2009 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is redesigned for 2009.

It's a big year for big pickups, even though sales are down somewhat in response to $4 gas. That's because the best seller of the bunch--the Ford F-150--has been redesigned for 2009, as has the perennial third-place finisher, the Dodge Ram. Meanwhile, Chevrolet and its GMC cousin--which rank second and fourth, respectively, and together outsell the F-150--are introducing the first true hybrids in the full-size field.

It used to be that these four domestic makes had the large pickup market to themselves. But that changed when Toyota introduced the Tundra for 2000 and Nissan followed with the Titan four years later. Another recent addition includes the Chevrolet Avalanche, a crew cab with unusual "midgate" that opens a passage from the bed to the cab. A dressier clone is sold as the Cadillac Escalade EXT, and another large crew-cab entry is the Hummer H2 SUT, but we group both with the Premium Large SUVs on which they're based, so see the Consumer Guide to Premium Large SUVs for details.

Changes for 2009

Trucks tend to go longer between major updates than do cars. But the Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra were all redesigned for 2007, and the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 get their turn this year. Even the Nissan Titan can hardly be considered old, despite the fact it has changed little since its 2004 introduction--just five years ago. Following is a brief synopsis of changes for 2009.

The Chevrolet Silverado and similar GMC Sierra add versions using GM's 2-Mode hybrid system. They also offer a larger top engine and, along with the Avalanche, a fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmission.

Big-Pickup Features
Capless fuel filler: Ford F-150

Cooled front seats: Chevrolet Avalanche, Ford F-150

Driver-seat memory: Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra

DVD entertainment: Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra

GM's OnStar assistance: Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra

In-bed storage boxes: Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan

Navigation system: Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra

Power-adjustable pedals: Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan

Remote engine start: Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra

Rear-obstacle detection system: Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra

Rearview camera: Chevrolet Avalanche, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra
In its redesign, the Dodge Ram has been given the first coil-spring rear suspension used in a modern large pickup. It also gets a more powerful top engine and unique cargo containers mounted in the sidewalls of the bed.

Ford's F-150 receives numerous new features aimed at commercial users, many of them linked to an in-dash computer that can keep track of other trucks in the same fleet and tools placed in the bed. A full slate of safety features has been added, along with a much roomier crew cab.

By contrast, the Japanese makes don't have as much to trumpet for '09. However, the Tundra adds an engine that runs on E85 ethanol-blended fuel--something all other makes also offer.

Payload and Towing

While all three domestics offer heavy-duty three-quarter and one-ton pickups, we're covering only the popular half-ton large pickups in this report. Payload capacity generally starts at about 1,300 lbs, but in most cases can be increased significantly with optional heavy-duty suspensions. Standard towing capacity ranges from about 4,500 lbs to 8,700 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 large 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 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Oddly, Ford dropped its previously available AWD system this year.

Cab Choices

All regular-cab models have two doors. Previously, the Ford F-150 regular cab had a pair of rear-hinged quarter doors in the back of the cab, but those didn't survive the '09 redesign.

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. Both have about the same rear legroom and overall length as competing extended-cab models, but due to their front-hinged rear doors, these extended cabs are sometimes considered short crew cabs.

All crew cabs come with conventional front-hinged rear doors. Crew cabs differ from extended cabs in that they offer greater rear-seat legroom and usually a more comfortable seatback angle.

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 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 most entries, and several have optional power-adjustable pedals, memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, and remote start.

Where large pickups used to lag a bit is in safety features, but not any more. ABS is now universally standard on large pickups, and all offer an antiskid system and curtain side airbags. But front side airbags are available only on the Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra. Rear obstacle detection and/or a rearview camera are available on all but the Dodge Ram, but it's due to offer the former at midyear.

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. Avalanche also 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 stretches 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) and Dodge.

From a safety standpoint, front 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 Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra offer all three, but the others are missing only front 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 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. Chevy's Avalanche is the only half-ton crew cab that can swallow a 4x8 sheet of plywood by opening its exclusive midgate. Available on the Dodge Ram are handy storage boxes with locking lids that are built into the top edges of the cargo bed. Nissan Titan offers a smaller one built into the outside wall of the bed. Ford's redesigned F-150 can be ordered with a retractable cable lock in the bed for securing bikes or tools, and also offers a host of special features for commercial users.

With all the features offered, the choices among large 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.