With truck enthusiasts being spoiled with a range of new body designs and engine options in every class for 2015, we haul out three prospects and put them to the test

If you haven’t had the opportunity to hop behind the wheel of a new truck in the last five to 10 years, you’re in for a bit of a surprise. Much as the passenger car market has offered more and more cutting-edge technology and convenience in every segment, these three new trucks are a far cry from the utilitarian cargo haulers and bare-bones work trucks of yesteryear. Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge (now known as Ram in its truck division) have brought some impressive kit to the table to appeal to shoppers looking for both comfort and capability.

Ram 1500 EcoDiesel
Arguably the most rugged-looking of our truck trio, the Ram 1500 goes much further than just winning friends with its charming good looks. For starters, it is the first of the pack to offer a diesel V-6 engine option, giving it significantly improved torque as well as fuel economy. It is also the only model to offer an 8-speed automatic transmission as well as optional air-ride suspension with variable height control. Not only does its trick suspension system allow for added clearance when roaming through rough terrain, but it also makes daily life a touch easier when it comes to ingress and egress.
www.ramtruck.ca

Ford F-150
The F-150 has been one of the bestselling trucks of all time, and after winning this year’s AJAC Canadian Truck of the Year as well as the North American Truck of the Year Award it seems this latest redesign is set to keep its stellar record running. The new F-150 looks a decent amount larger than its predecessor, though thanks to the extensive use of aluminum its engineers have managed to lower its curb weight by up to 700 lbs. If towing is a priority, it’s also the best option in its class. When equipped with Ford’s 3.5-Litre turbocharged EcoBoost V-6, the mighty F-150 is capable of towing an impressive 12,200 lbs — power that used to only be possible when at the wheel of a big, fuel-thirsty V-8.
www.ford.ca

GMC Canyon
For the slightly more urban truck buyer, the new GMC Canyon is by far the best option on the block. Playing to the tech-savvy sect, the Canyon offers great optional on-board technologies including available 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hot spot capability, an 8-inch touchscreen display, as well Forward Collision and Lane Departure warning systems. Its more compact proportions make it the perfect option for navigating tighter city streets without giving up the ability to pack your ATV or camping gear out into the deepest reaches of the wilderness. Thanks to its optional V-6 engine, packing just over 300 horsepower, the new Canyon is no slowpoke either. The compact truck segment may be growing thinner by the minute, but this thing is a glorious reminder of why the segment exists in the first place.
www.gm.ca