Mid-Size Pickups

Are American Buyers Ditching Trucks and SUVs? New Study Says Yes

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Large trucks and SUVs have rapidly become an iconic slice of American culture. Bigger is better often defined sales plans for the Detroit Big Three in the 1990s and the early 2000s with outside factors often providing a short-term dent in sales before they would go back up again. However, it seems that automakers could soon be facing a big problem in sales with a new study revealing more American buyers are not only moving away from large trucks but also large SUVs in a potential shift in the market which comes at a time when tariffs and an uncertain …

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Road Test Followup – 2024 Toyota Tacoma – Is It Still The Leader?

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The current generation Toyota Tacoma is one of the most pickup entries in the market today. The truck is attempting to inject fresh vigor into the Tacoma nameplate after years of stagnation despite the best efforts of models like the TRD-PRO to distract observers from the lingering sense of staleness lurking underneath the surface. The truck is proving to be a strong seller but with Toyota going on cruise control for the truck’s 2025 updates, does the model still have what it takes to cement itself as the long-reigning leader of the mid-size pickup segment? Tacoma goes on cruise control …

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5 things to know about the 2025 Honda Ridgeline:

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  We recently tested the 2025 Honda Ridgeline, and came away very impressed. Here’s a quick take:   1. It rides like an SUV.Since it’s based on the same unibody chassis of the Odyssey, instead of the separate frame like most trucks, the ride is smoother and quieter, and handling is excellent too. 2. There’s a dedicated off-road modelIntroduced last year there’s a Ridgeline TrailSport model, featuring an off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires and steel underbody protection. It was even tuned and tested in the Imperial Dunes in Glamis, California, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 3. No big changes for …

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2025 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition review by Ben Lewis

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We all know how popular SUVs are. But, if you’re looking for the real best sellers, you have to look at pickup trucks. For 2023, the #1 seller was the Ford F Series– over 750,000 sold. #2 the Chevy Silverado– 543,000, and #3 Dodge Ram – 449,000. (For those of you playing at home, #4 was the Toyota RAV4 at a commendable 443,000!) So yes, a lot of buyers still want a truck. But a lot of them don’t want the compromises you find in the truck world, like a harsh ride, non-car-like handling. For them, the Honda Ridgeline – …

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Road Test Review – 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor – The Ranger Gets The Dino Treatment

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Ford has made it clear that it intends to boost its presence in the performance vehicle market. While the bulk of that statement is focused on the Ford Mustang, it also includes the Raptor lineup with the company now adding the Ranger into the fold in an attempt to get midsize pickup buyers who want off-road performance but aren’t ready to make the move up into a bigger F-150 model. But is the Ranger Raptor the perfect solution for buyers looking for the best of Raptor fun in a smaller package? Ranger Raptor hits the gym When we last saw …

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First Look 2025 Ford Mavrick Lobo – The Return of The Street Truck is Here

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When Ford unveiled the 2025 Ford Maverick, the company promised that it had a surprise up its sleeve for truck buyers to enjoy. That surprise came in the form of the beefed-up Lobo which is attempting to reach out to buyers that might remember the street truck craze of the 1990s which saw trucks get performance upgrades for on-road performance versus being rugged trail warriors. The Lobo certainly has all the right stuff to be a sleeper hit for Ford but is it all show and no go? We wanted to find out. Lobo looks the part While Ford didn’t …

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2025 Ford Maverick Gets Closer To Perfection With Updates

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The Ford Maverick has already proven to be the proverbial Swiss army knife in Ford’s toolbelt of pickup truck models. Designed for urban dwellers who were looking for an affordable hauler for light hauling duties, the Maverick proved to be a popular truck. It’s so popular in fact, that Ford is still having a hard time keeping up with demand especially for the hybrid version. Despite this, Ford is continuing to refine the Maverick and the 2025 model is bringing a number of updates that attempt to help it get closer to perfection in its hotly contested slice of the …

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Toyota Tacoma Recall Encompasses 381,000 Trucks, 2022-2023 Model Year Trucks Affected

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The Toyota Tacoma has rightfully earned its spot as the benchmark of the mid-size pickup wars with the truck being available in a wide range of flavors. However, Toyota has announced a new recall for the Tacoma with owners of 2022-2023 models being asked to watch their mail for a notice. Weld Debris And Tacoma Rear Axles Don’t Mix  The recall in question affects 381,000 trucks from the 2022-2023 model year with the figure representing 86% of Tacomas sold during that period. Toyota says that accumulated weld debris from the assembly process can build up in the ends of the …

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2024 Tacoma TRD Sport Double Cab review by Ben Lewis

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It’s hard to imagine a more popular mid-size pickup truck than the Toyota Tacoma. If you don’t believe us, check out the prices on used ones. Even old and dodgy (Not Dodge-y) ones with hundreds of thousands of miles on them go for big bucks. It’s simple – these things hold up – even under massive amounts of abuse. So now Toyota has introduced an all-new Tacoma. The 4th generation of a legend. So how does it stack up against the previous model? Let’s take a look! Badass Adventure Machine When Toyota came up with a mission statement for the …

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Tesla Cybertruck Promises Big Power And Newfound Levels Of Tech, Is It Too Little Too Late?

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When Tesla first revealed the Cybertruck back in 2019, it was a unique and daring offering with the wedge-like shape and stainless steel bodywork being balanced out by the ambitious promises of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. It was a polarizing statement but then the company forced the world to wait several more years while it embarked on a long development program to bring the concept to production that endured plenty of challenges and setbacks along the way. Fast forward to 2023 and the production version Cybertruck is finally here, but is it a classic case of too little too late?   …

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2024 Toyota Tacoma First Look – Engineering & Innovation Define Next Chapter

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The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is shaping up to be a key evolution of the iconic nameplate. The previous generation Tacoma was a segment leader but it was no secret that age was rapidly starting to catch up with it and Father Time was doing its dastardly magic in the face of renewed competition from the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon. The Japanese auto giant knew that sooner or later, the Tacoma would need a major revamp. It has decided to deliver the goods for 2024 by putting the Tacoma under the knife and rebuilding everything that made it …

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Honda Brings Incremental Updates To 2024 Ridgeline Pickup, Maintains Core Essentials

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The 2023 Honda Ridgeline focused on bringing buyers a truck that had more personality, capability, and technology. It was a pretty extensive refresh and as a result, the company has used the 2024 model year to make more incremental changes that help remove some of the wrinkles and also enhance the Ridgeline in several key categories too especially with rivals like the Hyundai Santa Cruz now in dealer showrooms.   A Nip and A Tuck Highlight Ridgeline Updates Honda used the TrailSport model to showcase some of the changes that it has made to the truck but spotting them will …

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Toyota Tundra Gets TRD Sourced Horsepower Upgrade, Will Debut At SEMA

