The 2010 Dodge Ram HD’s styling “turns heads” says contributor Howard Elmer, and its newly available crew cab bodystyle will appeal to RV and boat haulers, he says. Highlights include an 18,500 lb towing capacity and a much improved interior.
Trucks
2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
Test-Drive: 2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 Double Cab SR5
The Toyota Tundra offers a new 4.6-litre V8 that’s more powerful but uses less fuel than the 4.7-litre it replaces; Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh reports that it’s a very quiet and capable truck, but it’s looking a little dated inside.
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid 4×4
Vastly improved over GM’s original hybrid trucks, the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid can run on its battery and tow up to 6,100 lbs, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh; along with its Chevy sibling, it’s currently the only hybrid pickup around.
2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup is as capable as many hand-built off-road race trucks, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, but it’s “tough below and tender above” on all types of roads, and “might be Ford’s best effort yet.”
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4X4 Laramie
Apart from a high step-up into the cab, the new Ram Crew Cab is “a wonderful place to be” and there are a few new features “that contractors will love,” says contributor Frank Rizzuti.
2009 Honda Ridgeline VP
A crew cab pick-up with trunk space under the bed floor that rivals most cars, the Honda Ridgeline has a roomy cabin and plenty of interior storage. But it needs heated seats and a bed extender, says reviewer Michael Clark.
2009 Truck King Challenge: 2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4×4
In the 2010 Tundra, the base 4.7-litre V8 is gone in favour of a brand-new 4.6-litre V8 engine that offers 12 per cent more horsepower and an 11 per cent increase in fuel economy, says reviewer Howard J. Elmer.
2009 Truck King Challenge: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie
The Dodge Ram’s rear coil spring suspension provides a superior ride to the traditional solid rear axle, says reviewer Howard J. Elmer. Elmer also liked the Ram’s lockable “RamBox” storage bins and the Ram’s upscale interior.
2009 Truck King Challenge: 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab Hybrid
The Silverado hybrid is capable of accelerating up to 45 km/h on electricity alone before the V8 engine takes over, reports reviewer Howard J. Elmer. It also operates in V4 mode while cruising to save fuel, he reports.
More Reviews
