Trucks to get excited about in 2019 ( Pictures)

Last year was definitely the year of the truck; 2019 is shaping up to be the year of the HD truck. In 2018, GM and RAM led the way with their all new half tons, and Ford introduced a new diesel engine in the F-150. But 2019 brings on the big bears, a full suite of HD trucks from RAM and GM, as well as two new trucks from Ford and one that’s overdue for an update from Toyota. Here are the six most highly anticipated trucks coming next year.

Ram HD 2500/3500

Spy shots of completely undisguised 2020 Ram HD models surfaced recently, suggesting the truck is ready for its grand debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. On sale since 2010, the current Ram HD trucks are almost a decade old now, having received a facelift in 2014. The 2020 Ram HDs appear to have been blessed with many of the same good looks as the 2019 Ram 1500 trucks, erasing the trademark crosshair grille, each trim level getting its own grille embroidered with RAM. Engine specs are still unconfirmed, but current models include a 383 horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8, a 410-horsepower 6.4 litre, and a 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel inline six, currently rated at 385 hp and 930 lb.-ft. of torque. Expect that number to go up to claim best-in-class towing. Interior wise, the 2020 HD Rams appear to adopt many of the features found in the new 1500, including the monster centre screen, but going without the rotary dial shifter in favour of a traditional column stalk shifter.

GMC Sierra HD and Chevrolet Silverado HD

2020 Toyota Tundra

2019 is a carryover year for the Toyota Tundra, a truck that hasn’t seen a real generational change since 2007 — some 12 years ago. Even though sales have remained consistent following a refresh in 2014, GM, Ford and RAM have all introduced new technology in new trucks, so the pressure for a new Tundra has never been greater. Patient dealers have suggested 2020 is the year for an extensive makeover for the full-size Tundra now that the new Camry, Corollaand RAV4 have been squared away. Toyota said in no uncertain terms last year that a new Tundra was a priority for Toyota, and now has some greater assembly capacity at its San Antonio, Texas plant because production of some Tacoma models has shifted to an expanded plant in Baja California, Mexico. So all the signs are pointing in the right direction. Expect a new Tundra to gain Toyota’s D-4S fuel-injection system that uses direct and port fuel injection. An eight-speed transmission, replacing the durable six-speed, would also be a high probability. If the past is any guide, watch for a 2020 Tundra to appear at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

2020 Jeep Gladiator

2020 Ford Bronco

Scheduled to make its debut in Detroit in January, the all-new, sixth generation 2020 Ford Bronco awakens from a 20-year hibernation in the middle of a Michigan winter to warm the hearts of many who have waited a loooooong time for the storied SUV. Like the Ford GT that was kept a complete secret until the day of its reveal, Ford has been mum with details other than confirmation that the Bronco will, like the Jeep Wrangler, be available in either two or four doors and will have a boxy shape like its predecessors. Ford has also said there will be a hybrid option, and the truck will be based off the 2019 Ranger medium-size truck that gets a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. With Jeep introducing removable tops on its new Gladiator, expect the Bronco to get a “sky roof” or removable top as an option. Engine choices are still classified, but reports have speculated a manual transmission is in the works to appeal to enthusiasts, with first gear a classic “granny gear” for crawling over rocks. Ford has a wide arsenal of engines it could use for the Bronco, with many hoping for the 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 that produces 400 lb.-ft. of torque.

2019 Ford Ranger