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The current generation Toyota Tundra has never been accused of being underpowered with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid model producing 437 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V6. But what if you’re a truck buyer who thinks that this isn’t enough power to throw around and you want something that can melt the pavement? If that sounds like you, the company has the answer with the official unveiling of a new TRD-sourced upgrade that aims to solve this problem with plenty of muscle and noise. SEMA Bound Tundra TRD Package Promises Performance and Value The package itself doesn’t make any significant changes to …

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Nissan Debuts 2024 Frontier Hardbody, Retro Tribute To 80’s Icon Starts At $31,105

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The Nissan Frontier has been an enduring symbol for Nissan over the years. The previous generation model, for example, was around for so long that we were convinced that a crazed dark warlock granted it immortality. The current generation model debuted back in 2022, and the company is celebrating this chapter of the Frontier by debuting the 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody.   Frontier Hardbody Package Channels 80’s Charisma The original Hardbody model was known for its strong aftermarket following and was one of the decade’s most popular mid-size truck entries. This revived Hardbody is an appearance package only and stands …

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Ford Teases 2024 Ford F-150, Shows Off Farm Ready Capability Ahead of September 12th Reveal

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The refreshed 2024 Ford F-150 is preparing to make its debut on September 12th, but before the pickup struts its stuff at NAIAS, Ford has released a brief teaser video showing the F-150 proving its chops out on a busy farm.   F-150 Refresh Points To Subtle Evolution Versus Outright Reboot Ford is treating this model year as an MCE and, as a result, is not outright rebooting the model with radical changes to the styling language. As a result, the 2024 model doesn’t start too far from the outgoing 2023 model, with both of them featuring the same core …

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Jeep Launches New 2-Inch Suspension Lift Kit For Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Models

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Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) has been on a roll in recent years when it comes to the art of offering Jeep owners more performance. capability and style for their rides. JPP is eager to continue this tradition by rolling out an all-new suspension lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator for those that either like the lifted look or crave more ground clearance when off-roading.   New Suspension Kit Marries Jeep Capability With Bilstein Prowess At its core, the new JPP suspension kit is largely what we have seen from other kits of the past, with the new gear …

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2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Goes Super Saiyan On The Trail, Pushes Off Road Performance To New Levels Of Fun

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The 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X is already shaping up to be a very potent off-road entry for GMC in the off-road pickup segment. Its potent list of upgrades over the standard AT4 model covers all angles and brings the fight to the Ranger Raptor and the Tacoma TRD PRO. But what if you’re a buyer that craves even more performance and a higher level of capability? GMC and American Expedition Vehicles think they might have the answer with the all-new 2024 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition   GMC Version of AEV Performance Shares Similarities With Chevy At its core, the …

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2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Gains XRT Trim, Gains More Standard Features

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The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to be the lone pickup entry in the Koran car giant’s automotive arsenal, but while it will not get a companion to join its pickup truck sales ambitions, Hyundai is making some updates to the truck for 2024, including a trim level swap and more standard equipment. SEL Premium Gets Benched, XRT Trim Takes Its Place In Santa Cruz Family A major change for the Santa Cruz is that the SEL Premium trim (slotted just below the range-topping Limited) is being dropped, and in its place is the latest entry into the growing XRT …

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Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Pickup Teased Ahead of Goodwood Debut

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The Ineos Grenadier SUV aims to be the throwback off-roader that many buyers never knew they needed, with the model also adding a pinch of modern conveniences to help it appeal to younger buyers. However, the SUV was never meant to be the lone offering for the company, and Ineos has released a new teaser for the new Grenadier Quartermaster pickup, which will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.   Family DNA Gives Quartermaster Familiarity At its core, the Quartermaster is essentially a Grenadier SUV with its back half transformed into a pickup bed which means that …

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2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Thunders Onto The Scene, Gets New Upgrades

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It wasn’t too long ago that the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado lineup debuted, and the ZR2 model was also one of the models in attendance. However, its hardcore relative, the 2024 ZR2 Bison, remained a camera-shy subject, with the model not joining the initial wave. That’s changing, however, with Chevrolet now unveiling the souped-up truck to help flesh out its mid-size truck lineup.   ZR2 Bison Doubles Down On AEV Performance This latest iteration of the Bison follows the recipe that was laid out by its predecessor, with the ZR2 providing the core template for American Expedition Vehicles engineers to work …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Review – This Beast Has Claws- Can It Stand Up To The Raptor R?

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When Ram first unveiled the Ram 1500 TRX several years ago, it was very clear that they wanted to go above and beyond in their quest to dethrone the Ford Raptor. Unlike the Raptor, the Ram had a 700-plus horsepower, a 6.2-liter, supercharged Hellcat V8, and enough performance upgrades and swagger to outshine a Silverado ZR2. This mishmash of performance insanity allowed the Ram TRX to rapidly ascend to the top of the off-road performance truck food chain. But the marketplace is evolving, and with the Raptor getting a new V8-powered “R” variant, can the 2023 TRX hang on to …

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2024 Toyota Tacoma Adds More Capability, Tech and Hybrid Power To Classic Formula

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The Toyota Tacoma has always had a firm grip on the sales throne in the mid-size pickup wars. The current one was showing its age, but Toyota wanted buyers to see the truck for its core values. Unfortunately, the segment is heating up with the Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado and even the Ford Ranger all benefitting from major updates that threaten to outshine the Tacoma. Toyota wasn’t about to let that happen though and has unveiled the heavily updated 2024 Toyota Tacoma which aims to show the segment who the real king is.   Toyota Tundra Cues Make This Taco …

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2024 Ford Ranger Sharpens Global Ambitions, Debuts New Tech And Potent Raptor Model

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Ford wanted to make it clear that the 2024 Ford Ranger was ready for adventure. The previous generation Ford Ranger helped bring the model back to the U.S. market, but it was no secret that the model was not only starting to show its age but that it was missing some of the things that U.S. buyers wanted when Ford quickly adapted it for the U.S. market including the Raptor model (which the rest of the world got.) For dis out to change that, though and the company has not only brought the Raptor to our shores but also given …

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Latest Toyota Tacoma Teasers Showoff Multiple Cab Configurations Confirms May 19th Reveal Date

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Toyota is nearing the end of its teaser campaign for the revamped 2024 Toyota Tacoma, but the company chose to not only reveal May 19th will be the day that it will make its official debut but also several cab configurations (albeit hidden by a layer of shadows.)   Configurability Will Play Bigger Role In Tacoma Experience When we last saw the 2024 Tacoma, we saw the delightfully bonkers Tacoma TrailHunter model. This time Toyota released four teaser images of the different configurations that Tacoma owners will be able to choose from when the revamped truck makes its way to …

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New Study Proves What Many Have Long Suspected, Trucks Last Longer In Overall Mileage

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New cars will always be a prominent part of the broader vehicular landscape. But amid all the shiny new metal on America’s roads is an equally robust pool of older vehicles that continue to rack on the miles for their owners. A recent study that was released recently appears to confirm what many have long suspected, trucks last longer than many other types of vehicles and have the highest chance of going over 250,000 miles too.   The Construction Of A Truck Plays A Prominent Role ISeeCars published the study and discovered that trucks had a recurring ability to withstand …

