GM Steals 2010 Tundra’s Intellichoice Best Value Award
Jason Lancaster | Feb 17, 2010 | Comments 43
Intellichoice.com recently announced their 2010 vehicle Best Value Awards, and GM’s pickups nearly swept the truck category. Here are all the winners in the truck categories:
- Compact Pickup – Toyota Tacoma
- Half-ton Pickup – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid, GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid
- 3/4 ton Pickup – Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Crew Cab, GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab
- One-ton Pickup – Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Crew Cab, GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab
First of all, congrats to GM for winning the 3/4 and 1 ton categories – that’s great work in a tough segment. However, when it comes to winning the 1/2 ton segment, we think Intellichoice screwed up. Intellichoice didn’t account for the GM hybrid’s diminished capabilities. If they had, they would have excluded the GM hybrids from the half-ton competition, and we believe the Tundra would have been the winner.
The rules of the Intellichoice Best Value competition are really simple – the vehicle with the highest resale value and the lowest ownership costs like fuel, maintenance, repairs, etc, (as measured over a five year period) wins.
The trouble is, while GM’s hybrid trucks have an advantage in fuel costs and resale value, GM hybrids shouldn’t be compared to other full-size trucks in terms of capability. A 2010 hybrid Sierra or Silverado has a max tow capacity of 6,100 lbs – that’s a little more than half of competing models and less than a V6 Tacoma, by the way, which can tow 6,500lbs properly equipped. Intellichoice’s rankings are flawed because they don’t account for this significant difference.
If Intellichoice had excluded GM’s hybrid trucks, we suspect the Tundra would have won this award.
- The Tundra had the lowest ownership costs in it’s class in 2009 according to last year’s Intellichoice survey.
- The Tundra 4WD had the highest retained value in 2009 (also according to Intellichoice).
- The 2010 Sequoia won the award in the full-size SUV category. A Sequoia is essentially a Tundra without a bed.
- The Tacoma, which has a similar maintenance schedule and resale value, is the winner in the compact pickup class.
While it’s certainly possible the Tundra wouldn’t have won the award if the GM hybrid truck was excluded, it seems likely.
Intellichoice, the ball is in your court now. Fix your mistake, adjust the rankings, and let’s see where the Tundra shakes out.
Filed Under: Auto News
I think cost to own should include cost to purchase since the hybrid GM truck is much more expensive than a similar powered 4.6L tundra in any cab configuration. I know it does not matter for this stupid award, but the 4.6L tundra with the 4.10 rear axle ratio can easily out-tow and out-power the wimpy 5.3L with 3.08 rear axle ratio. Try driving the 5.3L 3.08 axle ratio GM truck uphill pulling anything at all, even 1,000 lbs. and you will see the tranny floor the engine just to make it up the hill. I’d rather drive my 1.8L corolla that seems to have more power than the wimpy GM engine in the silverado. The only reason the GM truck has higher resale value is it costs a ton more to purchase. If you compare cost to purchase depreciation as compared to cost to resell the same truck GM vs. Toyota anyone can tell you the Toyota wins no questions asked. I’ve also read/heard reviews that the 2-3 more ‘real world’ miles the GM hybrid gets does NOT offset the much higher initial cost to purchase – I think it was motor trend TV on the speed channel reviewing the GM hybrid truck that said the high cost to purchase the GM hybrid truck takes something like over 10 years to make up the not so great 2-3 more mpg it gets over its competitors. The same can be said, in my opinion and I think 100% true, about the toyota prius getting 50 mpg that costs about 6 grand more than the 36 mpg toyota corolla taking more than 5-6 years of driving to make up for the much higher initial cost to purchase. Unless you are going to keep the GM hybrid for 10 years or more (not the 5 years of ownership as the intelligence award suggests) over another 1/2 ton truck costing several 1,000’s less, the GM hybrid is NOT the winner by a long shot.
IC was immaturely scared by the Toyota Recall or, as the domestics like to call it, Recallmagedon.
Recallmagedon, The rise of the Anti-Chrysler.
mk – Good points. Intellichoice looks at the lowest cost, i.e. today’s value minus resale, plus maintenance, repairs, and operating costs (fuel, insurance, etc.). The truck with the lowest number wins, so the higher up-front purchase price doesn’t automatically disqualify the hybird as long as it has the highest resale. Having said that, people who want to buy a new truck for $30k that will tow 10k lbs can’t buy a hybrid GM…which is the problem with Intellichoice’s data (just as you said).
