Consumer Reports tests new aluminum Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 pickup truck is America's top-selling vehicle. Now it has a new lightweight aluminum body.

Consumer Reports just finished testing the latest Ford F-150 and will let you know if the best-selling vehicle is really the best pickup to drive.

The new aluminum body on the Ford F-150 brings a lot of benefits. The pickup is now 700 pounds lighter, which means it can carry more and tow more. And it allows Ford to use smaller engines, making for better fuel economy.

This F-150 has a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 engine. That's the smallest engine you'll find in a full-sized pickup truck, and it gets the best fuel economy in its class - 17 miles per gallon overall.

The smaller engine of the F-150 has plenty of power, accelerating faster than even the larger 3.5-liter turbocharged engine.

Both versions of the F-150 are good trucks, but Consumer Reports says they're not the best.

"Our tested F-150 scored below both RAM 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado," said Consumer Reports' Mike Quincy.

Why? The Ford F-150 doesn't ride or handle as well.

"The RAM 1500 sets the benchmark for ride for a pickup truck," Quincy said. "Plus the Chevrolet Silverado has really good handling."

Another consideration - price. The Ford F-150 2.7-liter Consumer Reports tested costs $46,000. That's more than the Silverado, which gets almost the same fuel economy - 16 miles per gallon instead of 17.

As for the RAM 1500 Eco Diesel, it's Consumer Reports' top-rated full-sized pickup truck.

The RAM 1500 Eco Diesel gets 20 miles per gallon and costs just over $49,000. Consumer Reports says it's the most comfortable-riding full-sized pickup on the market, yet it's plenty capable of handling hard work.