Motortrend 2019 Truck of the Year

[Rustydodge]

Winner: Ram
https://www.motortrend.com/news/ram-1500-2019-truck-of-the-year/

Overview Video
https://www.motortrend.com/ss/0_85vnlmq9

Finalists Video
https://www.motortrend.com/ss/0_3jgyegl4

Introduction:
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2019-truck-of-the-year-introduction/

Chevrolet Silverado RST and LT Trailboss with 5.3 V8 8 speed, Hight Country 6.2 10 speed
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/che...et-silverado-2019-truck-of-the-year-finalist/
They liked: Updated exterior, 10-speed transmission
They didn't like: Dated interior, laggy 5.3-liter throttle response

Ford F150 Lariat 3.0 turbodiesel 10 speed
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/f-150/2018/ford-f-150-diesel-2019-truck-of-the-year-finalist/
They liked: Good fuel economy, quiet ride
They didn't like: Poor towing performance, ponderous acceleration

GMC Sierra AT4 and Denali w/ 6.2 V8 10 speed
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/gmc/sierra-1500/2019/gmc-sierra-2019-truck-of-the-year-finalist/
They liked: Slick tailgate, sharp handling, good looks
They didn't like: Still too much Chevy sharing, iffy value

Ram 1500 Big Horn 5.7 and 3.6 w/ etorque, Rebel, Longhorn, and Limited 5.7 V8 8 speed
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ram/1500/2019/ram-1500-2019-truck-of-the-year-finalist/
They liked: New eTorque V-8, high-quality interiors across the line
They didn't like: Base eTorque V-6 could use a bit more low-end power

 

[Rustydodge]

After reading each article, I would say that Ram has it in the bag!

 

[blownout1500]

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2019-truck-of-the-year-introduction/

Reading the individual reviews for the finalists sure seems like they’re laying the groundwork for a Ram win (I might be biased though )

 

[Rammit]

It should win hands down. We will see

 

[Biga]

Yes, I agree. The Ford diesel doesn't seem like it offers anything other then a higher price. The MPG is only slightly better and acceleration is lackluster.

 

[go-ram]

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2019-truck-of-the-year-introduction/

Reading the individual reviews for the finalists sure seems like they’re laying the groundwork for a Ram win (I might be biased though )

I listen to The Truck Show Podcast regularly, and in one of the recent episodes (episode dated 10/29/2018, ), during the brief "Truck Review" segment of that one show, host Sean Holman's comments about the TT_TOY testing seemed to me to possibly be leaning toward Ram getting the award this year. "Truck Review" twenty-minute segment begins at t=20:40 into podcast. But, as you already said, we are biased, and may just be hearing what we want to hear.

Still, if you look at how much more praise the automotive press has given the 2019 Ram over the 2019 GM twins so far, I'd be surprised if Ram didn't receive TOY this year. If it doesn't, it'll certainly be an extremely close second, and 2019 Ram owners will have the satisfaction of enjoying their trucks' better comfort, superior ride, higher technology, and better styling.

EDITED: Added the date of the particular episode and the start time of the segment about TOY testing.

 

[blownout1500]

Is Ford basically conceding by not delivering a 3.5L Ecoboost truck to be tested? The eco boost is (?) rams strongest competition and they’re basically running away from the fight (like both Ford and Chevy did for truck of Texas earlier this year). At least Chevy is actually stepping up this time.

 

[go-ram]

All just speculation on my part, but I wonder if Ford would have given Ram a real run for its money if they had also submitted the F150 Limited with Raptor V6, in addition to the F150 mini-PowerStroke diesel. See TFL Truck's article+video for reference:
https://www.tfltruck.com/2018/10/20...the-most-powerful-luxurious-f150-ever-review/

Or maybe Ford thought they could pull off a victory like the 2014 Ram did, just by submitting the diesel alone this year:
http://www.trucktrend.com/truck-of-the-year/163-1404-2014-truck-of-the-year-ram-1500/

 

[blownout1500]

All just speculation on my part, but I wonder if Ford would have given Ram a real run for its money if they had also submitted the F150 Limited with Raptor V6, in addition to the F150 mini-PowerStroke diesel. See TFL Truck's article+video for reference:
https://www.tfltruck.com/2018/10/20...the-most-powerful-luxurious-f150-ever-review/

Or maybe Ford thought they could pull off a victory like the 2014 Ram did, just by submitting the diesel alone this year:
http://www.trucktrend.com/truck-of-the-year/163-1404-2014-truck-of-the-year-ram-1500/

I’m thinking this is fords way of technically submitting something to save face, but not actually putting their best horse in the race because they’re afraid of being beaten(?).

 

[Rustydodge]

And the winner is - Ram.

https://5thgenrams.com/motor-trend-truck-of-the-year-2019-ram-1500/

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ram-1500-2019-truck-of-the-year/

 

[dutchman187]

And the winner is - Ram.

https://5thgenrams.com/motor-trend-truck-of-the-year-2019-ram-1500/

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ram-1500-2019-truck-of-the-year/

Did I miss this option? Because that sounds pretty handy:

"and a CHMSL-mounted camera that looks down into the bed so you can triple-check your tie-down work while on the move."

 

[Rustydodge]

I know that has been on the Ram HDs but not sure on the 1500s. Also wasn't aware that was class exclusive, as i thought others had cameras mounted in the 3rd brake light to view the bed also.

 

[Rustydodge]

I’m thinking this is fords way of technically submitting something to save face, but not actually putting their best horse in the race because they’re afraid of being beaten(?).

I think for motortrend, you can only enter if you have a "new" vehicle. My guess is the limited with the 3.5 HO ecoboost was maybe too late? Or, Ford intentionally didn't send it. So that left only the 3.0 powerstroke entry.

Other publications, like pickuptrucks, allowed anyone to send only 1 truck. Motortrend, allows any truck that is new or significantly changed, which is why they reviewed like 5 different Ram trucks

 

[Gman]

This was fun to read this morning. Being a Chevy guy my whole life and then buying the new Ram 1500 isn't so unique, I guess. Now I'm just a statistic.

 

[SpeedyV]

Did I miss this option? Because that sounds pretty handy:

"and a CHMSL-mounted camera that looks down into the bed so you can triple-check your tie-down work while on the move."

Uh, yeah...that would be cool!

 

[blownout1500]

I think for motortrend, you can only enter if you have a "new" vehicle. My guess is the limited with the 3.5 HO ecoboost was maybe too late? Or, Ford intentionally didn't send it. So that left only the 3.0 powerstroke entry.

Other publications, like pickuptrucks, allowed anyone to send only 1 truck. Motortrend, allows any truck that is new or significantly changed, which is why they reviewed like 5 different Ram trucks

Got it... sounds like ford had one hand tied behind their back on this one then.