For 2010, all the full-sized pickups feature more interior appointments, tougher frames and better fuel economy.
Many also have higher towing capacity and new engines, including new diesels. The downside with the new diesels, however, is that 2010 emissions regulations have added complexity and cost to the sticker price. Those price increases have propelled many of the full-sized trucks into almost luxury-car status.
Fortunately, the manufacturers acknowledge that many buyers are looking for work vehicles, so there are many bundled “work-truck” packages that build a comprehensive basic specification, providing practical interiors, workstation consoles with Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a variety of cab configurations and truck bed.
Chevrolet has stretched its bigger cabs with a genuine crew cab replacing the extended cab. Big news at Chevrolet is the new rugged frame for the HD model. The new, more powerful Duramax on the HD produces 765 pounds-feet of torque demanding the big-truck Allison transmission to handle it. Like the other trucks in the full-size lineup, Chevrolet offers a box-delete chassis for addition of compartment utility bodies.
Dodge has introduced a full crew-cab, 10 inches longer than the Quad it replaces, for genuine six-adult seating in comfort. The heavy-duty Dodge Ram takes its styling cues from the recently overhauled 1500 but with subtle changes that accentuate the ruggedness of the heavier duty trucks. New features for the Ram were developed by a team that went all over the country to learn how people use their trucks.
In engine news, Ford has introduced the all-new 6.7-liter diesel, although it is not available on the F150. A smaller version that was in the works is on hold for the moment. Chevrolet has added variable valve timing on its 4.6-liter V8 for a 20-mpg highway rating. Dodge has revised fuel control for its 4.7 and 5.7 gasoline engines for similar economy.
Ford has optional three-valve heads for the Triton 4.6 V8 that give the full-size F150 a 21-mpg highway rating. In the Tundra, a new 4.6 replaces the 4.7 for better performance with a 20-mpg potential. Nissan Titan’s 5.6 V8 is now available with a flexible fuel option that accepts ethanol blends to E85.
According to the manufacturers, all the 2010s are a result of listening to customers. But it is true: as these work trucks evolve they are more and more in line with customer needs while providing ever more comfort and convenience.
Chevrolet Silverado
Models: 1500, 1500 XFE
Cab: Regular Cab, Extended Cab, Crew Cab
Trim: WT, LS, LTZ
Engine: 4.8-liter V8 (195 hp, 260 lb-ft), 5.3-liter V8 (315 hp, 335 lb-ft); 6.2-liter V8 (403 hp, 417 lb-ft)
GVWR: 7,000 lb max.
Towing capacity (hitch): 10,600 lb max.
Chevy Silverado 1500 models range from jobsite-ready Work Truck models to the luxuriously appointed LTZ Crew Cab. For 2010, the Silverado 1500’s range of 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.2L V-8 engines offer E85 capability, while the 4.8L and 5.3L engines now feature variable valve timing.
A six-speed automatic transmission is added to regular and extended cab models with the 5.3L V-8 (previously it was offered only on crew cab models); and all 5.3L-equipped models feature a standard 3.08 axle ratio. These changes for 2010 contribute to improved fuel economy. Additional changes for 2010 include safety improvements in side curtain airbags and seat-mounted side airbags made standard on all models. A USB port is included on all but base radios for playing digital recordings, a rear-view camera system is available and two new exterior colors have been added.
Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty
Models: 2500HD, 3500HD
Cab: Regular, Crew Cab
Trim: WT, LT, LTZ
Engine: Vortec 6.0 (360 hp, 380 lb-ft), 6.6-liter Duramax diesel (397 hp, 765 lb-ft)
GVWR: 10,000 lb max.
Towing capacity (hitch): 17,000 lb max.
New this summer, Chevrolet's 2011 Silverado 3500HD trucks are stronger, sturdier and more secure. They handle a wider range of applications with a more powerful 6.6L Duramax diesel option. Also new this summer, are the commercial 2500HD and 3500HD-based box-delete models.
New frames on chassis cab and box-delete models support greater capabilities and increased weight ratings. Larger fuel tanks are available – 36 gallon, single tank on box-delete and up to 63.5-gallon combined dual-tank capacity on chassis cab models with the 6.6L Duramax – and fuel economy improvements enable greater driving range between fuel stops.
An all-new exhaust brake feature provides greater control on grades and reduced brake pad wear. Standard “dually” wheel size is 17 inches; 3500HD single rear wheel size increases to 18 inches. The 2010 emissions diesel exhaust fluid system is designed not to interfere with body installations. Communications technology options include mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar 9.0 and navigation.
