Ep. 306: Which Full-Size Truck Is BEST? Ford vs GM vs Toyota vs Ram!
About this episode
A lively in-person discussion comparing the latest full-size trucks from Ford, GM, Toyota, and Ram. The hosts explore each truck's features, performance, and design, starting with the luxurious GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate, followed by the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, and Toyota Tundra. They dive into aspects like engine options, towing capacity, and interior comfort, while also teasing upcoming performance tests. The episode culminates in a debate over which truck might be crowned Truck of the Year, highlighting the unique strengths of each contender.
( https://www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! In this episode of TFL Talkin’ Trucks, Kase and Andre finally sit down to compare all of the major full-size pickups head-to-head after weeks of Truck of the Year testing. They break down how the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra stacked up in towing, drag racing, and real-world MPG — revealing which trucks surprised them, which ones disappointed them, and which one delivered the best all-around performance.
The guys also dive into the strengths and weaknesses they discovered during testing, from powertrains and capability to comfort and practicality. If you’ve been waiting for a clear, honest comparison of today’s top full-size trucks, this episode is your ultimate guide to choosing the right rig.
( http://www.patreon.com/tflcar ) Visit our Patreon page to support the TFL team!
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Audi 100
"in a setting as stunning as the show. For 100 years, the Elsinor has attracted audiences from a..."
The Audi 100 is a luxury car that was made a long time ago and is known for being comfortable and well-built. It helped Audi become a respected car brand.
The Audi 100 is a mid-size luxury sedan that was produced from the 1960s to the 1990s, known for its advanced engineering and comfort. It played a significant role in establishing Audi's reputation for quality and innovation.
Dodge Ram
"...with all four half-ton trucks, from Toyota, Ford, Ram, and GMC. Exactly."
The Dodge Ram is a tough truck that can carry heavy things and is good for work. It's been updated over time to be more comfortable and have better features.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck brand, is a line of full-size pickup trucks recognized for their ruggedness and capability. It has evolved over the years to include modern features and comfort, making it a strong competitor in the truck market.
Gmc Sierra
"But let's start off with the GMC Sierra. And the way that we're going to do things is we're going to walk around the exterior, talk about utility."
The GMC Sierra is a large truck that people often use for work or to carry heavy loads. It has a lot of space inside and comes with modern technology to make driving easier and more comfortable.
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. It's often used for both work and recreational purposes, making it a versatile choice for many drivers.
Truck of the Year
"So part of TFL Truck's Truck of the Year is iGonklet World Suffice Towing Test."
Truck of the Year is an award that recognizes the best truck each year. It looks at how well the truck performs and what features it has.
Truck of the Year is an award given to the best truck based on various testing criteria, including performance, capability, and features. It is often determined by automotive journalists and industry experts.
drag race
"...which is also a drag race."
A drag race is a race between two cars to see which one can go the fastest in a straight line. It's a common way to test how powerful a car is.
A drag race is a type of motor racing where two vehicles compete to see which can reach a set distance (usually a quarter mile) the fastest. It tests acceleration and speed in a straight line.
GMC Denali Ultimate
"Yeah, this is the Denali Ultimate. So the Denali name is not new, right? It's been around for over two decades. Long time. But the Ultimate was kind of a package a couple of years back."
The Denali Ultimate is a high-end version of GMC's trucks, designed to offer more luxury and comfort. It's like the fancy version of a regular pickup truck, with better materials and features.
The GMC Denali Ultimate is a luxury trim level of GMC's pickup trucks, known for its upscale features and performance enhancements. It represents the pinnacle of GMC's offerings in the pickup segment, combining luxury with utility.
6.2 liter V8
"And what this truck is equipped with is a 6.2 liter V8."
A 6.2 liter V8 engine is a powerful type of engine used in some trucks and cars. It has eight cylinders that help it produce a lot of power, which is great for towing and hauling heavy loads.
The 6.2 liter V8 is a type of engine configuration that features eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, with a total displacement of 6.2 liters. This engine is known for providing strong performance and power, making it suitable for larger vehicles like trucks.
Duramax
"...including the 3-liter Duramax, which is an awesome option. Let's pop the hood really quick."
Duramax engines are special diesel engines made by GM for their trucks. The 3-liter version is known for being powerful and fuel-efficient.
Duramax is a brand of diesel engines produced by General Motors, primarily for their trucks. The 3-liter Duramax engine is known for its efficiency and power, making it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts.
6.2
"...there are recalls out there on 6.2s."
The 6.2 is a type of V8 engine used in some GM trucks. It's powerful, but there have been some issues that led to recalls.
