The HD segment has had a massive "arms race" to get top dog horsepower & acceleration in their units; fortunately they've kept up on the torque too, which is what really matters for the segment.
Unbelievable how the stats on this segment have grown in the past decade.
GM & Dodge have made concerted efforts to get into the fleet niche, and have made some headway.
Honestly, as competitive as the "HD arms race" has been, the least capable stats today blow away the top dog from a decade ago...
I don't honestly care how fast I can tow up a sustained 6% grade, but that I can do it comfortably, or that I can do the 1/4 mile in 16 seconds, but that the truck pulls well at any weight comfortably, or that I can stop in 65 feet, but that it stops well consistently. If I plan on maxxing out the capabilities, I've gone too small and need a heavier truck.
I guess what I'm saying is you can't really go wrong today: if you found a one ton satisfactory ten years ago, any producer will have a unit that exceeds those expectations... as far as where each is today (which is due to change), top dog statistics will shift as each manufacturer puts their best (new) foot forward. Buy what you like, in 5 years it'll be surpassed.
I plow snow, so anyone who puts out a straight front axle is in the running for me... Ford is the only one I've found, and it just seems to be too much strain over time for independent suspension & multiple pieces weaving the front together to hold up, no matter how nice the ride is, for me to risk it.
If snow plowing was not one of the primary truck uses, my options would be huge, and creature comforts might get a chance to weigh in, but my options end at the front axle.
