by L Baures | Feb 12, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
Updated 9/5/18
Fuel Efficient 4WD Pickup Trucks
With so many engine and transmission options on the market today, this can turn into quite a complex question. It’s easy for a manufacturer to claim most fuel-efficient truck, but they are most likely referring to the one with the least power or smallest engine. We want trucks to do truck things right, so the smallest engine might not work for everyone. To make it easier, I’ve compiled a list, taking the fuel economy numbers from the U.S. Department of Energy with vehicles placed in order based on ‘combined’ fuel consumption figures.
Compact Pickup Trucks
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GMC Canyon
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Toyota Tacoma
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Chevrolet Colorado
Diesel
The only compact pickup trucks with a diesel engine at the moment are the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado.
- GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Turbo Diesel Auto 6-speed 23 mpg combined (20mpg city/28mpg highway)
4 Cylinder Gas
- GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L Auto 6-speed 21 mpg combined (19mpg city/24 mpg highway)
- Toyota Tacoma 2.7L Auto 6-speed 20 mpg combined (19mpg city/22 mpg highway)
6 Cylinder Gas
- Toyota Tacoma 3.5L Auto 6-speed 20 mpg combined (18mpg city 22 mpg highway)
- GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L Auto 8-speed 19 mpg combined (17mpg city 24 mpg highway)
- Nissan Frontier 4.0L Auto 5-speed 17 mpg combined (15 mpg city 21 mpg highway)
Full size (half ton) 1500 pickups
Diesel
Currently only one vehicle in this segment, however, Ford will be coming out with their diesel F-150 in the next few months.
- RAM 1500 EcoDiesel 3.0L V-6 (240hp/420lb-ft torque) 27 mpg comined (21/29) ¹
Due to the Ford F-150 having two options for the twin turbo Ecoboost on smaller displacement engines, it wouldn’t be fair to list these by cylinders. These are grouped in accordance to horsepower.
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Chevrolet Silverado
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Ford F-150
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GMC Sierra
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RAM 1500
Less than 310hp- it’s a three-way tie!
- RAM 1500 3.6L V-6 (305hp/269lb-ft torque) Auto 8-speed 19 mpg combined (16/23)
- Ford F-150 3.3L V-6 (290hp/265lb-ft torque) Auto 6-speed 19 mpg combined (17/22)
- GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L V-6 (285hp/305 lb-ft torque) Auto 6-speed 19 mpg combined (17/22)
310hp-380hp
- Ford F-150 2.7L V-6 EcoBoost (325hp/400lb ft torque) Auto 10-speed 21 mpg combined (19/24)
- GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado 5.3L V-8 (355hp/383 lb-ft torque) Auto 6-speed 18 mpg combined (16/22)
- Ford F-150 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost (375hp/470lb ft torque) Auto10-speed 18 mpg combined (16/21)
- GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado 5.3L V-8 (355hp/383 lb-ft torque) Auto 8-speed 17 mpg combined (15/20)
What’s interesting here is that the 6-speed auto is more fuel efficient than the 8-speed transmission in the GMC Sierra
380hp +
This category is interesting because the trucks listed previously are all either regular gas or diesel. In this section, not all the trucks are based on regular gasoline, so whilst the mpg might be similar it may be based on premium fuel, which costs more than regular fuel. Therefore this section will be based on fuel costs as listed on U.S. Dept Energy. (*Based on 45% highway, 55% city driving, 15,000 annual miles and current fuel prices)
- Ford F-150 5.0L V-8 (395hp/400 lb-ft) Auto 10-speed 17 mpg combined (15/19) Regular gas Annual fuel cost $2,200*
- RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V-8 (395hp/410lb-ft) Auto 8-speed 17 mpg combined (15/21) Midgrade gas Annual fuel cost $2,450*
- GMC Serra/Chevy Silverado 6.2L V-8 (420hp/460lb-ft) Auto 8-speed 17 mpg combined (15/20) Premium gas Annual fuel cost $2,650*
- Toyota Tundra 5.7L V-8 (381hp/401 lb-ft) Auto 6-speed 14mpg combined (13/17) Regular gas Annual fuel cost $2,700*
- RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI V-8 (395/410 lb-ft) Auto 6-speed 14 mpg combined (13/18) Midgrade gas Annual fuel cost $3,000*
Fuel Efficient 4WD Pickup Trucks are a matter of which fuel efficiency level is suitable for your needs in a truck.
“Compare Side-by-Side.” 2018 Nissan Titan 4WD, 14 Dec. 2017, www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=39668.
Photos from respective manufacturer media sites
¹Per FCA Media
by L Baures | Feb 9, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
What is remote start?
Remote start is a feature that is becoming more and more popular on automatic (transmission) vehicles. It is almost considered a standard feature with some manufacturers. For example, remote start has been standard on almost all GMC’s for quite a few years now. The feature allows the driver to start their vehicle remotely (ie. from inside the house). Depending on the year and trim of the vehicle, there are two ways this can be done. With the original keyfob or with a smartphone (through OnStar).