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Jeremy – I like it – recallmagedon and the anti-Chrysler. Can I use that as a headline?
“GM Hybrids tow less than a V6 Tacoma”
Hahah i laughed so hard when i read that. I actually got on to Toyota’s,GMC’s, and Chevy’s Website, looked it up ,and they all really do tow less then the Tacoma!!
How does anyone know 2-5 years from now what the resale value is on the new GM hybrid since that has not been on the market that long? I think the whole award is bogus. You cannot take a new truck design that is more in purchase price upfront and realistically know the resale value 2-5 years from now and claim it is going to be higher resale value (depreciation vs. when new).
Now that is a darn nice looking truck.
GM stole the award? Gm didn’t steal anything. Obviously it was chosen for its technological prowess. For being at the forefront of hybrid technology Toyota should’ve been first on this, but they weren’t. Aside from a powerful motor, the Tundra is not all that great of a truck. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Tundra owners: don’t be sore losers. You guys will have your day again when Toyota redesigns the Tundra and you get Motor Trend TOTY…so CHILL!
I agree Mk you can’t predict the resale value, same for Toyota how due you know recent events will not hurt their value? You can what if it all day long. As for it towing ability, the Tundra double cab with a v-6 tows 4800lbs so is it a full size truck?? A Crewmax 4×4 with a 4.6l tows 4600lbs so is it a full size truck or should it be a compact (maybe they ranked the Tundra in the compact class with the Tacoma)?? Oh and by the way they do make Crewmax with 4.6l! There is a reason they make different configurations, and some brands make BIGGER sizes. Why are you so worried about what others think. Do you need someone to tell you it is the vehicle for you because it is the best? Is Toyota a competing with the Jones status symbol? Seems so! So laugh all you want while others are enjoying their vehicles while your getting your recalls fixed!! Everyday is exciting for Toyota owners, how’s those powersteering pumps on the Corolla or was it Camery?? Doesn’t matter you and the Jones can talk about it in the waiting room getting those recalls fixed. Anti-Chrysler that’s good, how many recalls are on their 2010’s oh wait they are selling theirs! Who’s really laughing???
Another Obama influenced report. What else shall we see in the future? You could not give me a GMC, Chevy, or Ford. I have owned them all and the Tundra is head and shoulders above them all. And Dodge….not. Recalls or not, the Tundra is the best truck out there. And the dealers, at least mine, has been very envolved in see that everything is being done right and on time.
Medic94 retry your figures on the 4.6l in either DC or Crewmax you’re dead wrong. Straught from a 2010 Tundra book the 4.6l DC is 7,200lbs for 6.5ft bed and 8,500lbs for a 8.1ft bed. You are right for the V6 and Yes the CM does come with the 4.6l. It tows 7,000lbs. Now the rebutal for your statement. You ask why we need someone to tell you it is the vehicle for you because it is the best? Is Toyota a competing with the Jones status symbol? Seems so! So laugh all you want while others are enjoying their vehicles while your getting your recalls fixed!! Now first and foremost why you need to come here just to try and ridicule someone? Your brand isn’t up to snuff so you down someone else so you can have someone at your level? Jones status symbol? Where the hell have you been? All manufacturers are doing the same B/S and you’re calling out only one. This makes you the same as what you were talking about. You are trying to down one maker to make you feel better about your maker. No wonder why that’s kept a secret. Don’t blame you. Now must I list all recalls which I did on vehicles I own and to that note look for yourself and you will see what manufacturer was on top the TSB’s and recalls. All you are prooving is you’re just another low life troll that has nothing better to do. Now go to your name and tend to someone who actually needs help. Please don’t quit your day job. Your debut as a comic backfired.
As for GM winning the award so be it. It will be tainted as for what it is. It will only lower the standard of the Intellichoice and they won’t be considered a good website to go to. We know most mags aren’t bias in their choice. I personally don’t give a crap what GM has/had. What I can tell you is they don’t have me. A couple of years ago GM came out with their first Hybrid Silverado. Well that’s what it was called. If you wanted electric plugs in your bed of the truck then you got your GM Hybrid. Hopefully they did a little bit more in the technology department on the truck then just being a truck that construction workers may use.
