2019 New Trucks: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

The stars have aligned and, if you’re in the market for a full-size truck, a number of fresh choices have recently been revealed. With the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Ram 1500 all redesigned this year to battle the Ford F-150 (our 2018 Truck of the Year), full-size truck buyers have a number of new options. Below the full-size segment, the midsize class sees the Ford Ranger reenter the scene. But if you’re a little rusty on the basic details, keep reading to learn about changes, specs, and IntelliChoice five-year retained value figures on new trucks.

Read the 2019 New Cars Buyer’s Guide right here, and our 2019 New SUVs Buyer’s Guide right here.

New Trucks in the 2019 New Trucks Buyer’s Guide
Chevrolet	Nissan
Ford	Ram
GMC	Toyota
Honda

KEY

• 5M: 5-speed manual
• 6A: 6-speed automatic
• 6-sp auto-cl man: 6-speed auto-clutch manual
• 7-sp twin-cl auto: 7-speed twin-clutch automatic
• FWD: front-wheel drive
• AWD: all-wheel drive
• RWD: rear-wheel drive
• Max cargo figures: may differ for hybrid and other variants.

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ALL-NEW
An addition to an automaker’s lineup

MAJOR
Significant sheetmetal redesign, powertrain, and/or feature changes

MINOR
Midcycle updates, minor powertrain, or feature changes

UNCHANGED
Minor trim or package changes, new colors

DISCONTINUED
Vehicle is going out of production

NHTSA AND IIHS RATINGS:
NHTSA and IIHS safety data is derived from recent model years.

INTELLICHOICE
Five-year retained value data may apply to common vehicle variants, not an average of all model variants.

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Chevrolet Colorado

Base Price $21,495-$43,495

Body Type Pickup

Minor The base model won’t see many changes, but an even more hardcore off-road model could slot above the ZR2 in the lineup. Reportedly called the ZR2 Bison, this rock-stomping performance variant will likely build on the capabilities of the standard Colorado ZR2 with its own suspension tuning and better approach and departure angles. The current Colorado was named our Truck of the Year for 2015 and 2016.

Also Consider GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger

Sum Up Well rounded and does everything you ask of a truck and then some

Chevrolet Colorado
Base Engine	2.5L/200-hp/191-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine	3.6L/308-hp/275-lb-ft V-6; 2.8L/186-hp/369-lb-ft t-diesel I-4
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/8A/6A
Towing	3,500-7,700 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	16-22/18-30 mpg
0-60 mph	7.1-9.7 sec
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	58%

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Chevrolet Silverado

Base Price $29,795-$54,495

Body Type Pickup

Major The redesigned Silverado has a more brash exterior, and Chevy claims it weighs as much as 450 pounds less than the truck it replaces. Two engines join the lineup: a turbo-four and a turbodiesel I-6. The latter should be the most efficient option. Like its predecessor, the 2019 Silverado will be available in everything from a work truck to a luxury-oriented High Country model and an off-road variant called the Trail Boss.

Also Consider Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500

Sum Up Lighter and more attention-grabbing than its predecessors

Chevrolet Silverado
Base Engine	4.3L/285-hp/305-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine	2.7L/310-hp/348-lb-ft turbo I-4; 5.3L/355-hp/383-lb-ft V-8; 6.2L/420-hp/460-lb-ft V-8; 3.0L/255-hp/430-lb-ft t-diesel I-6*
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/AWD/4WD, 6A/8A/10A
Towing	8,000-12,200 lb*
EPA Econ City/Hwy	15-22/20-29 mpg*
0-60 mph	6.0-8.5 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 5 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	58%
*Estimated

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Chevrolet Silverado HD

Base Price $38,995-$60,695

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged Not much is expected to change for the Silverado HD except for new exterior colors and additional standard features on lower trims. A redesigned truck should arrive soon and, like the Silverado 1500, could be significantly lighter than the truck it replaces. Expect a range of gas and diesel engine options to return, possibly with major updates to improve fuel efficiency and add power.