How to remote start?
GMC’s, Chevrolet’s and Buick’s are all made by General Motors, so the procedure is the same.
Using the keyfob:
PUSH ‘LOCK’ TWICE THEN PRESS AND HOLD SEMICIRCLE
The vehicle will start up and remain running for 10 minutes, or until the driver gets in and either puts the key in and turns to on, or pushes the start button. After 10 minutes of no interaction from the driver, the vehicle will automatically shut off.
Using an APP
There are various apps available that can also remote start your GMC, Chevy or Buick. These work via satellite and can be used from much further away. Depending on the age of the vehicle or whether you just bought it and got a free trial of OnStar, a subscription may be needed. Check with your local GM dealer to find out if you have it or not. Most vehicles come with a free 5 year basic OnStar plan which includes the remote start via app feature, from new.
Apps:
- OnStar RemoteLink
- myChevrolet
- myGMC
- myBuick
OnStar RemoteLink APP Photo: GM Media
If you haven’t done so already, download the appropriate app for your vehicle on your smartphone (via GooglePlay or Itunes App store etc). You will then need to register/create an account. If you need assistance with is, call or stop by your GM dealer.
Log in to your APP. Tap the semicircle.
Whilst using feature, the doors will always remain locked until unlocked by the driver. So no need to worry about vehicle thefts. The remote start feature can only be used twice consecutively before needing to manually start the ignition.
Hope this helps, if you have any other remote start questions feel free to contact us, comment, or send us a message.
by L Baures | Feb 7, 2018 | Automotive News
Who is Alexa?
Alexa is a personal assistant in virtual form through a cloud-based system from Amazon. It was designed to compete with voice command systems like Siri from Apple. Using an Amazon speaker system such as the Echo, Alexa can perform tasks such as playing music or turning on house lights through a smart home system. Alexa has what are called, “skills”, and Amazon is constantly updating the “skills” available to Alexa, making her smarter and smarter as time goes on.
In a recent Toyota press release, the head of product for Amazon Alexa Automotive, John Scumniotales, said, “Our vision for Alexa is that she should be everywhere a customer might need her – at home, in the office, on phones – and in cars. This integration means that customers can interact with Alexa, virtually anywhere they drive”. Sounds like world domination and another step towards autonomous vehicles to me. Whether we like or not, its coming and now it’s another step closer.
As well as Toyota introducing Alexa into select Toyota’s with the Toyota Entune 3.0 App Suite, Jeep also announced the feature as available on 2018 Jeep Cherokee’s.
2018 Jeep Cherokee with Tech Connect
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with the ‘Tech Connect’ Package will have a UConnect “skill” available for Alexa. Users will be able to use commands to the system to;
- Start the vehicle’s engine
- Lock or unlock the doors
- Send navigation requests
- Check fuel levels
- Check tire pressures
The Cherokee with Tech Connect package will also come with an Amazon Echo Dot device, a 3-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited (family plan). Also included is a 3-month subscription to Audible.
Jeep is also setting the car apart by slightly modifying the exterior look. Cherokee’s with the Tech Connect package will also have painted lower cladding in black, and a gloss black finish on the chin applique. The grille will get an upper and lower surrounds. 18″ painted aluminum wheels, as well as roof rails and badging, are also featured.
2018 Cherokee Tech Connect Package
To find out more about the Jeep Cherokee with Amazon Alexa, feel free to contact us, or get in touch with a Jeep salesperson at Fremont Motors.
“Toyota to Introduce Amazon Alexa in Its Vehicles.” Toyota, 9 Jan. 2018.
Goyer, Todd, and Jordan Wasylyk. “FCA US Media 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude With All-New Tech Connect Package Includes New Uconnect Skill for Amazon Alexa and an Amazon Echo Dot Device.
by L Baures | Feb 6, 2018 | Automotive News
The Ford Ranger has been around for 30 years
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been around for about 30 years. Ford ended production of the pickup for North America in 2011, however, continued in other countries. Whilst the plant in Minneapolis closed, Ford in Argentina were working on the next model (the Ranger T6). It was also still being produced in Europe and in 2015 was the best-selling pickup truck. Here comes the 2019 Ford Ranger for North America.
2019 Ford Ranger Photo: Ford
With other manufacturers such as Chevrolet introducing the Colorado, GMC, the Canyon and Toyota still having the Tacoma in the mid-sized truck class, it’s no surprise Ford is returning with the Ranger. The new truck for North America is set for 2019, although it is planned to be released in China this year.
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Photos: Ford
Trim levels on the 2019 model will be XL, XLT, and Lariat.
What features can we expect in the 2019 Ford Ranger?
