The American full-size pickup truck segment is brutal. Many enter, but few ever find victory thanks to four decades of Ford F-150 dominance. However, that doesn’t mean the Big Three are sleeping at the wheel. Both Ram, Chevy, and GMC debuted all-new pickups for the 2019 model year. While all three are packed with innovations and new technologies, only one could earn Motor Trend’s coveted Truck of the Year Award. For 2019, that truck is the Ram 1500, which beat out both the 2019 Silverado 1500 and 2019 Sierra 1500 for top honors.
That’s not to say either of GM’s trucks are demonstrably worse than the Ram. Many of these awards are subjective, and it’s unlikely Ram’s new title will sway many pickup buyers as many lifelong truck owners are brand loyal. And it’s not like GM hasn’t earned accolades for the two pickups. The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali did take first place in a Pickuptrucks.com comparison test.
But there was just something about the 2019 Ram 1500 that persuaded Motor Trend editors that the 2019 Silverado 1500 or Sierra 1500 didn’t have.
“It’s really a surprise on the road,” said testing director Kim Reynolds of the Ram’s air-ride suspension. “It’s way more refined and sophisticated than the GMs. Steering is fluid and quality-feeling.”
Even the standard suspension won praise. “The coil-spring suspension is better in the Ram than the ride in any of the GM trucks,” MotorTrend en Espanol managing editor Miguel Cortina said.
The Ram also earned praise in other areas. The 12,750-pound towing capacity bets Chevy, GMC, Nissan, and Toyota. Only the Ford F-150 bested the Ram—and it did so by 450 pounds. Editors also praised the Ram’s powertrain options, especially the mild-hybrid powertrain the automaker is calling eTorque. The system is standard on the base 3.6-liter V6 engine and an available option with the top-tier 5.7-liter V8.
However, while the Ram 1500 does earn the coveted TOTY award, editors did find a few demerits. In the bed, there’s a lack of tie-downs compared to the GM trucks. Both the new 2019 Sierra 1500 and 2019 Silverado 1500 sport 12 standard tie-downs while the Ram 1500 only offers four tie-downs as standard.
Motor Trend picked the Ram 1500 for several reasons, including its styling, interior options, and powertrain combinations. Pickup trucks are utility vehicles first and foremost. People use them for a wide range of activities, such as using them as commuter vehicles or using them to the full capability, towing, hauling, and getting dirty. To Motor Trend, the Ram 1500 best exemplified those various possibilities.
Comments
Coil sprung rear suspensions offer better handling and are a good choice in a vehicle that is used more and more for commuting and light towing / hauling and less and less for true truck duty.
GM had them in the early 70s, right? I’m guessing they cost a couple bucks more to produce and that is the only reason they are now sticking with the ox cart setup. It’s all about profit.
I disagree. The coil springs do offer a slightly better ride quality, although I’ve driven the previous gen Silverado and Ram as well as the Current F-150, and the difference in ride quality is barely even noticeable.
On the other hand, the compromises with the coil springs are the amount of squat that you end up with. Even the 2019 Ram 1500 which now has progressive rate coils appears to squat more than I think is acceptable if you plan to put weight in the bed. The only way to combat this is to use airbags (which is optional on the Ram 1500, but costly and actually decreases payload), or with a really stiff spring, at which point the ride isn’t any better than a leaf spring suspension with the same load capacity.
Yes, leaf springs are less expensive than coils, but in this application I think it’s a superior setup.
It looks like Barra and company tried to save a few bucks on the interior of the pickups as well. A lot of Playskoll- hard plastic. The Ram’s interior is awesome especially in the higher trim levels, but even the lower trims are light years ahead of GM’s in terms of materials.
Miss Mary Barra’s “leadership” is destroying the company…sales down, unions going to start demonstrating coming from the firing of workers, plastic bean-counter interiors…Old GM had arisen under Machete Mary.
You can’t forget the coil spring set-up issue during towing is off-set by the air suspension option. Thus, in light duty towing there isn’t a down side for the coil spring. The upside is a more comfortable ride and better handling.
Machete Mary Barra is failing everyday it seems…She was good friends with the previous administration, but we all know how that went too. She needs to go…revolution time!
GM pickups starting in 1960 until I believe 1966 had coil spring rear and torsion bar front suspensions.