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Road Test Review – 2023 Toyota Tacoma Limited Nightshade – A Rugged Creature Of The Night

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The rugged Toyota Tacoma has been an enduring benchmark in the mid-size truck segment. While the competition has tried to unseat it from its lofty sales perch for several decades. However, the one thing that the Tacoma has managed to do to keep the competition away is not only achieving sales superiority but also offering a diverse family of models that aim to appeal to a wide range of consumer tastes. One of these models is the 2023 Tacoma Nightshade which aims to bring a sinister vibe to the trail ready pickup.   Back In Black Never Looked So Handsome …

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2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro review by Ben Lewis

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What makes a best seller? A simple question, but not always a simple answer. Often, it’s price driven – America’s best-selling hamburger is not likely the tastiest one you’ll find. On the other hand, big box office boffo blockbusters are often really good. But not always. Well Toyota’s Tacoma is certainly one of the best-selling small trucks, and lately is also the king of resale value – often times demanding prices higher than new! So, we wondered, is the 2023 Tacoma a budget burger, or a movie star with enduring power. Let’s find out. Movie Star Looks Well, this is …

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2024 GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 EV Plugs In For More Capability And Performance, Other Trims To Follow

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The GMC Sierra and the Chevrolet Silverado have always followed a pendulum-like motion regarding major updates or new models. What one gets is ultimately shared with the other, and that includes the electrification side of the coin. With the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV serving as the opening salvo, GM has unveiled the other piece of the puzzle, the 2024 GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 EV, which mixes similar traits with a distinctly different approach to electrification to bring the fight to Ford and other rivals.   Sierra EV And Silverado Similarities Are Only Skin Deep At first glance, the Sierra …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Toyota Tundra Platinum – Toyota Aims For The Luxury Benchmarks, Is It Enough?

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To say that the previous generation Toyota Tundra pickup was a relic from a bygone time was no understatement. With styling that dated all the way back to 2006 (when this author was in high school) and a one-size fits all V8 engine, the Tundra was an old-school model that was rapidly losing ground to many full-size rivals. That included the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and the Ram 1500, which all have received multiple updates and smaller engines to appeal to a more fuel-conscious consumer base. The 2022 Tundra finally pushes the Tundra into the modern age, but is it …

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2023 GMC Canyon Is Bigger And Brawnier Than Ever, AT4X Aims To Find Nowhere

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When the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado was unveiled, we were curious to see how what the folks at GMC had up their sleeve with the 2023 GMC Canyon. The previous generation Canyon was a capable truck but one that was hobbled by tamer exterior design, and lower sales when compared to its counterpart the Chevrolet Colorado. GMC is out to change all that with the unveiling of the 2023 GMC Canyon which takes things in a wilder yet more refined direction with the all-new AT4X model.   Canyon AT4X Brings New Firepower To The Off-Road Pickup Wars It’s no secret that …

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2023 GMC Canyon – 3 Things You Can Expect From GMC’s Revamped Mid-Size Truck

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The 2023 GMC Canyon will be making its debut in only a couple days, but what can buyers expect from the revamped Canyon especially as it aims to add new depth to GMC’s sales charts. Here’s three things that you can expect from the 2023 GMC Canyon   Canyon Will Have A Stronger Resemblance To Big Brother Sierra With the price of full-size trucks like its corporate cousin the Sierra going up considerably over the past few years, the Canyon’s role in GMC’s sales machine will be more important than ever. As such, look for this Canyon to embrace more …

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2023 Ford Maverick Tremor Brings Trail Ready Fun To Ford’s Value Friendly Urban Truck

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When we reviewed the Ford Maverick recently, we highlighted all the things that it had going for it, including its impressive fuel economy as well as some of the ingenious features Ford engineered into the truck (like the tailgate-mounted bottle opener.) However, the one significant flaw is that the Maverick wasn’t able to flex its muscles out on the open trail, with the hybrid model being limited to front-wheel drive and the all-wheel drive model not having enough rugged bits to make it a good trail runner. Ford has changed that with the 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor, which takes things …

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2023 Chevrolet Colorado Doubles Down On Four Cylinders, Debuts New Trail Boss Trim

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It has been eight years since we last got an updated Chevrolet Colorado model, and while the current generation is still a strong seller for Chevy, it’s no secret that it’s also aging, especially in the face of updated rivals like the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma. Chevrolet has sought to change that in a big way with the unveiling of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, which aims to be a more potent offering for the new model year.   Colorado’s Crisper Styling Preps It For The Young Buyers  As mentioned, the Colorado’s styling was starting to noticeably age, and …

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2023 GMC Sierra AT4X Raises The Off-Road Stakes, Beefier Than Ever

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GMC made waves when it launched the 2023 GMC Sierra. The revamped truck aimed to fix all of its interior woes while still updating other aspects of the Sierra formula that have made it a sales success for decades (this author grew up with a 1991 Bahama Blue-hued example.) The one question that remained unanswered was how the truck would fare in the rugged backwoods? GMC and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) have finally delivered the answer with the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X AEV Edition.   AT4X AEV Edition, Rugged And Ready For Work The moniker is a mouthful to say …

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Climbing Machine

Chevy’s 2022 Colorado ZR2 is Still Great!

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2022 Chevy Colorado ZR2: End of a Generation Chevy needs to update the Colorado, and they know that. The 2022 Colorado ZR2 is the last year of this generation before the newer, more efficient, more powerful version arrives. Outside the 2022 Colorado ZR2 In an automotive world that mostly exists in grayscale, and red, this Bright Blue Metallic ZR2 pops. From any angle a ZR2 is easily distinguished from other Colorado and Canyon trim levels. From the front, the bumper has very large clearance cuts so the tires have better access to the terrain. This also takes away the mounting …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid FWD – Shifting The Green Balance In Mid-Size Pickups

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Ford’s bold plan of being a pure SUV and pickup company (Mustang excluded, of course) generated its fair share of criticism and faced a test courtesy of surging gas prices. But despite all of this, Ford is still generating massive profits and is rocketing towards an all-electric future. The Ford F-150 and the Ranger pickups are two vital cogs in the company’s broader sales machine. However, the family still had room for a smaller offering, and Ford has delivered the goods with the all-new Ford Maverick. But can the Maverick be the urban-entric truck offering that will allow the company …

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2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Will Be A Darling Of Summer, What Buyers Can Expect?

