Today’s newest pickup trucks offer a great deal of practicality. They are comfortable, loaded with modern technology, and engaging to drive. Here are the top full-size pickups of 2018.
2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
The 2018 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is bound to appeal to a lot of drivers. Not only does the 1500 EcoDiesel offer class-leading fuel economy, but it also delivers one of the smoothest rides in the segment. While the base trim is great for work crews, the top-of-the-line Limited trim is especially luxurious.
Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter, diesel V6 engine. With a total output of 240 horsepower and a massive 420 pound-feet of torque, the diesel-powered Ram 1500 is certainly strong enough to get the job done; Its maximum towing capacity stands at an equally impressive 9,200 pounds. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel’s exceptional fuel economy gives it an edge over rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra. According to the EPA, you can anticipate getting a thrifty 20 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway.
Regarding overall passenger comfort, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel can stand toe-to-toe with any pickup on the market. Spacious seating enables all your passengers to unwind. Several premium features are available, including Ram’s user-friendly Uconnect Access infotainment system and a 506-watt premium sound system. Although the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel gets high marks in most areas, it fails to offer much in the way of advanced safety technologies.
2018 Ford F-150 Raptor
If you are looking for a truck with unmatched off-road capabilities, the 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor is bound to get your adrenaline pumping. Despite the F-150’s reputation for being extraordinarily rugged, it is still pleasing to drive on the street. An 8,000-pound towing capacity makes the F-150 Raptor even more rewarding.
Very few pickups pack as much power as the F-150 Raptor. Its turbocharged 3.5-liter, EcoBoost V6 engine is tuned to develop a monstrous 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. With a tested 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, the F-150 Raptor can accelerate just as quickly as a sports car. While this truck is certainly fun to drive, its legendary off-road prowess can’t be overlooked. A sophisticated 4WD system and high-performance shock absorbers help the F-150 Raptor to overcome nature’s most challenging obstacles. The main disadvantage of owning an F-150 Raptor is the pickup’s rather dismal fuel economy. The EPA rates it to return an unimpressive combined 16 mpg.
Starting at $50,115, there are plenty of exciting features available for the 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor. While Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system is incredibly responsive, the new 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo will excite music fans. If you want your friends and family to get in on the fun, opt for the roomy SuperCrew cab. Aside from earning a five-star overall safety rating, the F-150 Raptor offers helpful innovations such as a 360-degree camera and blind-spot detection.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
For the drivers who demand top-notch luxury, GMC offers the Sierra 1500 Denali starting at $52,900. It is the type of truck that everyone in your family will love riding in. Standard adaptive suspension dampers enable the Sierra 1500 Denali to smoothly glide down the highway. Sculpted exterior styling also gives the Sierra 1500 Denali a breathtaking appearance. Fortunately, it is still strong enough to be used for hauling and towing hefty loads.
You will have two formidable V8 engines to choose from. The standard 5.3-liter engine develops a muscular 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. With the ability to return up to 22 mpg on the open road, this engine is perfect for traveling. Meanwhile, the 6.2-liter engine really cranks up the level of performance. It pushes out a beastly 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. You can use the truck’s surplus of power to tow a hefty 9,400 pounds. Although fuel economy takes a slight hit with the larger engine, its 21-mpg highway rating isn’t terribly inefficient.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali’s plush cabin is what makes it such a pleasing truck to drive. Some of the luxurious interior features include ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded leather upholstery. Several high-tech goodies are also found inside the Sierra 1500 Denali, including a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot and a wireless charging pad. Active driving aids give you an additional peace of mind. When a potential road hazard is detected, the pickup’s Safety Alert Seat vibrates to get your attention.
2018 Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X
Starting at $45,890, the Pro-4X version of the Nissan Titan XD is engineered to handle extremely rough terrain. Although the Titan XD Pro-4X may not get as much notoriety as the Ford F-150 Raptor, it still proves to be an extremely capable off-road machine. Rugged upgrades, such as protective skid plates and Bilstein shocks, give you an extra measure of confidence when traveling off the beaten path. On the pavement, this tough-nosed truck transforms into an enjoyable highway cruiser.
While the base V8 engine’s 390-horsepower production provides plenty of muscle, the optional Cummings diesel engine pulls like a train. It develops 310 horsepower and a substantial 555 pound-feet of torque. When called upon, the diesel-powered can tow more than 12,300 pounds. Although an official fuel economy rating isn’t available for the Titan XD Pro-4X, owners have reported an average of 15 mpg.
Although the Titan XD Pro-4X may be a tad less spacious than some competitors, most people will have no complaints. It is a perfect fit for five passengers. You will also find plenty of useful storage areas inside the cabin. Some of the notable features include blind-spot monitoring, a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, and a backup camera.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ
In terms of popularity, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks just behind the Ford F-150. Starting at $49,295, drivers consider the mid-level LTZ trim to be an incredible value. When equipped with the optional Z71 off-road package, the Silverado LTZ becomes an even more suitable truck for exploring the backcountry. Several special appearance packages are available, including the race-inspired Rally 2 Edition.
A brawny 5.3-liter, V8 engine comes standard on the Silverado LTZ. It can return a combined 20 mpg, which is not bad for such a powerful pickup. If you want to experience the acceleration of a hot rod, consider upgrading to the larger 6.2-liter engine. Its 420-horsepower output enables the Silverado LTZ to hit 60 mph in a scorching 5.4 seconds. While the standard engine has an 11,100-pound maximum towing capacity, the mighty 6.2-liter engine can pull up to 12,500 pounds.
If you are the type of driver who hates dealing with complicated interior controls, the Silverado LTZ is an ideal choice; All its components are straightforward and simple to use. Some of the LTZ model’s standard features include 4G Wi-Fi connectivity, leather upholstery, and an 8.0-inch touch screen. The optional rear-seat entertainment system will help children from becoming impatient on long journeys. You can also take advantage of the available Driver Alert safety package, which provides technologies such as low-speed automatic emergency braking and lane departure prevention.