Medic94 just to set the record straight my recall took 15 minutes to complete. About the same amount of time it takes to stop at the gas station for a cup of coffee. But in this case the coffee was free at the dealership. While I think these awards are too subjective to take seriously, i am intrigued about the hybrid truck. Back in ’08 I remember Toyota introducing a concept hybrid truck called the A-Bat. But to date it seems to have gotten off the radar screen. I have to applaud GM for pursuing technology. If they can figure out how to “beef up” the truck without adding weight then the tow ratings will rise. Hopefully toyota will continue to pursue a hybrid that will compete…competition puts the best product on the market for all of us!
Brian, GM is not the forefront of hybrid technology on their trucks. Yah, they were the first to get plug-ins so contractors can plug in their power tools on the job. Yah, the electric motor kicks in in the current GM truck to supply power to drive, but for what, ONLY 2-3 more mpg vs. a stock 4.6L tundra or for that matter any 1/2 ton truck – ONLY 2-3 more mpg (whoopie doo!). If you call that forefront of hybrid technology on 1/2 ton trucks, you are sadly mistaken. Motor trend said it best if you can justify spending an extra 6 grand on ONLY getting a few more miles per gallon. Now, if the GM 1/2 hybrid trucks were getting like 25 mpg hwy and 23 city, then even I would consider getting one if it was ONLY 2-3 more grand to get instead of 5-6K more. Go ahead, waste your money on this ‘so-called’ hybrid truck because it is a joke.
Yes, Please feel free to use that as a headline.
lol, AMERICANS ARE STARTING TO WAKE UP. THE TUNDRA IS A POS. REMEMBER PEOPLE, “PEOPLEDON’T KILL PEOPLE, TOYOTA’S KILL PEOPLE”
mk – No one knows for sure, but the idea is that the past will predict the future. GM hybrid resale value is trending to be high in 5 years, but obviously that could change. It’s a best-guess situation, and I think that’s all anyone could do when talking about resale.
Chosuke – I too have always liked the looks of the GM product.
Brian – It’s helpful to read the article before commenting.
Medic94 – You’re the guy from AutoSpies, aren’t you? The one that said half-tons were called half-tons because they carried a “half-ton” – at least that’s the way it was 50+ years ago. Then you said I didn’t know anything about pickups, right? You should learn how to look up your numbers. Mickey is correct – many of your numbers are wrong. Why not take your time and carefully think things through before commenting?
I don’t need anyone to tell me anything, but maybe the Intellichoice best value category should account for capability before rating trucks. What good does a hybrid do me if it can’t pull my trailer?
Jeremy – Thanks!
easyrider – Stupid is as stupid does.
Easyrider again you show us your brillance. “PEOPLEDON’T KILL PEOPLE, TOYOTA’S KILL PEOPLE”. Again first off we’re not blind so knock off the caps. This prooves you’re a kid. It makes you feel “BIG”. As jason put it elequently for you that stupid is as stupid does. Well it takes people to drive those Toyota’s. Now let’s tell a real story here “Drunk Drivers Kill”. Then someone will agree and communicate with you. Now grow up and come back with at least a slight bit of intelligence there and use that god for giving brain.
BTW the Hybrid I saw was in 07 at Daytona. In 08 at Daytona GM unleashed the Tahoe and Suburban Hybrid which if you looked at the mpg’s, you will get a good laugh. 19 Hwy isn’t much to brag about with 16 in the city. It couldn’t be that much more in mpg’s than the non-hybrid.
Like I said Mickey, the GM hybrid technology, so far, is a joke getting only 2-3 more mpg than a regular 1/2 ton truck so I agree with you entirely. If mpg was 23 city/25 hwy, then I would be impressed. I have been driving chevy silverados since 1990 exclusively trading every 6 months to 2 years until my first 2007 tundra of which I kept almost 3 years until recently purchasing my 2010 tundra. The 2007 tundra was the first 1/2 ton truck kept for me over 2 years over all the chevy silverado’s I have had because I really liked it the best of all of them and still miss the timberline mica green metallic color since the pucky spruce mica green metallic sucks in the 2010 tundras. So, I may not be an expert on chevy trucks, but know one heck of a lot more than probably 90% of users of this forum on characteristics and what is good and bad on them.