Also Consider Ram 2500, Ford Super Duty, GMC Sierra HD

Sum Up Heavy-duty capability with an imposing design

Chevrolet Silverado HD
Base Engine	6.0L/360-hp/380-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine	6.6L/445-hp/910-lb-ft t-diesel V-8
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/AWD/4WD, 6A
Towing	12,400-23,200 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	Not Rated
0-60 mph	6.5-8.3 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	59%
*Estimated

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Ford F-150

Base Price $29,500-$63,000*

Body Type Pickup

Minor Last year the F-150 received a midcycle refresh, which added a new transmission and several engine options. The new diesel version displaces the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel as the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market. For 2019, the capable F-150 Raptor gets Recaro seats and even better off-road performance thanks to improved shocks, upgraded dampers, and a crawl control system. Learn about changes to the 2019 F-150 Limited here. A hybrid arrives in 2020.

Also Consider Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500

Sum Up The best-selling truck in the country is now the most fuel efficient

Ford F-150
Base Engine	3.3L/290-hp/265-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine	2.7L/325-hp/400-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6; 5.0L/395-hp/400-lb-ft V-8; 3.0L/250-hp/440-lb-ft t-diesel V-6; 3.5L/375-450-hp/470-510-lb-ft twin-turbo V-6
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A/10A
Towing	5,000-12,000 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	15-22/18-30 mpg
0-60 mph	5.2-7.8 sec
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 5 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	57%

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Ford Ranger

 

Base Price $25,395-$39,480

Body Type Pickup

All-New After seven years away, the Ford Ranger midsize pickup returns to the U.S. with a slight design tweak to the foreign-market version. The truck will be available in SuperCab and SuperCrew versions; no word whether a diesel engine will be available. Our sources tell us not to expect the globally engineered Ranger Raptor to come to the U.S. before 2021 when the Ranger is redesigned.

Also Consider Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma

Sum Up Ford’s midsize pickup returns to the U.S.

Ford Ranger
Base Engine	2.3L/280-hp/310-lb-ft  twin-turbo I-4*
Opt Engine	None
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 10A
Towing	3,500-7,500 lb*
EPA Econ City/Hwy	21/29 mpg*
0-60 mph	7.5 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
*Estimated

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Ford Super Duty

Base Price $35,000-$88,000*

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged The 2017 Motor Trend Truck of the Year will get a midcycle refresh next year, which should include revisions to the front and rear ends and a switch to Ford’s 10-speed automatic. There’s also a rumor of a new 7.0-liter V-8. That updated truck will most likely be sold as a 2020 model, though, with the 2019 F-250, F-350, and F-450 carrying over essentially unchanged from last year.

Also Consider Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, Ram HD

Sum Up Still the best heavy-duty pickup on the market

Ford Super Duty
Base Engine	6.2L/385-hp/430-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine	6.7L/450-hp/935-lb-ft t-diesel V-8
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A
Towing	12,300-32,000 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	Not Rated
0-60 mph	6.5-8.0 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 5 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	56%
*Estimated

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GMC Canyon

Base Price $22,395-$44,795

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged GMC’s midsize truck is a more affordable and efficient alternative to a full-size pickup. It gains an updated infotainment system, an upgraded rearview camera, optional rear parking sensors, expanded availability of wireless charging and heated steering wheel features, and a new 17-inch wheel design. Like its Chevrolet Colorado twin, it can be configured with a crew cab and a short or long bed.

Also Consider Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger

Sum Up Rugged or luxurious, the Canyon offers lots of choices

GMC Canyon
Base Engine	2.5L/200-hp/191-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine	3.6L/308-hp/275-lb-ft V-6; 2.8L/186-hp/369-lb-ft t-diesel I-4
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/8A/6A
Towing	3,500-7,700 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	17-22/24-30 mpg
0-60 mph	6.8-9.3 sec
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	55%

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GMC Sierra

Base Price $31,000-$61,000*

Body Type Pickup

Major The redesigned Sierra enters a new generation offering engines from last year plus 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6 and 2.7-liter turbo-four options. The new pickup offers a few firsts for GMC, including the Multi-Pro tailgate, a carbon-fiber bed, a trailering system with an app, a multicolor head-up display, and a rearview camera in the rearview mirror. A package of driver-assist features and a surround-view camera system are optional.