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It wasn’t too long ago that we traveled out to Arizona to check out the 2022 Hummer EV Edition 1. But amid all the festivities, we were also given a glimpse into the future, with GMC reps providing an early glimpse of the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X. The AT4X will be breaking new ground for GMC in the mid-size segment, but what can buyers expect when this rugged Canyon makes its way to showrooms?   Rugged Styling But Turned Up A Notch GMC has so far only released one teaser image of the Canyon AT4X for now, but it does …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz – Hyundai’s First Pickup Goes For The Lifestyle Crowd

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Hyundai, making pickup trucks? When Hyundai announced that it was making a pickup entry, we were admittedly skeptical, especially considering that the Korean car giant had never made a conventional pickup offering up to this point. Hyundai thinks it’s on to something with the Santa Cruz, and when we had the chance to briefly sample it in Ann Arbor, it certainly made an excellent first impression. But how would it do with more prolonged exposure? We were keen to find out.   Sport Adventure Vehicle Motif Defines Santa Cruz We called out Hyundai back then for asserting that the Santa …

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Road Test Review – 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor – Is It Still The King Of The Mountain?

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The off-road pickup segment has seen a renewed resurgence in recent years both in demand and in performance, with many of these trail-ready offerings offering more performance than ever before. The truck that’s often credited with launching this revolution is the Ford F-150 Raptor. Originally created in borderline secrecy deep in the bowels of the Ford Motor Company, the Raptor has rapidly become one of the strongest sellers in the F-150 family and has rapidly emerged as a potent benchmark for all that came after it. Ford gave the model some updates for the 2021 model year, but with the …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road – Light Updates Keep This Solider Ahead Of The Pack

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The Toyota Tacoma has long been an enduring benchmark in the mid-size pickup ranks thanks to its value, capability, and quality. Its grip on the throne has been unchallenged. Still, these days even the king of mid-size pickups is facing dissent from a resurgent pool of entries like the radically updated Nissan Frontier, an expanding Ford Ranger family, and the updated Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Can the Toyota Tacoma maintain its hold on the throne?   Lightly Updated Styling Retains Core Tacoma DNA The Tacoma’s exterior styling was updated back in 2020. As a result, the changes in this …

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Ford Maverick Featured Image

2022 Ford Maverick XLT: The Best Value Available

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All New for 2022! Ford welcomed the Maverick nameplate back to the US market. Originally produced in the USA from 1969 (1970 model year)-1977. The Ford Maverick was a 2 or 4-door sedan built to fight the smaller competitors from overseas. Today the Maverick is again a compact vehicle but with utility and functionality at the forefront of its design.  Exterior Design With a platform that is shared with the Escape and Bronco Sport the Ford Maverick mini-truck is built on a unibody. This drives many of the exterior design features, including the sizable C-pillar with a very large curve …

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2022 GMC Canyon AT4 Review

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Radiant in Red! The 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 is nearing the end of its life. GM is planning to release an all new Colorado/Canyon duo in 2023, but how does the 2022 stack up to current competition? Outside Despite being near the end of a generation the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 doesn’t look outdated. The front end is big and bold with an aggressive dark chrome grill. Going with the AT4 brings you some off-road styling that is also functional. The front bumper curves up at the edges to allow more clearance in front of the tires. Bright LED headlights …

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Special Vehicle Engineering Unveils 2022 Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme Off-Road, Will Only Build 50

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The current generation Colorado mid-size pickup has been a sales success for Chevrolet and it certainly makes a good first impression when equipped in ZR2 guise. However, the current generation is on its way out, with the brand revealing that a next-generation model is waiting in the wings. Aftermarket tuner Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) is preparing a potent send-off with the all-new 2022 Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme Off-Road.   Bold Graphics Eliminate Any Sleeper Notions The Xtreme Off-Road starts life as a short box equipped Colorado ZR2 but this is far from a sleeper truck, with SVE making several additions that …

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Ford Unveils 2023 Ranger Raptor, Confirms It’s Heading To The U.S. Market

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Ford knows that SUVs and pickups are the keys to its future, and the company has used the past few years to greatly enhance its profits from these two segments. That includes performance niches with the F-150 Raptor and the recently unveiled Bronco Raptor. But the Ranger Raptor has so far proven to be elusive, with this third dino being an international market-only exclusive. Enthusiasts have clamored for the U.S. version for years and Ford has even subtly hinted that it was considering it, but the company has transformed sly replies into action with the 2023 Ranger Raptor.   Exterior …

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Chicago Auto Show 2022 – Silverado EV Makes A Splash In The Windy City

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When we first saw the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, it was supposed to be making its debut at the Consumers Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. However, the rampaging Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus forced GM to abruptly change its debut plans with the company scrapping Vegas for a digital-only unveiling in Detroit. The 2022 Chicago Auto Show serves as our first formal look at the truck and we think that Chevrolet is on to something here with this latest Ultium platformed rig.   Avalanche Phones In The Styling At first glance, you’ll be forgiven if you think you …

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Chicago Auto Show 2022 – Nissan Reveals Trio Of Custom Frontier Pickups

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When we browsed all the festivities that the Chicago Auto Show had to offer during our brief visit, a highlight for us was the trio of custom Nissan Frontier pickups that the Japanese auto giant brought to the dance. Each truck brings a distinct theme to the 2022 Frontier and that means appealing to three different customer bases.   Project Hardbody and 72X Embrace Retro Side Of Life  The first two trucks on display are a homage to the Datsun 720 and Nissan Hardbody which are often considered to be icons in their respective eras. That’s reflected in the themes …

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Ram Announces Ram Revolution Campaign, Seeks Ideas From Consumers

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The Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevrolet Silverado EV are spearheads for the EV pickup market. Both trucks come with the latest in the state of the art technology, electrifying performance, and enhanced lifestyle features. However, the fact we talked about only two trucks in that preceding sentence highlights the absence of Stellantis and Ram. We have not heard much about Ram’s entry into the market, but the company seeks to change that with the all-new Ram Revolution campaign.   Ram Revolution Not Official Name Of Truck Contrary to some recent rumors, the Revolution portion of that program is not …

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Chevrolet Unveils Electrified Silverado EV Pickup, Act Two Brings Ultium To Bow Tie Brigade

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The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV has finally arrived with General Motors unveiling the truck at a satellite event at the Fox Theater in Detroit. The Silverado is the proverbial Act Two of GM’s EV crusade and will join other Ultium powered models like the Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and the GMC Sierra Denali EV pickup.   Silverado EV A Ghost By Another Name When GM rolled the Silverado EV on stage, we were convinced that we were seeing a ghost from our past with the exterior styling looking like a rebooted Chevrolet Avalanche. Part of this resemblance is due to …

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2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x Review + Off-Road Videos

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Finally updated! Nissan has updated the Frontier Pro-4x significantly for the 2022 model year. Getting the most they could out of their tooling, Nissan kept the Frontier running for 17 years in one single generation. At last we have received a new generation Frontier for 2022, albeit with an old frame. Be sure to check out the video reviews at the end! Outside Everything is different on the exterior of the truck from the previous generation. Up front the grill is bigger and bolder than ever before. Of course the Pro-4x has red accents in the badges and tow hooks …

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Ford Announces 2022 Maverick Hybrid Fuel Economy Numbers, Beats Most Compact Cars

