Winner!
Ram Power Wagon
Consider us big Power Wagon fans. In fact, the Power Wagon won this very award back in 2005 when it debuted, and we liked it so much that after spending a year with our long-termer, we ended buying it from Chrysler and turning it in to a project vehicle.
We had high hopes that this new version of the truck would deliver big and carry on the Power Wagon name. As we interacted with the 2010 Power Wagon for the first time, we were immediately hit with how perfect the driving position feels, how nicely the interior is laid out, and how comfortable the seats are. Everything is right where we expect it to be, and the interior is huge with the feeling of quality everywhere.
Luxuries aside, we also expect a 3/4-ton work ethic, and with a 1,900-pound payload capacity and a 10,250-pound tow rating, this truck can do just about any work chore we can think up. Features such as a rear vision camera and integrated trailer brake controller make hooking up and towing a trailer a simple exercise.
But just because the Power Wagon is a real 3/4-ton truck doesn't mean it has gone soft on trailability, as the Power Wagon comes from the factory with a host of standard equipment that would make any modified truck owner envious. With a manual transfer-case shift lever, front and rear lockers, 4.56:1 gearing, flexy suspension with Bilstein shocks, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires, forged wheels, a disconnecting sway bar and a 12,000-pound Warn winch, the Power Wagon is nearly unstoppable off the pavement.
Having a 383hp Hemi V-8 underfoot means power is never a problem, and the 34-gallon tank offered a highway range of 500 miles. This truck can haul family, haul gear, and tow a trailer all at the same time. Of course, all of that sounds great, but the real surprise is how well this truck performs in the role as a daily driver. We can tell you that the Power Wagon is the most comfortable riding 3/4-ton you can buy-and that is unloaded. Fill up the bed, and it gets even better.
As perfect as the Power Wagon is, we do miss our proper chrome badging on the old truck, and wish the flashy A-Team graphics took a page from the Raptor playbook and were optional. We'd also like to see 35-inch tires in the future, especially now since the Power Wagon has gained nine inches in wheelbase.
Those small critiques aside, the Power Wagon has rightly earned its place Four Wheeler history by beating out fierce competition and winning the 2010 Pickup Truck of the Year award. Ram has given us almost everything we'd ever want from a full-size truck, and it one of those rare vehicles that just plain does everything well. Yes, the new Power Wagon has our blessing.
What's Hot: Hemi power, incredible 3/4-ton ride, a beast on the trail
What's Not: Only one body style, no rock rails, should have 35s
Our Take: Our 2010 Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year
From the Logbook:
"Hands down my favorite truck to date."
"Just add 35s and we have perfection."
"The interior and controls are well thought out and easy to use."
"Lose the A-Team graphics, and bring back my Power Wagon badging."
"I pity the foo' who doesn't love this truck."
"I just love driving this truck. You can just hop in and go; it just feels perfect."