Last year was a big one for full-size pickup makeovers, but for 2005 the biggest new-truck news can be found in the middle of the pack--notably, in the introduction of several totally revamped, upgraded, and enlarged midsize pickups from Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota, as well as the recently launched midsize GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado.
Of course, just to keep us interested, all of the pickup manufacturers have added something of note to almost every truck in their lines, whether midsize, full-size, or compact. Here's the rundown:
MIDSIZE/COMPACT PICKUPS
DODGE DAKOTA
For 2005 the Dakota remains the only non-full-size pickup to offer a V8 engine, but it is finally being challenged in the "midsize" segment by formerly compact competitors General Motors, Toyota, and Nissan.
Last year, GMC and Chevy rolled out their Canyon and Colorado pickups and this year's all-new, upsized Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier pickups also take a run at the midsize title, but they still fall short in critical specs like payload, towing capacity, and that all-important macho high-water mark--engine displacement.
So the Dakota continues to lead this new, growing midsize truck segment and even reinforces its position with a complete makeover for 2005. The Dakota's engine lineup alone is impressive. Two 4.7-liter V8s are available--a High Output tuner that blows away the competition with over 250 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque, and a somewhat less-potent version rated at 230 hp and 290 pound-feet of torque. A 3.7-liter V6, with 210 hp and 235 pound-feet of torque, is standard equipment.
NISSAN FRONTIER
A year ago, Nissan rolled out its mighty, first-ever full-size pickup, Titan, with an all-new American-built V8 included, to rave reviews. For 2005, its smaller sibling, the formerly compact (now advertised as midsize) Frontier pickup, gets a Titan-like transplant, adding nearly 10 inches in wheelbase length.
The Frontier features an all-new 4.0-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) V6 with class-leading horsepower (265) and torque (284 pound-feet). Despite the redesign, full-size guys will be disappointed that although Nissan stretched the body and wheelbase, less than 2 inches of interior side-to-side room were added. The new, improved Frontier pickup may be bigger outside, but inside it still feels like a compact.
TOYOTA TACOMA
Also getting the super-size treatment for 2005 is the revamped Toyota Tacoma. Depending on the model, wheelbases are up to 5.9 inches longer and wider by some 4 inches. It's also more powerful. The top-of-the-line engine is the same base 4.0-liter V6 available in the full-size Tundra. The V6 is matched with a S-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. A new 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine is also available.
For the first time, Toyota offers a composite-plastic pickup bed as standard equipment, which it claims is both lighter and more durable than steel. A bed-mounted 115-volt, 400-watt outlet, available on some models, is an option tradesmen will find useful.
GMC CANYON & CHEVY COLORADO
Rounding out the "new" midsize pickup segment are the recently introduced General Motors twins, the Canyon from the GMC truck division and the Colorado from Chevrolet. Because these pickups didn't become available until early in 2004, there's not much new to report for 2005 except for mainly cosmetic upgrades on the GMC models and an Xtreme performance package (with tuned suspension) for the Chevy.
FORD RANGER AND MAZDA B-SERIES
Perhaps the only compact pickups on the market that still consider themselves compacts are the Ford Ranger and its less well-known clone, the Mazda B-Series. Styling alone differentiates the Mazda and Ranger pickups. Both trucks target younger, less-affluent buyers, but the B-Series models are sportier in overall design than the more workmanlike Rangers, which hew closely to the F-150 look. Ford claims the Ranger is the best-selling compact pickup over the past 17 years, so the manufacturer must be doing something right in this category.
FULL-SIZE PICKUPS
DODGE RAM POWER WAGON
The new Power Wagon has features that would make its forebears proud--chief among them its 345-hp 5.7-liter Hemi Magnum VS, electric locking front and rear differentials, a unique electronic disconnecting front sway bar, huge 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a 12,000-pound Warn winch like the indispensable standard equipment on the original trucks.
