8. 2017 RAM 1500
This is bound to get some flack but the 2017 Ram 1500 really is a middle-of-the-road model. It does many things well but isn’t a stand-out performer in any one category. One of the best things about the 2017 Ram 1500 is its wide range of configurations and trims. Available in 2WD or 4WD, in regular Cab, Crew Cab, or Quad Cab, and with a 5’7”, 6’4”, or 8-foot box, it’s a model that can fit most needs.
The interior is trimmed big and chunky like a truck should be. The Uconnect system is less impressive than other brands, but otherwise it’s good looking and durable. But a truck needs to perform well, and the 2017 Ram 1500 can satisfy. The base engine is a 305-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, but the star of the show is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The other intriguing choice is the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It is the most fuel efficient truck, and it doesn’t sacrifice much performance.
7. 2017 Toyota Tundra
It’s mind-blowing that the Toyota Tundra doesn’t sell better, the Tundra is pretty awesome all the way around. Many would call it the best pickup truck on the road. There are the gorgeous looks that include chrome trim, a chunky hood and classic truck lines. It has an interior that makes you feel like a man’s man – a pistol-grip shifter, comfortable seating, a massive center console lid-slash armrest, and available detailed leatherwork on the seats and dash. It can be jazzed up several notches with a moonroof and more in the 1794 Edition or Platinum trim.
Its base engine is a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8, but you’re more likely to find the iForce 5.7-liter V8 engine under most hoods. It’s rock solid, especially paired with Toyota’s 4WD system. What you may not love so much about the Toyota Tundra is the fuel mileage, even on the smaller engine. In the case of the 2017 Toyota Tundra, you pay to play.
6. 2017 GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado HD
Again, there’s nothing inherently wrong with GM’s HD trucks from either Chevrolet or GMC. When it comes down to brass tacks, there are just trucks that are better overall in our pursuit of best pickup truck. I mean, who can really argue with the durability of a Duramax 6.6-liter V8 turbo diesel engine, especially when it’s rated at 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque? Even the gas jobber is decent – a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 with 360 ponies and 380 lb-ft of torque.
It looks clean and pretty with standard chrome bits, or it can be built with body-color trim. The interior is quite impressive for a working-class truck. Angular dash trim and a pretty good MyLink infotainment system give credence to Chevy and GMC’s attention to detail, and available leather interiors are the cat’s meow. Real-world work tests really do say it all, though. Payload is 3,534 pounds and max trailering capacity with a Duramax model is 14,400 pounds. Gotta love it.
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