MPG king: Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon
tail lamps and available HID headlamps. It’smuch sexier.
Sierra’s newest member is the sinister Elevation Edition that flashes 20-inch wheels, body-color trimand all-terrain tires. GMC’s gentrified Denali line, 13.4 percent of Sierra sales, returns with 20-inch wheels, Bose audio, wireless phone charging and heated steering wheel. Corvette-derivedMagnetic Ride Control tames all roads.
CornerStep rear bumpers, LED cargo lighting and EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate improve utility across the range while 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto ensure connectivity. Powertrains range froma 285-hp V-6 engine to 355-hp and 420hp V-8 engines, connected to 6- and 8-speed transmissions.
Closing in: Chevy Silverado 1500
Sierra’s blue collar sibling, and essentially the same truck, is redesigned with a sexier hood, bolder horizontal grille and LED driving lights. Projector beams and LED tail lamps illuminate luxury LTZ and High Country models. High Country is further distinguished by power steps, saddle leather, Bose audio and 22-inch wheels. Eight-speed transmissions join 5.3-liter V8-equipped LTZ and High Country models. even better in black on the Rebel off-road special that employs an air suspension, increased ride height, skid plates, and tow hooks to tramp through Hades. Rebel interiors dress with seat inserts with tire-tread pattern and red stitching.
Underpinning Ram’s tough truck reputation are engines that range from a 29-MPG diesel to a 305hp V-6 engine and 395-hp HEMI V-8 engine. All come with TorqueFlite 8-speed transmissions. Start-stop technology and active grille shutters enhance fuel efficiency.
The Texan: Toyota Tundra
Tundra’s biggerthan-Texas persona is fortified with freshened front styling on SR5 and 1794 Editions, but Toyota devotees will covet the TRD off-roader with its old school TOYOTA grille, aluminum skid plate, black trim, 18-inch black alloys and suspension lift. Fuel tanks increase from 26.4 to 38 gallons on 1794/TRD Pro editions.
Tundra began as a larger option for Tacoma buyers but stands on its own with the ranch-themed 1794 Edition that corrals saddle leather-trimmed seats and suede interior accents. Toyota’s Entune infotainment system can be optioned with JBL speakers, navigation, Siri Eyes Free, and App Suite that adds Slacker Radio.
Powertrain choices are limited to a 310-hp 4.6-liter V-8 or 381-hp 5.7-liter V-8.
Proving it’s all hat and cattle, Tundra is built in San Antonio, Texas.
MIDSIZE
Don’t need the hauling capacity of a fullsize truck, or want something more urban- and garage-friendly? One
Resurrected for 2015, GM’s midsize twins play like big boys with the addition of a diesel and upgraded infotainment options. A segment exclusive, the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 369 lbs.-ft. of torque that, at 31 mpg highway, gets the best fuel economy of any pickup. Diesels tow up to 7,700 pounds and come standard with integrated trailer brake controllers and exhaust braking. Drivers will also appreciate the addition of Apple CarPlay for smartphones, 4GWi-Fi hot spot, lane departure warning and forward collision alert systems. Look for a Canyon Denali to debut next year.
Hey, McFly!: Toyota Tacoma
MartyMcFly’s pickup arrives in the future with a beefier design and bicycles/gear bed attachments. Gadgets include a GoPro mount under the rearview mirror, app-based Entune infotainment system, JBL speakers and wireless phone charging. Turn wheels with a 159-horsepower 2.7-liter I-4 engine or 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine for up to 6,800 pounds towing. All we’remissing is a production version of the recent “Back to the Future” concept that cribs the original’s black paint, jacked suspension and KC spotlights.
In search of a new frontier: Nissan Frontier
Ready for a redesign, Frontier slogs forward with its durable reputation intact. Updates include aMoonroof Package for Crew Cab SV models and three new colors: Forged Copper, Gun Metallic and Magnetic Black. A full array of body and trimconfigurations are powered by a 261-hp V-6 engine and 152hp four-cylinder engine. Check the Desert Runner package (4x2, V-6) for a ridge between off-road fun and on-road performance.
THE LONG HAUL
Falling in love with a pickup may be good for your finances, but consider options carefully.
“Pickup trucks have done really well lately,” said Anil Goyal, vice president of Blackbookauto. com. “Historically, trucks retained 45 percent of their value after three years. Now, demand is up; trucks retain 63 percent of their original price after three years. On higher trim levels, values tend to go down more on a percent basis,” Goyal said. “In used vehicles, it’s more of a value buyer. If you’re buying for the short term, look at more basic models. If long-term, do what you want.”
WHAT ABOUT DIESEL?
“Diesel pays off,” Goyal said. “There’s a $6,000 premium for diesel and you retain 80 percent of that after three years.”
Most important; open your mind to possibilities.
“Drive them,” Gonderman said. “All vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses, but there’s honestly not a bad truck in the bunch. Don’t let bias or brand loyalty dictate the purchase.”