Silverado Edges Ram In Consumer Reports Pickup Ratings
YONKERS, NY -- (WWJ) The all new Chevy Silverado has taken the number one spot in Consumer Reports rankings of pickup trucks, but just barely. It edged out what had been the segment leader, the Ram 1500.
"We had a hard time between those two vehicles calling the leader. Honestly, each one of those, you'd probably be very happy with," said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports. "With the Silverado, though, it just has the edge in terms of the real truck stuff. Tows more, hauls more. That just makes a difference. "
Fisher said the Silverado excelled in just about every area.
"One of the impressive things is about the power and the fuel economy we got out of it. With any of these big trucks, they are getting more and more luxurious. They're not rough and tumble trucks anymore. They are trucks that you can drive every day."
And, while the Ram may actually be a slightly better daily driver, Fisher says Consumer Reports went with the Silverado because it excelled in terms of capabilities.
"It hauls a lot. It tows a lot. It's pretty impressive, overall."
Consumer reports tested one of the Silverado's top selling trims, with a 5.3 liter V-8 and four wheel drive.
"The Silverado edged the Ram in several areas important to pickup truck owners," read the report from the magazine. "It has a much larger cargo bed, several hundred pounds greater payload capacity, and it can tow a heavier trailer—up to 11,200 pounds in Consumer Reports tests. Its tailgate is easy to raise and lower, and handy corner bumper steps help with climbing into the bed. The Silverado also has a lower step-in height than the Ram, aiding cabin access. Handling is more agile, and the Silverado delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 16 mpg overall—one mpg better than the Ram. That could save owners about 50 gallons of gas per year."
But Consumer Reports took pains to say that the Ram, it's previous leader, has a lot to offer buyers, in addition to better creature comforts.
"The Ram also brings its own impressive workhorse credentials. Its driver-selectable full-time four-wheel-drive system works well, and the truck scrambled up Consumer Reports' rock hill with ease. It can tow up to 9,950 pounds when properly equipped. The truck pulled Consumer Reports' 5,000-pound trailer to 60 mph in 14.9 seconds, a strong showing."
Ford's F-150 remains the best-selling truck, and the best-selling vehicle on the market. However, it's also the oldest pickup truck, in terms of design. A new model is expected within the next year. Fisher says the updates will be needed.
"They've gotta do a little catch-up in terms of the way the vehicle drives, the capabilities and the fuel economy, too."
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