OMG I KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN I CAN’T SEE HOW GM CAN DROP THE BALL ON THE MOST PROFITABLE VEHICLE IN ITS LINE UP THIS IS MORE DISAPPOINTING NEWS ON TOP OF ALL THE PLANTS CLOSING
Buddy, GM told us it was going to happen when they ditched the 2018 Texas Truck Rodeo!
Ford had an excuse in that it didn’t have a redesigned truck to showcase, leaving GM and FCA as the only manufactures set to go head-to-head. Everyone was looking forward to that after school brawl … and then Mary Barra and her harem of HR know-nothings decided not to show.
FCA’s CEO, Michael Manley, is quoted saying he wants more market share of the US truck business “and I don’t much care who I take it from.” I’ve made it know here that I sell Chevy/ Cadillac vehicles. Have you seen Ram’s lease offers? Have you seen the excitement for the Jeep Gladiator?
Nothing feeds innovation like necessity, and nothing quite permits stagnation like a “too big to fail” attitude and tax-payer subsidies the likes that GM has been leaning on for decades now! For everyone’s sake, it’s time President Trump get GM off corporate welfare!
GM has let there most profitable trucks go down hill
Where most profitable trucks?
For sure. GM sells 800k trucks a year and derive most of their profits from them. Then decide to cut corners with a redesign. The interiors are an entire generation behind Ram and Ford. The same company can go all out and design an incredible corvette but at most sell 50k a year. Means GM can do it but cost cutting raised its ugly head again on it’s most important product.
You forgot to include the part where the motor trend editors lambasted the interiors of the gmc Sierra Denali and Silverado highcountry as a laughable excuse of 65k+ trucks
They left out the part where this award is generally purchased by the mfg.
How else did the Mustang II p, Chrysler K Car, Renault Alliance and Citation win the Motor Trend Awards.
If you win it you paid good money to brag if not it means little. It is just a marketing campaign.
As for the trucks the Rams will rust and be recalled a number of times but you will have a big screen dash if you buy the high end model.
How is that different than GM recalls and frames rusting. I fail to see the difference. And with GM’s LACK of customer service the RAM will win again. I will never own one BUT that doesn’t mean there not just as good of truck these days, my uncle has only ever owned Dodge RAM and now RAM, and on average has had no more troubles than I only owning GM trucks.
Bud I have made a lot of money fixing Ram quality.
You can put an expensive dress on Whoopi Goldberg but it will not make her Hale Berry.
Bud I have made a LOT of money fixing GM quality.
And without degrading any body .
I would like you to point out 1 FCA that has as many disappointed customers as the Cadillac CUE.
We are no longer talking Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, junk, we are talking FCA.
Dodge dart was same time as cue, and everything, fca vans 6 speed transmissions, ram air suspension past 80000 miles, plastic interior ram trucks-2003-pressent, hopefully 2019 will change that. Jeep liberty since imception of the liberty, and Wrangler universal joints. Fiat 500 build quality past 100k deteriorates fast
If you would take the time to compare the new Silverado and Ram side by side, you would see that the Ram’s interior is far superior in terms of materials and the Ram has many more features than the Silverado. Barra’s cost cutting to fund the autonomous car fantasy piggy bank really shows up in the Silverado.
Regarding the Mustang II, K-Car, and Citation, we are talking cars from 40-50 years ago. Of course they look obsolete by today’s standards.
I have compared.
You can look into a well and while the reflection of a smooth surface is there the bottom still has a rocky reputation.
As for the award most of the vehicles have not lived up to the award even the GM ones.
It is well documented this is a sold award and marketing campaign.
For the record I would not buy a Ram just because of the shift knob alone. Plow snow with that?
Yeah, because so many half ton trucks are used for plowing. And, as far as reliability and quality you’re the pot calling the kettle black. That’s a proven fact, both companies are the bottom of the barrell when it comes to that. At least when Ram owners go back to the dealer for repairs they will do so in style.
I would agree with you but then we both would be wrong.
Now go play with your knob.
scott3,
You like GM will continue to slowly lose market share. WHAT rocky reputation? Like I said we are no longer talking Dodge , Chrysler, Plymouth, junk. We are talking FCA. And just like GM cares about there workers they care even less about there customer. When you go back to the dealership for repairs Ha what a joke.
This is a marathon not a sprint race.
GM will be fine.
FCA has the lowest repeat buyers than anyone accept Mitsubishi for a reason. It rides around 25%.
The drama queens here are not anything to freak out about.
scott3,
Better check your data again. My latest data shows.
