2011 Pickup Truck Of The Year

Staff Picks
Douglas McColloch, Editor
In a word (two, actually), the Super Duty. It can still tow your house up a 90-percent grade, keep your family entertained with all the latest BlueSyncPod goodies they'd ever want, soak up miles on the Interstate with its forgiving new suspension, deliver acceptable highway mileage, keep you comfortable and cozy in its sumptuous cab, and it'll four-wheel just about anywhere the Raptor can. It just won't do it as quickly, or with as much panache. I may change my mind whenever Ford stops offering this truck with a solid front axle, but for now, as a multipurpose workhorse that can Do It All, the Super Duty still sets the benchmark in the heavy-duty segment for me.

Ken Brubaker, Senior Editor
The Raptor is so cool it hurts. Plus, it's fun to drive. But it hasn't forgotten how to work, and that's a key ingredient. As a bonus, the base MSRP is only a smidge over $40,000, so the price of admission for this incredible thrill ride isn't out of line. Yep, I desperately need a Raptor.

Sean P. Holman, Tech Editor
I'll pick the one that lets me drive on a 1,000 mile trip, wheel the hell out of it, and drive home. As a fan of historical exploration, I never know what I might come across on an abandoned desert trail, but in a Raptor, I won't care. I can cover huge amounts of ground at a time and still have a warranty if something breaks. Someone at Ford gets it. That person should tell other people.

Robin Stover, Feature Editor
Despite two very potent new diesel powerplants for 2011, I have to go with the all-encompassing, and go-fast-friendly Raptor. It is the most dynamic OE pickup truck I have ever driven. Terrain that most vehicles have difficulty with at 35 mph, the Raptor easily trounces at highway speeds. Kudos to Ford for building such a stellar dirt machine with street manners to boot.

Greg Smith, Art Director
As much as I want to say I'd take the Raptor, it's just not practical for my needs. My truck has to be able to tow upwards of 10,000 pounds, get decent mileage for commuting, plus have a great interior with plenty of room for four. That leaves just one truck, the Super Duty. Although the grille isn't the prettiest thing, I'm sure someone in the aftermarket will come to the rescue.

Jason Gonderman, Web Editor
If I had to take one of these trucks home today it would have to be the Super Duty. While the Ford Raptor and Chevy Silverado HD are both amazing trucks in their own right for me the Ford Super Duty makes the most sense. The Super Duty's new engine makes amazing power, the available rear locker provides awesome traction in the dirt, and the interior is second to none. This is the truck that I could spend many comfortable hours in towing a load, driving to work, or exploring the back country.

Steve VonSeggern, Publisher
The Raptor is simply the smartest thing SVT has ever done to a truck, period. This is almost exactly what I would do to an F-150 with aftermarket parts anyway, so having it done by the factory and with a warranty is just a dream come true. Ford needs to be given serious credit for bringing this truck to market. They obviously get it.