CR Names Chevy Silverado Its Top Pick for Pickups

General Motors Co.'s redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado has outscored all rivals to become Consumer Reports' top-rated fullsize pickup truck.

The Chevy inched past Chrysler's updated Ram 1500 pickup by three points to earn the top spot. Both trucks outscored Ford's rival F-150 XLT, which will receive its own redesign for the 2015 model year.

It was GM's second big win with CR testers. Last month the company's redesigned Chevrolet Impala large sedan earned the highest score for any sedan ever tested by the magazine.

CR says the Silverado won points for its larger cargo bed, greater payload and towing capacities, better handling and best-in-class fuel economy. The magazine also likes the truck's lower step-in height, built-in rear bumper steps and easy-to-operate tailgate.

But the Ram outscored the Silverado on ride, seat comfort and control layout. CR also notes that the Ram accelerates faster and feels "brawnier" under normal driving conditions.

The magazine evaluated the Silverado four-wheel-drive LT Crew Cab with short box, powered by a 5.3-liter, 355-hp V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission. The Ram Big Horn was equipped with Chrysler's 5.7-liter, 395-hp Hemi V-8 and new eight-speed automatic.