Autobytel 2014 Pickup Truck of the Year: RAM 1500

by Benjamin Hunting

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January 2, 2014

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3 min. Reading Time

The Autobytel 2014 Pickup Truck of the Year category features a repeat winner, along with two fresh faces that have kicked a lot of mud in the direction of the segment's best-selling model, the Ford F-150. It's not every day that we get to experience a pair of redesigned full-size trucks in the same year, and while they offer a considerable upgrade over the models they replace, their combined might wasn't enough to topple the reigning champion here at Autobytel.

Or maybe they split the vote? Read on to find out, and to learn more about the three finalists for Autobytel 2014 Pickup Truck of the Year.

The 2014 Ram 1500 is back for its second round as the 2014 Autobytel Pickup Truck of the Year, but don't think for a second that Chrysler's quarter-ton managed to repeat by resting on its laurels. Nope - the Ram 1500 is here thanks in large part to the introduction of a 3.0-liter, turbodiesel six-cylinder engine option. The only turbodiesel light truck on the American market, the Ram 1500 offers exceptional fuel economy and an eight-speed automatic transmission (another segment-first). That eight-speed autobox can also be paired with either the Ram's entry-level V-6 motor or 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. Throw in the pickup's standard rear coil suspension, and the Ram 1500 is clearly one of the most innovative trucks available.

Autobytel 2014 Pickup Truck of the Year Finalist: Chevrolet Silverado

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is all-new for the current model year, and while its long list of updates weren't quite enough to surge past Ram 1500, there's still a lot to like about the redesigned pickup. The biggest news is found under the hood, where a trio of direct-injected engines (a V-6 and a pair of V-8s) offer cylinder deactivation for better efficiency to go with their power boost. The six-cylinder Silverado is the biggest beneficiary, as it now stands as a legitimate entry-level option. Luxury lovers also get their first taste of the exclusive High Country trim, which stuffs the re-styled Chevrolet's cabin with premium features.

Autobytel 2014 Pickup Truck of the Year Finalist: GMC Sierra

The 2014 GMC Sierra is in many ways the mechanical twin of the new Silverado, meaning that it receives the same fresh chassis and engine choices, but it provides a different styling direction as well as a somewhat smoother ride when compared to its bowtie-wearing sibling. The GMC Sierra also benefits from the Denali luxury trim level, which is a step above the Silverado's High Country and which for 2014 gains the option of a true four-wheel drive system as well as more than one engine choice. GMC is reaching out to high end truck buyers with its expanded Denali portfolio, already a substantial source of profit for the brand, and the strategy looks like it will be even more successful in 2014.

Autobytel 2014 Awards

The editorial team of Autobytel has chosen the previous vehicles as the best of what we have seen in the category for 2014, and while there are many others in this class that probably deserve some kudos as well, we'd love to hear which you would choose for yourself. Let us know on the Autobytel Twitter or the Autobytel Facebook pages.

More of the Autobytel 2014 Car, Truck and category of the Year winners can be found by browsing the collection below.

Autobytel 2014 Car of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Truck of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Compact Car of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Convertible of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Sedan of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Luxury Car of the Year

Autobytel 2014 SUV of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Luxury SUV of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Crossover of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Sports Car of the Year

Autobytel 2014 Alternative Fuel Car of the Year