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A big selling point for the 2022 Ford Maverick when it first appeared on the scene was the high fuel economy figures that Ford was targeting, with company execs claiming that the truck could get 40 mpg. Fast forward a few months, and the EPA has now released the official numbers, which not only beat Ford’s projections but also managed to outclass an entire segment of automobiles too.   Ford Maverick Hybrid Gains Two Extra MPG, Puts Compact Cars On Notice The official figures for the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid are 42 mpg city, 33 mpg freeway, and 37 mpg …

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Nissan To Enter 2022 Rebelle Rally With Retro Flavored Frontier Pickup, The 1980s Have Returned

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Nissan is pushing ahead towards an all-electric future, but while the world is going green, the company is still very mindful of the past. That includes the 1980s, a decisive era for Nissan’s pickup lineup thanks to strong showings by Nissan Hardbody trucks in off-road racing. The Japanese auto giant is hoping that a small infusion of the past will be the magic elixir needed for the firm to win the 2022 running of the Rebelle Rally event with the help of an exceptional Frontier pickup.   Red White & Blue Vinyl Wrap Gives This Frontier Retro Flair The Frontier …

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2022 Nissan Frontier Shows Off Nismo Off-Road Parts At 2021 Overland Expo

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Nissan first promised a whole suite of Nismo branded accessories for the 2022 Frontier when the revamped mid-size pickup made its global debut earlier this year. But the company kept the bulk of these accessories under wraps, until now, with the company debuting the first wave of these accessories at the 2021 Overland Expo.   Nismo Parts Trail Ready And Eager To Please The Frontier that Nissan will have on display at the event comes loaded to the brim with accessories. It appears that the truck has even more accessories than the original number that the company announced late last …

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2022 Ford F-150 Lighting Enters Pre-Production Stage, Company Confirms 150,000 Reservations For EV Pickup

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The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is still not ready for full consumer consumption, but the Dearborn-based company has confirmed that the Lightning has entered a key step in its development with the all-electric truck entering the pre-production phase, which also signals that it will begin real-world testing before it makes its way to dealerships in 2022.   Rouge Electric Vehicle Center Preps For Mass Production The first few pre-production examples of the Lightning are rolling out of Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, a recently added expansion to the broader Rouge plant where the gasoline-powered F-150 is made. The start of …

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Rivian Builds First Customer Bound R1T Pickup, Marks Signficant Step For Company

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The electric pickup segment has been rapidly growing over the past few years, with entries from Tesla, Ford, and others aiming to take full advantage of this new frontier. The big question on everyone’s minds, though, was which of these companies would succeed in producing a truck that was ready for consumer consumption? It appears that we finally have the answer, with Rivian revealing that it has produced its first customer-ready version of the R1T pickup in a historic day for the electric pickup market.  Being First Came After Years Of Hard Work After months of building pre-production vehicles, this …

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Chevrolet Unveils Refreshed 2022 Silverado, Super Cruise And ZR2 Model Highlight Updates

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Evolution, it seems, will be a very prevalent theme for the full-size pickup segment. The 2021/2022 Ford F-150 is reaping the benefits from its suite of updates, and it appears that Chevrolet is eager to throw its hat in the ring, too, with the bow-tie brigade unveiling the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado. Here are 3 things that you should know about this sleeker Silverado.   Reworked Silverado Front Fascia And Interior Aim To Address Weak Points When the outgoing Chevrolet Silverado appeared a few years ago, it was obvious that the truck had some notable weaknesses, with the front fascia and …

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Ford Goes For A Swim With Ranger Splash Package, Is Tribute To 1990’s Era Special

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Fans of 1990s nostalgia (or those that actually grew up in the decade) will undoubtedly remember the Ford Ranger Splash package. The Splash was Ford’s attempt at channeling the west coast design trends that defined the 1990s. It came with package exclusive decals, a lightly tweaked interior, and a flare side bed. Ford is looking to channel some of this magic for the current Ranger and has revealed that it will be reviving the Splash treatment for the new Ranger.   Tamer Styling Package Still Spices Up Ranger’s Game With Sharp Graphics Unlike the original Splash, Ford designers chose to …

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Road Test Review – 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz – Rewriting What An Adventure Vehicle Is While Doing Truck Stuff

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When Hyundai first introduced the 2022 Santa Cruz to us during our brief time with it in Metro Detroit, the Korean car giant made it clear that it shouldn’t be called a truck. Instead, the company likes to call it a “Sport Adventure Vehicle” and claim that it’s the best mixture of two segments, the comfort, and performance of an SUV and the open bed flexibility of a pickup mixed into one interesting canvas. The Santa Cruz is far from the first offering to attempt to straddle the line with the Honda Ridgeline and even axed models like the Subaru …

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GMC Unveils Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept, Previews Future GMC Cues

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GMC’s AT4 brand has rapidly become a potent sales force for the brand over the past few years. GMC reps claim that AT4 badged models have allowed them to win over new customers, and their blend of capability and comfort has allowed them to fight toe to toe with rivals. GMC is focused on the future of AT4 as well and has unveiled a glimpse of this upcoming reality with the all-new GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept.   An Overlander Capable Of The Toughest Trail Busting The concept uses the existing Canyon AT4 as its source material, but it takes …

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GMC Confirms EV Pickup Is Coming, Will Join Silverado EV

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In a media update call earlier today, GMC shared some details about what the future would hold for the truck and SUV brand as the push towards electrification is becoming a more prominent inevitability. That included the first confirmation that an all-electric pickup will be coming to GMC showrooms in the near future.   All-Electric Pickup Will Help Create Potent One-Two Punch While GMC confirmed that an electrified truck is indeed in the pipeline, the brand chose to keep core details about the truck to itself. That said, there are some obvious clues that suggest that the truck will play …

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Ram Adds Some Spice To Rebel And Laramie Models With All New G/T Package, Borrows TRX Pieces

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The Ram TRX is a fire-breathing monster of a truck that can slay trails and perhaps even leave a few high-priced supercars in its dust out on the pavement. But what if you want to inject some fun into your Ram 1500 but don’t have the funds to move all the way up to a TRX? Ram has your back and has unveiled an all-new G/T Package that will make its appearance for the 2022 model year.   G/T Spice Adds Zing To Select Ram Models As the name implies, the G/T Package adds some zest to the Ram’s suit …

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2022 Maverick vs 2022 Santa Cruz, The Clouds Of War Hang Over The Mid-Size Truck Segment

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The 2022 Ford Maverick certainly made a believer out of many people when it was unveiled earlier today. Boasting several functional-focused features and a rock bottom base price, the hybrid-powered Maverick has a certain degree of potential baked into it. How does the Maverick measure up in a battle of specs against another upcoming model, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. We busted open the books and took a deep dive into both of them to see which one could have an early advantage in the sales war.   Maverick Is Practical, But Santa Cruz Is Styling Winner As mentioned in …

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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Fuel Numbers Appear, Poised To Shakeup Mid-Size Pickup Segment

