Full-size trucks of today aren't like the utilitarian hulks of the past, and there's more competition than just the perennial Chevy-Ford matchup, too.
The F-150's biggest competitor, still, is the Chevy Silverado and its twin, the GMC Sierra.
They're not as new as the Ford pickups, but since their 2007 redesign, they've stayed competitive in towing, hauling, and particularly, in easy drivability.
Given the choice, we'd also test-drive a Ram 1500--the former Dodge Ram has, we think, the best ride quality of the bunch, and offers HEMI power and competitive towing capacity, if not quite as many body styles and variants.
Toyota's Tundra now meets the domestics head-on in terms of size, but it's a tall, awkwardly styled pickup that still has less broad appeal, mostly because of its latecomer status.
The Nissan Titan suffers from the same syndrome, but it's also the oldest truck in this group, with the fewest luxuries available to match its rugged specs.
All the domestic trucks come in heavy-duty editions, too, and if those versions fit your needs, you'll be out of luck shopping at Toyota or Nissan.
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 2012 Ford F-150Browse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500Browse Used Listings |  2012 GMC Sierra 1500Browse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan TitanBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota TundraBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ram 1500Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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Efficient and burly, the 2012 Ford F-150 shares the lead in full-size trucks thanks to extreme capability and extreme high-tech features. |
It counts a savvy Hybrid model in its ranks, but mostly, the 2012 Chevy Silverado appeals to the prosaic truck buyer that doesn't need as much in the way of infotainment. |
The 2012 GMC Sierra has one of the greenest pickup trucks in its lineup, but some of its early spec-sheet triumphs have been bested by the latest F-150 and Ram. |
The 2012 Nissan Titan has held up well over a long lifespan, but its gas mileage, towing and hauling, and performance have fallen to the back of the full-size pickup truck pack. |
Just as tough as the competition, the 2012 Toyota Tundra isn't quite as rugged-looking, as fuel-efficient, or as strong in the towing department. |
The 2012 Ram 1500 is big and burly yet very detail-oriented; and for those who want a good ride and refined interior, it's one of the best bets. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $23,500 | $22,195 | $22,195 | $28,520 | $25,155 | $22,570 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 11 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 18 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V8 | Gas V6 | Gas/Ethanol V8 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2WD Reg Cab 126" XL | 2WD Reg Cab 119.0" Work Truck | 2WD Reg Cab 119.0" Work Truck | 2WD King Cab SWB S | Reg Cab 4.0L V6 5-Speed AT (GS) | 2WD Reg Cab 120.5" Tradesman |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Regular Cab Pickup | Reg Cab 6.5' Wideside | Reg Cab 6.5' Wideside | King Cab | Reg Cab | Regular Cab Pickup |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 | 2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Nissan Titan | 2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Toyota Tundra | 2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Ram 1500 | |
