After the 2018 season, where full-size trucks bought the interest of the entire automotive world, other pickups will shine in 2019. We expect many interesting debuts. Possible comebacks, new generations, big redesigns, and diesel units will make compact pickups and heavy-duty trucks more interesting in 2019. Starting already in January, Detroit Auto Show will host most important novelties. However, not all vehicles for the 2020 season will be presented so early. So, auto shows in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles later in 2019 will also be excited when we talk about pickup trucks.
With all big three US companies launching their new full-size trucks for 2019 a year ago, other segments and truckmakers will have a chance to show off. Let’s see which debuts fans can’t wait to see.
2020 Ram 3500 Mega Cab Dually – More Power, More Towing
This is one of the latest trucks we could see spied on the streets. The FCA speeds up the development to keep the pace with the competition. This year, they surprised everyone at NAIAS by stealing the show with the debut of Ram 1500. Now, it is time for heavy-duty class to get updates.
The new model will keep its main parts – turbodiesel engine. But, this time it will be capable to produce even more power and torque. Well, the boost is not radical, but Ram aims to beat 930 lb-ft of torque. Also, towing capacity should raise over 30,000 pounds with 2020 Ram 3500 Mega Cab Dually configuration. Early in 2019, we will see some of the Ram heavy-duty lineups, although complete specs sheet will be available later.
What we know so far about the 2020 Ram 2500 Mega Cab – red HERE.
The King of the Segment – 2020 Ford Super Duty
We stay in the heavy-duty class. You thought Ford won’t respond to growing challenge? Not so fast, Ram. According to rumors, big rugs will suffer a minor facelift. Cosmetic changes include a new grille and side mirrors. Experts believe the spied vehicle is bigger. Since we see dual rear wheel configurations, that must be F-350.
What’s more, the new 2020 Ford Super Duty could add a new engine for the upcoming generation. Powerstroke turbodiesel is still the best option if you need to tow a lot of cargo. But recently, rumors about the new 7.0-liter V8 petrol engine are louder and more confident. First, we could hear this displacement is going to be used for the new Raptor, and the latest info says the unit is developed for 2020 Super Duty class. Detroit Auto Show 2019 will give us answers.
Read more about the debut of Ford F-350 Super Duty at NAIAS 2019.
All-New 2020 Chevy Silverado HD Redesign
After the full-size Silverado entered the market, GM and Chevrolet can shift focus to the heavy-duty segment. Spy shots are showing they did it so. Also, the teaser image of the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD shows a new grille. Spy shots are confirming that Chevrolet badge is replacing bowtie logo. Besides that, more cosmetic updates are visible even under the camo of a test mule. Front fascia will get new headlights and bumper to complete the redesign.
Mechanically, the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD will use the same drivetrains as before. There are petrol and diesel options. The other one is still capable to compete with Ram HD and Ford Super Duty.
Here you can find expectations from 2020 Silverado HD class.
2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel Finally Debuts
After a disappointment and delay, the 2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel must debut next year. Toyota is still not capable to fight US truckmakers. But, their pickups are the most serious threat to break down the dominance of Ford, GM, and FCA. Fans were not happy when it became clear the Japanese carmaker is not delivering a diesel truck for the 2019 season. Rivals did it, and now it is up to Tundra to response.
The most likely engine to be used is a 1KD-FTV 3.0-liter V6. It is available for some other vehicles outside the US. But, the plain version is good for a compact truck (Tacoma). The 2020 Toyota Tundra Diesel will need it turbocharged. In this case, the truck will get a powertrain with 200+ horsepower and 400+ lb-ft of torque. Since the company is still quiet, we doubt they will surprise us either in Detroit or New York. New truck’s premiere is not happening before the second half of 2019.
Check out other changes on the 2020 Toyota Tundra fans will definitely like.
2020 Chevy Silverado ZR2 to Rival Ford F-150 Raptor
Spy shots are there and Reaper concept is finally unleashed. Well, not quite the same as the one we saw a long time ago. The 2020 Chevy Silverado ZR2 will use similar upgrades as its smaller stablemate – Colorado ZR2. Of course, the ZR2 is getting parts for a huge performance, including special shocks, suspension, skid plates, and exhaust system.
So, Ford F-150 Raptor is finally getting a competitor. Chevy will probably equip the off-road Silverado version with a huge engine that is capable to create 650 hp. It is Corvette’s supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 powertrain. The release date of this performance truck depends on many things. One is the arrival of a rival from FCA (more about it later in this page) and the possible response from Ford.
