In the argument over which pickup truck is better – the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 – each has its fans.
But Consumer Reports picked sides. Two sides to be exact.
“In a heavy-metal duel between two top pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s ‘Excellent’ road-test score makes it Consumer Reports’ top-rated truck,” the product-testing organization said of its two top-rated trucks. But CR testers said the second-place Ram 1500 “may be a better daily driver.”
Consumer Reports previously tested the Ford F-150 XLT, which was outscored by Ram and Silverado.
“The reality is that you can’t go wrong with either one,” said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports. “Both are capable trucks that get decent gas mileage and are as quiet inside as a good luxury car.”
“The Silverado edged the Ram in several areas important to pickup truck owners,” Consumer Reports said in a press release. “It has a much larger cargo bed, several hundred pounds greater payload capacity, and it can tow a heavier trailer – up to 11,200 pounds. … Its tailgate is easy to raise and lower, and handy corner bumper steps help with climbing into the bed.
“The Silverado also has a lower step-in height than the Ram, aiding cabin access. Handling is more agile, and the Silverado delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 16 mpg overall – one mpg better than the Ram. That could save owners about 50 gallons of gas per year.”
For owners who use their trucks more for day-to-day driving, CR testers found the Ram is “a nicer place to spend your time. It rides better, thanks to its unique rear coil spring suspension. The interior is also more comfortable with better front seats, a nicer rear seat, and a slightly friendlier control layout.”
“The Ram also brings its own impressive workhorse credentials,” the organization said. “Its driver-selectable full-time four-wheel-drive system works well, and the truck scrambled up Consumer Reports’ rock hill with ease. It can tow up to 9,950 pounds when properly equipped. The truck pulled Consumer Reports’ 5,000-pound trailer to 60 mph in 14.9 seconds, a strong showing.”
Complete tests results for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 appear in the November issue of Consumer Reports, on newsstands October 5.
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