Chevrolet Corvette #1
Lexus RX350#2
RAM 1500 #3
And in just trucks Ram is #1
This is a marathon not a sprint race.
And every year since RAM, again not Dodge, RAM, the RAM 1500 has gained market share and has had the LARGEST % repeat loyalists of ALL 1500 trucks.
So again take a % or two every year and keep them, you tell me WHO is winning this marathon.
I do think GM will be just fine. GM will let this market share weaken just like ALL the rest of GM market share until POW, WHATS GOING ON. Then another revival of sorts to try to regain market share. LOOK AT CADILLAC.
This is NOT opinion. LOOK. RAM is everywhere.
Scott3 your fanboyism is divorcing you from reality. Aside from powertrain, the new Ram 1500 is a superior truck to the GM twins, which pains me to say as a GM fan and owner of a 2015 Sierra. Ram has outsold Silverado for the last 3 months, even with GM changing their earnings report to quarterly to hide poor sales. It pisses me off.
I actually hope Ram kicks GM’s ass this round and forces GM to come with a MUCH better truck next time; whether through a refresh or an entirely new platform.
Well like when they offered 15000$ off in 2016 for that quarter, they are currently offering 13000$ of of the new 2019’s. They are outselling Ford’s and Chevy’s cause that is one heck of a deal! I could guarenttee if Chevy offered 12000$ off the new ones like the 2018s then they would outsell the Rams. The tundras are archaic, yet I’d buy one if it was 15000$ off msrp
GM simply doesn’t understand today’s market. They think they’re still just building cars instead of a new combo product that is half transportation and a quarter Technology and a quarter design which includes materials and colors as well.
They think the buyers today are the same as they were 20 years ago. The rest of the market has figured it. A vehicle today is an extension of your day to day life. That includes anything from color to furniture to technology. People care more about design and proper use of material now more that ever. I mean a 25K Civic completely embarrasses most GM mainstream interiors in quality. This upsets me so much. The Bean counters need to get out. They will completely Bankrupt GM once again.
Amid all the bad news from GM yesterday I was going to say at a couple of points that GM really only does two products well today, big trucks and their companion big SUVs. In every other field they sell on price or often don’t sell at all. The Silverado/Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Escalade are the product’s keeping the lights on in The Silver Tubes building in Detroit.
Now, GM is potentially losing in that arena. If their cash cows are being bested by FCA, the problems at GM are much worse than they appeared to be on Monday. If Mike Manley succeeds and takes some of GM’s pickup profits away, Miss Mary should be run out of GM very quickly. GM can continue to fail with every other product it offers as long as those trucks sell but without them, there is no backstop.
And don’t forget the NEW big SUV’s will have independent rear suspension. So the TRUCK Companion is now a SUV so we will see how that goes as far as reliability.
I do believe RAM will take some market share away from Ford and GM. Not much, but. I think they will take the same percentage away from GM and Ford that they did in 2014-2015. I am more scared of Ford’s redesign. I don’t see them falling flat on their interior after they saw what RAM came out with.
Is anyone really that surprised? In my opinion the 2019 Silverado and Sierra aren’t even as good as the 2014-2018. They’ve de-contented the trucks quite a bit compared to the previous gen. For example, even the WT used to come standard with HID headlights and LED DRLs. Now the WT and Custom get reflector beam halogens. The previous gen also had a 26 gal. fuel tank which was already small for the class considering, you couldn’t get an optional 30+ gallon fuel tank like all of the competition minus the Nissan Titan. Now, for 2019 you get an even smaller 24 gal. fuel tank, which in my opinion is absolutely unacceptable for a half ton truck.
What we got for 2019 was a redesigned truck that failed to address any of the concerns of the previous gen, but instead gave us frumpy styling, a cheapened interior, and a higher price tag. On the bright side, we did get a 4 cylinder engine that gets V8 fuel mileage.
That might be harsh, but GM should be embarrassed that it sunk so much money into such a pathetic redesign of it’s most important vehicle.
I wouldnt go as far to say that the new gen has frumpy styling and a cheaper interior. The exterior looks are completely subjective and I happen to think that they look significantly improved over the 18MY. the issue is that it appears to be an update-for-updates-sake. The interior and powertrain, while perfectly acceptable are exactly the same as the previous gen. Not even a HP bump. Then we get 450 lbs of weight loss but no MPG or 0-60 gains. Additionally we get a 4cyl engine with the same mileage. What was the point in releasing essentially an identical truck with new styling. Is that not what a MCE is for? If they’re going to release a new gen truck. It can’t just match the existing competition. It needs to exceed it. By 2021 when Ford has a new gen out and Ram has inevitably put a hellcat engine in their trucks, GM will be a distant third.