The 6.2 refers to a 6.2-liter V8 engine used in various GM trucks. It is known for its strong performance and towing capabilities, but there have been recalls related to this engine in some models.
horsepower
"...when they're functioning the way that they're supposed to, this is kind of a powerhouse of an engine. It's a little old school. It's naturally aspirated. But 420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a car go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power an engine produces. It is a crucial factor in determining a vehicle's performance and acceleration capabilities.
naturally aspirated
"...it's naturally aspirated. But 420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque. It still feels great to this day."
A naturally aspirated engine gets its air from the environment without any extra help from turbochargers or superchargers. This can make the engine feel more responsive and gives it a unique sound.
Naturally aspirated engines rely on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber, as opposed to using a turbocharger or supercharger. This design often results in a more linear power delivery and a distinct engine sound.
torque
"...420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque. It still feels great to this day."
Torque is a measure of how much twisting force an engine can produce. More torque means a car can start moving faster and can pull heavier loads.
Torque measures the rotational force an engine generates, which is essential for acceleration and pulling power. Higher torque allows a vehicle to move more easily from a stop and can improve towing capacity.
Chevy Silverado 1500
"this Chevy Silverado 1500. I mean, they're very, very closely related, specifically on their mechanicals."
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a large truck made by Chevrolet. It's popular for carrying heavy loads and can be used for work or everyday driving.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. It's often used for both work and personal purposes, offering a range of engine options and configurations.
fuel economy
"...This was not the worst of the trucks on fuel economy, a little surprisingly."
Fuel economy is how far a car can go on a certain amount of fuel. If a car has good fuel economy, it means it uses less fuel to travel the same distance.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG). Higher fuel economy means the vehicle can travel further on a gallon of fuel, which is important for cost savings and environmental impact.
10-speed
"...not only does this have a 10-speed, most of these trucks have a 10-speed. But the rear end ratio on this is a 323."
A 10-speed transmission has ten different gears that the car can use, which helps it use fuel more efficiently and perform better in different driving conditions.
A 10-speed transmission allows for more gear ratios, which can improve fuel efficiency and performance by keeping the engine in its optimal power band more often.
rear end ratio
"...the rear end ratio on this is a 323. So this is the most fuel economy-minded axle ratio of any of these trucks."
The rear end ratio tells you how many times the driveshaft turns for each turn of the wheels. A lower number usually means better fuel economy, while a higher number can help the car go faster.
The rear end ratio, or axle ratio, refers to the ratio of the number of revolutions the driveshaft makes to the number of revolutions the rear wheels make. A lower ratio can improve fuel economy, while a higher ratio can enhance acceleration.
GM 1500
"But just really quickly, the engine lineup in the GM 1500."
The GM 1500 is a type of large truck made by General Motors that can be used for both work and personal use.
The GM 1500 refers to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, which are popular full-size pickup trucks known for their versatility and performance.
2.7-liter turbo max
"So it all starts with a 2.7-liter turbo max, which is a turbocharged four-cylinder."
The 2.7-liter turbo max is a type of engine that uses a turbocharger to provide more power while being smaller and more efficient.
The 2.7-liter turbo max is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine designed for efficiency and performance in the GM 1500 lineup.
5.3 V8
"And then it moves up also. There is also a 5.3 V8 still with a 10-speed."
The 5.3 V8 is a larger engine with eight cylinders that provides strong performance and towing capacity.
The 5.3 V8 is a traditional eight-cylinder engine known for its power and capability, commonly used in full-size trucks like the GM 1500.
diesel
"won the half-ton diesel battle because it's the only diesel available now. Exactly. So that makes it a unique option."
Diesel is a kind of fuel used in certain types of engines. Diesel engines are often found in larger vehicles like trucks because they can be more efficient and powerful.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel derived from crude oil, used in diesel engines. Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency and torque, making them popular in heavy-duty vehicles like trucks.
Denali Ultimate
"And then this truck, being a Denali ultimate and being a little more on the luxurious side, has a 22-inch wheel, which is a little bigger than maybe we would spec if we were picking out a truck."
Denali is a special version of GMC trucks that has more luxurious features. The Denali Ultimate is the most luxurious version you can get.
Denali is a trim level offered by GMC that emphasizes luxury and premium features. The Denali Ultimate is a higher-end version that includes additional upscale amenities and technology.
18-inch wheel
"...I'll probably choose like a 20 or maybe even an 18-inch wheel."
An 18-inch wheel is a type of wheel that is 18 inches across. Bigger wheels can change how a truck drives and looks.
An 18-inch wheel refers to the diameter of the wheel, which can affect the truck's handling, ride comfort, and appearance.
multi-pro tailgate
"At the rear, we've got, of course, a multi-pro tailgate. So that's nothing particularly new."
A multi-pro tailgate is a special type of truck tailgate that can be opened in different ways to make it easier to load and unload things. It often has extra features like a step to help you climb into the truck bed.
