One spec I would add on the comparison table is bed width between the wheelwells. Being able to place 48-49" wide sheet goods flat is something only the new Ranger and Ridgeline can do.
@@skullsroad3642 my post says "sheet goods flat". The ability to just slide them in flat between the wheel wells is a lot different than placing 2x4s across the bed and messing with the tailgate straps to suspend the materials above the wheel wells. As far as I know the Ridgeline and the 2024 Ranger are the only midsize trucks that can lay them flat.
The Tacoma seems like it's going to be a great truck, but getting your hands on one will likely be a challenge. Not to mention the markup on them is going to be bonkers. I love the interior on the Chevy Colorado and like the GMC Canyon interior even more. However, if I was buying a new truck today, I'd go with the Frontier. Nissan may have hit a sweet spot where reliability and value meet.
I never owned a truck and not planning to get one, but I heard pickup buyers are extremely brand loyal. I wonder how many buyers move their needles on such a detailed comparison. GJ and kudos to Alex tho.
I own a 21 RL and was disappointed with the lack of new Pilot upgrades for the 24 refresh, however when looking for a fresher alternative in the competition, I failed to find anything that served my needs better. The RL despite being 8 years old, is still provides the most interior space, best comfort and handling, most versatile AWD system on the market and the most practical storage in the segment. This is one of the fastest selling trucks over the past 3yrs so I understand Honda trying to milk this old platform for all it's worth, but it's makes me wonder if there will even be another RL using the current gen Pilot platform but rather one based on an all new Honda hybrid format. Btw Alex, the question about is it a truck is old now; it is a truck, just like the Maverick, Tacoma, and Sierra are all trucks.
I personally really like the GM twins but I'm just glad Jeep, Ford, and GM are at least trying to compete in the segment where the Tacoma and frontier have gone uncontested.
We’ve been looking, researching and driving mid-sized trucks (and low-end full-sized) for two years. We wanted 5k towing, reliability, room for carseats for grandchildren, would spend most of its time on dirt road up to two-tracks and something around $40k. Finally made our choice……..and we purchased……..a 4Runner SR5. Not fast, not modern, noisy engine, a bit clumsy on-road, not great fuel economy, well-rated longevity, best backseat in the mid-sized arena, 5k towing, no turbos or DI, bullet-proof trans. Spent two months talking the dealer down to just below sticker (in our area, no one wants a base SR5; everyone seems to drive Limiteds or TRD Off-Road). I miss not having a bed, but I still have my 2WD, 2.3 AT, regular cab ‘06 Ranger when needed. As for these trucks, liked Colorado LT with the low output engine (L2R) but didn’t want the Camaro tranny (8L45e) with the commensurate 3.5k towing; the basic Trail Boss was too expensive. Frontier was cramped for us. No new Ranger to test but the old one was nice; we tried to order one in May yet could not get the configuration we wanted because of product changeover. No to any Stelantis product. Ridgeline has no real dirt road durability. Could not stand the older Taco seating position (son has a ‘16 crew and I beg off riding in it), yet this new one should be better in this regard, according to Alex’s intro drive review.
"best back seat"... Too bad you didn't test drive a Honda Ridgeline. Vastly superior back seat. Plus better mileage. Plus a better ride. Plus more in cabin room front/back. Plus swing out tailgate. Plus in-bed storage trunk. Plus Honda reliability (Ridgelines are more reliable than tacos..).
Did test a Ridgeline. Very nice on-roader. No low range. Notice one of the criteria, “…would spend most of its time on dirt roads up to two-tracks…”; places we take the Runner would destroy a Ridgeline in short order.
@@sntstafforddirt roads are a cake walk for the Ridgeline. People are over landing them all across America. I think you just didn't like that it wasn't a body on frame. That's also why you went with an inefficient and archaic suv like the 4runner.
@@skullsroad3642I have no problem with a Ridgeline being a uni-body; just wanted something with low range and stronger, more articulating factory suspension. Two places we like to camp need 4low to get out; one has a steep goat trail and the other has steep slick rock where articulation with narrow track and short wheel-base come in handy. The Runner has a roughly the same width yet a two inch narrower track and 22 inch shorter wheelbase than a Colorado Trail Boss. Yes, we gave up on-road prowess for factory off-road durability by getting the 4Runner instead of a Ridgeline.
would be great to also talk about: Wheelbase, Turning Radius, and the options you get with the 4x4 (i.e. all the helper items). i'm probably sticking with my 2017 ZR2
Best option of all mid size trucks is the Frontier. The V6 naturally aspirated engine is proven. Cost is also a factor when comparing trims. And third would be that it's the closest to the Toyota in build quality and longevity...