That’s virtually my exact sentiments towards the new GM trucks! All their engineering efforts seem to have resulted in a truck that only marginally improves on the outgoing models, let alone one that truly revolutionizes the segment! This isn’t to say the new trucks aren’t good, because in my opinion, this is the best iteration of GM trucks ever! Motor Trend summed it up best when they stated back in January during the reveal of the new Silverado and RAM 1500: “GM built a better Silverado, but RAM built a more forward-thinking truck!”
Now I admit, the new RAM doesn’t truly revolutionize the truck segment either. But what their engineers have succeeded in is perfecting the overall experience of owning a full-sized pickup! FCA better understands that customers are indeed placing a higher emphasis on luxury, comfort and utility, and the new RAM capitalizes on that while effectively doing what a truck should! They understand that a truck is far more than just a work vehicle nowadays! So it’s not just about the best-in-class interior, as some wrongly assert, it’s about the overall package!
First, the ’19 Silverado starts at $29,795, which is $400 cheaper than last year’s truck. The design is also more functional, drawing inspiration and tech from both the Camaro and Corvette for better aerodynamics that improve fuel efficiency and ride quality. And that Turbo four-cylinder puts out more HP/Torque than the outgoing V6.
But if you really care about MPG, well, let’s have that chat because it really grinds my gears when dummy truck buyers compare gas tanks. It’s a totally irrelevant number and says nothing about range, which is what those customers are thinking about and yet miss entirely.
The ’18 Silverado features a 26 gallon tank and 24 MPG/ Highway. The ’18 Nissan Titan also features a 26 gallon tank but only 21 MPG/ Highway. That means the Chevy has a range of 624 mi. while the Nissan can only go 546 mi. on a single tank.
“But … but … the Nissan has a bigger gas tank!”
And does it get you better MPG? Absolutely not!
That might be harsh, but some truck buyers need to be called out for their embarrassing ignorance!
“That might be harsh, but some truck buyers need to be called out for their embarrassing ignorance!” You’re absolutely correct and I’m calling you out right now.
The design is not functional. The Sierra lacks the “functional” air curtains that the Silverado has, yet gets the same highway fuel mileage.
Now to address the 2.7 turbo 4. The power output is impressive, absolutely and I will wait to see real-world mileage numbers. BUT: I know the 2.7 Ecoboost doesn’t technically compete with this engine, but with 2 extra cylinders, twice as many cylinders and more hp and torque, it’s fuel mileage rating is significantly higher than the 2.7 turbo 4.
And now for your very silly gas tank argument. I wasn’t praising Nissan for their 26 gal. fuel tank because that is still too small for a pickup truck. Now, if you don’t plan on towing, the tiny fuel tanks that Nissan and GM offer are fine. But there’s a reason the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra are available with 33, 36 and 38 gal. fuel tanks, respectively. When towing even a small trailer, your highway mileage is going to be in the low teens. And that’s not going to change whether your driving a Titan, an F-150 or a Silverado (unless it happens to be a diesel). So your 624 mile range quickly turns into a 300 mile range. And I don’t know about you but when I’m towing long distances, I’m not letting that needle go below 1/4. So that 300 miles now turns into a maximum of 200-250 miles between fuel stops.
Now let’s use the F-150 5.0 4×4 with a proper 36 gal. fuel tank as an example. At 22 mpg on the highway, that gives you a range of 792 miles. So if we’re towing a decent sized trailer with some wind resistance we can expect to cut that mileage in half. So that gives us 11 mpg, yielding a range of 396 miles. Again, when I’m towing over long distances, I’m going to give myself a large reserve, so that’s about 300-350 miles between fuel stops between 200-250 miles between fuel stops. Does that large fuel tank still seem like such a silly request?
Fuel tank size is such a minor point in this entire discussion. Yet, this is your evidence of “embarrassing ignorance”
Is missing the larger point of a conversation a sign of ignorance?
This just goes to show you that people who are voting for these awards don’t value what’s important in a truck!
