GM’s twin haulers can’t be beaten
Three trucks are vying for the Best New Pickup category this year, one full-size and two midsize/compact. All are updated or all-new versions of nameplates already on sale.
Judging trucks is always tough. They cover a wide range of uses, from daily driving to towing trailers or hauling loads, and the “best” really comes down to how it will primarily be used.
Keep that in mind, because I suggest that when the ballots are counted, my colleagues will agree with me. My top pick was primarily for an engine that not everyone will need or want, but which presents a new option for smaller-truck buyers. Note that all trucks tested were equipped with four-wheel drive. GMC Canyon diesel — $46,980 as tested Diesels have traditionally been reserved for heavy-duty trucks, but they’re moving into lighter models. Ram was the first in a half-ton, and now GM has installed a diesel in its midsize GMC Canyon, as well as its mechanical twin Chevrolet Colorado.
GM has used this smooth, quiet 2.8-L four-cylinder turbo diesel since 2011in overseas markets, designed as a truck engine rather than borrowed from a car. It makes 181 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, and when you tap a button on the dash, it deploys an engine brake that saves the wheels’ brakes when towing downhill. Maximum towing capacity is 3,471kg (7,652 lbs.) versus a high of 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs.) on specially equipped V6 gasoline models.
Full-size pickups have grown almost ridiculously big, and the Canyon offers a more manageable size but now has extra grunt when required. That said, the engine is a $4,390 option, so buy- ers will need to assess how much they drive or tow to determine if they’ll come out ahead on its fuel economy and ability. Chevrolet Silverado — $60,110 as tested It’s hard to wrap my head around 60 grand for a half-ton, but I like the way this truck performs. Almost $5,700 of the as-tested price is in options such as collision alert, premium stereo and ventilated seats.
The mechanical change is an eightspeed transmission on the 5.3-L V8 engine on LTZ (as-tested) and High Country trim lines, replacing the sixspeed transmission that’s still used on the lower trims. The two transmissions are similar in weight, so there’s no loss of towing or payload capacity. It moves smoothly through the gears and runs in higher ratios on the highway for better fuel economy.
The Silverado’s nose gets some rearranging, with a sculpted hood, LED headlamps and more chrome. I still think its GMC Sierra sibling is the handsome one, but this improves the Silverado’s face, and the deep hood grooves are better for forward visibility. Toyota Tacoma — $40,585 as tested All-new for 2016, the Tacoma carries over last year’s four-cylinder engine, but uses a brand-new 3.5-L V6, tested here, that makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. What’s really cool is that it varies its piston travel under light load, called Atkinson cycle, but instantly reverts to normal operation when power is needed. This fuel-saving technology is already used in the Lexus RC.
It’s a gutsy engine, and I only have to assume it switches back and forth, because any change is imperceptible.
When equipped for off-road, the Tacoma is virtually unbeatable and it handled the test course with ease, but the ride tends to be bouncy on pavement. My major complaint is its high floor and low-set seat combination, which quickly becomes uncomfortable and makes it even harder to see over the non-functional hood scoop that looks great but reduces visibility. Freelance writer Jil McIntosh is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. To reach her, email wheels@thestar.ca and put her name in the subject line.