Here is where it gets FUNNY! Medic94 stated “As for it towing ability, the Tundra double cab with a v-6 tows 4800lbs so is it a full size truck?? A Crewmax 4×4 with a 4.6l tows 4600lbs so is it a full size truck or should it be a compact (maybe they ranked the Tundra in the compact class with the Tacoma)??”. Then Mickey replys “Medic94 retry your figures on the 4.6l in either DC or Crewmax you’re dead wrong. Straught from a 2010 Tundra book the 4.6l DC is 7,200lbs for 6.5ft bed and 8,500lbs for a 8.1ft bed. You are right for the V6 and Yes the CM does come with the 4.6l. It tows 7,000lbs.”. Apparently mickey doesn’t know what a “v-6” is and that it in NOT the 4.6l “V-8” because no where did I mention a 4.6l in a double cab! I said a v-6. As for the Crewmax you left out the 4X4 on it so as he was off its, 6700lbs on the 4×4. So maybe you wanna learn how to read that book. Oh and straught is spell straight.
Oh how are you gonna compare a CONCEPT truck “A-bat” to one that is in production??
ANonymous are you claiming to be medic94????????? Do we need to highlight what you wrote?????
As for it towing ability, the Tundra double cab with a v-6 tows 4800lbs so is it a full size truck?? A Crewmax 4×4 with a 4.6l tows 4600lbs so is it a full size truck or should it be a compact (maybe they ranked the Tundra in the compact class with the Tacoma)??
ANONYMOUS
A Crewmax 4×4 with a 4.6l tows 4600lbs so is it a full size truck or should it be a compact (maybe they ranked the Tundra in the compact class with the Tacoma)??”. Then Mickey replys “Medic94 retry your figures on the 4.6l in either DC or Crewmax you’re dead wrong. Straught from a 2010 Tundra book the 4.6l DC is 7,200lbs for 6.5ft bed and 8,500lbs for a 8.1ft bed. You are right for the V6 and Yes the CM does come with the 4.6l. It tows 7,000lbs.”. Apparently mickey doesn’t know what a “v-6″ is and that it in NOT the 4.6l “V-8″ because no where did I mention a 4.6l in a double cab! I said a v-6.
So your last sentence states you are medic94. Why the many faces????
Now look up in medic’s/anonymous so call writings there jackass you will see you wrote quote “A Crewmax 4×4 with a 4.6l tows 4600lbs so is it a full size truck or should it be a compact (maybe they ranked the Tundra in the compact class with the Tacoma)??” You mention quote A CM 4×4 with 4.6 tows 4600lbs WRONG again asshole….. From the book if for once you use your god given eyes and open them up and see it tows 6700lbs. If you’re going to quote Jack at least get your story right. You want to criticize my spelling but boy I sure got the quotes right. How does the leather taste now. Foot in mouth.
My bad, that’s the whole argument now? Get over it! What is with this guy? Ya need a hug? I’m hapy you finally found out what a V-6 is! Oh did you here that there is a recall on 8000 2010 Tacoma’s for the front 4×4 shaft cracking, does that sound familiar? Kinda like the Tundra in 07? So they are really learning from their mistakes? Well on the good news at least it is recommended by IC.
Thanks again Mickey for proving you don’t know what you where talking about! “As for the Crewmax you left out the 4X4 on it so as he was off its, 6700lbs on the 4×4. ” Oh by the way calling someone a jackass or asshole is rude its like calling someone a gay sailor from the good ship lollipop who is a failing member of the village people, but who would stoop to that level? That is wrong!
Anonymous as usual you can’t freakin read. Look up my last statement you idiot and in the last paragrapgh you will see 6700lbs……. As for you stated in your world it was 4600lbs. Now again anonymous/medic you proved you can’t play both sides, and get your facts right. You’re the one who put foot in mouth again. How lame can you be. I’m glad you’re no medic in my town. You can’t read may give someone the wrong medicine and kill them.
Jason take a look at these video’s.
http://www.tundratalk.net/foru.....ideos.html
Mickey – Can’t wait to watch them – another great find. Thanks.
How long is Mickey gonna argue over this. Medic94 or Anonymous Said in February 18th, 2010 @5:45 pm who ever wrote “As for the Crewmax you left out the 4X4 on it so as he was off its, 6700lbs on the 4×4.” after you said 7000lbs! Maybe you need to read it again. Could you drop it! You where wrong, get over it!
Mickey Said in February 17th, 2010 @9:01 pm
Medic94 retry your figures on the 4.6l in either DC or Crewmax you’re dead wrong. Straught from a 2010 Tundra book the 4.6l DC is 7,200lbs for 6.5ft bed and 8,500lbs for a 8.1ft bed. You are right for the V6 and Yes the CM does come with the 4.6l. It tows 7,000lbs.