Read more about 2020 Chevy Silverado ZR2 and its rivals.
2020 Ram 1500 Hellcat With 707 hp-rated Engine
Some say it is a Raptor killer. A Hellcat engine is definitely more than a challenge. But, rumors about the debut of the Rebel TRX concept are coming back year after year. But now, the company gave us hint the Ram 1500 Rebel TRX with the Hellcat 707 hp engine is becoming real. Among many easter eggs, as fans call these hidden hints, the most famous was set in the new Ram 1500. During the premiere of the new generation in 2018, the time on display was set at 7:07. Enough clues for Ram fans to go crazy about the new performance-oriented off-road truck.
The 2020 Ram 1500 Hellcat could debut at the same place where everything started last year. We hope to see it as soon as possible. Other hints are definitely confirming the arrival. All we have to do now is to wait for the premiere.
Until it is official, learn everything about 2020 Ram 1500 Hellcat TRX in one place.
2020 Nissan Titan Warrior To Steal the Show Next Season
This is another concept we can’t wait to see. After a standard pickup and a truck that is between heavy-duty and full-size segment, Titan will get a performance-oriented off-road model. Well, we know mostly all about the 2020 Nissan Titan Warrior. The release date is still a mystery. With Chevy and Ram preparing their models, the Japanese truckmaker could bring its version to the market soon.
In brief – this is a special version of the Nissan’s full-size truck. The 2020 Nissan Titan Warrior should bring unique exterior and interior features, as well as the off-road upgrades. Under the hood is a 5.6-liter petrol unit as the standard engine. A 5.0-liter diesel is an alternative.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Diesel To Follow Tundra’s Debut
The story about the 2020 Toyota Tacoma Diesel is very similar to Tundra’s. This mid-size truck was expected this year as the 2019 year model. But, the company didn’t rush and gave promises for Tacoma. TRD Pro package was good enough to stay competitive. Now, one of the upgrades for next season could be a diesel.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma Diesel would use the abovementioned 3.0-liter 1KD-FTV engine. It is capable to produce 170 or 190 horsepower. Chevy Colorado Diesel produces 180 hp. Also, Toyota Tacoma Diesel is getting 300-310 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet’s mid-size truck offers 370 pound-feet. So, these numbers are competitive for the first edition. Since there is an existing unit available for the pickup, the new 2020 Tacoma with diesel powertrain could debut even before its stablemate Tundra.
First update – 2020 Ford Ranger Diesel or V6
Ford Ranger came back to the US. It will use an EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that is capable to produce 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Nevertheless, the company plans to add another option. It will be either diesel engine or V6 powertrain. At this moment nothing is certain yet. During 2019 we will know more about updates for 2020 Ford Ranger.
A V6 engine won’t add too much power or torque over the existing output. An EcoBoost drivetrain is competitive with its rivals that use V6s. But, with a larger unit, 2020 Ford Ranger could get rid of all downsides of a turbo engine. On the other hand, diesel is always an option if Ford wants to maximize torque and towing capacity. For now, Chevy Colorado Diesel is the class-leading truck with potential to tow 7,700 pounds.
If you want to know more about the Ford Ranger engines, check out our full review.
The Comebacks 2020 Dodge Dakota and 2020 Chevy Avalanche
One of the largest auto shows during next season will host the return of 2020 Dodge Dakota and 2020 Chevy Avalanche. Both trucks are about to make the comeback in 2019.
The 2020 Dodge Dakota is about to take the position as the mid-size truck. Ram 1500 performs great in full-size segment, and FCA needs a representative in a smaller class. That is also an upcoming 2019 Jeep Scrambler, but the truckmaker needs something more distinctive. When we mention Scrambler and its sibling Wrangler, our first thoughts are off-road 4×4 vehicles. Well, Dodge Dakota will be a classic pickup truck with superb towing capabilities. The base for this model will be Fiat Fullback, also part of FCA stable. But, this pickup is not going to be available in the US market under this badge. The company will bring back an old nameplate to start the new life of the Dakota truck.
On the other hand, there is less need for 2020 Chevy Avalanche. We still don’t know where GM could slot it. Colorado and Silverado are flagship models, and Avalanche could be a sporty truck. However, the interest in these models is not so high, so success is not guaranteed. But, rumors are pretty confident the 2020 Avalanche will debut in 2019.
Check out what we know about the 2020 Dodge Dakota.