Ram EcoDiesel wins 2016 competition
Truck buyers expect a lot from their vehicles and they tend to stay loyal to a brand that delivers.
The criteria for judging pickups is a lot different than for other vehicles.
Savvy manufacturers are delivering ever-increasing levels of standard features and technology. But the most important element is whether it can do the job.
As part of the ninemember judging team of this year’s Canadian Truck King Challenge, I spent two days driving, hauling, towing and off-roading both mid- and full-sized pickup trucks to determine this year’s champions.
The trucks were evaluated over a 17-kilometre drive loop, empty, then laden with 1,000-pound (453-kilogram) payloads, and finally pulling identical 2,000-lb (907-kg) trailers carrying concrete blocks weighing 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg). They were scored on design, ergonomics, noise, vibration and harshness levels and performance, both on- and off-road.
Below is an account of the participating 2015 vehicles.
WINNER: 2015 RAM 1500 ECODIESEL LARAMIE CREW CAB
Last year’s reigning champion returned and again came out the winner.
At $4,700, the diesel engine is expensive — offset by excellent fuel economy and readily available torque. For $1,695, the four-corner air suspension was a big contributor to this truck’s win.
The Ram felt settled over rough washboard roads and adding 453 kg of payload only added to its composure. Towing the 907-kg trailer loaded with 1,184 kg of cargo, the Ram’s automatic load-levelling air suspension and low-end torque made towing seem effortless.
The rutted, muddy offroad course was also a rigorous test of clearance and departure angles. The Ram’s ability to raise an extra two inches gave it an advantage. Base price: $55,995 As tested: $69,300 Engine: 3.0-L V6 EcoDiesel Power: 240 hp, 420 lb-ft of
torque
Transmission: Eight-speed
automatic
Max tow rating: 9,200 lb.
(4,173 kg)
Fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.1 city, 8.8 highway
Rear-axle ratio: 3.55:1
2015 FORD F150 3.5-L ECOBOOST PLATINUM
This good-looking, aluminum bodied truck boasted a roomy interior and high level of content.
Thoughtful touches include a key fob-operated tailgate, automatically deploying running boards and a pop-out step for box access.
On the unloaded drive loops, both F-150s were a little loose in the rear end and felt a bit less stable than the Ram while towing, perhaps due to the stiff side walls of their chunky all-terrain tires. On the off-road section, lower clearance caused it to scrape more and hang up momentarily. Base price: $66,999 As tested: $77,249 Engine: 3.5-L V6 EcoBoost Power: 365 hp, 420 lb.-ft. of
torque
Transmission: Six-speed
automatic
Max tow rating: 10,700 lb.
(4,853 kg)
Fuel economy (L/100 km): 13.3 city, 10.4 highway
Rear-axle ratio: 3.31:1
2015 FORD F150 2.7L ECOBOOST XLT
The impressive 2.7-L V6 F-150 handled the 453 kg of payload well, but took longer to get into the towing torque band. Its FX-4 off-road package with electronic locking rear differential powered us through the steep ruts easily. The lower price and fuel economy make this truck a real bargain. Base price: $41,549 As tested: $56,799 Engine: 2.7-L V6 EcoBoost Power: 325 hp at 5,750 rpm, 375 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
automatic
Max tow rating: 7,600 lb.
(3,447 kg)
Fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.2 city, 9.2 highway
Rear-axle ratio: 3.55:1
2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 HIGH COUNTRY
With its premium interior, Sierra was the group’s luxury cruiser. Notable options included a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple’s CarPlay infotainment and new “kick wave” running board that deploys with the nudge of a foot.
Composed and solid both empty and laden, the Sierra had the most refined ride, yet grew noisy and laboured while towing. While not as effortless as the Ram, the Silverado handled the offroad course with no trouble. Base price: $53,300 As tested: $66,730 Engine: 5.3-L V8 Power: 355 hp, 383 lb.-ft. of
torque
Transmission: Eight-speed
automatic
Max tow rating: 9,200 lb.
(4,173 kg)
Rear-axle ratio: 3.42:1