2 - 2013 RAM 1500 (79.7%)
Hitching: Easy, but required a few extra tries before lining up perfectly.
Acceleration ¼ mile: 105 km/h. The normally aspirated V6 is responsible for this lower speed, however, the gap between the fastest and slowest is far narrower than anticipated.
Passing: Very disappointing. The lazy or slow-to-react 8-speed transmission is the main cause. With eight gears, we had hoped for far better overall powertrain reaction.
Obstacle avoidance followed by braking: Best of the lot thanks to the air suspension. Barely any pitch or roll, and steering is responsive. The suspension's ability to keep calm under fire is impressive.
Braking: Best of the lot. Firm and responsive brake pedal. Stopping power without drama.
Overall stability: Excellent. Drive comfort and confident control are always on tap.
General comments: Traction control does a fine job of limiting wheel spin. Grip in every situation is second only to the F-150. The V6, down on pure power, still managed respectable results and this, despite a less-than-stellar transmission. Brakes were a serious high point.
1- 2013 Ford F-150 (84.3%)
Hitching: Very easy. Camera display includes a centerline, making hitching a breeze.
Acceleration ¼ mile: 115 km/h. EcoBoost power.
Passing: Once more, EcoBoost power. The transmission slots into the right gear at the right time, every time. It is not rushed, but does the job.
Obstacle avoidance followed by braking: Limited roll and good control. Steering was a little vague through the manoeuvre but overall, very good, behind only the RAM.
Braking: Very strong brakes providing confident stopping power.
Overall stability: The best. At no time did the F-150 feel out of sorts or overwhelmed by anything we threw at it.
General comments: Between the EcoBoost, well-sorted suspension, strong brakes and solid chassis, the F-150 is difficult to fault. It may not always be the best every time, but it is never far behind. Traction control is easily irritated but can be dialed back, but not completely switched off.
Hitching: Easy, but required a few extra tries before lining up perfectly.
Acceleration ¼ mile: 105 km/h. The normally aspirated V6 is responsible for this lower speed, however, the gap between the fastest and slowest is far narrower than anticipated.
Passing: Very disappointing. The lazy or slow-to-react 8-speed transmission is the main cause. With eight gears, we had hoped for far better overall powertrain reaction.
Obstacle avoidance followed by braking: Best of the lot thanks to the air suspension. Barely any pitch or roll, and steering is responsive. The suspension's ability to keep calm under fire is impressive.
Braking: Best of the lot. Firm and responsive brake pedal. Stopping power without drama.
Overall stability: Excellent. Drive comfort and confident control are always on tap.
General comments: Traction control does a fine job of limiting wheel spin. Grip in every situation is second only to the F-150. The V6, down on pure power, still managed respectable results and this, despite a less-than-stellar transmission. Brakes were a serious high point.
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
1- 2013 Ford F-150 (84.3%)
Hitching: Very easy. Camera display includes a centerline, making hitching a breeze.
Acceleration ¼ mile: 115 km/h. EcoBoost power.
Passing: Once more, EcoBoost power. The transmission slots into the right gear at the right time, every time. It is not rushed, but does the job.
Obstacle avoidance followed by braking: Limited roll and good control. Steering was a little vague through the manoeuvre but overall, very good, behind only the RAM.
Braking: Very strong brakes providing confident stopping power.
Overall stability: The best. At no time did the F-150 feel out of sorts or overwhelmed by anything we threw at it.
General comments: Between the EcoBoost, well-sorted suspension, strong brakes and solid chassis, the F-150 is difficult to fault. It may not always be the best every time, but it is never far behind. Traction control is easily irritated but can be dialed back, but not completely switched off.
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux |