Other trucks
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
MSRP: $35,795
Whether at the work site or on the open road, the Silverado 2500HD has the brawn to tackle just about anything. The standard 6.0-liter V-8 makes 380 lb-ft of torque; the optional 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 makes 910 lb-ft and boasts a towing capacity of up to 18,100 pounds. A six-speed automatic is standard. Choose among regular, double, or crew-cab body styles as well as 6.5- or 8.0-foot bed lengths, plus a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive for a bevy of configurations to suit any job.
Ford F-250 Super Duty
MSRP: $34,645
Brutish power and payload capacity remain key traits of the F-250, while aluminum construction brings it into the 21st century. A 6.2-liter V-8 with 430 lb-ft, a max tow rating of 15,000 lb, and a six-speed automatic are standard; a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V-8 with 925 lb-ft and a max tow rating of 18,000 lb is optional. Configurations include regular, SuperCab, and Crew Cab as well as 6.75-ft and 8.0-ft beds. The F-250 boasts a quiet cabin, a compliant ride, and up to six exterior cameras.
Nissan Titan XD
MSRP: $33,335
The not-quite-heavy-duty Titan XD is a tweener tow rig that fills a niche in the cutthroat pickup-truck class. A standard gas V-8 makes 394 lb-ft of torque through a sevenspeed automatic. An optional diesel V-8 (555 lb-ft of torque) has a six-speed automatic and can tow over six tons. Three cabs and two bed lengths include a single cab (8.2foot bed) and extended and crew cabs with a 6.6-foot bed. While less capable than its HD rivals, the Nissan has a comfier ride and is more user friendly.
Ram 2500
MSRP: $34,190
The comfortable, capable 2500 is a muscular workhorse that can be outfitted plain or fancy. Configurations range from the base Tradesman to the deluxe Power Wagon Laramie. It will tow up to 17,980 pounds; payload is 3160 pounds. Two gasoline V-8s — a 400-lb-ft 5.7-liter and a 429-lb-ft 6.4-liter — are offered, both with a six-speed automatic transmission. There’s also a turbo-diesel 6.7-liter inline-six with six-speed manual or automatic; we love the diesel’s 800 lb-ft of torque with the automatic.