Silverado, Ram & Ranger: Truckmania in Detroit
If you've been considering buying a new pickup truck within the next year or so, the 2018 North American International Auto Show had a lot to offer, with each of the big three automakers debuting an all-new truck. With pickups representing such a huge part of the American auto market, there’s going to be a lot riding on these new models, so let’s take a look.
2019 Chevy Silverado
First up is Chevy, which fully debuted the redesigned 2019 Silverado in Detroit. We’d already caught a glimpse last month, but now we know a lot more about Chevy’s new bread-and-butter pickup.
It starts off by offering a larger body with more bed capacity and increased interior space, but the bigger dimensions don’t come at the expense of weight. In fact, Chevy says comparable crew cab V8 models are some 450 pounds lighter than before.
Under the hood, the truck will be offered with six different engine and transmission combos, including 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, along with a new 3.0L Duramax inline-six diesel option also joining the lineup. Mini Duramax? Yes, please.
There are also a couple of new Silverado trims, including the Trail Boss with lifted height, Rancho shocks, locking rear diff and more. There will also be an RST model for those looking for more of a street performance twist.
The Silverado is easily one of GM’s most important vehicles, and when the 2019 model goes on sale this fall, it should have a lot to offer. But it won’t be the only new fullsize truck on the market this year.
2019 Ram 1500
That's because the 2019 Ram 1500 also made its debut in Detroit with its own set of improvements and new features. Like the Silverado, the Ram is both larger, stronger and lighter than its predecessor with a reduction of almost 225 pounds when compared to the outgoing model.
Engine choices are either the 3.6L V6 or 5.7L HEMI V8–both of which feature "eTorque" mild hybrid generator systems that add a torque assist, regenerative braking and help improve fuel economy.
Inside, the cabin has also been completely redesigned, and optional features include an enormous 12-inch touchscreen in the dash, which brings to mind the Tesla Model S.
For the more adventurous types, the Ram Rebel will return to the lineup with a 1-inch suspension lift, Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs, locking rear diff and more.
As with just about all new models these days, the new Ram 1500 should haul more, perform better, get better fuel economy and be more comfortable than its predecessors. It will be on sale later this year.
2019 Ford Ranger
Ford also debuted a new truck in Detroit—but not a fullsize model. Instead, we got the long awaited return of the Ranger to the North American market for the first time since 2012.
A midsize model that has previously been available in other markets outside the U.S., the Ranger is geared toward those who want real truck capability in a package that's more maneuverable and fuel efficient than a fullsize pickup. It will compete with the likes of the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma.
Not surprisingly, the Ranger will have one of Ford's EcoBoost turbocharged engines—the 2.3L four-cylinder currently used in the Explorer and Mustang. The transmission will be a 10-speed automatic.
The Ranger will be available in either 2WD or 4WD configurations with an optional FX4 package that includes off-road spec suspension, skid plates and a terrain management system with modes for four different surfaces.
While each of these trucks will no doubt appeal to their own markets, there's never been a better time to be a new pickup buyer. We can't wait for a chance to get behind the wheel and test them out in the wild.
