[imagebrowser id=249]
Bench racers are always talking numbers and comparing which of the various nameplate’s newest models is the “best.”
So we teamed up with Cars.com/Pickuptrucks.com to see how six 2015 half-ton, V-6 pickups compare when subjected to track testing.
The acceleration and braking tests were conducted at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, Arizona. Each truck was tested on the dragstrip both empty and loaded with 1,080 pounds in the bed.
Our fuel economy numbers were compiled while driving on a 100-mile highway loop between Glendale and Canyon Lake, 40 miles to the east of Phoenix. The highway mpg numbers were compiled with drivers alternating between vehicles during multiple runs both empty and towing 4,200-pound horse trailers while maintaining posted speed limits. The mpg numbers were then averaged.
Here’s a list of the 2015 pickups we tested:
Chevy Colorado 4×2 Z71 Crew Cab, 3.6L V6, 6-speed auto w/ 3.42:1 axle ratio
Chevy Silverado 1500 4×2 LS Ext Cab, 4.3L EcoTec V6, 6-speed auto w/ 3.23:1 axle ratio
Ford F-150 4×2 XLT SuperCab, 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 6-speed auto w/ 3.31:1 axle ratio
Ford F-150 4×4 Platinum SuperCrew, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 , 6-speed auto w/ 3.55:1 axle ratio
Ram 1500 Express ST QuadCab, 3.6L Pentastar V6, 8-speed auto w/ 3.55:1 axle ratio
Ram 1500 Tradesman Reg. Cab, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, 8-speed auto w/ 3.55:1 axle ratio
The charts in the gallery above how the final numbers shook out. As you can see the two F-150s we tested dominated the tests though the Ram Tradesman EcoDiesel (yellow in the charts) had a very strong showing, particularly in fuel economy. Let us know what you think of the results in the comments below.