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Hyundai certainly turned plenty of heads when it unveiled the 2022 Santa Cruz pickup. The utility-focused Hyundai offered plenty of features for urban adventurers, but we still had questions about its fuel economy. The Korean auto giant has delivered the goods and confirmed that the Santa Cruz would be fighting toe to toe with rivals in this category.   Impressive Fuel Economy For A Non-Hybrid Offering The Santa Cruz is slated to go up against rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Maverick, Toyota Tacoma, and the Honda Ridgeline, with fuel economy being a key pillar in this segment. While the …

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Ford Confirms 2022 Maverick Pickup, Will Debut June 8th [Video]

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Ford‘s Maverick compact pickup has perhaps been one of the worst kept secrets the company has ever had. Ford’s tagline claims that it’s the truck “you didn’t see coming,” but numerous spy shots and leaked images gave the world an early screening of the truck (much to Ford’s chagrin), but the company is finally ready to spill the beans on this unique model with the truck making its official debut June 8th.   Maverick Adds A New Dimension To Truck Lineup Ford released two pre-launch videos that give us our first official glimpses of the Maverick, with one of them …

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Toyota Brings Fresh Updates to 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro And Trail Edition, More Capability For All

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Toyota is preparing to make some big plays in the pickup segment as it seeks to steal a bigger slice of sales from the domestic big three. But while the 2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup is preparing for its time in the spotlight, the Japanese auto giant has revealed some big updates for the smaller Tacoma TRD Pro and the Tacoma Trail Edition.   A Tacoma Sized Appetizer Before The Main Course The Tacoma lineup as a whole was updated not too long ago, so you might be wondering what could be new for the 2022 model year? The answer …

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Ford Electrifies The Commercial Segment With 2022 F-150 Lightning Pro, Aims To Gradually Form All EV Commercial Fleet

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When Ford unveiled the 2022 F-150 Lightning EV pickup, we still had a few unanswered questions that needed to be addressed. A prominent one was how the F-150 Lightning would fit into Ford’s booming commercial business. With many businesses and companies most likely not plunking down the near estimated $100,000 for a fully loaded Lightning Platnium, these firms needed an entry that could get the job done but without the sticker shock. The Dearborn auto giant has created a very potent answer with the 2022 F-150 Lightning Pro.   A Lightning That’s Sensibly Priced And Ready For The Work Site …

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Hyundai Enters The Pickup Wars With 2022 Santa Cruz, Goes On Sale This Summer

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When Hyundai first teased the world in 2015 with the Santa Cruz concept, it was the first indication that Hyundai studied the pickup segment. Back then, the company neither confirmed nor denied that the swanky show truck was entering production. Fast forward to 2021, and Hyundai confirmed that the Santa Cruz is entering production with the first units going on sale this summer.   Santa Cruz Blurs The Segment Just don’t call it a pickup in front of Hyundai reps who prefer you call it a “Sport Adventure Vehicle.” That’s a clever way of ruffling BMW’s feathers, and it also …

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2021 Ford Ranger Tremor Off-Road Review by Matt Barnes

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2021 Ford Ranger Tremor New for 2021 is the Tremor package on the Ford Ranger. The Tremor includes everything the FX4 has, like Trail Control, Terrain Management, a locking rear differential, etc. On top of the FX4, the Tremor includes a steel bash plate, 0.8-inch lift, Fox 2.0 shocks with remote reservoirs, and 32-inch General Grabber ATX tires. Before the Tremor, the Ranger FX4 was the top dog off-roader in the Ranger lineup. What have all the upgrades of the Tremor done for real world performance improvements over the FX4? High Speed High speed off-road is clearly where the Tremor …

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Hyundai Teases Santa Cruz Pickup, New Renders Point To Potent Ridgeline Rival

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In 2015, Hyundai revealed that it was considering entering the white-hot war in the pickup segment with the Korean car giant unveiling the Santa Cruz concept, which did a good job shocking the world. Six years later, Hyundai confirms that production of the Santa Cruz is indeed happening, with the company releasing several teaser renderings of the small pickup ahead of its April 15th debut. Here are some key takeaways that you can get from the Santa Cruz.   It’s Targeting The Small Pickup Market Thankfully Hyundai is wisely not punching above its own weight class here, and the new …

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2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Review and Snow Run By Matt Barnes

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2021 Colorado ZR2 The dated Colorado receives a few minor updates for 2021. On the exterior, the ZR2 gets a revised facia and better visibility for the driver. The tow hooks up front have been painted red to make them easier to find. For the rear the tailgate now features a stamped “CHEVROLET” instead of the bow tie emblem. Inside the Colorado remains the same as in years past. The two Engine options remain the same for the ZR2. A diesel option with the 2.8-liter Duramax inline 4 that has 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque or the 3.6-liter …

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2020 Ford Ranger Lariat Drive Review By Matt Barnes

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2020 Ford Ranger Lariat Ford brought the Ranger back to the U.S. as a 2019 model year. However, it has been living its life globally since 2015. While that is still much newer that the 2021 Nissan Frontier that’s been around since 2005, its not exactly the all new platform it appears to be. On-Road One of the first things noticed when driving the Ranger is that the rear suspension is stiff. The payload capacity of the Ranger is in line with many half-ton trucks. Consequently, this makes the little Ranger feel harsh over bumps when unladen, but also provides …

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2022 Frontier Buries The Past, Helps Nissan Race To The Future With New Technology

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The current generation Nissan Frontier is a textbook case of how to stay stagnant in a rapidly developing world. First making its appearance back when George W. Bush was president, the rugged Frontier was supposed to be a value-focused mid-size pickup offering that could bring buyers capability and utility. That formula worked for a time, until the competition caught up, and then subsequently lapped it over the years. Nissan has had enough of being the butt of jokes in the mid-size pickup segment and has unveiled its long-awaited (and quite frankly overdue) replacement, the 2022 Nissan Frontier, after a brief …

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Nissan stealthily provides sneak peek of 2021 Frontier’s new face, shows big changes are coming

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The current generation Nissan Frontier is something of an immortal figure in the pickup segment. Drawing comparisons to the ancient knight in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the Frontier has soldiered on in its current form since 2004. A recent update gave the Frontier a new engine and transmission, but there was no denying that the bare bones of this long in the tooth truck dated back to the Bush administration. Thankfully, big changes are coming for this reliable workhorse, and while the company is not ready to formally reveal the new model just yet, Nissan’s Mexican division has …

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2020 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E AWD by Ben Lewis

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As we write this, GM just announced the GMC HUMMER EV, a full-EV pickup truck with an available 1,000 horsepower (no typo!), 0-60 in 3 seconds, and even hands-free Super Cruise technology. So, it kind of makes us wonder, what is the definition of a pickup truck? Other manufacturers have messed around with the idea – Dodge offered a convertible pickup, and all the major manufactures offer SuperTrucks that are a mix of muscle car and truck. Honda loves to engineer, and they went a different route – how about a pickup truck that gives you the comfort and ride …

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Ford Ranger gains all new Tremor model, has ZR2 and TRD Pro in its sights