They fooled you people! Hey dont look at the area’s of the truck that make it a truck. Focus on the dash and interior! Some people are truly sheep and will follow the herd when they tell them what is important!
BRIAN, What areas of a truck make it a truck in your eyes.
I own the most expensive GM truck, the GM truck that in the years 2017 and 2018 have the MOST options and the BEST drivetrain. A Denali HD Duramax. It has had 1 recall for engine, 1 satisfaction recall for the rear wheel bearing lock nut could come loose, and 1 customer satisfaction recall for the seat belt latch tensioner. So even if the thousands of GM customers with transmission troubles, or the thousands of GM customers with engine troubles are wrong in your eyes, what than makes a truck a truck. Who are the sheep? Who are the fools? I could care less about awards, I don’t believe any. What I do believe are the trips to the dealer made by me, the fool GM truck owner.
I look forward to a fast turnaround GM truck update, perhaps for the 2021 model year. Better interior to compete with RAM and a more cohesive front end. I’m sure that there is a lot of high tension GM meetings going on right now about how a brand new truck could fall down on the basics.
what they can do, grab the new 2020 suv dashboard / interior and place it in the silverado / sierra and also take the independent rear suspension, they can do al this for the more expensive models.. and maby some special high out put engine to.. they have it al in house..
SUV dashboard? Absolutely it should be common sense
IRS? Absolutely not
I think there is way too much panic here. Ya, high end interiors could be better, but entry level, high volume trucks are good for GM. I like the improved travel front suspension and factory option 2” lift (Trailboss, AT4).
For truck guys, there is much to appreciate. For coddled auto journalists, interiors are a fun punching bag.
I care that the fundamentals are great and it is very functional. I will let other people obsess on feeling up dashboards.
I’ve been defending the interior of the new trucks since they debuted and I still don’t think it’s that bad – It’s not even close to the Ram, but it’s still not bad. But that’s not the issue here. The overall package just isn’t that great. With the 6.2 and 10 speed it’s one of the best performing trucks out there. With the 5.3 though, which is how the vast majority of trucks are spec’d, it just falls flat on it’s face against the Ram 1500, and especially the F-150.
Moral of the story? If you really care about interior quality, but you still want decent performance unload and towing, get a Ram. If you don’t care about interior quality that much, but you want the best performance, get an F-150.
It is a crime how GM doesn’t make a V8 that compares favourably to Ford 5.0/3.5TT or 5.7 from Ram.
GM needs a 6.2 on lower trims so regular guys can get the big engine too.
I am very intrigued by the new 3.0 I6 Diesel. This could be the best option of them all.
Motor Trend couldn’t have been more blunt and accurate with this quote:
“GM has to be kidding, going up against this with the High Country and Denali,” features editor Scott Evans said. “This is a luxury interior. Look at this wood! This leather! The metal, stitching, design, attention to detail! The leather on the grab handles! Cadillac could learn a thing or two by spending an afternoon in this cabin.”
Will GM do anything about it??
Oooooo, leather on the grab handles! Quick, reserve two of them for me!
How about theater lighting? Opera sound? Perfumed A/C?
What a bunch of pansies.
Does it come with a vagine massager as well?
Had a Ram, spent alot of time at the dealership service dept for repairs of problems that should never have passed thru any quality control check…. before bad mouthing the new GM’s I suggest going for a test drive, just bought a 2019 AT4, replacing my 2015 Denali. No problems with the Denali, and the new AT4 is awsome, great ride, lots of unique features, strongest non turbo motor 6.2 on the market, and attractive styling, not one complaint so far other than not being able to permanently shut of the EPA required, engine start stop feature
EPA does NOT require stop/start technology, any more than they require cylinder deactivation. GM does both to get better fuel mileage.
Well when you have a liberal female in charge that keeps preaching profits above all else and trying really hard shoving self driving electric cars down our throats at all costs this is the result and so so predictable. Take any current 2019 GM product and do a comparison to just about anybody else and you will for sure not see a first place win. The new Silverado/Sierra. Nope. The Traverse/Enclave. Nope. The revamped Cruze or Malibu. Nope. The Spark, Sonic or Impala which is now 6 years old with zero updates. Nope. Any current Buick sedan? Nope. About the only thing that had a very narrow first place victory was the 2018 Regal Tour X when compared to a VW and Subaru but that was last year’s model. I’m not even going to discuss the hot mess they refer to as Cadillac!
Ooooooo! A liberal female! Scary!