Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
The top three bestselling vehicles in the U.S. are all full-size pickup trucks: the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500. And with low gas prices and a healthy economy, there's no sign that trend will end anytime soon. Not surprisingly, this year's North American International Auto Show was a hotbed for new pickup trucks. Ford, Chevy and Ram all introduced new models.
2019 Ford Ranger
Available in early 2019, Ford's midsize pickup returns to the market after an eight-year absence. The new version has a mostly steel body, but its hood and tailgate are aluminum to help it lose weight. Only one engine is available -- a 2.3L Ecoboost inline four, similar to the engine used in the Explorer SUV. The Ranger can be had in two- and four-wheel-drive versions and includes a terrain management system similar to the one used on the Raptor sport truck. Automated emergency braking is standard; higher trim versions include semi-autonomous features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
For its re-do, Chevy incorporates more lightweight material that saves the Silverado up to 450 pounds compared with the outgoing version. Slighter bigger than the 2018,it now has three inches more rear seat leg room and seven inches more width in the bed. Six different engines are available, including a new turbo-diesel 3L inline 6.
2019 Ram 1500
Available early this year, the new version of Ram's full-size pickup gets a new grille and other design changes. Larger and lighter than the outgoing model, some versions of the truck include luxury touches like a panoramic sunroof and heated, cooling and reclining rear seats.