Also new for 2005, Dodge adds a Quad Cab to its SRT-10 pickup, which was the fastest-ever production pickup thanks to its monster 8.3-liter Viper V10 engine. This baby puts out an awesome 500 hp with 525 pound-feet of torque. Now Dodge is claiming the Quad Cab model is the quickest four-door truck on the road.
TOYOTA TUNDRA
Each year, the big Tundras get bigger, although they continue to lag behind other full-size pickups in overall brawn and brute power. However, if you're more interested in a truck with comfort and style (GCs take note), they lead the pack with their luxurious ride and Lexus-like interiors.
GMC SIERRA AND CHEVY SILVERADO
For 2005, General Motors continues to refine and add to its full-size pickups with a new upscale Denali Crew Cab (four-door) model for the Sierra and a higher-output aluminum version of its existing 5.3-liter V8 for both trucks.
In addition, in mid-2004 GM rolled out a special Hybrid version for both model lines that mates a powerful electric motor with its standard 5.3-liter gas engine. Finally, the sporty, performance-oriented Silverado SS pickup comes with a high-output version of the 6.0-liter V8 available only in HD (heavy duty) models, which produces 345 hp with 380 pound-feet of torque.
FORD F-150
Last year's total overhaul of Ford's F-150 pickup was significant news, and a tough act to follow. For 2005, a new third engine option is added, along with a deluxe, leather-trimmed SuperCrew (full four-door) King Ranch model formerly available only in the Heavy Duty F-250 line. The new 4.2-liter V6 base engine also adds an optional 5-speed manual transmission to the F-150 lineup.
NISSAN TITAN
The other really big news for 2004 was the introduction of the all-new Nissan Titan with its equally new, U.S.-built 5.6-liter V8 engine. This year, the big Titans stay basically the same, but they're still just as impressive for a first-time offering. The V8 pumps out 305 hp with 379 pound-feet of torque, and it gives this pickup a cargo capacity of 1,780 pounds and ability to tow up to 9,400 pounds.
Dodge. The Dakota remains the only non-full-size pickup to offer a V8 engine, although a 3.7-liter V6 is standard. The Dakota benefits from a reengineered frame that adds 2.7 inches in width to the body, making the all-new interior feet as spacious as a full-size truck. The cargo specs also are first-rate, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,000-plus pounds and a maximum payload of 1,740 pounds. 800-992-1997. www.dodge.com. Circle 150.
Nissan. Formerly compact (now advertised as midsize), the Frontier pickup adds nearly 10 inches in wheelbase length. Available in King (with rear access doors) and Crew Cab (full four-door) models, the Frontier features an all-new 4.0-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) V6 with class-leading horsepower (265) and torque (284 pound-feet). It has a 1,600-pound maximum payload and up to 6,000-pound towing capacity. 800-647-7261. www.nissanusa.com. Circle 151.
Toyota. The manufacturer claims the new Tacoma "moves well beyond the compact-truck dimensions," yet doesn't call it a midsize truck. The engine is the same base 4.0-liter V6 available in the full-size Tundra, which puts out a respectable 245 hp and 282 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is matched with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. A new 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine also is available. Maximum payload is 1,685 pounds, with a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. 800-468-6968. www.toyota.com. Circle 152.
Chevrolet. The Colorado midsize pickup mainly features cosmetic upgrades on the Xtreme performance package (with tuned suspension). The unique 3.5-liter DOHC in-line 5-cylinder mill produces 220 hp and 225 pound-feet of torque, while the base 2.8-liter 4-cylinder engine puts out 175 hp with 185 pound-feet of torque. Maximum payload is 1,733 pounds for the Colorado. It's rated up to 4,000 pounds of trailer weight. 800-222-1020. www.chevrolet.com. Circle 153.
GMC. The Hummer H2 sport utility truck offers the same 6.0-liter V8 gas engine (325 hp with 365 pound-feet of torque) as the Silverado/Sierra HD trucks. But it also takes some body parts from the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade by including a fold-down "midgate" behind the rear seats, allowing the bed to open into the vehicle's interior For transporting large items. 800-462-8782. www.gmc.com. Circle 154.