Tranger I hate to state to you again like anonymous but the CM 4×2 with a 4.6l tows 7,000lbs in the 2010 book. Unless you have X-ray vision and can see something we don’t have then by all means. Putting out false info doesn’t make anonymous right. If you don’t like the info you need to look it up and get over it yorself.
Mickey Ok that’s a start, now who brought up a Crewmax 4×2 with a 4.6l. The original statement was the towing capacity of a 2010 CREWMAX 4X4 WITH A 4.6L. Write that down you will need it.
-Medic94 Said in February 17th, 2010 @7:07 pm ” A Crewmax 4×4 with a 4.6l tows 4600lbs” he was wrong, its 6700.
-Mickey Said in February 17th, 2010 @9:01 pm
“Medic94 retry your figures on the 4.6l in either DC or Crewmax you’re dead wrong. Straught from a 2010 Tundra book the 4.6l DC is 7,200lbs for 6.5ft bed and 8,500lbs for a 8.1ft bed. You are right for the V6 and Yes the CM does come with the 4.6l. It tows 7,000lbs” that’s a 2WD and the original question was a 4×4.
Follow me here.
-Anonymous (Medic94) Said in February 18th, 2010 @5:45 pm
“As for the Crewmax you left out the 4X4 on it so as he was off its, 6700lbs on the 4×4″
-Mickey Said in February 18th, 2010 @7:28 pm ” You mention quote A CM 4×4 with 4.6 tows 4600lbs WRONG again asshole….. From the book if for once you use your god given eyes and open them up and see it tows 6700lbs. If you’re going to quote Jack at least get your story right.” See but he corrected it Feb 18. But the name calling makes you look real intelligent!
-in conclusion you have been basically arguing with yourself looking like your a little slow. So when you figure what your talking about PLEASE let us know! We are so confused right now, because you keep jumping around, oh and who cares! Why is this way in left field?
WOW….someones panties need less starch. Make that a few people’s panties need less starch.
BUT I do have to agrtee with Trangers basic point. Get your numbers straight and call us back.
Tranger – It’s 300 pounds dude, which is approximately the weight of TXTee’s dogs [shout out! :-)]. Medic94’s numbers were wrong, Mickey’s numbers were wrong, but the difference wasn’t that big with Mickey’s numbers. Either way, whatever man.
Actually Jason it depends if these trucks are equipped with a tow package. Tow package can be from 1,400lbs added to what stated for the DC 6.5 ft bed for both 4×2 and 4×4. The CM adds 1,500lbs to the 4×2 and 4×4. As for Tranger are you another anonymous? Apparently he uses multiple names here no telling when you are communicating with him. We? You speak for everyone now? Who are you to speak for everyone? It seems to me you must be anonymous’s big brother.
Mickey – I should have never doubted you. 🙂 My bad.
Jason I was wrong that I forgot to list the CM 4×4. I went down the list as it was written in the book but forgot the last entry of the 4×4. I always refer to what I got which is a CM 4×2. That is what I experience since I own one (hence anonymous/medic94). Test driving and owning one is a total different thing.
First of all American Trucks don’t have to prove anything they are know to make the best trucks in the world thats why we dont make those cartoons comercials that the jappanesse have. Second we were the first on the started doing trucks then everbody started copying us. Third we use good matieral not cheap material that breaks just look under a jappannese truck and everthing is made of plastic those thing break right away. American Trucks are SAFER AND STRONGER they are MENS TRUCKS. Jappaneese truks looks like girls truks just look at the front end. Yeah there good but for girls only.HE HE.
We been in BUSNIESS FOR 100 YEARS. American Trucks RULED. HE HE
It only took how long to get him to notice he was wrong! Tranger use crayons next time they respond to that. Juan knows what’s going on.
Juan – If American trucks and their owners don’t have to prove anything, why are you commenting? Follow-up: Why is it that most of the people that say Japanese trucks are “crap” have spelling problems? Is it because none of these people are educated? LOL
I thank that everone has a very good truck how. But in the mid 70s the american trucks were “crap”. And the imports started to come in,and this I thank has helped a lot.U look around and see all these imports there is today,and i ask myself how did they take over all the sales why didn’t we make better cars& trucks before they did this to us.And how they make more cars&trucks in the US than we do. that is why my last truck was a tundra. If they want to built them out of the USA sale them over there.American workers built my truck.