BajaNomad

2019 Mid Size Truck Test: Toyota vs Chevy vs Ford

David K - 3-8-2019 at 03:34 PM

While the new generation Ford Ranger is new here in the U.S., it dates back several years being sold in Australia and other countries. The new generation Chevy Colorado was introduced in 2015. The 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 2016.

This Edmunds test (about 26 minutes) seems to be a fair test of all three (4 door Off-Road 4x4) trucks both on road and off road. There are separate winners for on-road performance and ride and off-road performance, with the final overall winning result being for best on-road ride with some off-road ability. Yet, the link asks which truck rules the trail.. and they were clear about that answer!

The 3rd Generation Tacoma has a different engine (3.5) and transmission than my (2nd Gen) and the complaints are just what I also read on the forums... It is not as gutsy as the 4.0 I have but it just takes adjusting to for the slightly improved mileage. The biggest negative I think mentioned was that there was only one USB port in the Tacoma, LOL!

See if you are surprised about the results>

JZ - 3-8-2019 at 03:43 PM

A Taco is a truck you buy for you kid to drive in HS. Not what a grown man drives.

StuckSucks - 3-8-2019 at 03:49 PM

No need to watch the video since I just took delivery of a '19 Tacoma TRD Off Road 4x4 Access Cab Long Bed -- the same thing I had before, but without metal fatigue.

I'm going to the the high desert tomorrow for a little drop-testing -- if I can get it stuck, that'll be a bonus.

It has one USB port on the dash and two in the center console.

David K - 3-8-2019 at 04:04 PM

Jim, I have some traction control questions for the 3rd Gen... I will send you an email if you will entertain my curiosity... Thanks!

JZ, trails we like to drive are too narrow or steep for your big truck track to drive plus we don't need to compensate for anything! ;)

StuckSucks - 3-8-2019 at 04:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  

JZ, trails we like to drive are too narrow or steep for your big truck track to drive plus we don't need to compensate for anything! ;)


Same reason a lot of guys like driving a Jeep -- they're smaller and more nimble; more capable in the margins.

David K - 3-8-2019 at 05:01 PM

I think the Razors or whatever brand side by sides are so popular now... You can cruise long distances in them, too.

JZ - 3-8-2019 at 05:06 PM

The boat and dirt bikes the 3/4 ton pulls are a lot more nimble at getting into very remote spots that your Taco's.

bajatrailrider - 3-8-2019 at 05:10 PM

Many complaints on late taco automatic transmission .Also on engine having to rev it to make power. Razor long distance not good as most do not have high speed cursing on road. If I ever get another taco it will be manual trans. Full size truck JZ useless to travel where the small trucks go off road. That is why I have the tiny Nissan diesel and the Dodge full size diesel Noway would I try poleline trail with the Dodge.

bajabuddha - 3-8-2019 at 05:34 PM

Who knew tacos were Japanese?

David K - 3-8-2019 at 05:52 PM

My Taco is Mexican!
Made by Toyota de Baja California... it is on Hwy. 2 between Tijuana and Tecate.

blackwolfmt - 3-8-2019 at 05:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
Many complaints on late taco automatic transmission .Also on engine having to rev it to make power. Razor long distance not good as most do not have high speed cursing on road. If I ever get another taco it will be manual trans. Full size truck JZ useless to travel where the small trucks go off road. That is why I have the tiny Nissan diesel and the Dodge full size diesel Noway would I try poleline trail with the Dodge.



Right there Larry,, from watchin KCs videos them baby trucks barley made some of them slots

TMW - 3-8-2019 at 05:57 PM

The one test I do for any truck or any 4 wheel vehicle for off road use is to look under the rear. What is hanging down below the axle. The only mid-size truck with a clean axle is the Tacoma. The Ford and chevy have the shocks hanging down. To clear a rock or other object you now have to be concerned with the differential and both shocks and yes I have knocked a lower shock mount off and broke the brake line loosing the rear brakes. If you think losing the rear brakes does not alter your braking power think again.

Same goes for the full size trucks except the newer Fords. They moved the lower shock close to the brakes.

StuckSucks - 3-8-2019 at 05:57 PM

I, on the other hand, own a "Coma"

mtgoat666 - 3-8-2019 at 06:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
A Taco is a truck you buy for you kid to drive in HS. Not what a grown man drives.


Jizz,
Buying a bigger truck does not make your penis bigger.

David K - 3-10-2019 at 01:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
The one test I do for any truck or any 4 wheel vehicle for off road use is to look under the rear. What is hanging down below the axle. The only mid-size truck with a clean axle is the Tacoma. The Ford and chevy have the shocks hanging down. To clear a rock or other object you now have to be concerned with the differential and both shocks and yes I have knocked a lower shock mount off and broke the brake line loosing the rear brakes. If you think losing the rear brakes does not alter your braking power think again.

Same goes for the full size trucks except the newer Fords. They moved the lower shock close to the brakes.


It is basic smart stuff like this that impresses me with Japanese brands. Why are we still reading about Jeeps with broken shock mounts when Jeeps were invented in 1940? It shouldn't be rocket science to build a truck that isn't prone to breaking!

When Subaru made 4WD wagons (70s-80s), I had three, each with over 100,000 miles, and it was amazing where I could get them without breaking down... and that was when they only had 13" wheels!

[Edited on 3-10-2019 by David K]