Top Ten Modern Pickup trucks

Modern pickup trucks have evolved from traditional, heavy-duty workhorses to everyday runabouts, thanks to their versatility, carlike comfort and amenities typically found in luxury cars, such as high-tech audio systems and heated seats.

Here’s the list of the most popular pickup trucks:

Ford F-150

2009 Ford F-150

The F-150 has been revamped inside and out, boasting more power, more towing and payload capacity, improved fuel economy and more interior space. Thanks to partnerships with Microsoft, Sony and SIRIUS, the communication and entertainment features have also been greatly enhanced.

Toyota Tacoma

2009 Toyota Tacoma

The 2009 model continues primarily unchanged, but a new Star Safety System with ABS, brake assist, stability control and traction control is now standard on all trim levels. Also new is an argent painted grille, restyled LED taillights and an optional backup monitor on Access and Double Cabs. An automatic limited-slip differential, side-curtain airbags, front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and active front head restraints have been added to the standard equipment for Access Cab and Double Cab versions.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Silverado 1500 comes in 40 different configurations, ranging from $19,375 for a rear-wheel-drive 2-door Regular Cab, to more than $41,000 for an LTZ Crew Cab with four-wheel drive. For 2009, the Silverado gets a new 6-speed automatic transmission available with the 5.3-liter, 6.0-liter and 6.2-liter engines. OnStar 8.0 with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Destination Download, Bluetooth phone connectivity, XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic feature and a rearview camera system are just a few of the useful options.

Dodge Ram 1500

2009 Dodge Ram 1500

Redesigned for 2009, the new Ram maintains its familiar look but features a more aerodynamic design, rear coil-spring suspension and a new 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that delivers 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 4 percent improvement in fuel economy. The Ram is awash in new features, the most noteworthy of which is the RamBox cargo management system, providing weatherproof, lockable, illuminated and drainable storage compartments integrated into the cargo-box sides. RamBox also includes a bed-divider/2-foot bed extender and a rail system with adjustable tie-down cleats.

Toyota Tundra

2009 Toyota Tundra

The Tundra is available in Regular Cab, Double Cab and CrewMax styles. At more than 19 feet long, the Tundra CrewMax is the biggest truck in Toyota’s history. Three different engines are available, including a 381-horsepower V8 that helps the truck tow more than 10,000 pounds. For the 2009 model year, the Tundra adds E85 flex-fuel capability when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine in certain regions, as well as two new Toyota Racing Development (TRD) option packages.

Ford Ranger

2009 Ford Ranger

The 2009 Ranger remains unchanged, last year the compact pickup received minor updates including an improved front-bumper design for better fuel-efficiency, more standard safety equipment and service intervals extended to 7,500 miles. The Ranger is available with a 207-horsepower V6 or a 143-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. When equipped with the smaller powerplant, the Ranger is the most fuel-efficient pickup truck available, getting an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. This summer, look for a revised 2010 Ranger with a number of new safety features, including AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control as well as new side airbags.

Nissan Frontier

2009 Nissan Frontier

The Frontier midsize pickup takes styling cues from the full-size Titan, and also shares the suspension layout and many component designs with the larger truck. Two powerplants are available, including a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more powerful 4.0-liter V6 producing 261 horsepower. For 2009 the Frontier gets exterior updates including a new grille, front fascia, headlight design and 16-inch and 18-inch wheels. The PRO-4X off-road version is added, as well as Frontier Crew Cab LE/PRO-4X Value Truck Packages.

Dodge Dakota

2009 Dodge Dakota

The Dakota is offered in Extended Cab and Quad Cab versions. At the time it received improved performance, better ride quality and innovative utility, as well as an all-new 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque while achieving a 5 percent increase in fuel economy. Inside, the Dakota got a new instrument panel, center console and accent finishes. Crew Cabs offer an innovative, collapsible Crate ‘N Go removable under-seat cargo management system. A new Big Horn/Lone Star trim level replaces the SXT for 2009 and features the Crate ‘N Go system as standard equipment.

Chevrolet Colorado

2009 Chevrolet Colorado

The Colorado is Chevrolet’s midsize pickup truck, available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab and Crew Cab versions. It joined the Chevrolet lineup in 2004, replacing the aged S-10 pickup. Buyers have a choice of a 2.9-liter 4-cylinder or 3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine — both providing respectable EPA fuel economy in the low 20s — or a newly available 300-horsepower 5.3-liter V8. Other updates for 2009 include a new brake system for better stopping power and improved pedal feel, as well as an available ZQ8 sport suspension offered with lower ride height, 18-inch split-spoke aluminum wheels, performance tires, color-keyed bumpers, color-keyed grille with chrome surround, unique seats and a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine.

GMC Sierra 1500

2009 GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra is available in Regular Cab, Extended Cab and Crew Cab versions with a choice of three different box sizes: 5 feet 8 inches, 6 feet 6 inches and 8 feet. The Sierra received a complete redesign a few years ago with a stronger and stiffer fully boxed frame, restyled exterior and more spacious interior. For 2009, the Sierra gets a new 6-speed automatic transmission paired with the 5.3-liter, 6.0-liter and 6.2-liter engines. A more powerful E85-capable 6.2-liter V8 engine is available on the SLT Crew Cab.