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
Models: 2500, 3500
Cab: Regular, Crew Cab, Mega Cab
Trim: ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie, Power Wagon
Engine: 5.7-liter Hemi (383 hp, 400 lb-ft); Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel (350 hp, 650 lb-ft)
GVWR: 9,600 lb max.
Towing capacity (hitch): 17,600 lb max.
Bolder styling for the HD comes from earlier Rams, including a lean forward grill and blocky fenders, and includes updated interiors. New on the HD are the one-piece steel body sides for the dually, eliminating the fiberglass fender extensions. The stretch of the cab to a true crew cab means a genuine four-door, six-person cab. New engine controls for the 5.7-gasoline engines mean additional economy in deceleration mode. Standard power is the gasoline Hemi that’s up to 383 hp – a number many Dodge fans will remember from the muscle cars. Transmission is a 5-speed automatic.
Cummins is still the diesel power for the big pickups, though in the HD it comes with selective catalytic reduction technology for exhaust emissions instead of the NOx adsorber of the lighter diesel trucks.
Towing and GVWR are up from 2009 and an integrated brake controller and long-arm power mirrors for towing are available. Convenience options include tire pressure monitoring and an iPod link to the stereo.
Ford F-150
Cab: Regular Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew
Trim: XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Harley-Davidson
Engine: 4.6-liter, 2V V8 (248 hp, 294 lb-ft); 4.6-liter, 3V V8 (292 hp, 320 lb-ft) 5.4-liter, 3V Triton V8 (310 hp, 365 lb-ft)
GVWR: 8,200 lb max.
Towing capacity (hitch): 11,300 lb max.
F150 moves into its second year of a 2009 makeover. The base engine is the 4.6 V8 with two-valve heads, now with a three-valve model option for more performance and better fuel economy – up to 21 highway – for two-wheel drive.
The Triton 5.4 is optional. While bigger F-Series get the new 6.7 diesel, a smaller diesel for the F-150 diesel is on hold. For 2010 there’s Advance Track stability control and trailer anti-sway are standard; integrated trailer brake controller and rear view camera are optional. Seven trim packages go from the basic XL to Platinum with a top-of-the-line Harley Davidson. King Ranch and Platinum models now feature second-row heated seats, power-sliding windows with defroster and Sony 6-disc indash CD changer.
Exclusive to Ford are an in-dash computer with high-speed Internet; wireless accessories include a mouse and printer. Tool Link is an RFID asset-tracking system that maintains a real-time inventory of tools and equipment stored in the vehicle and the Cable Lock security system secures large equipment in the cargo area.
Nissan Titan
Cab: King Cab, Crew Cab, Crew Cab SE
Trim: XE, SE, Pro-4X, LE
Engine: 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance (317 hp, 385 lb-ft)
Towing capacity: 9,500 lb max.
The Nissan Titan full-size pickup, now in its seventh year, features new standard safety equipment and an SE Value Package option. The SE Value Truck Package offers cloth captain’s chairs, tow hitch, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, fog lights and more – at a substantial savings over purchasing the features separately. Other enhancements for the 2010 model year include side and curtain air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) as standard equipment on all models.
The 2010 Nissan Titan is offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles with a choice of 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations, along with a Crew Cab SE Long Wheelbase model for even greater flexibility. Titan is also available as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designed to run on E85 Ethanol.
Toyota Tundra
Models: Tundra, Limited
Cab: Regular Cab, Double Cab, CrewMax
Trim: Tundra, Limited, Work Truck
Engine: 4.0-liter V6 (236 hp, 266 lb-ft) 4.6-liter i-Force V8 (310 hp, 327 lb-ft); 5.7-liter i-Force (381 hp, 401 lb-ft)
GVWR: 7,200 lb max.
Towing capacity: 10,800 lb max.
All 2010 Tundra models feature standard and optional exterior, mechanical, safety and convenience features, including an all-new 4.6-liter i-FORCE V8 engine. Two new packages for 2010 include the Platinum Package and the Work Truck.
All 2010 Tundra models have a redesigned front grille and tail lamps. The Tundra truck has a new two-bar grille design and the Limited truck has a unique billet-style grille. Additional standard equipment includes driver and front passenger knee airbags, height-adjustable headlamps, and a redesigned seven-pin towing hitch connector that sits above the hitch to help avoid damage during high departure angle driving.
The new 2010 Tundra Work Truck is aimed at commercial truck buyers or anyone who requires a tough no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity. Vinyl seating and rubber flooring are available in Regular and Double Cab.
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