The Best One-Ton Trucks for 2019

When it comes to the best one-ton trucks for 2019, you've got four options: the Ford F-350, RAM 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500. All of these models are extremely capable, and each provides a slightly different take on the heavy-duty truck. All the trucks offer a multitude of different trims and options, ranging from work trucks with vinyl interiors to luxury models with leather and all the trimmings.

So whether you’re looking for something to tow your skid steer or something to take on vacation pulling your 40-foot fifth-wheel, there’s a truck on our list ready to do the job. Read on to discover which model is calling your name.

The Silverado is powered by either a 6.0-liter V8 that generates an equal 380 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, or a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that pumps out 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, backed by one of two six-speed automatic transmissions. The maximum fifth-wheel tow rating with the diesel is 23,100 lbs, while maximum payload with the gasoline engine is 6,112 lbs (which is lower than the competition partially because the Silverado 3500 only is available as a crew cab).

While those numbers are lower than some other trucks on the market, very few people will ever come close to hitting them. For most drivers, the Chevrolet will do everything they need and more.

The Silverado 3500 has one of the highest starting prices on our list at $41,795 (plus another $9,395 if you want to upgrade to the diesel), but again, part of that is because the Silverado 3500 only is available as a crew cab for the 2019 model year. Top-of-the-line High Country trims start at $57,495 and include features normally found on luxury cars, like a Bose sound system, heated and ventilated seating, a heated steering wheel, and the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot found in most of GM’s vehicles.

Chevrolet already has teased the new Silverado 3500 that will appear for the 2020 model year, but there’s still plenty to like in the current version.

The Ford F-350 is near the top of the class in every category, easily making it one of the best one-ton trucks for 2019. Power comes from either a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 that generates 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 that puts out 450 hp and 935 lb-ft of torque, both of which are backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.

Like the other one-ton trucks the F-350 can haul an impressive load, with a maximum payload capacity of 7,640 lbs in a 4x2 regular cab with dual rear-wheels and a maximum gooseneck towing capacity of 32,000 lbs with the diesel (though its maximum fifth-wheel towing is limited to 27,500 lbs).

Base XL versions of the F-350 start at a fairly reasonable $34,320, but for that money you don’t get much in the way of amenities, with vinyl floors and seats. Upgrading to the diesel engine will cost you an extra $9,120.

A fully loaded top of the line F-350 Limited can set you back nearly $90,000, but comes with nearly every optional imaginable, including up to seven cameras, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, trailer reverse guidance, adaptive steering, power running boards, a panoramic sunroof and even a class exclusive line-drive power takeoff provision (driven by the engine’s crankshaft) and inflatable rear outboard safety belts to help distribute crash force energy across more of your body.

The GMC Sierra 3500 gets its power from either a 6.0-liter normally-aspirated V8 that produces 380 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, or from an optional 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 that puts out 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, paired with one of two six-speed automatics. Like the other trucks on our list, the Sierra 3500 is available in two- or four-wheel drive configuration, with either single or dual rear wheels.

The Sierra 3500’s maximum fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing capacity is 23,100 lbs with the diesel motor, and its maximum payload is 6,112 lbs with the gasoline engine, both with the dual rear wheels (all numbers that exactly match its Chevy sibling).

The GMC Sierra 3500 has the highest base price on our list of the best one-ton trucks for 2019, with prices starting at $42,295 (plus an extra $9,395 if you want the powerful diesel motor). Top-of-the-line Denali versions run from $58,095 all the way to $75,000 or more.

While it’s mostly style that differentiates the Sierra 3500 from the Silverado equivalent, there are a few notable differences that set the Sierra apart, such as the available rear seat DVD entertainment system (with dual independent 7-inch monitors located in the front headrests and wireless headphones). Like the Silverado, there will be a new Sierra 3500 for the 2020 model year, though GMC is being a bit more secretive about its design.

When it comes time to do heavy work the new for 2019 RAM 3500 comes close to matching or beats the others in the class, making it one of the top heavy-duty trucks for 2019. Power comes from either a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that makes 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque backed by an eight-speed automatic or an optional 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel inline-6 that makes up to 400 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic (unfortunately the six-speed manual is no longer available).

Maximum towing is 35,100 lbs with the diesel and max fifth-wheel towing 30,000 lbs, while maximum payload is 7,680 lbs when equipped with a gas motor, all best-in-class numbers.

Pricing for the 2019 RAM 3500 has yet to be announced, but expect prices to start at around $35,000 for a base model (plus an extra $9,000 to $10,000 or so if you want the Cummins diesel) with top-end versions topping $80,000 with options.

The new RAM 3500’s interiors are improved, with some trims including plenty of real wood and leather and plenty of features including adaptive cruise control, a 12-inch touchscreen, 360-degree cameras, a 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, adaptive headlights that turn as you steer and a class-exclusive available auto-levelling rear air suspension that helps make it the most comfortable truck on our list of the best one-ton trucks for 2019.