Competition heating up among full-size pickup truck manufacturers

This is a good year to buy a pickup truck. Both Chevrolet and Ram are introducing new versions of their full-size trucks later this summer, and the competition is hot for business.

The big deal for trucks this year is steel versus aluminum, and their strength versus lightness. When Ford introduced the latest generation of its top-selling F-150 a couple of years ago, it saved more than 300 kilograms of weight by using lightweight aluminum in the truck's construction; both Chevrolet and Ram are now also using aluminum to save weight, but not so much, saying they use stronger steel where it counts, such as in the frame and cargo bed.

Chevrolet Silverado

The Silverado, which made its debut at the Detroit auto show in January, is up to 204 kilograms lighter but its body is 10 per cent stronger. It comes in eight different trim levels, from basic work to high luxury. There are three new engines, including a diesel, and they will all be equipped with a "dynamic fuel management" system that can shut off up to all but one cylinder when extra power isn't needed.

General Motors believes this choice will ensure the Silverado appeals to all potential pickup truck buyers, from fleets to urban cowboys, and drivers will be drawn to the slightly larger dimensions as well as the improved abilities. There will be a couple of off-road versions, too, as well as kits to make the truck more capable in the dirt. A new generation of its sibling, the GMC Sierra, will be introduced later this year.

Ram 1500

Also debuted at Detroit, the Ram 1500 has only two gasoline engines available, a V-6 and V-8, but both come with an "eTorque" mild hybrid system. It uses a 48-volt battery to boost strength when needed, while also improving fuel efficiency. They can also shut off up to half the cylinders, as well as stop and start the engine automatically when parked to save even more fuel.

The new Ram is a little larger all around, with additional space in the bed and extra leg room in the cab. It's big enough now that the rear seats of the crew cab version will even recline. Like the other Detroit trucks, it uses more lightweight materials to save more than 100 kilograms, but 98 per cent of its frame is constructed from high-strength steel to ensure stiffness and durability.

Ford F-150

The best-selling vehicle in North America forever, the F-150 is introducing an all-new diesel engine this spring, which will be a sixth engine choice for the truck. The 3.0-litre V-6 Power Stroke will create 440 lb-ft of torque, which allows the Ford to tow up to 5,170 kilograms.

This generation of the F-150 – its 13th since the original in 1948 – was introduced in 2015 so it's not yet time for an overhaul, except for strengthening the axles. Instead, the competition has been playing catch-up with its impressive fuel consumption and cutting-edge features, which include back-up assist for use with a trailer, and full connectivity with Ford's Sync3 software.

Nissan Titan

Nissan's full-size pickup truck earned accolades when its second generation was introduced in 2015, and again in each subsequent year when it was made available with a single cab and then a King cab. It's rugged and capable, and its platform is shared with the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80.

Like the trucks from the Detroit Three, there's a heavy-duty version available with a diesel engine; it's built in Mississippi, which helps it appeal to North American patriotism. There's nothing new to see yet for 2018, though Nissan will have a blacked-out Midnight Edition Titan at the Toronto auto show.

Toyota Tundra

The basic Tundra hasn't changed in a dozen years. It's strong and reliable and value for money, but recently its most interesting versions have been with TRD Sport off-road editions. Toyota says it will show new Double Cab and CrewMax Cab TRD Sport Tundras at the Toronto auto show. They feature suspension and appearance packages that include tuned Bilstein shocks, a sport-tuned suspension with TRD front and rear sway bars, 20-inch alloy wheels, a hood scoop, and LED headlamps and fog lamps.

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