2008 Large Pickups
Not too much is new in the large pickup segment for 2008. For model-year 2009, two key players, Dodge Ram (above) and Ford F-150 get revised.

To quote a phrase from an old Nissan commercial, "America loves trucks." There is no stronger evidence of this than the fact that the two top-selling vehicles in the nation are both full-size pickups: the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado. Furthermore, the Dodge Ram usually ranks third or fourth, depending on the month.

It used to be that these three domestic makes (along with GMC, whose Sierra is a near clone of the Chevy Silverado) had the full-size pickup game to themselves. But that changed when Toyota introduced the Tundra for 2000 and Nissan followed with the Titan four years later. Other recent additions include the Chevrolet Avalanche, a crew cab with an unusual "midgate" that opens a passage from the bed to the cab; and Lincoln's Mark LT, essentially a luxury-trimmed Ford F-150 crew cab. Note that Cadillac offers a dressed-up version of the Chevy Avalanche as the Escalade EXT, but we group it with other Escalades as a full-size sport-utility vehicle.

Changes for 2008

Trucks tend to go longer between updates than cars. A number of pickups were redesigned for the 2007 model year, including the Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra. None have such drastic changes for 2008, but the Chevy Avalanche gets standard curtain side airbags; the Ford F-150 gains an optional all-wheel-drive system, rearview camera, and supercharged engine for its Harley-Davidson edition; and the Nissan Titan adds available seven- and eight-foot cargo beds. The Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 get updated for 2009.

Payload and Towing

While all three domestic makes offer heavy-duty three-quarter and one-ton versions of their trucks, we're covering only the popular half-ton full-size pickups in this report. Payload capacity generally starts at about 1200 lbs, but in most cases can be increased significantly with optional heavy-duty suspensions. Standard towing capacity ranges from about 4500 lbs to 8700 lbs, but likewise can be increased in some models with an optional trailer-towing package. Be warned that raising the payload rating generally requires stiffer rear springs that tend to result in a rougher ride and more lateral "skipping" in bumpy corners, traits that are already a problem in lightly loaded pickups.

Drive Wheels

All pickups are available in rear- or four-wheel drive, but not all these systems are created equal. Rear-drive versions can benefit from traction control, which limits tire slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces. It's offered on all full-size pickups, though perhaps not on every model. Most standard four-wheel-drive systems should be switched off on dry pavement to avoid driveline binding and excessive wear. But GM's Autotrac 4WD--available on the Chevy Avalanche and Silverado and the GMC Sierra--can be left engaged on dry pavement, as can Dodge Ram's available AWD system. Ford adds AWD this year, but it's only available on the up-level Lariat model in a $2865 optional package.

Cab Choices

All regular-cab models have two doors except the Ford F-150, which adds a pair of rear-hinged "quarter doors" in the back of the cab. They're similar to the "half doors" found on most extended-cab trucks but smaller; and like those on most extended cabs, the front door needs to be opened first.

All extended-cab models have rear doors, but the arrangement for them varies greatly. It used to be that rear doors on all extended cabs were rear-hinged and opened only 90 degrees. This makes it difficult to access the rear cargo area in tight quarters. For instance, if you have a shopping cart and another vehicle is parked next to you, opening first the front door and then the rear door forms a "box" that leaves the cart on the outside, where you can't reach it. Now, however, only the Ford F-150's rear doors have rear hinges that allow the doors to be opened only 90 degrees. The rear doors on extended-cab versions of the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Nissan Titan are still rear-hinged, but they open wide enough to fold back against the cargo bed. However, the thickness of the door might still prevent a cart from being passed between the door and another vehicle, so this isn't a cure-all solution. Better are conventional front-hinged rear doors. Toyota's extended cab, called the Double Cab, has them. So does the Dodge Quad Cab, which has always been considered a crew cab, even though it has about the same rear legroom and overall length as competing extended-cab models.

All crew cabs come with conventional front-hinged rear doors. Crew cabs differ from extended cabs in that most crews offer greater rear-seat legroom and usually a more comfortable seatback angle. Dodge's Mega Cab offers the most rear legroom of any full-size pickup: a limousine-like 44.2 inches, at least four inches more than any other crew cab. Yet all crew cabs offer ample space for even lanky adults.

