Going into this test, there was no clear favorite. Given the fact that all five trucks were either all new or recently refreshed, every truck had a legitimate shot at the top spot. As the test progressed, the top three finishers showed signs of dominance in several areas, but the final standings were still very much up in the air until the final scoring was calculated.

As close as the trucks may have seemed on the road, the numbers revealed a runaway victory for the Nissan Titan. This wasn't much of a surprise given its impressive track times and reasonable price, but the Titan came through with more than just raw power. It also delivered the most comfortable rear seats, massive interior storage and a comprehensive array of optional safety equipment. Add in its impressive ability in the dirt and a bed system that's not only innovative but truly useful, and the Titan scored a well-deserved first-place finish.

Second and third places weren't so cut and dry. With the Dodge and Ford finishing so close together, choosing between one or the other depends on what you're looking for in a full-size truck. The Dodge gives you lots of attitude, a neck-snapping Hemi power plant and an expansive interior that's solidly built. The Ford serves up a refined ride, silent cabin and a clean design with broad appeal. You're not likely to be disappointed with either truck, but their divergent personalities make test-driving them a necessity.

As it has so many times before, the Toyota Tundra proved to be a likable truck that will do the trick for those who don't need ultimate capability. It's refined on the street, nimble off-road and big enough in back to handle most daily chores.

The Silverado showed some signs of aging in this test. Its once-dominant V8 is now a midpack engine and the interior is still as dated as ever. However, loyal GM fans will find that it still satisfies for just about everything except the most rigorous chores.

With all that said, we had to choose a winner and the Titan was the hands-down favorite. The idea that a Japanese truck could beat the domestics at their own game might have seemed far-fetched just a few years ago, but the Nissan laid that notion to rest with a truck that competes on every level with the best from Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford. It's not perfect by any means, but after this test, we can say with confidence that the Nissan Titan is the best half-ton crew cab truck you can buy.