Cars.comparison: Full-Size Trucks

The Ford F-Series was the top-selling pickup truck in 2006, but its dominance will be tested this year as Chevrolet comes to market with a redesigned Silverado and Toyota tries to get a bigger foothold with the redesigned Tundra. In recognition of the appeal big pickups have as family-haulers, we've thrown crew cab versions of these models into the ring to see which one comes out on top.

 = Category winner

The Contenders
2007 Chevrolet Silverado LT1 Crew Cab 4x4	2007 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4	2007 Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax 4x4
Zoom	Zoom	Zoom
Base MSRP
$31,615	$35,525	$41,850
MSRP (as tested)
$38,802	$44,000	$47,070
Cargo bed length (ft.)
5.75	6.5	5.5
Overall length (in.)
230	236	229
Turning diameter
47 feet: Mighty wide for its overall length.	48 feet: A decent turning circle for its extra length.	44 feet: An accomplishment.
Ranch cred
Play Video Cowboy: The Silverado's styling doesn't explore much new ground, but its broad grille and power-dome hood are more impressive than pictures suggest. It will satisfy the Chevy faithful, but it's unlikely to steal Ford buyers.	Play Video Rancher: The F-150 has a classic appearance that's powerful yet refined. The best-selling vehicle for an entire generation, its owners are intensely loyal. It's the truck the others want to be.	Play Video Urban cowboy: The 2007 Tundra's size, capabilities and imposing looks are a step in the right direction, but it's going to take time to convince serious pickup buyers.
Engine/transmission performance
The four-speed automatic sometimes takes an extra second before kicking down when the gas pedal is floored, but when it does, the rumbly 6.0-liter V-8 gets the truck moving.	Our test model had the 5.4-liter V-8, and like most trucks before and after it, there isn't any high-speed excitement with the slow-to-react four-speed automatic.	Numbers don't always mean everything, but the new 5.7-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic deliver in the CrewMax. The drivetrain has plenty of guts, even in this heaviest Tundra body style, yet it's a smooth operator.
Ride quality, steering feel
The Silverado's smooth-riding suspension damps bumps and potholes that made the F-150 shudder, but there's a little bit more vagueness in the Silverado's steering wheel.	Direct, precise steering is a plus, but the F-150's firm ride and body shudder didn't win any friends around here. The low-profile tires on 20-inch wheels are probably partly to blame.	The Tundra has a nice enough ride, and it's solid, for which the earlier generation was also praised. The steering is good, too, but the Toyota isn't a clear winner.
Ease of entry
Getting into the Silverado was easier than the F-150, but the step up is still tall without the help of a driver-side A-pillar assist handle (what's up with that?) or running boards — a dealer option.	It's quite a climb into the F-150's driver seat, and we don't say that about many vehicles. Pay for the optional running boards.	With its larger cab, wide door openings, and handles on the A- and B-pillars, the Tundra — at least in this CrewMax style — has the simplest entry.
Interior comfort/quality
Zoom Unbelievably, a height-adjustable driver's seat isn't standard, but it's easy to feel at home in the front seats. Our test model had the more utilitarian dash, but its material quality, detailing and appearance still put it on par with — and possibly better than — the Toyota.	Zoom The Lariat brings some luxury touches to the F-150's cabin, and the front bucket seats are comfy, but this is the oldest design here and it's starting to show. There's nothing wrong with the seating position, though.	Zoom Apart from our Limited trim level's leather upholstery, the Tundra's design and materials no longer put the other guys to shame, but it's still good. The large, clear knobs are easy to use, even for gloved hands, and the center storage console is enormous.
Second-row space/utility
The backrest is a little too upright, but adults should find soft cushioning, OK legroom and lots of toe room under the front seats. We can't get over the lever-free flip-up bench seat and the uncluttered floor beneath it.	Very similar to the Silverado's second row in terms of passenger space, the F-150's rear seat has a slightly more comfortable backrest.	There's no contest here. The CrewMax has the shortest cargo bed, giving more length to the cab. Ample legroom and a sliding/reclining split bench seat recall a limousine, but the flip-down backrests are better at providing a work surface than a floor-to-ceiling cargo space.
Visibility
Large front and rear side windows, combined with relatively thin pillars, make for good over-shoulder views. The rear sonar parking assist feature is worth adding.	It's easier to see over the front of the F-150 than the others, and that helps in tight maneuvering, but there isn't as much glass or rearward visibility. The standard mirrors are more useful than the Silverado's extra-large ones. Again, rear sonar is a big help.	The high hood is a disadvantage — made up for by front and rear sonar sensors, not to mention an excellent rearview camera. These are expensive options, but our CrewMax Limited had them. In this contest, the Tundra gets the nod.
Safety features
Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are standard, but side curtain airbags are optional.	All-disc antilock brakes are standard, but the F-150 has the slimmest selection of safety features.	All-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system are standard.
Maximum payload* (lbs.)
Test vehicle
2,010	1,500	1,585
Model line
2,160	3,060	2,060
Maximum towing capacity* (lbs.)
Test vehicle
10,500	8,600	10,100
Model line
10,500	11,000	10,800
Editors' choice
A vastly improved and highly competitive truck, the Silverado's quality can't overcome the Tundra's day-to-day usability.	The F-150's redesign seems like it was only yesterday, but this fiercely competitive class has already made it seem a bit out of date.	Our test CrewMax's advantages in this contest were often a result of its larger cabin and optional equipment. By the numbers, though, it keeps up with or exceeds the others in many ways. Aside from its higher price, there's not much that's wrong with it.

Next Step?

• 2007 Chevrolet Silverado LT1 Crew Cab 4x4
  Build your own |  Details & Reviews |  Search Used
• 2007 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4
  Build your own |  Details & Reviews |  Search Used
• 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited CrewMax 4x4
  Build your own |  Details & Reviews |  Search Used