EmailSome pickup trucks are simple workhorses designed to tow or haul heavy loads. Others trade some of their cargo prowess for spacious -- even luxurious -- passenger cabins. Experts say to consider the following when choosing a pickup truck:
- Consider cargo and comfort. Often these criteria are in direct conflict, as the trucks with the roomiest passenger accommodations tend to have the shortest cargo beds. Five- and six-passenger trucks usually have beds at least 5 feet long, while two- and three-passenger trucks have 6-, 7- or 8-foot beds. Most trucks offer several different cab and bed configurations.
- Match the engine to your hauling needs. Most compact trucks can pull at least 3,000 pounds, while most full-size trucks can tow at least 9,000 pounds. These ratings are more than adequate for most people's needs. For very heavy or frequent towing, you'll want to upgrade the engine to a V-8 or a diesel (which has more torque than a gasoline engine).
- Some people use their trucks as commuter vehicles. Pickups tend to be heavy and not very aerodynamic, and they have large, powerful engines. All of these factors work against fuel economy. In general, full-size trucks are less efficient than compact or midsize pickups. Automatics generally fare worse than manual transmissions (in trucks that actually offer manuals), and gasoline engines burn fuel faster than diesels. Four-wheel drive will send you to the pump faster than rear-wheel drive. If you mainly want a truck for carrying loads back from a warehouse or home-improvement store, consider a smaller truck that gets better gas mileage. The most fuel-efficient small trucks can get around 23 mpg in mixed driving.
- Four-wheel drive is a necessity only if you drive in severe off-road conditions or in snow. If you don't drive off-road in rugged terrain or live in an especially snowy region, you'll probably be better off with a regular rear-wheel-drive truck. These are usually cheaper, faster and (as noted above) more economical than models equipped with four-wheel drive.
- Look for advanced safety features. Pickups are more prone to rollovers and backup accidents than cars or vans, and several models do a poor job protecting their passengers in crashes. Advanced safety features can help, experts say. Electronic stability control has been proven to help drivers avoid accidents in the first place. Traction control is especially helpful on rear-wheel-drive pickups, which tend to lose traction when the bed is empty. Some trucks provide side airbags for front passengers and curtain airbags for all passengers; these trucks usually do the best job protecting passengers in crash tests. Backup cameras are often an expensive option, but they can vastly reduce a driver's chance of backing over an object -- or a child -- that might be in the dangerous rear blind zone common to all pickups.
Off-road Ford F-150 Raptor to debut during summer 2009
Ford's upcoming off-road performance pickup, the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, "will likely be one of the most talked-about trucks of the decade," says Mike Levine, founder of PickupTrucks.com. Levine writes an extensive blog post with photos and video, detailing the extensive engineering that went into the Raptor and the results of PickupTrucks.com's first drive in Nevada. Ford says the Raptor will start at $38,995.
India's Mahindra pickup expected in U.S. by December 2009
A new brand of pickup truck may soon hit U.S. dealerships: the Mahindra pickup from India. The compact Mahindra promises 30 mpg from its four-cylinder diesel engine, and a spokesman says it will cost 10 percent to 15 percent less than a comparable Japanese pickup. Mahindra says the truck should appeal to U.S. farmers who are already familiar with Mahindra tractors. The company also plans to sponsor motocross events to target riders who want a fuel-efficient hauler for their bikes.
Eco-friendly pickups: Tax credits and upcoming models
You can take a $2,200 federal income tax credit if you buy a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado hybrid or GMC Sierra hybrid. See the Internal Revenue Service website for details.
In April 2009, PickupTrucks.com published spy photos of an undisguised 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi hybrid spotted during its final testing. It uses the same two-mode hybrid system as the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrids and should be able to tow up to 6,100 pounds like those trucks can, PickupTrucks.com reports.
Critics are eager to test the EcoBoost engine that will reportedly be offered on the 2010 Ford F-150. AutoblogGreen.com reports that the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost should perform as well as (or better than) the current 5.4-liter V-8, while cutting fuel consumption by 20 percent and still being able to tow 11,000 pounds. Ford is already set to introduce some vehicles with this engine, including the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS.
New roof-strength crash test on the way
Although the U.S. government has delayed tougher roof-strength standards for vehicles, the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is developing its own ratings to let consumers know which vehicles' roofs are strongest -- and weakest. A strong roof is especially important in a rollover crash, according to the IIHS, which plans to rate vehicle roof strength starting with the 2010 model year.