Monday, August 28, 2017

2018 New Trucks: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

2018 New Trucks: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

The best-selling vehicle in the U.S. isn’t the Camry sedan and it’s not the CR-V crossover — it’s the Ford F-Series lineup of full-size trucks. And although crossovers of all types are leading to sales increases across the industry, trucks still serve an integral part of many automaker lineups. Whether you’re looking into a compact/midsize truck, a full-size pickup, or even a heavy-duty model, keep reading to get a better idea on how today’s trucks have changed from last year’s models, and learn about their basic specs, too.

KEY
  • 5M: 5-speed manual
  • 6A: 6-speed automatic
  • 6-sp auto-cl man: 6-speed auto-clutch manual
  • 7-sp twin-cl auto: 7-speed twin-clutch automatic
  • FWD: front-wheel drive
  • AWD: all-wheel drive
  • RWD: rear-wheel drive

ALL-NEW
An addition to an automaker’s lineup

MAJOR
Significant sheetmetal redesign, powertrain, and/or feature changes

MINOR
Midcycle updates, minor powertrain, or feature changes

UNCHANGED
Minor trim or package changes, new colors

NHTSA AND IIHS SAFETY RATINGS:
NHTSA and IIHS safety data is derived from recent model years.

INTELLICHOICE
Five-year retained value data may apply to common vehicle variants, not an average of all model variants.

EPA RATINGS
EPA ratings for the 2018 model year are more stringent than before, so keep in mind as you’re new-car shopping that a car with no mechanical changes from 2017 may still get a slightly different rating for 2018.

Chevrolet Colorado

Base Price: $20,995-$41,155

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged:  For 2017, the Chevrolet Colorado received the latest iteration of GM’s 3.6-liter V-6 and an off-road variant called the ZR2. Don’t expect many updates except for more exterior color choices, new convenience features such as push-button start, and possibly a special edition with unique styling details. The Colorado won Motor Trend’s 2015 and 2016 Truck of the Year awards.

Also Consider: Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline.

Sum Up: The midsize pickup that sets the segment standard.

Chevrolet Colorado
Base Engine 2.5L/200-hp/191-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine 3.6L/308-hp/275-lb-ft V-6; 2.8L/181-hp/369-lb-ft t’diesel I-4
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/6A/8A
Towing 3,500-7,700 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy 16-22/18-30 mpg
0-60 mph 7.4-9.5 sec
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Safety 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 57%
* Estimated
Chevrolet Silverado

Base Price: $29,380-$56,370

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged:  The Chevrolet Silverado received a low-speed automatic emergency braking system last year as part of its optional active safety suite, and it got the Teen Driver feature, which allows parents to set limits when young driver is behind the wheel. For 2018, the eAssist variant is available nationwide in the LTZ trim, a rearview camera is standard on all grades, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen comes standard on the WT model.

Also Consider: Ram 1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500.

Sum Up: Still one of the most popular trucks available today.

Chevrolet Silverado
Base Engine 3.5L/290-hp/267-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine 5.3L/355-hp/383-lb-ft V-8; 6.2L/420-hp/460-lb-ft V-8
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/8A
Towing 5,500-12,500 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-18/19-24 mpg
0-60 mph 6.0-7.4 sec*
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Safety 5 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 59%
* Estimated
Chevrolet Silverado HD

Base Price: $35,255-$59,610

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged: Last year, the Silverado HD got a more powerful diesel option, a hood scoop, and a new air intake system. For 2018, it adds a rearview camera standard on all models, a 7.0-inch touchscreen on the WT trim, and a new grille design for the High Country and Z71 grades. A new generation is due soon; we expect it to get lighter and more powerful to compete with Ram and Ford.

Also Consider: Ram 2500/3500, Ford F-Series Super Duty, GMC Sierra HD.

Sum Up: When you need your truck to be imposing and capable.

Chevrolet Silverado HD
Base Engine 6.0L/360-hp/380-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine 6.6L/445-hp/910-lb-ft t’diesel V-8
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A
Towing 12,400-23,200 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy Not Rated
0-60 mph 6.8-8.3 sec*
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 51%
* Estimated
Ford F-150

Base Price: $28,675-$65,240

Body Type: Pickup

Major:  The F-150 gets a big update for its 40th year. Along with a revised exterior, there are new or revamped engines with port and direct injection, among them a new 3.0L Powerstroke turbodiesel V-6; only the new-for-2017 3.5L EcoBoost carries over. A six-speed auto is paired with the base 3.3L, but all other engines get a 10-speed auto. Look for more driver-assist tech, as well.

Also Consider: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500.

Sum Up: More improvements for the best-selling pickup of the last 20 years.

Ford F-150
Base Engine 3.3L/290-hp/265-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine 2.7L/325-hp/400-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6; 5.0L/395-hp/400-lb-ft V-8; 3.5L/375-450-hp/470-510-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6; 3.0L/271-hp/440-lb-ft t’diesel V-6*
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/10A
Towing 5,000-12,000 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-20/18-26 mpg*
0-60 mph 5.2-8.0 sec*
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Safety 5 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 58%
* Estimated
Ford Ranger

Base Price: $21,000-$35,000*

Body Type: Pickup

All-New: Patience, folks. The compact/midsize Ranger has been missing from the U.S. since 2011 but is expected to return in 2019 as an updated version of the body-on-frame Ranger sold in other markets (shown here). Powertrain choices might include a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, the F-150’s 3.3-liter V-6, and an EcoBoost four-cylinder. It should share a platform with the upcoming Bronco.

