Top Pickup Trucks of 2014, According to Consumer Reports

More recently, the organization revealed its top choices for this segment, looking into both compact and mid-size pickup trucks.

First on their list is the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, which is praised for its payload and towing capability, easy lift tailgate and corner step bumper. However, CR recommends the 2014 Ram 1500 over the Silverado, despite the Chrysler-built truck offering lower payload and towing.

Ram’s main advantage? The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and eight-speed automatic combo, as well as the rear coil springs. The fact that Ram now offers a diesel version makes things even better, as customers can get up to 28 mpg on the highway in a segment that rarely returns more than 24 mpg.

Moving over to the 2014 Ford F-150, Consumer Reports didn’t have much to say about six-year-old current-generation model, but noted that the Blue Oval is about to release a new, aluminum truck with best-in-class... anything.

As far as compact trucks are concerned, CR recommends the Honda Ridgeline, a “very clever” vehicle that provides storage space underneath the bed and comes with a dual action tailgate, and a good payload rating. On the other hand, the truck’s fuel economy is not very attractive at only 15 mpg combined.

Finally, there’s the very popular Toyota Tacoma, the best-selling compact truck in America for a few years. CR says it’s a “rugged, crude workhorse”, but that doesn’t seem to bother most US customers. Things could change once the 2015 Chevy Colorado goes on sale, but until that happens scroll down to watch the video.