2009 New Trucks: The Hooks They Have to Get You Hooked

After months of declining sales, trucks rebounded in August. Part of the reason is the massive outlay of cash by manufacturers to get the iron moving. But the other reason is that some people, regardless of the price of gas or economy, simply need a full-size truck. We to a look at six different full-size trucks – the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra and Nissan Titan, plus the 2008 Toyota – and found that new-truck buyers have more choices than ever. We also found that competition improves the breed, and since to a certain extent these trucks are all equally capable in the hauling and towing arenas, manufacturers have introduced innovative and unique ways to reel in buyers. Here's a quick look.

By Keith Buglewicz Photo Credit: Chevrolet

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The Chevrolet Silverado (and its cousin, the GMC Sierra) were both redesigned completely for the 2007 model year. However, thanks to the rapid pace of change in the market, they're the second oldest full-size trucks on the market in 2009. But don't let that worry you: The Chevy Silverado is an excellent and capable machine, one that not only offers up the muscle for every working-class hero out there, but thanks to new interiors, enough finesse to please casual buyers who think "tongue weight" has something to do with exotic cuts at the butcher. For 2009, Chevy keeps pace with the competition with an available six-speed automatic transmission (order it) and a bigger 6.2-liter V-8 for the power hungry.

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

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The new automatic transmission and bigger V-8 are nice additions, but they only bring the Chevy Silverado up to the same level as its competitors. What really makes the 2009 Chevy Silverado stand out is the available hybrid powertrain, making GM the first to offer a full hybrid system in a pickup. Borrowing the technology currently used in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, the Silverado Hybrid will see a drop in towing and hauling capacity, but a significant increase in fuel economy. If Chevrolet can build the two-mode hybrid powertrains fast enough, we see no reason why they won't fly off the lots...as long as the price is kept reasonable.

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

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The 2009 Dodge Ram is all-new for the 2009 model year, and even though Dodge is struggling in the marketplace, all indications are that the new truck has the makings of a solid hit. It retains the Ram's unique looks, but softens them just enough to bring more buyers into the fold. It also offers up a Dodge Ram Crew Cab version for the first time, finally bringing this extremely popular four-door configuration to Dodge's truck lineup, and assuredly attracting more buyers in the process. However, there's more to the new Dodge Ram than a pretty face.

Photo Credit: Dodge

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Pick up a 2009 Dodge Ram, turn it over, and look at the rear axle. Truck fans will notice something immediately: A coil spring rear suspension. This is a breakthrough innovation for the Dodge Ram, and immediately shoots it to the head of the class with regards to ride comfort. While it does affect the towing and hauling capacity of the Ram, they're still plenty respectable, and Dodge is betting buyers will happily trade some towing grunt for a better ride around town. The other innovation is the Ram Box, lockable bins built into the walls of the bed on Dodge Ram Crew Cab models. External lockable storage is always a tough one to achieve in a truck, and with the Ram Box, Dodge has nailed it.

Photo Credit: Dodge

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Details on the new Ford F-150 are sketchy, even though the prototype was shown off months ago at the Detroit Auto Show. Ford has yet to release power figures for the three V-8 engines, or specifications in many other of the truck's mechanical capabilities. However, we do know one thing: The 2009 Ford F-150 will be a big seller by the simple fact that it's a new Ford F-150, a vehicle that remains at the top of the heap in terms of overall sales in the United States. 

Photo Credit: Ford

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Rumors persist that the top-line engine in the 2009 Ford F-150 won't make much more power or torque than the outgoing model, a pity, since pokey performance has been a complaint about the current F-150 since its 2004 introduction. However, Ford is hoping you'll overlook what's under the hood for what's out back: a group of clever upgrades to the cargo area that Ford says are industry firsts. For example, the F-150 tailgate will have an available built-in step, allowing better access to the bed. Stepside models will have a fold-out step, making it easier to get into the cargo area. Plus there will be a closable and lockable Midbox on some Ford F-150 models, allowing out-of-sight cargo capacity for those who need it.

Photo Credit: Ford

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The GMC Sierra is for the most part the twin of the Chevrolet Silverado. They share construction and features, and for the most part styling and performance as well. However, GMC continues to sell plenty of Sierras, and the brand has considerable loyalty. So what if it's redundant if it moves iron, right? For 2009, GMC upgrades the Sierra with the same larger available engine (a 6.2-liter V-8) and available six-speed automatic that's now on the Chevy Silverado's option list. While your gasoline bill will dictate whether you need the extra power of the bigger engine, we heartily recommend the GMC Sierra with the new six-speed automatic.

Photo Credit: GMC

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As we mentioned, the GMC Sierra shares a lot with its Chevy Silverado cousin, including the hybrid powertrain that will become available for the 2009 model year. Based on the same hybrid powertrain found in the GMC Yukon Hybrid, the GMC Sierra hybrid promises significantly better fuel economy, albeit at the expense of cargo and towing capacity. Regardless, the two-mode hybrid drivetrain makes a lot of sense for casual truck drivers who maybe don't do a lot of hauling or towing, but just like to drive a truck to and from work.

Photo Credit: GMC

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Yes, the 2009 Nissan Titan is still available. Largely lost in the news of the new Dodge Ram and Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrids, and the Toyota Tundra, the Titan has soldiered on with a handful of improvements since its initial introduction several years ago. Still, with a high towing capacity, powerful V-8 and impressive off-road package, the 2009 Nissan Titan is still in the hunt, even if it's not at the top of the sales charts.

Photo Credit: Nissan

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As the oldest currently available full-size truck, the Nissan Titan is a little short on hooks compared to its newest competition. It used to have the most torque, towing capacity and horsepower, but those advantages have evaporated over the years. Still, the 2009 Nissan Titan has its pluses. It offers a set of tie-down cleats in the bed, each rated at 200 pounds, that are adjustable and can help secure different sized loads. Nissan Titan SE models have a clever lockable storage compartment built into the bed behind the driver's side rear wheel, perfect for storing small items. The Titan also offers up a unique look that's still as different from anything else on the road as it was when the Nissan Titan debuted for the 2004 model year.

Photo Credit: Nissan