Also Consider Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado

Sum Up A premium way to get it done

GMC Sierra
Base Engine	4.3L/285-hp/305-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine	2.7L/310-hp/348-lb-ft turbo I-4; 3.0L/250-hp/445-lb-ft t-diesel I-6*; 5.3L/355-hp/383-lb-ft V-8; 6.2L/420-hp/460-lb-ft V-8
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/AWD/4WD, 6A/8A/10A
Towing	9,800-12,200 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	15-22/19-30 mpg*
0-60 mph	5.8-8.0 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 5 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	57%
*Estimated

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GMC Sierra HD

Base Price $39,595-$70,090

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged The GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD heavy-duty trucks will soldier on unchanged, but expect a full redesign for 2020 based on the new platform that underpins the 2019 Sierra 1500. Built for tough jobs, the HD models offer 6-foot-6-inch or 8-foot beds, the Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel trailering package, a dealer-available trailering camera system, and optional LED bed lighting.

Also Consider Ford Super Duty, Ram HD, Chevrolet Silverado HD

Sum Up Getting the hardest jobs done with style

GMC Sierra HD
Base Engine	6.0L/360-hp/380-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine	6.6L/445-hp/910-lb-ft t-diesel V-8
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6A
Towing	12,400-23,100 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	Not Rated
0-60 mph	6.5-8.0 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	58%
*Estimated

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Honda Ridgeline

Base Price $30,985-$43,415

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged Honda’s unique four-door truck enters 2019 with a couple minor feature additions in advance of the 2020 model, which could see the six-speed automatic replaced by a different transmission. For 2019, lower-trim Ridgelines add a second USB port, and the midlevel RTL and RTL-T have a standard power-sliding rear window and moonroof. The tailgate can open downward or swing to the side.

Also Consider Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma

Sum Up The crossover-truck soldiers on another year

Honda Ridgeline
Base Engine	3.5L/280-hp/262-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engine	None
Drivetrain	Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 6A
Towing	3,500-5,000 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	18-19/25-26 mpg
0-60 mph	6.4-7.6 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 5 Stars; IIHS: TSP
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	60%
*Estimated

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Nissan Frontier

Base Price $20,000-$37,500* 

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged The Frontier hasn’t been redesigned since 2004 and has received only minor updates since then. The next-gen Frontier should arrive in the next year or two, but we don’t expect it to be sold as a 2019 model. Even though the Frontier turns 15 this year, it’s still a good value for buyers who want an affordable midsize truck. Off-roaders will appreciate the Pro-4X’s rugged capability.

Also Consider Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma

Sum Up One of the most affordable pickups on the market

Nissan Frontier
Base Engine	2.5L/152-hp/171-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine	4.0L/261-hp/281-lb-ft V-6
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 5M/6M/5A
Towing	3,780-6,500 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	15-19/21-23 mpg
0-60 mph	7.2-9.5 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	58%
*Estimated

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Nissan Titan

Base Price $31,000-$58,000*

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged After the Titan’s 2016 redesign, Nissan hasn’t made many changes to its full-size pickup. A recently introduced factory lift kit developed by Icon Vehicle Dynamics increases ride height by 3.0 inches. Nissan has promised a V-6 since the beginning, but those plans have been pushed back indefinitely. It could show up for 2019, but there’s no telling which trims it would accompany.

Also Consider Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ram 1500

Sum Up A full-size truck with an impressive warranty

Nissan Titan
Base Engine	4.0L/261-hp/281-lb-ft V-6*
Opt Engine	5.6L/390-hp/394-lb-ft V-8
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 7A
Towing	9,230-9,740 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	15/20-21 mpg
0-60 mph	6.5-6.9 sec*
Basic Warranty	5 years/100,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	50%
*Estimated

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Nissan Titan XD

Base Price $33,500-$65,500*

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged The Titan XD isn’t as capable as other heavy-duty pickups, but that’s by design. Nissan created the XD for buyers who wanted more capability than a light-duty pickup but didn’t need the full HD experience. To do so, Nissan turned to Cummins for its diesel engine instead of developing one in-house. But like the regular Titan, don’t expect many changes for 2019. It also gets the new lift kit.

