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COPYRIGHT 2002 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
Crew-cab pickups--models with four regular doors and room for five or six people--represent the latest trend in truck design. In the last few years almost every major truck maker has released at least one crew-cab model. We tested compact versions in our September 2001 issue. For this issue, we tested full-sized models from each of the big-three domestic manufacturers--the Chevrolet Avalanche, introduced as a 2002 model last year; the Ford F-150 SuperCrew, new for 2001; and the Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab, redesigned for 2002.
The basic crew-cab design isn't really new, however. It's been used for decades, mainly for commercial purposes, and has long been a staple of construction sites. What's new is that the trucks are now being designed to appeal to families and recreational users. In contrast to regular-cab pickups, which have no rear seat, and extended-cab models, which have a small, cramped, rear seat, crew cabs provide two full rows of seats, relatively comfortable seating for five people, and easier rear access through the conventional rear doors. They also offer more interior room for protecting cargo from the weather. The trade-off is that "family-friendly" crew cabs have short cargo beds--about 5 to 6 feet in length, rather than the 8-foot beds common on other pickup versions. While that will be enough footage for most people, you will have to lower the tailgate to carry a 4x8-sheet of building material or other large items.
Pickups are generally available in many permutations of engine size, transmission, drivetrain, and cabin amenities. We bought big-selling, well-equipped versions, with a V8 engine, automatic transmission, antilock brakes (ABS), and four-wheel drive. They carried sticker prices ranging from about $32,000 for the Dodge to $34,000 for the Ford to $39,000 for the Chevy.
Although the Avalanche is the highest-priced truck in this group, it offers something no other pickup (except for the Avalanche's cousin, the Cadillac Escalade EXT) currently offers: a foldable section between the cabin and the bed. Called a midgate, it consists of a removable rear window and folding panel, letting users trade passenger space for extra cargo room. By opening up the midgate and folding down the rear seats, the truck's 5-foot bed is effectively extended to 8 feet, allowing it to carry longer cargo.
The Avalanche is also structurally different from other pickups. Where other models have a separate cabin and cargo bed bolted onto a frame, the Avalanche's cabin is integrated with the bed. It also has coil springs instead of leaf springs at the rear. The Avalanche is closer in design to the Chevrolet Suburban SUV than to Chevrolet's other full-sized pickup, the Silverado. (The only similar Silverado crew-cab model is the 1500HD, which costs about $34,000 and is intended for heavier-duty use. It has a stiff, bouncy ride.) While the midgate gives the Avalanche more versatility, the combined body structure and coil springs help give the truck a more comfortable ride and better routine handling.
GM's midgate concept is already being adopted by another automaker. Due this fall, the new 2003 Subaru Baja will also have a foldable bulkhead between the cabin and bed. Based on the all-wheel-drive Legacy wagon, the Baja is a compact, car-based pickup.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The compliant ride, sturdy structure, versatile midgate, strong powertrain, and selectable full-time 4WD system make the Avalanche our top-rated pickup. Taking advantage of the truck's versatility, however, can be a fussy multistep process, and folding the midgate essentially turns the truck into a two-seater (see page 65). In addition,...
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