Trucks Of 2018; The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

February 13, 2023

The 2018 model year has arrived, and the lineup of competing trucks has never been more fierce. From the bestselling F-150 to the latest line of Ram 1500 and everything in between, there truly is something for everyone on the market, and it can get confusing as to which is the best choice for you. Whether you’re looking for comfort, durability, style or space, I’ll walk you through the myriad of options to choose from to make sure you go looking for all the info you could want.

Ford F-150

Having just celebrated their fortieth year of being the best selling truck on the market, the 2018 F-150 maintains the blue oval’s tradition of offering serious bang for your buck. The F-150 can be one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the segment, providing almost any feature you could want. Heated seats: check. Backup camera with surround view: check. Adaptive cruise control: check. You can also spring for the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which takes the guesswork out of reversing a trailer into place. The classic F-Series also got a facelift, wide horizontal bars on the grille are changed based on what model you purchase, but all designs have a very Chevy look to them. With four engines to choose from, ranging from a 2.7L V6, through to a 5L V8, there is something for everyone in Ford’s lineup. While the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is available, you’ll only find its twin turbo, high output sibling in the Raptor. Driven by either a six or ten-speed automatic transmission, the F-150 promises a smooth ride with more amenities than a room at the Ritz.

The next truck on our list is the F-150’s closest competitor and rival.

Chevy Silverado

To celebrate one hundred years of trucking, Chevy has gone retro with their badging this year. If you decide on the Centennial edition, the blank bowtie is replaced by the classic emblem with Chevrolet stamped into it. The Silverado hasn’t undergone much in the way of serious changes this year; the 4.3L V6 and 5.3L V8s are back and solid as ever, as is the 6.2L V8. While the truck is spacious, the interior is lackluster; featuring hard plastics and uninspired design, it is functional, but that’s about it. Unless you spring for a V8 and one of the higher trim levels, you’re stuck with the six-speed automatic transmission with no option for the eight-speed. Performance wise, the Silverado will haul almost anything you need and is quick off the line for a truck. Features include standards like Bluetooth and an eight-inch touchscreen for your infotainment display, as well as back up cameras and, what may be the tech that sets the Silverado apart, a wireless phone charging station. While the Silverado may lack in some departments, their proven reliability is what keeps customers returning, no fancy gimmicks.

Our next slide features the Silverado’s smaller sibling.

Chevy Colorado

Chevy’s midsize truck is very much a smaller version of the Silverado and suffers from many of the same issues. The seven-inch infotainment system is excellent, as is the vehicle’s ability to work hard, though the interior is bland and plastic. The low-end V4 comes with a six-speed manual, but upgrading to the peppy V6 or diesel engines give you access to the eight-speed automatic. Like it’s big brother, Colorado is also offered in a Centennial Edition with heritage badging on the Z71 models. For parents, Teen Driver mode is available, which allows parents to select maximum volume controls, as well as audio and visual alerts when the vehicle exceeds a parent-set maximum speed. While Colorado is a decent truck, the difference in price and performance from the base Work Truck model to a more fleshed out daily driver is steep once trim packages and features are added.

Check out the next slide for a truck that dropped its familial name but never lost its style.

RAM 1500

Ram’s full-size pickup comes stocked with plenty of goodies if you’re willing to pony up for them. The infotainment system supports voice controls. However, Bluetooth phone capabilities including Apple Car Play and Android Auto are locked for those who aren’t willing to pay. The ride on the 1500 is unparalleled, thanks to the five-link suspension and coils instead of leaf springs, giving the truck a feel closer to that of a car than its competing pickups. The interior is dated, but if Ram’s showing at the Detroit Auto Show is anything to go off, the 2019 models will see a welcome overhaul. With any luck, Ram will also be changing out their engines then as well. The current 5.7L Hemi V8 has served Ram well, but the 3.0 Eco Diesel is underpowered, and 3.6L Pentastar V6 feels like a relic from the Dodge-Plymouth era.

Coming up next is our first foreign model.

Toyota Tacoma

While it may lack the panache of its larger competitors, the Tacoma has proven itself as a reliable alternative to the domestic mid-sized lineup. For people who need a truck for their versatility, the Tacoma will do just fine. The 3.5L V6 will do most of what the competition can, though even with the tow package it hauls nearly 1000 pounds less than the Canyon and Colorado. The six-speed manual is recommended over the automatic, which has raised complaints of being finicky. Toyota has included a touchscreen infotainment system for all models, which is nice for those buying on a budget but does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Like most Toyotas, the Tacoma boasts of high resale values and excellent ratings on initial reliability, though that may be cold comfort given the relatively high price point.

If the Tacoma’s price is too steep for your wallet, perhaps our next mid-size is more your budget.

Nissan Frontier

The Frontier hasn’t seen a makeover since 2009, and it shows. The interior is starkly minimalist in the design department. The hard grey plastic is offset by ugly white gauges that clash with the rest of the interior. While the base model features a lackluster but colorful non-touch screen, a touch screen option is available, though neither model offers Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 2.5 Liter V4 is a little weak for a mid-size truck, and it shows in the truck’s low towing capability. The V6 is more adept, but also underpowered compared to other vehicles in the class. Ultimately, the Frontier is hasn’t caught up with the market shift from compact trucks to mid-sized, and its styling and price reflect it.

Our next slide looks at one of the Frontier’s domestic competitors.

GMC Canyon

The Canyon tries to blur the line between mid and full-size pickup. The 3.6 Liter V6 pumps out a peppy 308 hp, while the Duramax inline-four can tow up to 7700 lbs. Those looking to save money will be disappointed in the underperforming V4 that’s available and would do well to consider the V6 with GM’s cylinder deactivation technology to save fuel in the long term. The Canyon’s eight-speed automatic is responsive and surprisingly fuel efficient. The interior is spacious and sleek, and the infotainment system is top-notch. Everything is accessible and easy to monitor. The optional wireless charging and in-vehicle WiFi set the Canyon at the top of the tech class, along with its cousin,the Colorado. While base models are relatively cheap, the price can quickly rise, pushing the Canyon close to full-size prices.

The Canyon’s big brother steps up to the plate in our next slide.

GMC Sierra

GM’s top of the line truck features everything you would expect in a professional grade truck. The interior is well designed and spacious, while the exterior is bold but refined. For those buying premium on a budget, the 4.3 L V6 pushes out a respectable 285 hp, though the larger 5.3 and 6.2 Liter V8s blow it away with 355 and 420 respectively, as is to be expected. The 6.2 is only available on the high-end trims, unfortunately. Paired with the eight-speed automatic, the Sierra is smooth and efficient. While it may not be as advanced as the F-150, the Sierra is fitted with a seven or optional eight-inch touch display that is responsive and compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has an available noise canceling system to provide a smooth and quiet ride.

Ultimately, the Sierra is a better-dressed cousin of the Silverado at a higher but still comparable price.

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