Best Pickup Truck of the Year: 2019 Nominees
Each year, the editors of both Cars.com and PickupTrucks.com get together to determine which all-new or significantly revised models for the past model year deserve to be called the Pickup Truck of the Year. Key watchwords for this contest are power, capability and value, and we only allow select judges to offer their opinions if they've driven a good selection of the different models offered by each qualifying manufacturer.
Related: 2019 North American Truck of the Year Nominees Announced
This year, four pickups made the cut. Here's a few brief descriptions and highlights of each player. Our winner will be announced Jan. 31. Which do you think will win?
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: The latest generation half ton from Chevrolet offers an all-new frame and newly tuned front and rear suspension, as well as a new front grille design and larger, heavily reworked interior. The new truck is more aerodynamic, lighter by more than 400 pounds, stiffer and offers eight different trim packages, including two lifted 4x4 Trail Boss versions with up to 33-inch tires. Lastly, the new Silverado 1500 will have a new six-engine powertrain lineup that will include both a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as well as a coming I-6 turbo-diesel option - versions of both the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8 engines will be available, as well. Pricing for the trims range between $30,000 to well above $65,000.
Ford F-150 Power Stroke: Although not an all-new model, the 2019 Ford F-150 did offer an all-new powertrain in the most competitive half-ton class we've seen in decades. The all-new, turbocharged 3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6 diesel is rated at 440 pounds-feet of torque and is EPA-estimated to get a class-leading (along with the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel) 30 mpg on the highway. The new diesel engine comes standard with a new 10-speed transmission and is offered in lower trim packages in fleet and commercial dealerships, while mid- to higher-trim packages will have the diesel choice at regular Ford dealerships. Prices range for mid- to top-trim packages from around $46,000 to more than $68,000.
GMC Sierra 1500: The GMC Sierra 1500 shares many of the upgrades and improvements that have been noted for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (platform, suspension, powertrains, interior) but also benefits from a restyled front grille area and body panels, as well as a choice of interior materials and textures. Additionally, the GMC brand offers a better top-of-the-line Denali premium package that delivers unique suspension capabilities (active-ride shock absorbers) and a class-exclusive MultiPro Tailgate system, which allows for a six-position tailgate feature that allows for more versatility in load carrying and bed access. Prices range from around $35,000 to just under $70,000.
Ram 1500: The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 has been getting a lot of attention because Ram has also done a complete redesign of their biggest-selling pickup just when trucks are the hot commodity. Although engineers upgraded the frame for better towing and payload numbers, they smartly kept their retuned coil-spring and air suspension choices the same while improving a few other features. All cab models are larger and quieter than before, with crew-cab models offering sliding, reclining rear seats with larger in-floor storage bins; however the most dramatic change to the new half ton is in the top-notch materials and styling choices Ram made with its new luxury interiors. Add to that an all-new 12-inch infotainment screen and a new pair of mild-hybrid powertrains, and you begin to see why Ram is getting so much attention. Prices range from around $32,000 to more than $60,000.
Cars.com photos by Christian Lantry, Evan Sears
Comments
i got $20.00 on the Ram
This is a one horse (I mean Ram) race. I've owned Toyota, Ford, and Chevy trucks.....never a Dodge or Ram, but the 2019 Ram (especially the Limited and Longhorn editions) is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.
The GM twins offer the most power, capability and value in the group. Add to that, the GMC offers the most technology with its multigate, heads up display and magnaride which makes handling pick-up truck chores confidently and safely.
Ram 1500's are the most user friendly 1/2 tons out there. Great for soccer moms and Home Depot dads. Perfect for hauling the family and a boat, TT, ATV's, etc. Super comfortable and full of cool electronics.
Is it the best at everything? No but it's best where it counts most. Hauling people on a daily basis.
GM's in trouble. Just sayin'.
Ha! Look at those humper comments, put down the pom-pom girls.
Looks like they are already in Order!!
Interesting that Nissan and Toyota aren't being considered, presumably because they don't have an all-new 2019 model for consideration---news flash (neither does Ford).
