2016 Toyota Tacoma – Lesley Wimbush
What is it? The Toyota Tacoma, found in some of the most remote spots on earth, has a legacy dating back to 1935 as one tough little compact pickup truck. As many of its competitors watered down their off-road capabilities in the pursuit of comfort and fuel economy – the Tacoma retained all of its rugged prowess.But its interior design and amenities were about a decade behind competitors – and Toyota probably felt the pinch when GM released their excellent Colorado/Canyon twins.
Bill Fay, Toyota USA group vice president, says “this truck is a badass.”
“The Tacoma has always manage to outsell everything in its segment, two to one,” he said during the live reveal.
Unveiled today in Detroit, the 2016 Tacoma is new from the ground up, with a high-strength steel body and frame, retuned suspension to improve on-road feel, 2.7L 4 cyl , and an all-new 3.5L Atkinson cycle V6, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, or new six-speed manual for the V6. Upgraded interiors feature smart key with push-button start, leather seats, power moonroof, touchscreen audio, Qi wireless charging, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
TRD Off-Road packages include such technology as automatic limited slip, a multi-terrain select system, hill start assist, clutch start cancel (manual transmission), crawl control and active control. Star Safety System is standard with all models.
When is it coming? The 2016 Tacoma is expected to arrive in late fall of 2015. It will be assembled at Toyota’s Texas and Baja California manufacturing facilities.
Why it matters: The compact truck segment is one that’s dwindled to a fraction of what it was in its heyday thirty years ago. As more car makers withdrew, choices grew even more limited and customers turned to crossovers and SUVs. But GMC claimed to have “kickstarted” the segment with the release of its Canyon and Colorado, with a premium truck geared towards a downsizing demographic who still require true pickup utility. Buyers of today won’t accept the poor fuel mileage trucks delivered in the past, and more maneoverable and frugal trucks will fulfill a multitude of needs. The Tacoma is an icon with off-road aficionados, but its new level of comfort and technology should resonate with new buyers.
2017 Ford Raptor - Graeme Fletcher
What is it? The Raptor is, according to Ford, the ultimate off-roader. The latest Raptor, which will be a 2017 model, picks up where the current version leaves off, but it ramps things up in all areas including its outré style and purpose-built chassis.
When is it coming? The radical Raptor will hit Canadian roads later this year as a 2017 model.
Why does it matter? The Raptor is all about being out there were other mortal trucks fear to tread. Based on the SuperCab with a short box, it shares the same aluminum bodied make-up as its mortal sibling, but features a purpose-built steel platform. This and the Fox Racing Shox, which deliver extra-long wheel travel, give it said off-road ability. This is supported by the fact the Raptor is 152 mm wider than the stock truck. The power comes from Ford’s second-generation 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine. While there were no official numbers given, Ford promised it will produce more power than the current 6.2L V8. It is rated at 411 hp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. The Raptor also earns a new 10-speed automatic transmission and a new transfer case. The drivetrain can be tailored to suit the drive through the new Terrain Management System. It allows the driver to select one of six modes including Normal, Street, Weather, Mud, Baja (read racing mode) and Rock.
Should I buy it? In 2010, Ford released the original Raptor — it was an imposing monster that saw left-lane loafers scurry out of the way like cockroaches running away from light. This version promises to do the same thing, although the Raptor is such a niche vehicle it is difficult to see it being cherished by anyone other than a person in need of an ego boost.
Click here for full coverage of the 2015 Detroit auto show
2016 Nissan Titan XD – Derek McNaughton
DETROIT — Long the small guy in the full-size truck arena, Nissan has come out kicking at the North American International Auto Show, introducing a truck that supersedes the abilities of a traditional half-ton — yet without the heavy armour of a regular HD truck.
What is it? The 2016 Nissan Titan XD is neither a half-ton nor a ¾ ton. It steals attributes of both to make for a unique proposition in the market — filling the gap between a regular truck that can’t carry or tow enough, but is not being so bullish as to be “too much truck.”
Best of all, it brings a 5.0 Cummins diesel V8 engine grunting with 555 lb.-ft. of torque and 310 horsepower, falling in the sweet spot that truck owners can rejoice about: With the turbo-diesel, towing capability is rated at 12,000 pounds with a gooseneck or fifth wheel, and about 9,000 pounds in conventional guise. A 2,000-pound payload capacity speaks to the fully-boxed ladder frame. Equipment and shapes are formed with a design directive centered on the word BIG.
When is it coming? Scheduled to arrive in the fall of 2015, the XD Crew Cab models will be the first off the line. A few months later, gasoline V6 and V8 engines will come in non XD models, along with King Cabs and standard cabs, two frame sizes in several bed lengths, all available in myriad trim formations. But for now, the XD Crew Cab — and the bright red diesel engine — is leading the charge.
Why does it matter? Ram was first to market with a diesel in the half-ton class, but the Titan takes the fight more seriously by installing a more powerful Cummins, gaining instant respect because of brand’s history. The timing might be unfortunate with the higher cost of diesel right now, but this truck is more about power than fuel economy, though fuel consumption is expected to be decent. The XD, with a face that mimics a Liebherr earthmover, also has the presence truck owners might like. More, there’s some good innovation such as waterproof storage boxes inside the bed that can be removed, unique LED lighting in the bed, and LED tail lamps and headlamps. LED spotlights in the damped tailgate also improve functionality. And storage has been improved inside. Even the gated shifted has moved to a more traditional column style to free up space. Bottle holders now hold bigger drinks.
Should you buy it? Nissan knows it won’t steal thunder from Ford, Ram and Chevy, but it will make a dent in those not beholden or unsatisfied with the offerings of the Big Three. The Titan XD is big, bold— maybe not so beautiful — but it sure is brash, with the ability to back up its bravado. For regular towers of loads that near the capacity of most half-tons, and those tired of dismal fuel economy while doing so, the Titan XD looks to be a good alternative.