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Interior Photos: Ford
Overview
- 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
- 10-Speed Automatic transmission
- High-strength steel frame
- SuperCab and SuperCrew Cab configurations (half-size back doors and full-size back doors)
- Front and rear steel bumpers (frame-mounted)
- FX4 Off-Road package will be available (skid plates, upgraded tires, off-road tuned shocks, and suspension)
- Wide approach and departure angles (for off-roading)
- Terrain Management System™ and Trail Control™ available
- Electronic lockable rear axle
So it seems as though from those specs that there is going to be some good off-road features on the truck. Will it be enough to compete with the Colorado ZR2?
4WD Photo: Ford
It looks like the 2019 Ford Ranger will have all the latest in safety technology. Some of those features will depend on trim level.
Safety
- Adaptive Cruise Control (standard on Lariat trim level)
- Pedestrian detection (standard on Lariat)
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Reverse Sensing
- Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage (standard on XLT and Lariat)
- Available SYNC® 3 with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto
- Ford + Alexa
- Navigation optional
Ford says the Ranger pickup will be specifically designed for the American market. It will be produced at the Michigan Assembly Plant later this year. The truck will be available for purchase in early 2019.
Tradition gear selector vs rotary dial Photo: Ford
Doug and Diane from Jackson, WY
“Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and Purchasing. This is evident in Doug and Diane, from Northern Wyoming, who have a 1994 Ford Ranger that they purchased in 1995. They chose to have Ranger based on the size and utility of the vehicle. Diane said, “A pickup is handy, it has held up well”. Both of them are avid outdoor enthusiasts, so the truck has most likely been put through its paces.
They said they have been waiting for the new Ranger to come out to replace theirs. Although, after hearing about the engine (2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost®) they aren’t so sure. They said they will have to find out more about the new Ranger but will also be looking into a Colorado (which currently has 3 engine choices including a diesel option). Ford has a diesel engine option about to be released in the next couple of months for the F-150. They have not released any info suggesting if they will put this diesel option in the Ranger or not.
https://youtu.be/P-XxdvBuJGw
Video: Ford
Pickup Trucks Gas Vs Diesel
Ford F-150 What’s New for 2018
“Ford Ranger.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Jan. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranger.
OPSITNIK, Liz. “Ford to Stop Making Ranger Small Truck in December.” Cars.usnews.com, U.S. News & World Report, 23 June 2011
“AN AMERICAN FAVORITE REINVENTED: NEW FORD RANGER BRINGS BUILT FORD TOUGH INNOVATION TO U.S. MIDSIZE TRUCK SEGMENT.” An American Favorite Reinvented: New Ford Ranger Brings Built Ford Tough Innovation to U.S. Midsize Truck Segment | Ford Media Center, Ford, 14 Jan. 2018,
by L Baures | Feb 5, 2018 | Trusted Auto Pros
James Ogden
James is a Sales Consultant at the Fremont Volkswagen store in Casper, Wyoming. We interviewed him to find out a little more. He was born and raised in Casper. He previously worked in Seattle for 11 years he has been back in Casper for around 10 years now.
What is your favorite part of the job?
James says his favorite part of the job is, “When somebody purchases that vehicle, whether it be pre-owned or new. That smile on their face, They’re happy. The delivery of the vehicle, the waking out the door with a great big smile”.
When you aren’t working, what are you doing?
“When I’m not working, in the summer, I’ll spend a lot of time at the lake or up on the mountains, or in my garden. Always with my dog though, my little jack russell”.
What is your favorite food?
“My favorite food is authentic Mexican food or authentic Italian. It’s hard to pick between the two”.
How about music. What kind of music do you like?
“My favorite music. Uh, I’m pretty well-rounded when it comes to music, but I like, live bands in a small venue. It always seems to be a much more lively atmosphere”.
What is your favorite movie?
“My favorite movie would probably have to follow my sense of humor. It would be ‘Christmas Vacation'”.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
“…I like to travel on a whim, so I have left Seattle with 3 days notice to head to Brazil. It was work-related, but I just did it. I just up and went”.
What was your first car?
James replies, “My first car…was a 1978 Chevy Nova”.
If money was no object, what vehicle would you own?
‘If I could have any car, it would be a Bugatti Veyron”. Bugatti is, of course, owned by Volkswagen.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I wanted to be a veterinarian, for my love of pets, and animals,” says James.
What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?
“I would say my travels, learning cultures, learning about different food. 6 other countries and 49 States I think is a pretty big deal. A lot of people don’t travel enough these days and I wish everybody had that opportunity.
Fremont Staff
Here are some Staff Spotlights from other Fremont Staff members;
Laura Hofstad
Brad Lehman
Ty O’Neal
Chase Tuttle
Bill Vigil
Corey Rissler
Dave Stricker
Brett Osborne
![How To: Remote Start GMC, Chevrolet, Buick [Video]](https://tap.fremontmotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/hs7pcdtlopq-1080x675.jpg)
![Staff Spotlight: James Ogden [Video]](https://tap.fremontmotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/sm_xrtdhida.jpg)
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