Ram for the win! GM twins are a huge disappointment. Go test drive some and review the window stickers to see for yourself. Ford diesel does ride very nice and is best in that class, but Ram has the overall best new truck. GM twins are in for a world of hurt this year. GM lost me after reviewing trucks, even before they screwed the USA by moving more jobs to Mexico.
For those that selective chose not to like the recent Consumer Reports reliability ratings (no so good Ram/GM HD trucks),
here's today's CAR and DRIVER's ratings:
Hate away on this too.
F150 rated Best
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/autos-trucks/full-size-pickup-trucks-ranked-from-worst-to-best/ss-BBRIhCl?ocid=spartandhp
Ill just keep my 2018. I love the looks of it better anyways.
Ram will win bc it has the technology
C&D already chose RAM so PUTC will probably follow...
what sort of truck guy cares at all about what C&D writes about trucks.
The typical C&D truck review always includes the shock and awe expressed by the writer. Why? Because he's amazed that today's half ton trucks are "so big."
What's actually amazing is the number of magazine reviewers who don't even own a truck who are writing reviews about pickups.
@ Papajim… so then.
If prof automotive magazines have "No credit" (because maybe their story writes something bad about "their beloved truck"), then who do folks believe? Certainly not anyone on here!
My thoughts , the prof written stories gotta have some credit with facts, or else in today's world go away quickly. Even if you take half of what they write. It's gonna give you something to go by.
I go by how the truck overall performs, its drivability, and the simplicity of operating it. I love to control my temps/settings through knobs and switches instead of hunting through an infotainment screen.
........, then who do folks believe? ............
Posted by: supercrew02 | Jan 7, 2019 4:20:33 PM
Stay right here at PUTC for unbiassd real world testing and facts.
https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2018/11/whats-the-best-half-ton-truck-for-2018.html
I wonder how many more styling cue's the GMC could have stolen from the Tundra? Look at it closely its crazy how many cues they took......
the structure of the taillight.
the headlights side profile
the kickup at the rear of the back door.
the pronounced rib at the lower 1/3rd of the doors and bedside
the rear bumpers forward leading edge angled forward
the more rounded leading edge of the wheel well with the sharper turndown at the rear. overlay the 2 trucks its uncanny how much they copied from it! LOL
I'll go with the Ram. Forget about the real people ads.
@supercrew
your comment makes no sense. Take another spin at it if you have something to say.
More liberal fake news!
Who cares about the opinions of some magazine folks that most likely live in blue states.
Facts, only facts please!
More liberal fake news!
Who cares about the opinions of some magazine folks that most likely live in blue states.
Facts, only facts please!
oxi
I hope you didn't work on that post too long.
is there going to be another rubbish dyno test
Our son writes that he is taking Judo. Why would a boy who was raised in a good Christian home turn against his own?
There should be 2 different categories.1 would be high-end mall crawlers that Ram would win.2 would be trucks made for work and getting dirty.I would go with Ford in that group.
2 would be trucks made for work and getting dirty. I would go with Ford in that group....Posted by: Hil Billee | Jan 8, 2019
@hilbillee
I think a lot of people would agree regarding the hardworking dirty truck part. But not Ford dealers, especially if you'll be shopping for a hard working dirty-truck Ford Ranger. Not in 2019 anyway.
Ram is Motor Trends truck of the year so....
I bet you they will use "capacity" to rate instead of "capability" as they so stated as their key words.
The Chevy High Country will be last.
The Ram will be first.
The Ford and GMC will fill in the other 2 with the GMC being the wild card and the Ford probably having an edge with the new diesel.
Anything but First is a major fail for Chevy and it hasn't taken first in ANY of these competitions ive seen so far.
Car and Driver literally described the Chevy High Country as "a $70,000 kick in the balls."
Car and Driver literally described the Chevy High Country as "a $70,000 kick in the balls."...Posted by: Clint | Jan 8, 2019
@clint
Probably the same writer who thinks the rest of us should be delighted to plunk down $150k for the next AMG, M-Series BMW or some exotic Corvette.
Truth is, he just hates big pickup trucks and IIRC he said so much in his writeup.
The Ford and GMC will fill in the other 2 with the GMC being the wild card and the Ford probably having an edge with the new diesel.
