Base price: $30,410
Year on the list: 2nd
Dodge has impressed us with the current generation of Dodge Ram trucks, so much so that we crowned the Ram 1500 TRX4 our Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year for 2006 and the Dodge Power Wagon PTOTY for 2005. The Ram has a tight and competent chassis, available Hemi power, solid aftermarket support, and a high fun-to-drive factor. Add to that the TRX4 package and you get 32-inch Goodyear tires, unique shocks, functional tow hooks, skidplates, and an excellent rear limited-slip differential. The Multi-Displacement System-equipped Hemi also achieves remarkable fuel economy and range for a fullsize truck. Lastly, the Ram is cheaper than a similarly equipped Silverado and has an almost 2-degree better approach angle. Yep, for this one, we'll take the Ram.
Others Considered: Chevrolet Silverado Z71
Base price: $38,335
Year on the list: 3rd
Another favorite makes our list this year-the Dodge Power Wagon. This truck is so good, we're pretty sure the good folks at Dodge only put this truck into production after we slipped something in to their drinks and made them pinky-swear a promise to build it. How else can you explain a factory 3/4-ton truck that has everything we have ever wished for (and more), such as solid axles, Bilstein shocks, supple suspension, 33-inch BFGoodrich tires on forged wheels, front and rear lockers, 4.56:1 gearing, electronically disconnecting front sway bar, factory Warn winch and rocker protection? Pure pickup perfection, and until you have 'wheeled one, you won't quite understand how good this truck is-so trust us when we tell you it is pickup perfection.
Others Considered: None
Base price: $35,880
Year on the list: 3rd
The Super Duty is king when it comes to option choices, payloads, and configurations, and with a newly tooled exterior and class-leading interior, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that the F-350 is back on the list. Order it from a selection of gas or diesel V-8s, a gas V-10, manual or automatic transmission, three cab choices, two bed lengths, and single or dual rear wheels. Add to your order the FX4 trim level, and you get respectable wheeling equipment that includes Rancho shocks, rear limited-slip, skidplates, 33-inch all-terrain tires and all-weather floor mats. But let's face it-this truck will be used to haul your rig to the trail, and in that mission it excels.
Others Considered: Dodge Ram 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Base price: $29,500
Year on the list: 1st
If most of us on staff had to choose a vehicle to do it all during the week, as in commuting to work, picking up the kids, and visiting the local big box store to complete our honey-dos, but needed the same vehicle to fulfill our need for a little unwinding in the backcountry, without hesitation we'd pick the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. We'd sell the wife on its oh-so-practical four doors, fold-flat second row seats, and convertible top-and we wouldn't even mention to her how good it is on the trail. We'd leave that as our own guilty pleasure when we can sneak off to the desert with the boys. For the money, the size, and the capability, there just isn't a vehicle that comes close to our one-vehicle-does-it-all mission, and for that the Wrangler Unlimited gets the nod from the staff.
Others Considered: Hummer H3
Base price: $6,100
Year on the list: 1st
We have to choose the new 6.7L Cummins I-6 as the best diesel engine available in a four-wheel drive. How can you argue with 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, clean 50-state emissions, a 350,000-mile overhaul interval, and a factory-installed exhaust brake? By the way, you get all that and it is the lowest-priced diesel option in its class. This latest incarnation of the Cummins engine makes the solid Dodge product lineup an even stronger choice, and with the number of 5.9L Cummins-powered Ram tow vehicles we've noticed infiltrating shows and events in the past couple of years, we can tell you that the engine has been the compelling reason to choose Dodge over Ford or the General and will continue to be with the awesome 6.7L.
Others Considered: 6.6L Duramax V-8, 6.4L Power Stroke V-8