The perfect pickup for Father's Day

The king of the pickup trucks underwent a thorough renovation a couple of years ago, modernizing with more efficient engines and lighter architecture, but that hasn't reduced its capabilities. The F-150 remains very configurable, with different bed and cabin sizes, letting it fit Dad's needs like a glove. More recent models are getting the all-new Ford Sync 3 infotainment system, another modern improvement to this classic pickup.

Base price: $26,430

Standout feature: Pro Trailer Backup Assist -- technology to help drivers maneuver trailers while reversing.

Honda will return to the midsize pickup truck segment when it rolls out a second-generation Ridgeline later this spring. The unibody pickup should provide Dad with superior on-road comfort and NVH compared to its full-frame competition to go along with trick features such as a dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk. Powering all Ridgelines will be 3.5-liter V-6 in either a front- or all-wheel-drive configuration. Inside, an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system is available, and will be compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Base price: TBD

Standout feature: In-bed audio system -- An available 540-watt in-bed sound system and 400-watt AC power outlet will make the Ridgeline a perfect base of operations for tailgate parties.

When it comes to playing in the dirt, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has long been the go-to truck for desert-running enthusiasts. A new Multi-Terrain Select feature means this pickup can get itself out of most anything you get it into. Engine options include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a larger 3.5-liter V6. You can even get the Tacoma with a six-speed manual. An optional towing package adds extra oomph to drag 6400 pounds. Inside is Toyota's lightning-fast Entune infotainment system, as well as wireless charging for your smartphone and an integrated GoPro mount.

Base price: $23,300

Standout feature: Crawl control -- This super-low gear can get you over rocks or through a silt bed like it ain't no thang.

The "premium" member of GM's midsize pickup truck lineup offers a few swankier design treatments over its Chevrolet Colorado cousin. The Canyon is available in extended or crew cab body styles, offers a trio of engine choices and various trim levels to enable the old man to spec it out to his liking. An updated Intellilink for 2016 adds Apple CarPlay to go along with available OnStar 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities.

Base price: $20,955

Standout feature: Diesel engine - A 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel provides 369 pound-feet of torque, while returning up to 31 mpg on the highway.

Although not quite as fancy as its cousin, the GMC Canyon, the Chevrolet Colorado offers plenty of interior space and an towing package that's good for 7,000 pounds. A tiny 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, but Dad will want either the 3.6-liter V6 or the excellent 2.8-liter Duramax diesel. Hard-rockin' dads will appreciate the upgraded Bose sound system and the satellite radio.

Base price: $20,995

Standout feature: 4G/LTE data connection and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot -- For the dad who needs to check Twitter on the go, the Colorado is his truck.

If, in the age-old US debate, Dad favors a Chevy truck over a Ford, then the Silverado is the full-size pickup for him. Pick your cab and bed size for the perfect combination of passenger and cargo capability. In High Country trim, shown here, the Silverado is a Cowboy Cadillac, boasting saddle leather-covered heated and cooled seats to enhance everyday comfort. And as with most GM cars, you can get OnStar for connected safety and the Chevrolet MyLink system, with navigation and digital audio sources.

Base price: $27,095

Standout feature: Z71 Offroad Package -- Factory prep the Silverado for offroad work or recreation with skid plates, heavy-duty shocks and automatic locking rear differential.

With its Cummins turbo-diesel engine and pliant suspension, the Nissan Titan XD hits a sweet spot for capabilities and comfort. It can tow loads up to 12,300 pounds and its crew cab features a front bench seat, so you can also fit six passengers. Dads will find the passenger and cargo capacity makes the Titan XD a very flexible full-size pickup, good for work and play.

Base price: $40,290

Standout feature: 40/20/40 split front bench seat -- The front seat can be configured for three, or the fold-down console can give two front passengers convenient drink holders.

If Dad likes the rumble of a V8, the Toyota Tundra is his jam. The available 5.7-liter V8 puts out 381 horsepower, 401 pound-feet of torque and a rumbly exhaust note so everyone will know he's coming down the street. This full-size pickup is available with blind-spot monitoring, back-up camera and rear cross traffic warning to help him navigate the mean streets of Anytown, U.S.A. The cabin includes heated and cooled front seats and a 7-inch touchscreen with split-display and Toyota's Entune infotainment technology. The towing package is good for 9,900 pounds, plenty to haul the toys on the weekend.

Base price: $29,950

Standout feature: Storage space -- The center console is large enough to hold a lap top and there is storage below the center stack and on the passenger side of the console. With 13 cup and bottle holders scattered throughout the cabin, Dad will always have a place for his coffee.

GMC's Sierra pickup comes in a variety of configurations, but the 2500 HD shown here takes advantage of a powerful 6.6-liter diesel engine for massive towing capability. Despite its rugged body-on-frame architecture, the Denali trim crew cab offers substantial comfort for four or five passengers, so Dad doesn't have to leave the family behind. The available MyLink infotainment system shows a simple icon-based interface for navigation, hands-free phone and digital audio, while OnStar provides a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

Base price: $33,535

Standout feature: DuraMax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8 engine, with 765 pound-feet of torque

Ram offers its pickup in 12 different trim levels, from the most basic Tradesman model all the way up to Limited, with stops at Big Horn and Rebel along the way. Consider different bed choices and optional four-wheel-drive, and dad gets a lot of choice among these big haulers. Ram keeps it modern with the UConnect navigation system, integrating useful apps such as online search and Yelp.

Base price: $26,145

Standout feature: 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 engine -- Although smaller than diesel engines in other full-size pickups, Ram's Ecodiesel manages 420 pound-feet of torque and average fuel economy in the mid-20s.