Fuel prices are cheaper, families want space, and drivers feel comfortable at higher ride heights. Consider the weakening car sales as truck and SUV purchases rise, and it’s clear tastes are changing. The traditional 4-door family sedan is dismissed in favor of SUVs and crossovers. The pickup segment is especially booming, as automakers swiftly enter the growing midsize space. Half-ton trucks are better equipped than ever with more choices, increasing payload and towing capacity while delivering attractive MPG ratings. The following trucks have yet to announce all such details, but let’s explore what’s in our future. Hop into my DeLorean and see what 2019 looks like for pickups!
Ram ushers a new era
2019 All-New Ram 1500
Engine options include the 5.7L V8 Hemi (395hp/410lbft) or the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (305hp/269lbft) handled by an 8-speed transmission. Here’s the big news: It’s a hybrid! Called eTorque technology, a motor/generator provides a 48 volt electrical system with 300 watt battery pack for more torque. An additional 130 lbft goes to the 5.7 (you can opt out of the system with this engine), while 90 lbft adds to the V6. An EcoDiesel is expected.
With a 98% high-strength steel frame, this truck looses around 225 lbs due to several aluminum components. Although MPG is TBA, better economy is expected from aero changes. An Active-Level Four Corner air suspension option lowers the pickup at faster speeds. The air dam also lowers while driving. No regular Cab option, with the Crew and Quad Cabs your choices.
The interior features a super 12″ center touch screen.
4WD is available. When properly equipped, max payload is 2300 lbs and max towing is 12,750 lbs. 
It’s got strength, style, innovation and technology. I’m quite impressed, and believe RAM hits a home run with this truck.
Chevrolet loses weight
2019 Silverado 1500
There are 8 trim options ranging from WT work truck up to High Country for the new Chevy. The 5.3L and 6.2L V8s get revisions, with up to 7 cylinder deactivation for the fuel efficiency. A new 3L in-line 6 cyl Duramax turbodiesel will also be available. Gears are handled by that fantastic 10-speed transmission developed with Ford. No MPG, towing or payload data yet.
450 lbs are shredded from last year’s truck due to the aluminum use for tailgate, doors and hood (perhaps learning a thing or two from Ford’s F-150). Pickup beds come larger, and each of the 3 fixed tie-downs secure up to 500 lbs. Check out the available fully-powered open/close tailgate. Wheelbase grows by 3.9″.
Look for this Chevy pickup in showrooms by late 2018.
Ford re-enters the midsize market
2019 All-New Ford Ranger
After several years, the blue oval re-enters a growing midsize pickup segment in the U.S. with it’s Ranger. It’ll compete with the likes of Chevy’s Colorado, GMC’s Canyon and Toyota’s Tacoma. See my 2016 article on those trucks here. Different form the current international/global market version, the truck will feature a 2.3L 4 cylinder EcoBoost with start-stop technology and the successful 10-speed transmission. MPG, towing and payload TBA, but it’ll have best in class torque. No regular Cab is available, only SuperCrew (5′ bed) and SuperCab is (6′ bed). Models are XL, XLT and Lariat. Pictured is the FX4 off-road 4WD package with unique shocks, skid plates and electric locking rear.
Interior tech features include driver assist, Sync 3 infotainment, with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. The WiFi hotspot connects up to 10 devices. Sweet music to your ears come from the B&O audio system. 
I can’t wait to see Ford’s all-new Ranger on the streets! Production starts end of this year, with availability by 2019.
Toyota’s Off-Road Refresh
2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), this off-road 4×4 compact includes a 3.5L V6 (278hp) engine with 6-speed stick or automatic transmission. New 2.5″ Internal Bypass Aluminum-bodied Fox shocks with specially tuned off-road suspension, front coils/rear leafs, and cat-back exhaust enhance the off-road performance.
The front is lifted 1″, and a cool TRD red-letter stamped front skid plate protects the underside. To provide a more stable ride, front and rear tracks widen 1″.
Voodoo Blue exterior is new, with Midnight Black Metallic and Super White also available on the midsize truck. Toyota Safety Sense technology is new, including Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision and Pedestrian Detection, Auto High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Watch for this exciting off-roader by fall 2018.
Visit the 2018 Chicago Auto Show February 10th-19th at McCormick Place. Learn more at www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow and hashtag #CAS18 at @ChiAutoShow on Twitter.