Equipment Offerings

Regular-cab models used to dominate the pickup market, but no longer; in fact, Nissan doesn't even offer one. The current trend is toward five- and six-passenger extended cabs and crew cabs, which indicates that pickups aren't just for hauling stuff any more. So does the fact they're available with all the usual creature comforts found in cars: leather upholstery, heated front seats, DVD entertainment, a navigation system, and a sunroof are offered on all entries, and several have optional power-adjustable pedals, memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, and remote start.

Where pickups as a whole lag a bit is in safety features; many of those offered in nearly all cars haven't yet saturated the full-size pickup market. ABS is universally available, and usually standard. But side airbags are offered only on the Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra, though curtain side airbags are available on all but the Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT. The Ford and Lincoln are also the only pickups that don't offer an antiskid system, while rear obstacle detection and/or a rearview camera are available on all but the Dodge Ram.

Cargo Beds

Pickup trucks have lately been more about hauling people than hauling cargo, but most buyers want a vehicle with an open bed for a reason. Regular cabs are offered with beds of about 6.5 and 8 feet. Extended cabs typically offer the same, though some add a shorter bed of about 5.5 feet that allows for a shorter overall length. Crew cabs typically have beds of 5.5 to 6.5 feet. The Chevy Avalanche has a 5.3-foot bed that can be extended to 8.1 feet by folding down the rear seatback, removing the rear window, and opening the midgate that separates the cab and the bed. Note that all Ford beds have taller-than-normal side walls; great if you need to carry a full load of mulch, awkward if you're trying to reach over the side to remove something from the bed. Note also that the Avalanche comes with a hard three-piece tonneau covering the bed.

Various bed lengths allow these big pickups to be tailored for specific loads--or to fit in a specific garage. Since the longest of these trucks stretch to well over 20 feet in length, measuring its intended parking space before buying might be a wise idea.

Some Recommendations

There are no clear winners here, but certain priorities might steer you toward certain vehicles.

For instance, four-wheel drive is a necessity to some, and those systems that can be left engaged on dry pavement are a real convenience. They're available on trucks from GM (Chevy and GMC), Dodge, and Ford.

From a safety standpoint, side airbags and curtain side airbags are no guarantee of better protection, but they have demonstrated their worth in many side-impact tests, and might be particularly valuable in vehicles prone to rollovers--such as trucks. Ditto for an antiskid system. Only the Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra offer all three, but most others, except the Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT, offer all but side airbags.

Those with sharp eyes and a good memory will notice there is no truck that offers side airbags, curtain side airbags, an antiskid system, and four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. So even when only these features are considered, there is no clear choice. And there are lots of other things to bear in mind.

If you're buying a regular-cab two-wheel-drive pickup for hauling, the Ford F-150 has some advantages. Its longer cab and rear access doors make it easier to store items inside, and its taller bed walls might help keep equipment like wheelbarrows from falling out.

If you're looking at extended-cab models, rear-seat access and accommodations might tip the scales toward certain vehicles. Our reviews of each model cover how rear-seat passengers might fare, and the above section entitled "Cab choices" might also help narrow your scope.

If only a crew cab will fit your needs, the competition gets very tight, but certain pickups have unique attributes. The Dodge Mega Cab is the king of rear seat room. Ford's F-150 is available with a convenient overhead-rail system in the cab that allows custom mounting of a variety of accessories. Chevy's Avalanche offers unmatched versatility; its 5.3-foot bed is short, but it's the only half-ton crew cab that can swallow a 4x8 sheet of plywood by opening its exclusive midgate.

With all the features offered, the choices among full-size pickups have gotten wider and better--as well as harder. There may not be any clear winner here, but we hope this will help find a truck that's a winner for you.

Unusual Big-Pickup Features

Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra are available with GM's OnStar assistance.

Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra are available with a wireless cell phone link.

Ford F-150 offers a Harley-Davidson model with special trim and equipment that's available with a supercharged engine.

Nissan's Titan can be fitted with a locking storage box in the side of the pickup bed, as well as a fold-flat front passenger seat and a fold-down bed extender.

Toyota's Tundra comes standard with a full range of safety equipment, including front side airbags, curtain side airbags, 4-wheel ABS, traction control, and an antiskid system.

Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, and Nissan Titan offer flex-fuel V8s that can run on E85 gasoline/ethanol mix.