Also Consider: Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon.

Sum Up: Ford’s smaller truck is making a long-awaited comeback.

Ford Ranger
Base Engine 2.5L/180-hp/180-lb-ft I-4*
Opt Engine 3.3L/290-hp/265-lb-ft V-6*; 2.3L/310-hp/320-lb-ft turbo I-4*
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/10A
Towing 3,500-7,500 lb*
EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-23/25-32 mpg*
0-60 mph 7.0-9.2 sec*
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
* Estimated
Ford Super Duty

Base Price: $34,000-$79,000*

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged: After a 2017 redesign brought aluminum bodywork, the F-Series Super Duty carries over. Available configurations include F-250, F-350, and F-450 with three cab sizes, two bed lengths, rear- or four-wheel drive, single or dual rear wheels, and gas or turbodiesel engines. The current Super Duty is stronger, lighter, and more powerful than any previous generation.

Also Consider: Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, Ram HD.

Sum Up: Capable enough to be named Motor Trend’s 2017 Truck of the Year.

Ford Super Duty
Base Engine 6.2L/385-hp/430-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine 6.7L/440-hp/925-lb-ft t’diesel V-8
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A
Towing 12,300-32,000 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy Not Rated
0-60 mph 6.5-8.0 sec*
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Safety 5 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 56%
* Estimated
GMC Canyon

Base Price: $21,880-$44,065

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged: Leather upholstery is now available on the All Terrain model. The Canyon comes standard with a 200-hp 2.5-liter I-4, but opt for the turbodiesel, and you’ll receive up to 30 mpg highway and impressive towing capability. An eight-speed auto is paired to the 3.6L V-6. Notable features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with IntelliLink and an automatic locking rear axle.

Also Consider: Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Colorado.

Sum Up: Whether Denali or diesel, this small truck has you covered.

GMC Canyon
Base Engine 2.5L/200-hp/191-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine 3.6L/308-hp/275-lb-ft turbo V-6; 2.8L/181-hp/369-lb-ft t’diesel I-4
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/6A/8A
Towing 3,500-7,700 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy 7-22/17-30 mpg
0-60 mph 6.8-9.3 sec*
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Safety 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 56%
* Estimated
GMC Sierra

Base Price: $30,000-$57,050

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged:  The Sierra’s base model comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. The TPMS includes a tire fill alert system. The truck is offered in base, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims and in regular, double, and crew cab body styles with short or long beds. Packs include the visual Elevation Edition and the off-road All Terrain X pack. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with IntelliLink and a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot are available.

Also Consider: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500.

Sum Up: For those wanting a more premium feel in their full-sized truck.

GMC Sierra
Base Engine 4.3L/285-hp/305-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine 5.3L/355-hp/383-lb-ft V-8; 6.2L/420-hp/460-lb-ft V-8
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/8A
Towing 9,500-12,500 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy 15-18/20-24 mpg
0-60 mph 5.8-7.4 sec
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Safety 5 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 58%
* Estimated
GMC Sierra HD

Base Price: $35,835-$60,380

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged: GM’s MyLink 7.0-inch radio system and a rearview camera are now standard. A tire fill alert system is new, and the Denali model gets a new grille design. The Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 offers impressive towing capability. The Sierra HD covers your towing needs with available dual rear wheels and a Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel trailering prep package.

Also Consider: Ford Super Duty, Ram HD, Chevrolet Silverado HD.

Sum Up: Capable heavy-duty from GMC offers as much as 910 lb-ft of torque.

GMC Sierra HD
Base Engine 6.0L/360-hp/380-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine 6.6L/445-hp/910-lb-ft t’diesel V-8
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A
Towing 12,400-23,300 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy Not Rated
0-60 mph 6.5-8.1 sec*
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Safety 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value 55%
* Estimated
Honda Ridgeline

Base Price: $30,570-$44,060

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged:  The Ridgeline enters the 2018 model year with nine trims (down from 12), and the Sport trim now offers White Diamond Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic. A 10-speed auto might be added to higher trims in a few years, and we hope lower trims get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality for the 2019 model year. The unibody truck is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 and can tow up to 3,500 pounds in front-drive form or up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.

Also Consider: Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma.

Sum Up: Honda’s smooth-riding unibody truck is as intriguing as ever.

Honda Ridgeline
Base Engine 3.5L/280-hp/262-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine None
Drivetrain Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
Towing 3,500-5,000 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy 18-19/25-26 mpg
0-60 mph 7.3-7.6 sec*
Basic Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Safety 5 Stars
* Estimated
Nissan Frontier

Base Price: $20,000-$34,000*

Body Type: Pickup

Unchanged: Although it hasn’t had any significant updates in years, the Frontier still makes a case as an affordable starter pickup for the DIY crowd. The base four-cylinder is offered in rear-drive only, but the V-6 is available in rear- or four-wheel-drive versions. The next Frontier should be based on the global Navara adapted for the U.S. in a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz.

Pictured above is the new Frontier Midnight Edition that adds a gloss-black grille with matching 18-inch alloy wheels and semi-gloss-black step rails, black badging, black side-view mirrors, and a choice of Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic, or Glacier White exterior paint.

Also Consider: Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma.

Sum Up: A capable old-school pickup in a modern world.

Nissan Frontier
Base Engine 2.5L/152-hp/171-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine 4.0L/261-hp/281-lb-ft V-6
Drivetrain Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 5M/6M/5A
Towing 3,500-6,500 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy..
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