@@ALMX5DP There are only two reasons not to get a Ridgeline. 1) You ACTUALLY need to tow more than 5,000lbs. 2) You ACTUALLY intend to rock crawl. In every other aspect, the Honda is far superior to every other midsize truck.
It’s not a typo, it is likely due to the composite bed design. The bed in the Tacoma is much boxier than the others which more or less follow the exterior sheet metal of the truck more closely. Toyota also may be measuring the dimensions differently, but that’s what Toyota gave me for the dimensions.
Chart is weird, why include only base and most powerful across the set. Split up the specs and make two charts - one for engines and one for the rest of the specs; easy solve.
I'm really not a fan of turbo engines, especially in something like a truck that is going to be worked hard. Turbo engines tend to run hotter and therefore need better cooling systems. They tend to be more prone to blowing gaskets. Turbos are very expensive to replace. If I were to go out and buy a truck right now to replace my aging 2007 Canyon regular cab 4x2 work truck, it would have to be either the Tacoma or Frontier. Gotta have the 2-door cab with the 6ft bed. A truck is a tool for me, not a toy. I prefer the Frontier's standard normally aspirated V6 with more power, better styling, and lower price. Hearing that it has a Mercedes transmission is a huge turnoff though. If I buy a Japanese truck, I want Japanese engineering. The Tacoma will have better resale value, but it needs it to just break even since you're going to pay thousands more for it upfront once you factor in dealer markup. I won't be shocked to see the basic SR work truck on dealer lots for $40k+. I'd rather get a discount off the price of a $30k Frontier and save my money upfront.
Which one has the best rear seat room? (Other than the ridge line) really interested in a TRD Off Road with the hybrid when it comes out. (Wish it didn’t take up under seat space in the cab but you gotta compromise somewhere I suppose)
I tried them all out at the Auto show and I thought the Ranger was the most comfortable. I'm 5'11 and could fit behind myself comfortably, the Canyon was fine but felt a little tighter, the Tacoma was doable and a huge improvement from the previous gen, but not the best.
Imo the frontier is my favorite. The v6 is bulletproof and the 9 speed should be fine as it’s not their jatco CVT. And according to Scotty Kilmer jatco seems to make reliable RWD transmissions and this shouldn’t be any different. And the frontier might be cheaper too while the Tacoma will have plenty of markups
They literally took the interior from the Titan with a small screen, and don't get me started on the fact that it still uses hydraulic steering, a foot parking brake with a cable, and a tilt only steering wheel, it doesn't telescope as well which is a problem for tall ppl like me... You'd only buy the frontier for its v6 and price tag, thats it... Oh and also btw that 9 speed is a Mercedes designed that Jatco licensed to build it...
@@BigAltimaEnergy719 If your biggest complaints about a pickup truck are a "small" touch screen, foot parking brake (which are the best), and hydraulic steering, which tends to have a better road feel, then perhaps you don't actually need a pickup truck. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel is a valid complaint if that's true.
Depending on how much market adjustment markups Toyota dealers will tack on the new Tacomas, it will be either that or the Frontier. If no markups then Toyota, if they do add markups and/or play games with mandatory useless or overpriced dealer or port installed option packages they try to add then I'm all for the Frontier.
I will be shocked if the Tacoma has no markups and add-ons. I fully expect a $10k+ premium for one, at least initially, over a comparable Frontier. The Frontier can likely be negotiated down more from its already lower MSRP as well. It's the value leader.
I don't need a rock crawling truck so for me it's the Ridgeline once they move to the new Pilot architecture. Not interested in buying one now on an architecture that is getting obsoleted in the next year or two.
Why is there 4 engines listed for the Tacoma? Thought it was just the 4cylinder turbo (Iforce) or Iforce max which is same engine with hybrid. So only 2 engines available
Alex, The Mid-Sized Tacoma is all new and Full-Sized Tundra in only 2 years old, when does the 'Right-Sized' T100 come back? 🤔 Before anyone says, "Chicken Tax," let me remind everyone that the T100 was finger lickin' good! 😉😁
Chevrolet con is unknown turbo reliability? The engine has been in the larger Silverado/Sierra for 5 years with no issues. If all of them, it's the most proven. Should actually be a pro.
Like for like, the Ridgeline will have a lower MSRP and you can get a deal on it from Honda. Toyota will gouge you, at least everyone in our area is on anything but the Crown.
Past experience does not determine future (reliability) results. Also Toyota doesn't have a stellar track record on all new models lately (Look at the Rav4 PHEV debacle).
