Blog / Heavy-Duty Pickups Flex Their New Muscles

Heavy-Duty Pickups Flex Their New Muscles

While they’re busy developing fully electric pickups for now and tomorrow, Detroit’s Big Three know all too well the importance of their conventionally powered trucks in today’s market, including their hard-working heavy-duty variants.

In the past few weeks, Ford, General Motors and Ram have announced refreshed and upgraded 2023-2024 models that will surely please customers and businesses. Let’s take a closer look!

2023 Ford Super Duty

New looks, new engines and new on-board technologies aimed at facilitating life on the road for the driver, that’s what’s in store with the 2023 Ford Super Duty. It all starts with some customization packages, including the XL Off-Road which adds 33-inch tires, skid plates, a raised air intake and an electronic locking rear differential.

Under the hood, the new standard mill is a 6.8-litre V8 whose performance figures are unknown. The same goes for the 7.3-litre V8 gasoline engine, which is back with improved performance and, according to Ford, gives it the best torque in the segment for a gasoline engine. In the diesel camp, you’ll find the well-known 6.7-litre PowerStroke V8, now offering a high-output version with a revised turbocharger, new exhaust manifolds and improved calibration. Again, the spec sheet has yet to be filled, but Ford promises best-in-class power and torque.

While the 2023 Super Duty doesn’t offer a “Swiss Army knife”-type tailgate like GM, a new camera has been integrated at the top, which will prove very useful when backing up with the tailgate down. The cargo bed can be equipped with a power source that provides 2 kW to feed tools and equipment. Finally, it is possible to equip the taillights with payload indicators.

Inside the almost completely redesigned cabin of the Super Duty, occupants will be treated to a new layout, as well as a centre infotainment screen that can go up to 12 inches diagonally. It’s the first pickup in North America to feature 5G connectivity, while a navigation tool specially designed for towing allows the driver to find the optimal route according to the dimensions of the trailer (in order to avoid unpleasant surprises such as low bridges or turns that are too tight for the trailer). Oh, and the available Max Recline front seats can transform into a flat bed.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD and 2024 GMC Sierra HD

While GM’s 6.6-litre gasoline V8 is unchanged for 2024 (401 hp, 464 lb-ft.), the 6.6-litre Duramax turbo-diesel V8 brings more muscle to the table. It now generates 470 horsepower (+25) and 975 pound-feet of torque (+65), with low-end torque production increased by up to 25 percent for improved performance at low speeds or climbing grades, and particularly when trailering. Furthermore, the proven Allison 10-speed automatic transmission is now standard equipment for both powertrains.

In the name of safety, sensors have been added to warn the driver if the vehicle and trailer weight exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating. That’s nice. Trailering is made even easier with other new tech features including Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer (which accounts for additional drag and increased braking distances when towing a trailer), Enhanced Transparent Trailer view (allowing it to work with fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers) and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (which extends the blind zone area of interest to help enhance situational awareness when trailering).

Cosmetic revisions highlight the front end and the cabin, both in the Silverado HD and Sierra HD. Check out the 13.4-inch centre touchscreen (highly configurable and featuring a “split-screen” view) and the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Also in front of the driver is an available 15-inch colour head-up display. The infotainment system integrates Google built-in.

What else? Chevrolet and GMC are expanding their lineups with new off-road models (ZR2 and AT4X, respectively) and others that elevate styling and luxury to unprecedented heights (High Country Midnight Edition and Denali Ultimate).

2023 Ram 2500 Rebel

Not to be overshadowed, Ram also had a big announcement for 2023. Seeing the success of the 1500 Rebel and many other off-road pickups, the company made the wise move of introducing a direct alternative to the Ford F-250 Tremor.

The new 2500 Rebel fills a key void in its Heavy Duty lineup, slotting between the Big Horn and Power Wagon models. Unlike the latter which settles for the 6.4-litre HEMI V8, it will also be available with the 6.7-litre Cummins turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine that delivers 370 horsepower along with 850 pound-feet of torque.

Utilizing the Power Wagon’s structure and off-road prowess as a base, the Ram 2500 Rebel boasts a segment-exclusive, off-road suspension with a five-link coil design that ensures superior load-carrying characteristics and articulation. Customers can optionally select Ram’s acclaimed rear air suspension for a smoother ride on the road.

The exterior of this truck is quite similar to the Power Wagon’s but features unique badging and a sport performance hood from Mopar. The 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels will be available at a later date) are wrapped in 33-inch off-road tires, while skid plates protect the fuel tank and transfer case. Inside the Crew Cab-only model, the available 360-degree Surround View camera will come in handy in off-road driving as it includes forward-view camera gridlines to help navigate obstacles. There’s also a single display-screen view of both sides of the trailer to assist drivers in maneuvering towing setups.

Yep, time to get to work, folks. And maybe play a bit, too.