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When Ford first dusted off the Tremor nameplate back in 2019, it did so by using the moniker for an all new off-road model based on the larger F-250 and 350 models (versus an older sport version of the F-150 that used it.) With the bigger Tremor model selling very well in Ford dealerships, it was only fitting to expand the package to the smaller Ranger model. The Tremor brings alot to the Ranger, and it should be a nice way to satiate the appetites of those that are still craving the Ranger Raptor variant. Buyers can equip the Tremor …

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Road Test Review – 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon – Part truck, All Dream Machine

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When it comes to being the ultimate dream machine, few can top the Jeep Wrangler. While the bedroom walls of teenagers everywhere might be adorned with pictures of McLaren, Ferrari, and even Bugatti models. These track focused weapons can only dream of going half the places a Jeep can go. From climbing every mountain to fording every stream, few can beat the insane capability that is wielded by a Jeep Wrangler. Can the bigger Jeep Gladiator still be a rugged billy goat on and off the road while still inspiring dreamers everywhere?   The Ultimate Erector Set: The Gladiator is …

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2020 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4×4 EcoDiesel by Ben Lewis

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When we used to go to movie theaters (remember that?) our favorite large bucket of popcorn unapologetically wore the “Big is More” logo. You have to admire the honesty. And if a pickup truck ever deserved to have the Big is More graphic on it, it would be the 2020 Dodge Ram 1500. Big is Beautiful This is one gorgeous truck. And being a crew cab, it cuts a large swath wherever it goes. The massive front grille must look immense in the rearview mirror of traffic as pull up – other cars would scurry to get out of your …

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Jeep Brings New Wrangler Gladiator Special Editions To Chicago, Mojave Gladiator Storms The Desert

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Jeep aimed to make a splash at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, and brought a trio of debuts to wow the crowds in the Windy City with their blend of style and rugged functionality. Before we get into the custom side of things, we might as well get into the show stealer of Jeep’s conference, the Gladiator Mojave edition. The Mojave is Jeep’s answer to requests from loyalists that needed a more capable tool in desert driving situations, and comes equipped with a number of modifications that help it be better suited for this role. The exterior styling of the …

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2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We’ve had our share of exciting new vehicles lately. Ones that drew crowds, from the Honda Civic Type R, to the Lexus LC500. Thing is, it’s usually of interest to a certain kind of buyer. The hi-po import guys for the Civic, the luxury buyers for the LC. But with the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, we’ve had tons of interest – not just from Jeep loyalists – but folks from all different backgrounds and interests. It’s the people’s vehicle! (Sorry VW) Friendly Looks The first thing that draws them in is the Gladiator’s exterior design. From the front, it’s pure Jeep …

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2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Duramax Diesel Review

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The ZR2 Bison is unstoppable!! Never thought I’d find a factory off-road pickup that can hang with the Raptor, but the Colorado’s slimmer width is a big plus on narrow trails. The diesel engine is packing a wallop at 365 pound-feet of torque and so you can tow an extra 700 pounds (up to 7700). However, the 0-60-mph time drops 3 seconds from 6.5 to 9.5. It feels pretty glacial on the road until you adjust to its power delivery style. But then you start to love how it just surges forward without a gear change, or pops off the …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 – By Carl Malek

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The mid-size pickup truck market is booming, but that has always not been the case. For a number of years, the segment was a very stagnant sector of the broader pickup truck market, with the Toyota Tacoma being the benchmark offering for buyers that wanted a pickup, but did not want the bulk and bigger size that often comes with a full size offering. Chevrolet is no stranger to this segment, but the company has not always had the best of luck in its prior attempts at toppling the Tacoma. The 1980’s and 1990’s were dominated by the crude but …

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2019 Toyota Tacoma Limited – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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In these trying times of scandals, political tensions, and my sports teams not doing much, it’s hard to keep the faith. But there’s one place that’s earned your trust for decades, and continues to do so. The Toyota Tacoma – an honest truck. Tough yet Approachable Along with the Toyota 4Runner, The Tacoma is an old friend. It’s been with us since 1995, and that’s building on a heritage of incredibly durable Toyota pickups that started here in the U.S. in 1969. And here in California, where the weather is kind, you still see plenty of 70’s and 80’s trucks …

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350HP, 6.1s 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ford Ranger Revealed

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It’s about to rain supercars this week with Geneva auto show and Amelia Island Concours both happening. Before all that, how about a big black truck – tuned by Hennessey! Big? The Ranger is of course the new Ford midsize pickup truck, joining the USA lineup from its international origins.  Over there, this is a big truck even from stock. But once lifted, widened and made more badass? Oh yes, this is the baby Raptor of your dreams. Power for the VelociRanger is still the top gasoline motor available, but tuned up with derestricted intake and exhaust, plus a big …

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Toyota Teases 2020 Tacoma Ahead of Chicago Debut

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In an announcement that it revealed yesterday, Toyota has confirmed that it will be showcasing an all new version of its venerable Tacoma pickup truck at the Chicago Auto Show in February. The unveiling of the all new Tacoma comes at a key time in the model’s history, especially considering that the once dominant king of the mid-size truck segment now faces an all new field of contenders that aim to steal its sales throne from its wheel arches. Admittably, Toyota’s announcement lacks key details, but the company has released a lone darkened teaser image that showcases the front end …

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Chevrolet Scorches The Trail With AEV Bred ZR2 Bison

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The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 already has alot going for it. Serving as GM’s latest and perhaps most successful attempt at toppling the Toyota Tacoma Pro from its segment leading status, the burly ZR2 brings trick Multimatic DSSV shocks, and a optional diesel engine to appeal to a broader off-road audience that only demands the best from their ruggedly built purchase. But what if your a Colorado buyer that craves just a bit more capability from your ZR2 purchase? Chevrolet has you covered with the burlier and all new 2019 ZR2 Bison.   Crafted with the help of American Expedition Vehicles (AEV,) …

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2017 GMC Canyon Denali 4x4 SWB Crew 9

In Pictures: 2017 GMC Canyon Denali 4×4 SWB Crew

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Hard to hide the disappointment we had with the 2017 Canyon Denali.  This was a delayed-release flagship for GMC’s midsize trucks.  Denali models usually have everything standard and are a big, big upgrade in luxury style and amenities. This Canyon Denali does have a huge standard equipment list and a new grille to its credit.  But overall, the amount of Denali badges is the biggest change you will notice. Underwhelming on the off-road course with these low, low running boards.  Not thrilled that the GMC Canyon’s LED light accents are not actually DRLs.  And bummed to find regular halogen reflectors …

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2017 Ford Ranger By MR Car Design Is Global Raptor Junior

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Wow, it is hard to get used to saying Ford Ranger again!  But we’ll need in a few years here in the USA. Global truck guys, of course, have never lost their Ranger.  This upfit by MR Car Design is Germany is a fun Raptor Junior of a baja upgrade. 2017 Ford Ranger By MR Car Design A dazzling FORD RANGER by MR CAR DESIGN Photos: MR Car Design e. K. The experts of MR Car Design in Erftstadt, near the Rhine, are very well-respected for their exclusive tuning, as well as for the refinement of sports cars and luxurious …

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2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL–E – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Is the Honda Ridgeline too good for most truck buyers? I mean after all, when the first Ridgeline appeared in 2005, it was revolutionary. Where trucks had trundled on for decades on separate chassis and bodies, the Honda re-envisioned the pickup with a unibody design. Much in the way the SUV’s and crossovers were dramatically improved with car-like comfort and manners, the Ridgeline should have been the standard bearer for pickups. Instead, after making a small splash, the majority of truck buyers went back to the harsh riding, less fuel efficient, but perceived tougher and more durable traditional trucks. They …

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Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concepts Preview 2017 Production Pickups!

