Thursday, May 28, 2015

Truckin': Every Full-Size Pickup Truck Ranked from Worst to Best

-Pickups haven't always led such a charmed life. Back in the dark ages, when trucks were the sole province of tradesmen, farmers, and other commercially minded operators, looks and luxury weren't part of the plan. But a few decades back, the buying public began to see the beauty in the rugged utility they offered, and sales took off as more folks adopted them as their daily vehicles.---Now, of course, pickups are routinely the top-selling vehicles of any calendar year, and manufacturers have engaged in a nonstop game of one-upmanship, adding features, capability, and technology on an almost yearly basis. To keep tabs on the ever-evolving segment, we grab seat time in and strap our test gear to the latest pickups at every available opportunity. The competition has never been more fierce—so buckle up.-Having been barely changed from its 2004 debut, the Titan was seemingly the truck that time forgot—at least until an all-new 2016 Titan was introduced at the 2015 Detroit auto show. While the remaining examples of the current model are powered by a 317-hp V-8 teamed with a five-speed automatic, the 2016 Titan will arrive at first packing a Cummins turbo-diesel V-8 producing 310-horsepower and 555-lb-ft of twist mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. (2016 Nissan Titan Pro 4X shown)-Slated to hit showrooms in mid-to-late 2015, the new Titan will initially be available only in extra-strength XD guise with the Cummins V-8 diesel. Nissan will roll out additional gasoline V-8 and V-6 options soon after the XD's late-summer launch, as well as a conventional, lighter-duty version, but full details on those haven't been released yet. Count on test results and driving impressions as soon as we get our hands on a 2016 Titan. (2016 Nissan Tittan XD shown)-2017 Ford Raptor-2017 Ford Raptor-The oft-snubbed Toyota Tundra got a makeover for the 2014 model year. Available with a myriad of body styles, bed lengths, and two- or four-wheel-drive, as well as offering either a 310-hp 4.6-liter V-8 or a 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8, the Tundra can be tailored to your needs. While the makeover brought some bold styling cues, a more competitive tow capability, and a beautifully finished interior, the finished product is still a little less cohesive than its competitors. (2014 Toyota Tundra Limited shown)-We love the Tundra in Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Series 4x4 guise, and we found the more sedate TRD Off Road package a steal of a deal in our test of the 2014 Tundra. Still, this is a fiercely competitive segment, and one where the domestic makers never rest. (2014 Toyota Tundra Limited shown)-From work-truck basic to leather-lined luxury rig, the Ram 1500's smooth ride, comfortable seats, and tons of storage make it a tool worth consideration. A 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 is standard, but a 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is optional. A brawny and efficient 240-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 is also available. All are mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic with either rear- or four-wheel drive. (2015 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Limited shown)-We're thrilled that Ram still offers a two-door -Completely updated for 2014, GMC's pickup twin to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers all the basics done well, plus muscle, adult styling, and tons of goodies. The hugely improved 4.3-liter V-6 is an outstanding base engine, thanks to an impressive 305 lb-ft of torque coupled to a 24-mpg highway rating, and it's joined by two V-8 options—displacing 5.3- or 6.2 liters—that offer more than 400 horsepower for big towing jobs. (2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali shown)-Although it's technically in third place here, the GMC Sierra really occupies second-second place, as it shares most of its mechanical bits with the Silverado. But the additional bling and the opportunity to spec a slightly more luxe interior comes at a price. For that privilege and a little exclusivity, you'll likely pay more at the dealer. (2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali shown)-In a pickup market gone fancy, the Chevrolet Silverado largely sticks to its basic-truck recipe, but even the bow-tie truck offers a luxe-grade trim: the High Country shown here. Yet no matter which Silverado you choose, the steering is accurate and the handling more like that of a big car than a big truck. Unfortunately, while the truck was largely revamped for 2014, the exterior styling closely resembles the previous generation's. -(2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country Crew Cab 4x4 shown)-A 4.3-liter V-6 makes 305 lb-ft of torque and is rated for 24 mpg highway; optional 5.3- and 6.2-liter V-8s stand ready with greater towing and hauling capabilities. There's no shame in coming in second here, it's just that Chevy's crosstown rival has upped the ante. (2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country Crew Cab 4x4 shown)-The battle for pickup-truck supremacy rages on, with-We respect Ford's gamble to switch up the way the truck game is played by implementing an aluminum body, which very well could alter the way the entire industry designs and builds passenger vehicles from here on out. In a segment this profitable, it takes some cojones to go against the grain. Always a top contender, it's the F-150's seamless blend of technology and traditional truck values that put it on top in its first comparison test, where it edged out the Chevy. (2015 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 shown)--

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