We learned last month that the 2018 Ford F150 would be getting a new entry level V6 engine, more power in some of the existing engines and broader availability of the 10-speed automatic transmission. “The Ford F-150 lineup again delivers on its promise to give full-size truck customers even more value, functionality and smart technology innovations, with engines with best-in-class towing, payload and fuel economy,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager.

In short, the Ford F150 continues to lead the gas-powered half ton trucks in fuel economy with a slight improvement in the city. The Ram 1500 offers 17 city, 25 highway and 20 combined while the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers 18 city, 24 highway and 20 combined - so the F150 leads all gas trucks in the segment in every category.

Next, the 2018 Ford F150 claims the title of the highest payload capacity in the half ton truck segment with its ability to haul 3,270 pounds when equipped with the 5.0L V8. For 2018, the only V8 in the F150 lineup gets 10 more horsepower and 13 more lb-ft of torque along with being paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

As a result, the 5.0L V8 F150 is more powerful and more efficient, but most importantly, it can haul more in the bed than any other half ton truck in America. Finally, the 2018 Ford F150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 packs 375 horsepower and 470lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow a whopping 13,200 pounds.

While this will piss off purists that swear by solid axels at both ends of the vehicle, it actually improves the ride in all conditions, betters fuel economy, and allows for more wheel travel. While the new G-Class is sure to have a six-figure price tag, it is also sure to impress anyone that gets behind the wheel, both on and off road. The huge amount of interior room also makes it a great gear storage locker and bedroom/living room while traveling. I must admit though, getting mud on the truly luxurious interior would feel criminal.

The new Ranger is a modified version of the truck the rest of the world has had since 2011, originally developed for the Australian market. It will be the first time in over seven years a new Ranger will be available on U.S. We’re excited for the return! Ford has only announced one powertrain so far, a new 2.3L EcoBoost. But rumors are flying about a small diesel option.

A class-exclusive, 10-speed automatic transmission should provide great fuel economy and performance. No word yet on the much-anticipated Raptor version of the Ranger hitting American shores, but there is still hope to hang onto. For us adventure hounds that like to get off the beaten path, Ford offers an FX4 Off-Road package.

A fully boxed steel frame, frame-mounted steel bumpers, and proper skid plates should help this truck take a beating and keep on rolling. The optional rear locking differential will make it all that much more capable. Marking Chevy Truck’s 100th anniversary, the unveiling of the all-new Silverado aims to elevate the half-ton, full-size truck market in big ways.

The truck is more spacious, carries more gear, offers much improved aerodynamics, and is stronger, safer, and has a ton of new technologies that should improve the user experience. Chevy offers eight distinct new models, with six different powertrain configurations. The biggest news is the availability of an all-new 3.0L inline-6 Duramax turbo-diesel mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

This should take this impressive truck to new heights of fuel economy and usable power. I can’t sum up the new truck in just a few paragraphs. Be sure to read my full take on this impressive 2018 Chevy Silverado here. The all-new RAM 1500 will hit the market late this year with a new distinctive style, high-tech interior appointments, and a more spacious cab.