Also Consider Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Ford F-250, Ram 2500 HD

Sum Up Not quite a heavy-duty truck but still plenty capable

Nissan Titan XD
Base Engine	5.6L/390-hp/394-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine	5.0L/310-hp/555-lb-ft t-diesel V-8
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 7A/6A
Towing	10,990-12,760 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	Not Rated
0-60 mph	7.4-9.6 sec
Basic Warranty	5 years/100,000 miles
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	50%

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Ram 1500

Base Price $33,340-$57,890

Body Type Pickup

Major Ram redesigned its smooth-riding full-size truck for 2019, improving fuel efficiency and adding even more features. Weight is down by 225 pounds, and every version other than the Rebel gets two-mode shocks for a smoother ride. A mild hybrid system is standard on V-6 models and optional on the V-8 (learn more about the eTorque models here). Ram will eventually offer a diesel V-6, but it’s not scheduled to go on sale until the 2020 model year.

Also Consider Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan

Sum Up The pickup that rides like a crossover

Ram 1500
Base Engine	3.6L V-6 + elec, 305 hp/269 lb-ft comb
Opt Engine	5.7L/395-hp/410-lb-ft V-8; 5.7L V-8 + elec, 395 hp/410 lb-ft comb
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 8A
Towing	6,640-12,750 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	15-17/21-25 mpg*
0-60 mph	6.1-8.5 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	55%
*Estimated

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Ram 2500/3500 HD

Base Price $34,500-$64,500*

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged After introducing the latest generation of the 1500 for 2019, expect Ram to redesign its heavy-duty trucks next. The design should be revealed soon, but the new Ram HDs will probably be sold as 2020 models. For 2019, expect the 2500 and 3500 to carry over unchanged. But updates from last year, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, ensure they still feel relatively modern.

Also Consider Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD

Sum Up An incredibly powerful workhorse

Ram 2500/3500 HD
Base Engine	5.7L/383-hp/400-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine	6.4L/410-hp/429-lb-ft V-8; 6.7L/350-385-hp/660-900-lb-ft t-diesel I-6
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/6A
Towing	7,300-31,210 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	Not Rated
0-60 mph	8.2-9.4 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	53%
*Estimated

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Toyota Tacoma

Base Price $26,500-$43,000*

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged Changes include an upgraded TRD Pro model, which includes an optional TRD desert air intake—this moves the inlet away from the wheelwells. New standard features include 16-inch TRD Pro black alloy wheels shod in Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar all-terrain tires, a JBL audio system, and navigation. The rest of the lineup is expected to receive only extra convenience features.

Also Consider Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon

Sum Up A popular midsize truck revered for its capability and resale value

Toyota Tacoma
Base Engine	2.7L/159-hp/180-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engine	3.5L/278-hp/265-lb-ft V-6
Drivetrain	Front-engine, RWD/4WD, 6M/6A
Towing	3,500-6,800 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	17-20/20-24 mpg
0-60 mph	6.8-9.0 sec*
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	70%
*Estimated

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Toyota Tundra

Base Price $33,000-$52,000*

Body Type Pickup

Unchanged The 2019 Tundra gets an upgraded TRD Pro model with a suspension that features 2 inches of extra lift, Fox internal bypass shocks with 46mm pistons, LED headlights and foglights, black chrome dual exhaust tips, 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels, a front skidplate, a black hood scoop insert, and TRD Pro–badged seats. Like the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, the 2019 Tundra TRD Pro will be available in Voodoo Blue.

Also Consider Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Sum Up Toyota’s full-size pickup gets more capable off-road

Toyota Tundra
Base Engine	4.6L/310-hp/327-lb-ft V-8
Opt Engine	5.7L/381-hp/401-lb-ft V-8
Drivetrain	Front-engine RWD/4WD, 6A
Towing	9,800-10,200 lb
EPA Econ City/Hwy	13-15/17-19 mpg
0-60 mph	6.6-7.4 sec
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Safety	NHTSA: 4 Stars
IntelliChoice 5-Yr Retained Value	68%

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