Big trucks = big bucks

We just posted our complete tests on a group of big crew cab 4x4 pickup trucks. For the first time in CR's history, we tested heavy-duty turbodiesel pickups from Ford, Chevy, and Dodge alongside their light-duty gasoline counterparts. (For good measure, we also tested a new Toyota Tundra.)

While many of these trucks are sold to contractors or fleets, some go to retirees who are full-time RV travelers, or equestrian types needing to tow a horse trailer containing several steeds. To that end, manufacturers tell us that the personal-use versions of these trucks are typically sold loaded-up with options. (Our shopping experience confirmed it; we had to buy most of them with more options than we wanted off of dealer lots.)

So, how does this translate to the bottom line? Each one of our three trucks cost $50,000. That buys you an Infiniti M35x or a Porsche Boxster if you keep out of the options cookie jar. It seems like a mint for a fairly rudimentary vehicle, but at least the price looks better if you think of buying them by the pound. Our Ford F-250 SuperDuty Lariat weighs over 8,000 pounds, or about $6.25/lb. (A Honda Fit Sport costs $6/lb.)

The diesel engine options alone on these trucks cost around $6,000, or what a decent used Miata costs. The powertrains come from well-known big rig manufacturers, including Cummins (the Ram's engine), Navistar (the Ford's PowerStroke engine), and Allison (the Chevy's transmission).

Don't think that that money necessarily buys you great build quality or refinement. For example, our F-250 has a loud and nasty rattle in the center of the dash, the power windows sound like they're about to give their last breath when you cycle them, and on occasion the glove box door doesn't like to stay shut. A trim piece broke off the Silverado 2500 LTZ's door panel almost immediately after we bought it. Our 2500 Ram Laramie's interior is holding up, maybe because there isn't anything approaching posh in there to break.

So, what does this money buy you? Take a look at our test results--including an extensive report on towing with these trucks--online and in the September issue. Also, see the pickup truck videos online.

--Tom Mutchler