New-comer: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado LT 4WD

By the end of the journey, our trip computer calculated an average fuel economy of 18.2 mpg, though our own numbers indicate the actual average was closer to 17.2. Either way, that's well within the EPA-estimated 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The instantaneous fuel-mileage readout on the dash was fun to play with, though it quickly became apparent that only moderate throttle input was required to bring the engine out of four-cylinder mode and back to full V-8 power. The cruise control did a much better job of keeping four cylinders shut down than the driver did.

It's been two years since the Silverado walked away with Motor Trend's coveted Truck of the Year golden calipers, and, since then, crosstown rivals Ford and Dodge have come out with new half-tons. Chevy hasn't been resting on its laurels, though, and these improvements to the Silverado should help keep it near the front of the pack.