2018 Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado: Big Three Truck Comparison Test

With their powerful engines, advanced four-wheel-drive systems, ample ground clearance and abundant technology, today’s full-size trucks are ready for just about anything, from heavy-duty towing to weekday commuting to tackling the worst conditions Old Man Winter can conjure up.

Getting a feel for the segment, we brought together the three best-selling half-ton pickups available today. Coincidentally, they all hail from Motown, with each of the domestic automakers represented in this comparison. Are you ready for an all-American, red-white-and-blue Detroit-City showdown? You should be!

But before diving into things, let’s get to know a little about each of these contenders. Representing the suburb of Auburn Hills and FCA in this automotive melee is the Ram 1500, a real style leader. This model should have more than a few gray hairs at this point since it’s been on the market for many years, but engineers at Ram have worked hard to keep it fresh. Along the way, it’s gained things like rear coil springs, air suspension, an eight-speed transmission, swanky interior upgrades and much more. Even though it's an old man, the Ram is still a force to be reckoned with.

Fresh off a significant mid-cycle update for 2018 is a pickup that hangs its hat on capability, the pride of Dearborn, Ford’s esteemed F-150. With an aluminum body, high-strength-steel frame and range of turbocharged engines, it offers something for everyone, catering to construction workers who need a no-nonsense truck as well as urban cowboys that demand the softest leather and latest in tech.
Lastly, fighting for D-Town itself is General Motors’ low and lean Silverado 1500. It boasts of efficient powertrains, handsome styling and is supposedly the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup available today, though Ram might dispute this claim. Overall, the ‘Rado could be this three-horse race’s best all-around option.

To keep things as fair as possible, we were gunning for a level playing field. Each truck is a 2018 model, has four-wheel drive, features a roomy crew-cab body and is dressed in highest trim, save the Chevy, which came to us in LTZ Z71 form, one step below the range-topping High Country model.

Please show your support and subscribe!
http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AutoGuideVideo

AutoGuide reviews the latest new cars with test drives, car comparisons and shootouts plus coverage of breaking auto industry news, auto shows, rumors, top 10 lists, and spy photos. Help shop for your new car with informative car buying tips and car recall news, and be entertained with feature stories, Top 10s and car review videos.