Posted by: Clint | Jan 8, 2019 9:56:19 AM
The Ford diesel has been confirmed has a giant kick in the va@ina of Ford fans.
The Ford and GMC will fill in the other 2 with the GMC being the wild card and the Ford probably having an edge with the new diesel.
@clint
Having an edge? What edge?
GM and Ford both promised a diesel and so far you cannot find one in a dealership, at least not in my neighborhood. Diesel fuel is almost a dollar more than regular unleaded around here.
Why would anyone in their right mind choose diesel at this point with all of the cost and performance penalties for checking that box?
Hey pickuptruck.com... I want to know which truck CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET is the best one. After all, isn't it possible that a truck not Significantly Changed is still the best? Telling me which truck that has been significantly change you feel is best leaves a big hole in the purchase decision. Tell me, instead, which truck currently for sale is the best. Seems this should be obvious to you.
Hey pickuptruck.com... I want to know which truck CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET is the best one. ....
Posted by: Dale | Jan 8, 2019 10:28:09 AMStay right here at
Dale, Thank You for your question and we appreciate you turning to PUTC for information all things pick-ups. Our most recent testing with results published back on November the 12th answers that question in full. Enjoy the read.
https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2018/11/whats-the-best-half-ton-truck-for-2018.html
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jan 7, 2019 5:37:40 PM
@oxi--Are you blue about the Blue States? If you want to be a Blue Stater then there is a Prius just for you.
the FAKE trucker
Deplorable = RAM = WIN
1 diesel in a field of v8's.. why not use ecoboost limited
More liberal fake news!
Who cares about the opinions of some magazine folks that most likely live in blue states.
Facts, only facts please!
Posted by: oxi | Jan
/QUOTE
Fact
Trampanzees like yourself can NOT tell the Difference between Fake news and reality,FACT..
Btw how is that great wall coming? did Mexico sent a check yet!
LOLOLOL
did Mexico sent a check yet! LOLOLOL
Posted by: Chevrolet builds a better way to see the USA
did Mexico SENT a check? I guess we'll have to check--check, get it?
One thing that requires no "checking" is your near total absence of literary skill. LOLOLOLOL is exhibit A, not counting your poor grammar. Another might be your notion that opposing points of view guarantee that your own viewpoint is on target. Ask Mrs Clinton how well that works for her.
I hope the new ram is reliable. I really liked most things about my 09 ram when I bought it, but it has been the most unreliable vehicle I've ever experienced. I think it's been to the repair shop more than all other trucks I've ever owned combined.
F150 rated Best
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/autos-trucks/full-size-pickup-trucks-ranked-from-worst-to-best/ss-BBRIhCl?ocid=spartandhp
Posted by: supercrew02 | Jan 7, 2019 2:33:47 PM
Bet your life on that. Been there done that. Look up all the deadly recalls on Fords including millions for FIRE! and consider that.
Besides all that Ford is the best. At FIRE! recalls.
Chevrolet builds a better way to see the U.S.A? I didnt think liberals were Man enough to drive trucks, my Wife would gas you. My Pops would roll over in his grave if he read your comment. This is a talk for real Men.
I was a Bow Tie Guy all the way until the day I sat in a 2018 Hemi 1500, and so far the way i see it, if they would partner with Allison fully for all of the lineup, it would be a gravy train win. Mopar has had the competition beat and still does for years in horsepower, and they've had year after year to tweak suspension, if they get the transmission right, they would be unstoppable.
Btw how is that great wall coming? did Mexico sent a check yet!
LOLOLOL
Posted by: Chevrolet builds a better way to see the USA | Jan 8, 2019 5:12:25 PM
Chevy hopes the wall never gets built. They will lose all the workers who are building the Silverados.
Interesting that Nissan and Toyota aren't being considered, presumably because they don't have an all-new 2019 model for consideration---news flash (neither does Ford).
Posted by: papajim | Jan 7, 2019 2:10:14 PM
Common sense would suggest they are including the Ford Powerstroke. You keep being you tho.
I'm guessing you mean the half ton version of the Ford diesel. So far have not seen one...have you?
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