Some vehicles fade quietly into the used market, while others carve their names into automotive history. The term “future classic” belongs to the latter — the rare machines that blend performance, design, innovation, and pure emotion so perfectly that enthusiasts are still talking about them decades later. From the turbocharged GMC Syclone of the early ’90s to the roaring 6.2L Gen-1 Raptor, these trucks remind us that sometimes a manufacturer gets everything exactly right. Today, Lifted Trucks takes a look at which modern pickups are destined for that same cult-like immortality in the years to come.
The Ford Raptor Legacy — All Generations, One Icon
If there’s one modern truck that’s already achieved legendary status, it’s the Ford Raptor. The Gen-1 6.2L V8 remains a fan favorite, commanding premium prices on the used market and fueling endless forum debates. The Gen-2 introduced twin-turbo power and a desert-racing suspension, proving Ford wasn’t afraid to evolve. Then came the Raptor R — a supercharged beast that fused muscle-car aggression with Baja-ready durability. Collectors love a vehicle that changed the game, and the Raptor line did exactly that. Expect every Raptor variant to age like fine whiskey — especially the original, which enthusiasts already hail as “the last of the analog off-roaders.”
Ram TRX — The Hellcat of the Desert
The Ram TRX is one of those trucks that screams “future collectible.” With a 702-horsepower supercharged HEMI, it’s the spiritual successor to muscle-era excess. When Stellantis inevitably discontinues the Hellcat engine, the TRX will become a time capsule of American horsepower. From its menacing stance to its launch-control-equipped 4x4 system, the TRX represents a moment in history — the last great battle of internal-combustion insanity before the EV age. In twenty years, expect TRXs to be traded like classic 426 HEMI Chargers — loud, rare, and completely unapologetic.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro — The Overland King
While the Raptor and TRX dominate with brute force, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro earns its legendary status through reliability, capability, and culture. The Tacoma isn’t just a truck — it’s a lifestyle badge. Overlanders, off-road enthusiasts, and even city-dwellers all rally around the Tacoma because it’s bulletproof and endlessly modifiable. The TRD Pro trims, especially from the mid-2010s through the hybridized 2024 generation, will be sought after by collectors for their balance of tech and mechanical simplicity. The “Taco cult” is already real — imagine what 20 more years of nostalgia will do.
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 — Underrated Contender
Future classics aren’t always the flashiest trucks — sometimes they’re the ones enthusiasts realize too late were special. The Silverado ZR2 might fit that mold. With its DSSV Multimatic dampers, factory lift, and wide-body stance, it’s one of the best-balanced off-road platforms GM has ever built. In a market obsessed with horsepower, the ZR2 flies under the radar, which is exactly why it’s likely to skyrocket in collector value once the masses catch on. Think of it as the modern-day sleeper hit — a truck enthusiasts will hunt for once they’ve driven everything else.
GMC Hummer EV — The Electric Titan
Every era has its statement piece, and the Hummer EV might be the one for the 2020s. It’s enormous, overpowered, and packed with tech that feels almost absurdly advanced — crab walk, extract mode, and a thousand horsepower. Whether you love it or roll your eyes at it, you can’t deny that the Hummer EV is bold. And in the collector world, bold always wins. Expect this to become the “’57 Bel Air of EV trucks” — polarizing in its time, but iconic in retrospect.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon — The Wrangler’s Wild Cousin
When Jeep announced the Gladiator, the off-road community collectively leaned forward. It was the first pickup to truly merge the open-air fun of a Wrangler with the utility of a truck bed. While sales were modest at launch, that’s exactly what makes it a sleeper collectible. The Gladiator Rubicon and Mojave trims — with lockers, Fox shocks, and removable doors — offer the most unique off-road driving experience of any production truck. Expect this one to mature into the collector favorite of Jeep purists who want something different but undeniably authentic.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison — Built for the Brave
If the ZR2 is underrated, the ZR2 Bison is practically a secret handshake among off-road enthusiasts. Co-developed with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), the Bison includes heavy-duty skid plates, steel bumpers, and adventure-ready engineering that speaks to the explorer in all of us. Its limited production numbers and partnership with AEV give it the boutique appeal that collectors crave. When you can’t buy one new anymore, the market will chase the few that remain — and pay handsomely.
Honorable Mentions — The Wildcards
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Ford Lightning (Gas-Era Concept & EV Version): Whether it’s the classic SVT Lightning or the all-electric reboot, both will hold cultural weight as bookends of two very different eras.
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Nissan Titan Pro-4X: Often overlooked, but it's 5.6L Endurance V8 is the kind of engine that ages gracefully — simple, torquey, and underappreciated.
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Rivian R1T: The first true adventure-EV pickup. Whether it becomes a mainstream icon or a collector’s novelty depends on how EV culture matures, but early production models will always be special.
Why These Trucks Will Stand the Test of Time
Every truck on this list captures a defining moment in automotive evolution — whether that’s the final roar of combustion engines, the birth of electrified torque, or the perfect harmony of capability and culture. What makes a vehicle a “future classic” isn’t just power or price — it’s passion. It’s the stories they create, the trails they conquer, and the communities they inspire.
And that’s what Lifted Trucks is all about — passion, performance, and the pursuit of what drives us. Whether you’re chasing the next Raptor, hunting for a TRX, or building your own future collectible, our inventory is full of the trucks enthusiasts will still be talking about 20 years from now.
Discover your next future classic today at LiftedTrucks.com.
