Looking for the Best 2022 Full-Size Truck? Decide Between Quality and Appeal
J.D. Power’s annual list of the best vehicles is out. As usual, it’s divided into two categories: the best options for overall appeal and the best options for overall quality. In certain vehicle segments, such as midsize SUVs, vehicles like the 2022 Nissan Murano have been named the best in both categories. However, if you’re looking for a top-tier truck, the lists diverge completely, meaning you’ll have to pick between quality and appeal. Spoiler alert, if you prefer quality over appeal, Chevrolet trucks are the way to go.
What factors decide the appeal and quality of the vehicles?
J.D. Power does an initial quality study (IQS) by surveying new vehicle owners. This study collects data on issues they might have had with their car within the first six months of ownership. For accuracy, the sample size includes at least 100 cars, and vehicles with fewer problems are considered higher quality.
There’s also an APPEAL study that considers emotions associated with owning and driving a car. Does the owner feel excited, comfortable, or satisfied when entering the car or stepping on the throttle? Once collated, this data determines the top models for appeal.
So, which full-size trucks topped the respective categories?
The best 2022 full-size truck for overall quality
The highest-quality full-size 2022 truck is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. According to Chevrolet, it has a $34,600 starting price and comes in nine different trims. Engine options include a turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, and even a 3.0L turbo-diesel.
The smallest engine can put out 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.3L V8 offers more horsepower at 355 hp but less torque at 383 lb-ft. As for the 6.2L engine, it produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, there’s the 3.0L turbo-diesel which matches the 6.2L V8’s torque output but only produces 277 hp.
As for the transmission, you can get an eight-speed or 10-speed automatic, depending on your engine choice. You also get to pick between RWD and 4WD with most trims, although a few are exclusively available with 4WD.
Body configurations include regular, extended, and crew cab options, affecting the truck bed size. That said, the shortest bed is 5’8″, the longest 8’2″, with a 6’6″ option in between.
According to Car and Driver, the truck’s pros include excellent powertrain options, great handling, and interior quality. However, the ride quality isn’t the best, and some advanced driver assistance features are only limited to the top trim. Additionally, the diesel engine’s fuel efficiency could be better.
The best 2022 full-size pickup truck for overall appeal
As for the most appealing full-size truck, it’s the 2022 Ram 1500, available from $37,090. Ram lists eight trim options to choose from with quad cab and crew cab body styles. Two trims, i.e., the Rebel and TRX are only available with crew cabs and a 5’7″ truck bed, while the rest offer an option of the crew cab and quad cab body styles. Notably, the latter also comes with a bigger 6’4″ truck bed.
Engine options include a mild hybrid 3.6L V6, two 5.7L V8s, with one being a mild hybrid option, a 6.2L V8, and lastly, a 3.0L diesel V6.
The 3.6L V6 can produce 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. As for the two 5.7L V8s, they put out 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. That said, the mild hybrid option has a higher towing capacity than its non-hybrid counterpart.
The 6.2L V8 is the most powerful on the lineup producing a whopping 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. As for the diesel variant, it’s capable of 260 hp alongside 480 lb-ft of torque with all options fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Also, most trims offer a choice between 2WD and 4WD, with the Tradesman HFE and TRX being the two exceptions. The former is only available with a 2WD drivetrain, while the latter can only be had as a 4WD truck.
As for the highs of the truck, they include a high-quality interior, excellent on and off-road capabilities, and great ride quality. The downsides include its high pricing and terrible fuel economy.