A multi-pro tailgate is a versatile tailgate design that offers multiple configurations for easier access and loading. It typically includes features like a fold-down step and a secondary fold-out section for added functionality.
carbon composite bed
"...this is kind of a carbon composite bed, which actually,..."
A carbon composite bed is a truck bed made from a special material that is strong but lighter than regular metal. It helps the truck perform better and last longer without rusting.
A carbon composite bed is a type of truck bed made from a blend of carbon fiber and resin, offering a lightweight yet durable alternative to traditional steel beds. This material can enhance fuel efficiency and reduce overall vehicle weight while providing strength and resistance to corrosion.
payload
"...it's got all the features, still got 1,500 pounds of payload. Yeah, just under that, what, like, 1,490 something?"
Payload is how much weight a truck can carry, including people and stuff. It's important to know so you don't overload the truck and cause problems.
Payload refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers and cargo. It's an important specification for trucks, as it indicates how much load they can handle without compromising performance or safety.
four-wheel drive
"...after you load up the four-wheel drive system and all the V8 engine and the leather..."
Four-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the vehicle, which helps it grip the road better, especially in bad weather or off-road.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously. This enhances traction and control, especially in off-road or slippery conditions.
V8 engine
"...and all the V8 engine and the leather, we'll show you that in a second..."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape, which helps it produce a lot of power. It's often used in trucks and sports cars for better performance.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This type of engine is known for providing high power and torque, making it popular in trucks and performance vehicles.
towing capacity
"We should talk about towing capacity just really quick. Actually, can you help me with this ladder?"
Towing capacity is how much weight a vehicle can pull behind it, like a trailer. It's important to know so you don't overload the vehicle and cause damage.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow, which is crucial for tasks like hauling trailers or boats. It varies based on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and overall design.
RAM
"I want to move it to the RAM. Yeah, most of the trucks that are here..."
RAM is a brand of trucks that are built to handle heavy loads and towing. They're popular for work and personal use.
RAM is a brand of trucks known for their durability and capability, often used for towing and heavy-duty tasks. They offer various configurations to suit different needs.
Ram 1500
"...thin a few dollars of each other. I've seen a RAM 1500 limited longhorn well almost at 90 grand."
The Ram 1500 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and has a comfortable inside. People like it because it can do tough jobs while still being nice to drive.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It has gained popularity for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities, making it a favorite among both work and leisure users.
Ford F150S
"And I really like the amber running lights and turn signals on Ford F-150s these days. They look really good."
The Ford F-150 is a popular truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's strong and can be customized in many ways to fit different needs.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling trucks in America, known for its durability, versatility, and range of configurations. It offers a variety of engines and features, making it suitable for both work and personal use.
GMC Hummer EV
"..., it does have electric assist, but I mean like a Hummer EV punches you. It's impressive."
The GMC Hummer EV is a big electric truck that can go off-road and is better for the planet. It's powerful and has cool technology inside.
The GMC Hummer EV is an all-electric version of the iconic Hummer, designed for off-road performance and sustainability. It features advanced technology and impressive power, appealing to both adventure seekers and environmentally conscious drivers.
Ford F-150 Raptor
"...tput engine and the Supercharged V8, which is the Raptor engines. True."
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a super tough version of the regular F-150 truck that can go off-road really well. It has a powerful engine and special features that make it fun to drive on rough terrain.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance version of the F-150, designed for off-road capability with a powerful engine and specialized suspension. It stands out for its rugged design and impressive speed, making it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.
Toyota Tundra
"... way, with really heavy trailers, the RAM and the Tundra squatted more. And I think it's a difference betw..."
The Toyota Tundra is a big truck that people trust to last a long time and do heavy work. It's good for towing things and can handle rough roads well.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its reliability and strong performance. It is often praised for its towing capacity and off-road capabilities, making it a solid choice for both work and recreation.
Nissan Leaf
"...between the Ford GM are using leaves in the back, leaf springs, and then the RAM and the Tundra are usin..."
The Nissan Leaf is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, which is better for the environment. It's quiet and can save you money on fuel.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that has gained popularity for its eco-friendly design and practicality. It offers a quiet ride and low operating costs, making it an appealing option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
GMC Sierra Denali
"Yeah, I think as far as overall impact, GMC Sierra Denali had the impact, you know, immediate. I know it's ..."
The GMC Sierra Denali is a fancy version of a pickup truck that has nice features and technology. It's great for people who want a tough truck that feels luxurious.
The GMC Sierra Denali is a premium version of the Sierra pickup truck, offering luxury features and advanced technology. It is designed for those who want a combination of rugged capability and upscale amenities.
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