Detroit Strong
Brawny and powerful pickups take centre stage in Motown
The Postmedia Driving team was in full force at last week’s 2015 North American International Auto Show, an event that saw a number of new pickup designs unveiled.
Here’s our top three:
2016 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma, found in some of the most remote spots on earth, has a legacy dating back to 1935 as one tough little compact 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.
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 fourcylinder, and an all-new 3.5L Atkinson cycle V6, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, or new sixspeed manual. 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.
Why it matters: The compact truck segment is one that’s dwindled to a fraction of what it was in its heyday 30 years ago. As more manufacturers withdrew, choices grew even more limited and customers turned to crossovers and SUVs. But GMC claimed to have “kick-started” the segment with the release of its Canyon and Colorado, with a premium truck geared toward a downsizing demographic who still require true pickup utility.
2017 Ford Raptor
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 outre style and purpose-built chassis.
When is it coming? The radical Raptor will hit Canadian roads later this year as a 2017 model.
Why it matters: The Raptor is all about being out there where other mortal trucks fear to tread.
Based on the SuperCab with a short box, it shares the same aluminum bodied makeup as its mortal sibling, but features a purposebuilt steel platform.
This is supported by the fact the Raptor is 152 mm wider than the stock truck.
2016 Nissan Titan XD
Long the small guy in the fullsized 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 halfton class, but the Titan takes the fight more seriously by installing a more powerful Cummins, gaining instant respect because of the 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.