For years, the majority of pick-up trucks sold in the United States have more or less been one flavor: full-size with a gasoline V8 engine—or a diesel V8 for more demanding commercial applications.
This best-selling segment is only getting hotter with recent introductions of all-new or significantly update models from each of the Big Three Detroit automakers. Most notable is the 2015 Ford F-150, whose all-aluminum body has caused a stir.
Not everything new in the pickup truck world is big and burly. After years of full-size pickups dominating the scene, mid-size and compact models seem poised for a comeback.
Here is a list of the latest truck models, most of which were announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado DuraMax
Gasoline versions of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have just started hitting dealerships, but already GM has announced a new version of the Colorado with a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine coming for 2016. Chevrolet previewed the new four-cylinder Duramax in the Colorado ZR2 concept, which debuted at the Los Angeles auto show late last year. Final specs have not been released, but Chevy estimates 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Given the usual premium diesel technology commands, expect the Chevrolet Colorado with a Duramax turbo-diesel to cost at least several thousand dollars more than the base gasoline version, which starts at $20,120.
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
As with other new F-150 models, it features a lightweight aluminum body, which saves 500 pounds, but it has wider fenders and other enhancements to improve ground clearance and give it a more aggressive look. Instead of the monster V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission of the previous version, the new one gets a downsized EcoBoost V6 with a 10-speed automatic. As was the case with its predecessor, the 2017 F-150 Raptor gets a beefed up suspension and larger wheels and tires, too. Ford has not released pricing, but the new F-150 Raptor should cost about what the current version does, which starts at $44,995.
2016 Nissan Titan
The Titan gets a complete makeover for the 2016 model year. The styling is more macho, with a massive front grille that might even make the Ford F-150 jealous. The big news in the power department is a new 5.0-liter Cummins V8 turbo-diesel in the Titan XD, which produces 310 horsepower and a formidable 555 foot-pounds of torque. The engine offers capabilities nearly on par with a heavy-duty pickup truck, but in one that is classified as a light duty. Gasoline V6 and V8 engines will also be available. Full pricing and specs will be announced before the truck goes on sale later this year, but we expect the price of the 2016 Nissan Titan—excluding the new XD, whose diesel engine will command a premium—to be in line with that of the current model, which starts at $29,000.
2015 Ram 1500 Rebel
The Ram full-size pickup is likely due for a full redesign in a couple of years, but in the meantime, the company is keeping interest in the current model up with a new version called the 1500 Rebel. Most of the upgrades to the Ram 1500 Rebel are cosmetic. The most prominent is a new blacked-out grille that replaces the brand’s long-running crosshair design with a massive “Ram” logo. Black trim around the bumpers, wheel arches and lower body panels completes the vehicle’s sinister look. Other elements are unique too, such as the projector headlights with LEDs and the 17-inch wheels wearing massive 33-inch tires. An air suspension with Bilstein shocks raises the Ram’s ride height by one inch to improve ground clearance. A Pentastar V6 engine is standard; a Hemi V8 is optional. The Ram 1500 Rebel comes in rear- or four-wheel-drive, but only in one body style: a four-door crew cab with a five-foot, seven-inch cargo bed. It goes on sale in the second half of this year, with pricing to be announced.
2016 Toyota Tacoma
The all-new Tacoma was primarily developed at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., which speaks to Toyota’s seriousness about maintaining a lead in the North American midsize truck market. The chassis was beefed up and the suspension re-tuned for a better ride compared to the outgoing model. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine remains standard. An all-new 3.5-liter V6 replaces last year’s V6. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is set to go on sale in the fall. Look for more information and pricing in the coming months.
To see the original article, go to Forbes.
