Select manufacturers display the latest trucks at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. With a look at horsepower, torque, towing capacity, MPG and style, we feature our favorite 2012 pickups.
2012 Ford F-150, F-250 Super Duty
starting MSRP $22,990 F-150, $29,455 F-250
The battle between Chevy and Ford buffs continues, but this year the blue oval steals the limelight. Ford’s F150 won Motor Trend’s 2012 truck of the year award. The hot news is an Ecoboost V6 365 hp motor option with 420 ft-lbs torque and 11,300 lbs towing ability, and impressive gas mileage to boot. MPG is 16 city and 22 highway. Those with heavier towing needs will go with the F250 plus Super Duty series. Standard is the 6.2 liter V8 with 385 hp and 405 ft-lb. If you’re towing and hauling all the time, Ford’s 6.7 liter turbo diesel engine is available with maximum towing at 17,500 lbs. This powerhouse features 400 hp and a jaw dropping 800 ft-lbs. Choices range from regular, extended and crew cabs. Base trim level is the XL, but you can pile up the options into the fancier King Ranch model. Ford does it again with an outstanding lineup of F-series pickups for 2012.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500HD
starting MSRP $22,195 for 1500, $28,800 for 2500
The Chevy Silverado features a slightly altered look in front with a nice choice of pickup sizes and styles. The 195 hp V6 engine with only 260 ft-lbs torque can’t compete with Ford’s Ecoboost, however, there are V8 choices to the tune of 302, 315 and 403 horses. You can configure the 1500 for 10,700 lb towing with a “Max Trailering Pack” on extended cabs. The hybrid has a 6.0 liter V8 with MPG rating at 20 city driving and 23 highway. New this year is a “Cruise Grade Braking” feature with engine compression braking and tranny downshifts to help slow the load down. When you step up to the three-quarter ton 2500 HD model, a 6.0L V8 comes standard. Optional is the 6.6L turbodiesel, with maximum towing power at 17,800 lbs. Also new is a Z71 appearence package with unique body colored bumper, doorsill plates, and decals among other items.
2012 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500
starting MSRP $21,475 for 1500, $28,430 for 2500
The Dodge Ram for 2012 offers the regular, quad and crew setups with 3 bed choices. The 1500’s top motor is the 5.7L Hemi V8 with 390 hp and 407 ft-lbs torque and 10,450 lbs towing power. The other V8 is a 4.7L, and 20 MPG highway is achieved with the light duty engines. The heavier duty 2500 offers the optional 6.7L Cummins six-cylinder turbo diesel with 350 hp and 800 ft-lbs with the automatic transmission and 15,500 trailer weight. Also available is that 5.7 Hemi, this time with 14,400 lbs towing.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 HD
starting MSRP $22,195 for 1500, $28,800 for 2500
The GMC Sierra 1500 powertrain choices include a 4.3L V6, and V8s featuring 4.8 and 5.3L displacements. Top choice in this series is the 6.2L V8 with 403 hp and 417 ft-lbs with 10,400 lb towing. Hybrid buyers are offered a 6.0L V8 with 20 city and 23 highway MPG ratings. The 2500 HD has the Vortec 6.0L V8 and optional Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo diesel with 13,000 lbs conventional trailering. That engine’s rating is 397 hp and 765 ft-lbs. Denali models are offered for luxury buyers, with fancier appointments like heated leather seating, wood inserts and insulation for quiet travel.
2012 Toyota Tacoma, Tundra
starting MSRP $16,875 Tacoma, $25,155 Tundra
An inline 4 cylinder motor in a pickup isn’t acceptable in our view, but stepping up to the 6 in Toyota’s Tacoma Access is getting warmer. The 4.0L motor rates at 236hp with 266 ft-lb and pulls 6500 lbs with the tow package. The optional SR5 package will dress it up a little with chrome grill surround, color keyed front bumper, leather trim and more. Ultimately, our choice from Toyota is the Tundra. The 5.7L V8 brings 381 hp and 401 ft-lbs of torque. The Tundra regular cab 4 x 4 will tow a very respectable 10,100 lbs. A nice feature is a shock absorber in the tailgate, allowing smooth openings and won’t slam.
In summary, Ford tops our list when it comes to handling, style, and economy with the available ecoboost engine. Its best in class towing capacity, versatile build, and technology, such as the Sync system, proves Ford makes the best truck on the road. Their 2012 Motor Trend Truck of the year award for the F-150 is well-deserved.
Held at McCormick Place through Feburary 19th, the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is the largest in the country. This is its 104th year and produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association.
