not a primary player in the US full-size market, its global significance in the truck market trends cannot be overstated.
For 2025, the Hilux maintains its reputation for being practically indestructible, a quality that drives its popularity among tradespeople, off-road enthusiasts, and aid organizations worldwide. Its balanced performance, combining agile handling with robust payload capacity, makes it a supremely versatile vehicle for everything from urban deliveries to navigating remote, unpaved terrain. The Hilux typically features a compact to mid-size footprint, optimizing maneuverability without sacrificing utility.
Powertrain options for the 2025 Hilux are geared for reliability and efficiency under strenuous use. Common offerings include a dependable 2.7L gasoline engine (often serving as a base model), and highly efficient 2.4L and 2.8L turbo-diesel engines known for their strong low-end torque and longevity. Rumors of a hybrid version for 2025 further cement Toyota’s commitment to evolving the Hilux while maintaining its core affordability and rugged character. This potential hybrid pickup variant would aim to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions without compromising the truck’s legendary toughness. The Hilux is more than just a truck; it’s a global phenomenon, a symbol of resilience, and an undeniable leader in the world of capable, reliable pickups.
Chevrolet Silverado: The Enduring American Icon
Chevrolet’s heritage in pickup trucks stretches back to 1918, a testament to its deep roots in American industry. For 2025, the Chevrolet Silverado continues to stand as one of the most iconic and popular full-size trucks on the market, a direct and fierce competitor to the Ford F-Series. Known for its strong performance, broad range of configurations, and robust construction, the Silverado caters to a vast spectrum of buyers, from commercial fleets to families and off-road adventurers.
As we look at 2025, the Silverado has leaned heavily into technological innovation and diverse powertrain offerings. Its array of V6 and V8 engine options, including the powerful 6.2L V8 and the torquey 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, ensures there’s a powerplant for every need, whether prioritizing towing capacity or fuel efficiency. The 10-speed automatic transmission, common across many trims, optimizes power delivery and efficiency. Furthermore, the 2025 market is seeing the continued rollout and adoption of the Silverado EV, an all-electric variant that promises groundbreaking range, power, and utility, directly challenging competitors in the burgeoning electric trucks 2025 segment.
The Silverado’s interior for 2025 has been significantly upgraded in recent years, offering a more refined and technologically advanced cabin. Large infotainment screens, digital gauge clusters, and advanced driver-assist systems (like Super Cruise on select trims) elevate the driving experience. Its multi-flex tailgate, similar to GMC’s MultiPro, adds significant versatility to its bed. With a starting price that often presents a competitive edge over the base F-150, the Silverado offers compelling value without sacrificing capability. Its broad appeal, from the fundamental work truck to the luxurious High Country or the adventurous ZR2, ensures its enduring status as a cornerstone of the American pickup truck landscape.
Ford F-Series: The Undisputed King of the Road
There is simply no disputing the Ford F-Series’ position at the pinnacle of the pickup truck world. For decades, it has not only been America’s best-selling truck but also its best-selling vehicle, a feat that continues unabated into 2025. The F-Series represents the ultimate blend of innovation, reliability, sheer capability, and a relentless commitment to meeting the diverse demands of its millions of owners. From the F-150 light-duty to the Super Duty models, this lineup defines the segment.
For 2025, the F-Series, particularly the F-150, is a technological marvel. Ford has consistently pushed boundaries, introducing groundbreaking features like Pro Power Onboard, which turns the truck into a mobile generator, offering significant utility for job sites and outdoor adventures. The interior is a hub of advanced truck technology, featuring large digital displays, over-the-air updates, and sophisticated driver-assist systems like BlueCruise for hands-free driving on designated highways. These innovations make the F-Series not just a vehicle, but an integrated partner for work and lifestyle.
Under the hood, the F-Series offers an unparalleled range of powertrains. The formidable 3.5L EcoBoost V6, delivering robust horsepower and torque (e.g., 311 kW/684 Nm in performance trims), remains a favorite for its blend of power and efficiency. The venerable 5.0L V8 provides a classic truck feel, while the PowerBoost full-hybrid option offers segment-leading efficiency without compromising capability. Critically, the Ford F-150 Lightning, the all-electric variant, is fully integrated into the 2025 lineup, providing impressive range, blistering acceleration, and innovative storage like the mega power frunk, setting the standard for electric trucks 2025.
The F-150 Raptor and F-150 Tremor continue to dominate the high-performance and serious off-road capability segments, showcasing Ford’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a truck can do. With its immense popularity, robust aftermarket support (offering countless truck accessories), and continuous innovation, the Ford F-Series is more than just a vehicle; it’s an American legend, a global benchmark, and the undisputed leader in the truck market. Its ability to constantly reinvent itself while staying true to its core values ensures its iconic status well into the future.
The Road Ahead: Choosing Your Icon
The pickup truck market of 2025 is a vibrant, competitive, and innovative landscape, offering more choices and capabilities than ever before. Each of these ten iconic trucks, whether a global workhorse or an American legend, brings a unique blend of power, technology, and versatility to the table. From the groundbreaking efficiency of the Ford Maverick to the opulent strength of the Ram 1500 and the undeniable dominance of the Ford F-Series, there’s a perfect machine designed to tackle every challenge and fulfill every aspiration.
As the industry hurtles towards an increasingly electrified and digitally connected future, these trucks will continue to evolve, integrating even smarter systems, more sustainable powertrains, and enhanced comfort features. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, the decision isn’t just about buying a truck; it’s about investing in a partner that reflects your needs, your lifestyle, and your vision for the future.
Ready to experience the next generation of power and innovation? Explore these iconic pickup trucks, compare their advanced features, and test drive the future. Discover the perfect truck that doesn’t just meet your demands, but elevates your entire journey into 2025 and beyond. The open road, and endless possibilities, await.
