Consumer Reports: Top Pickup Trucks

September 17, 2013 -- Pickup trucks are the top-selling vehicles in America, with nearly two million bought every year.

The Ford F-150 leads the pack in sales. But the new Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 bring some stiff competition. Consumer Reports just compared the three.

Pick up trucks aren't just for hauling stuff around.

More and more they're built for everyday driving.

Full-sized pickups like these have plenty of room and capability. They're pricey though -- stickered at around $42,000.

"Not only can you use them for heavy work or towing, but now they're also civilized enough to serve as family transportation," said Consumer Reports' Tom Mutchler.

Ford's F-150 is the top-seller and the ladder for climbing into the bed is a clever feature. But it doesn't earn top scores in Consumer Reports tests in part because handling isn't agile and the ride isn't refined.

"In our tests, both the Chevy and the Ram outscored the Ford F-150 by a considerable margin," Mutchler said.

Redesigned for 2014, the Chevy Silverado handles well. Plus it gets 16 miles per gallon -- the best fuel economy of any full-size V8 pickup.

"It also has very competitive payload and tow ratings. And it has a low step-in height that makes it easy to get in and out," said Mutchler.

The RAM 1500 trails the competition in sales. It was updated for 2013, plus a unique rear coil spring suspension gives it the best ride of any full-size truck. And the interior is very quiet.

So which one to choose?

"The Silverado's the better truck. It has higher payload and tow ratings. It also is more fuel-efficient. But for everyday commuting if you're not using all that truck capability, the RAM is more luxurious and more pleasant," Mutchler said.

While the sticker price of these trucks is expensive, it's a very competitive market. Consumer Reports says it's worth trying to bargain. You'll likely be able to save thousands of dollars.

All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2008. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not for profit organization which accepts no advertising. It has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site. For more information visit consumerreports.org.

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