4 Trucks to Watch in 2018

Calling all truck lovers! 2018 is said to be the year to watch for mega upgrades and improvements in the pickup world. We’ve been keeping an eye on the Big Four, and we’re excited to share the notable changes that are sweeping across all 2019 pickup models. Here are the 4 trucks to watch in 2018.

Ford F150

 The Ford F150 is undoubtedly the nation’s best-seller when it comes to pickups, outnumbering is competitors by far. Some of the new features we’re pumped about are its 3.3-liter naturally aspirated and 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engines. The 3.3-liter has brand new cylinder heads that make room for both port and direct fuel injection.

The 2.7-liter engine represents the second generation of this compacted-graphite-iron-block engine. Saving weight and reducing friction, the engine has lightened cams driven by a new dual-chain setup. All of the engines are equipped with an auto start and stop, and all but the base 3.3-liter get mounted to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Pushing pedal to the metal is really a smooth experience with the Ford F150. The fuel that gets injected directly into the cylinder cools the intake charge enough to prevent knock despite increases in compression ratio on each engine. The burn in the cylinder is more complete and efficient, a result of the higher compression ratio. The impact is quite large, with output increasing on each engine, and EPA fuel economy seeing improvements as well.

Chevy Silverado

 The Silverado 1500 is fully capable and high configurable, with powertrain options that are highlighted by a strong V-8 engine. The 6.2-liter V-8 is the cream of the crop, providing class-leading 420 horsepowe, and a maximum of 12,500 pounds for towing. Touted as being streamlined and efficient, it still comes in second in comparison to the Ford F150.

The infotainment system is highly intuitive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fully synced. Most of the changes for the Silverado for 2018 are low-key, but pickup enthusiasts will still enjoy the upgrades. Common across all models is a backup camera, and the tire-pressure monitor has an audible alert to indicate when the air pressure is filled to the recommended level.

The hybrid model has a single electric motor that doesn’t operate as your usual hybrid. It cannot power the truck completely on its own. For Chevy lovers, you might want to consider the exclusive and special edition Centennial, designed to celebrate 100 years of Chevy Trucks. This model is only available in 2018 and is in an exclusive Centennial Blue colour and has heritage-inspired badging.

 

Ram 1500

The all new Ram 1500 is making good use of “out with the old, and in with the new”. A full-fledged remodel that leaves the Dodge-branded days in the dust, the 2019 Ram 1500 is getting a revolutionary makeover, along with technological changes that haven’t been updated in 25 years.

Powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine called the Pentastar, with 305 horsepower or 5.7-liter V-8 engine called the Hemi, with a 395 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission is available for both engines, with hybridization also on the horizon for 2019. The eTorque system replaces the alternator with a motor/generator unit that feeds energy into a 48-volt lithium ion battery pack. The start/stop capability on the eTorque provides smoother and quicker starts than the original systems.

The exterior has had a big facelift, with raised bedsides, a small lip spoiler on the tailgate, and a hood that is designed to push air over and away from the windshield wipers. The pickup is both larger and lighter, and stronger than ever before.

Toyota Tundra

Toyota TRD has upped its exterior game, with a unique black mesh grille that has horizontal bars and a large font script. A prominent snorkel intake sitting alongside the passenger side A-pillar is new as well. Still slightly elusive, the details on the 2019 model haven’t been fully revealed, with enthusiasts eager to get the details. The current TRD Pro has Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tires that provide excellent traction, wrapped around 16-inch alloy wheels. Sitting on 1-inch coil springs in the front with Off Road leaf springs in the rear, the shocks are prime.

The roundup of trucks this year is looking comparable with flashy upgrades and hybridization. It’ll be a tough decision to make.