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An ultra-strong ladder frame, big straight-six engines and Mercedes drive manners? Mercedes today previews its future ‘crossover’ and first-ever pickup with the Concept X-Class.  This will be less of a crossover but a smart combination of MB’s truck and car resources.  Those Unimog genes and grip… now in a $70k luxury size! Two models are shown: a posh AMG-style look in shimmery white.  Low suspension and performance stance are hot.  The nose is actually pretty sexy, but has nothing on its gorgeous LED tail.  A swirlly ribbon of red LED is the brake light in back. THe other truck is …

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2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD RTL-E – Road Test Review – By Carl Malek

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Mid-size trucks are gaining sales a wild rate in 2016. With the revitalization of the mid-size truck segment over the past two years, this is now a hotly-contested battlefield. Once defined by wheezy entries such as the Ford Ranger, as well as older iterations of the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, the second generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have set the current benchmark for the segment, and pushed their Asian rivals out of the mix in the process. Honda looks to reverse this trend with the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, but can this revamped entry standout in a crowded segment while …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Toyota TACOMA Limited 4×4 DoubleCab – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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The mid-size Toyota Tacoma has been around for a long time, and has deserved its reputation for being rugged, reliable, and inexpensive to operate. And they don’t change much over the years.  In fact, the 2015 model had been mostly unchanged since the 2005 edition.  As you can imagine it was long overdue for an update.  Enter the 2016 model. The 2016 model features an all new engine and transmission, new interior and exterior styling, yet the core of the Tacoma’s mission statement remains the same. Truth be told, it has been so long since I’ve tested a Tacoma, I …

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Drive Review – 2016 GMC CANYON DuraMax SLT 4WD – By Ben Lewis

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    We recently tested the all-new 2016 RAV4 Hybrid. What does this have to do with the GMC Canyon Diesel? Nothing, except it does point to a trend. Fresh powertrain choices in well-established vehicles. In the case of the Canyon – ok, just this once – the 2016 GMC Canyon 4WD SLT Short Box with 2.8L DURAMAX turbo diesel 4-cylinder – it means that the mid-size pickup buyer now has the opportunity to  enjoy the diesel goodness they’ve long been denied. Diesel has always been the go-to for the big rigs, and for the heavy-duty, 250-series size pickups as …

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2017 Honda RIDGELINE RTL-E – SpeakerBed Stereo Intro and Photo Flyaround!

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We missed our chance to drive the new Ridgeline!  Can you believe it? How!? Just an action-packed day of drives at the Atlanta Auto Media group’s Family Car Challenge. One with lines waiting for a taste of this new 280HP Truck-UV.  TUV? Favorite Ridgeline feature in a pitch from Honda to journalists .. even without a drive?  The in-bed speaker system! The bed of the truck is a giant speaker.  Pure, deep and LOUD sound. So what, right?  Aren’t they just waterproof speakers or something? Will leak and break and be weak. NOPE! In-bed, magnetic-resonance audio that uses the inner chassis and truck …

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2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA TRD Pro Trophy Truck – Best in Baja?

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Toyota Signs Championship Off-Road Racer BJ Baldwin to Multi-Year Sponsorship Two-Time Baja 1000 Champion Reveals Tundra TRD Pro Trophy Truck at AMA Supercross Finals May 07, 2016 LAS VEGAS, Nevada, May 7, 2016— Before a roaring crowd of AMA Supercross fans, Toyota announced its sponsorship of BJ Baldwin, off-road racing superstar and mastermind behind the successful #Recoil video franchise. “Ballistic” BJ, an off-roader who has won the grueling Baja 1000 twice without the assistance of a second driver, will join Toyota’s diverse roster of sponsored athletes and will field a Tundra TRD Pro Trophy Truck in the SCORE International and …

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Concept Flashback – 2001 Chevrolet BORREGO Concept – Reborn Subaru Brat?!

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At first sight, the short-wheelbase pickup truck concept from Chevy in the early naughties seems to be a baja or rally variant of some kind of truck in the existing range.  Perhaps the S10 or even the Blazer of the 1990s?  Surely a small-block V8 up front, right? In fact, this machine is something else entirely. Under its trendy panels and reconfigurable tailgate — to allow the two-seater to add two more in back — the Borrego is actually an AWD Subaru under its Chevy-tastic panels.  Turbo four and all…. Needless to say, this ‘Brat 2.0’ was never built… as …

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HD Road Test Review + Videos – 2016 Nissan FRONTIER Pro-4X V6 4×4 Automatic

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Is newer better? That is the fundamental question many car shoppers ask themselves, and roundly find that Yes is the answer. But for truck owners, newer is far less likely to be automatically better. For the 2016 Nissan Frontier, the proven mechanicals, extra-tough frame and V6 4×4 setup is as trusty as your best friend. And luckily, it is almost as fun! We threw the Frontier into a few wild off-road donuts just minutes after its arrival… and came out that cloud of dust and dirt with rekindled love for the Nissan mid-size truck in 2016. Yes, even more than …

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2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro – Kevlar-Reinforced Tires, Rigid Industries LEDs and Black-Dipped Styling Details

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Here is a seriously cool new Tacoma from Toyota: the 2017 TRD Pro! The wildest new Tacoma includes a variety of very cool mods to the factory machine — all aimed at making the unstoppable Tacoma even more rugged. Fox shocks and a 1-inch ride height lift are key to the extra off-road ability of the truck– as are the new skidplates underneith and 16-inch black TRD Pro alloys that resist snow and mudpack much better than normal alloy wheels.  Goodyear Wrangler tires with kevlar-reinforcement are fantastic innovations for a production truck, as are the Rigid Industries foglams that are …

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2017 Honda RIDGELINE – Challenges Mid-Size Roughriders with Smooth, Plush and Efficient Pickup Solution

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At first look, the new Honda Ridgeline seems like even more of an open-bed Pilot than ever before. And in many senses, that is exactly what it is. Then you zoom out a bit, and consider the growing mid-size pickup truck market. The new Colorado, Canyon, Tacoma and upcoming Frontier refresh will make a totally reinvented truck class. And within that group, the general theme is full-size ability — now in a fun travel size. For a large swath of buyers, the refinement and road manners of the Ridgeline make it a unique offering. With nearly all the towing and …

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