Car and Driver recently announced their annual 10Best list for the 2020 model year and FCA was able to make up 20% of that list. That is more than any other domestic automaker and tied with Porsche who made the list with the Porsche 718 Boxter/Cayman and the Porsche Macan. Previously Car and Driver released a 10 best Car and 10 best Truck/SUV list, but this year Car and Driver staff combined both categories into one, calling it the Car and Driver 10Best list. To be eligible a vehicle must be all-new or heavily refreshed, as in the case of the Jeep Gladiator, or, defending a 10 best title from the previous year as in the case of the Ram 1500.
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Jeeps all-new 2020 Gladiator, the first pickup for the marque since the Comanche stopped production in 1992, has been a resounding success since it’s introduction into the marketplace earlier this year. I had one for a week earlier this year and found a lot to like about Jeeps entry into the midsize pickup segment. I was incredibly impressed with the on-road ride of the Gladiator, especially compared to the JK Wranglers that I have driven in the past, along with a comfortable interior and the segment only option for open-air motoring. Car and Driver seem to agree as well noting the Gladiator’s versatility and better road manners compared to the Wrangler, earning it a spot on their 10Best list.
There is a toylike novelty to removing the top and doors and folding the windshield that’s difficult to quantify. It reminds anyone old enough of simpler times, when seatbelt usage and occupancy counts were mere guidelines.
-Car and Driver
2020 Ram 1500
The all-new fifth-generation Ram 1500 was launched in the first half of 2018 as a 2019 model year vehicle. Since then the Ram 1500 has won countless awards and has been helping the Ram brand set sales records month after month. I have been lucky enough to spend time with multiple 2019 Ram 1500s both in 5.7 Hemi and 3.6 Pentastar with eTorque configurations. Each one has been a complete joy to drive, thanks in part to a class-leading on-road ride, luxurious and well thought out interiors, and smooth powertrains. I own a 2016 Ram 1500 Sport and while it has been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned, every time I get behind the wheel of a new Ram 1500 I get the itch for a new truck as the fifth-generation trucks offer many improvements on what was already a great pickup.
The Ram 1500 isn’t just the best truck out there, it’s one of the best vehicles. Its supple ride, rich interior, and fluid power delivery elevate it to a place we never thought possible for a pickup.
-Car and Driver
Car and Driver notes that the Ram 1500 is as comfortable as it is capable, which is one of the reasons it earned a spot on their 10Best list.
