[btimbit]

Test drive each one and at least one will be knocked off your list I'm sure. I haven't given Dodge a look in a long time due to their awfulness in the late '90s but that new ecodiesel looks neat and they're styling is coming back around again so I'm sure I'll take a look soon.

Right now my favourite is the new GM's. Both Ecotec V8's are great, but the thing I like most about these trucks is the ride. They're extremely smooth and comfortable for a truck, without being too soft and bouncy. Quiet too. Engines are smooth and powerful, I haven't had much of a chance to do any mileage calculations but they seemed roughlly twice as economical as my 07 was (around 20mpg in the new 5.3 I'd estimate) I really can't think of anything I don't like about them.

The Ford I really like too I just can't get over how boxy and plasticy the interior is. I love both engines, I have the 5.0 as a rental right now and since I've had it I've averaged 16mpg. I remember averaging about 18mpg when I had my friends ecoboost for a week, but I think there's a new version of that engine out for 2015 that might be worth waiting for. Doesn't drive as nice as the GM, but it's not bad either. I do find the steering too soft and fidgety.

Do you do any towing? I can't offer much experience there, only new one I've towed with is the Ford 5.0. Only towed 3000lbs too so nothing much, but it handled the weight very nicely and didn't take too much of a mileage hit.

Won't comment on trim levels much, there's so many variables at play there you just have to narrow down your engine and make, then look at a bunch and find what you like. They all offer similar features the main difference is cost. The Ford seems to do better at offering more for less, once you get to the mid range models the GMs really pull ahead, but they're also a newer model. In a few months that could change when the new F150 comes out.