Canyon/Colorado, Ranger, Tacoma, Frontier

3,888 Views | 50 Replies | Last: 5 days ago by Bird Poo
Mr Mojo Risin
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My '18 Expedition just got it's final big repair done (by me at least).

Want to go new, but not willing to spend 65-70 on a new full size SUV or pickup.

Only the youngest (of 3) is still in a booster.

Hoping to get another 9-12 months out of mine. You guys are smarter than me. How would you rank the above mid-size trucks?
America was built on speed, hot, nasty, badass speed.
Silvy
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Frontier on top, but the Canyon AT4X is ****ing cute
vmiaptetr
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My kids really like the Gladiator. Then again, a truck where the roof and doors come off is a bit childish.
ElephantRider
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I'm looking at these, also. I like the new Frontier and it's going to be the most reliable, but there are no rear AC vents. My kids will be riding in it a decent amount so that's my biggest holdup there.

Really like the look of the new Colorados/Canyons, but my last GM experience didn't end well.

Haven't looked at the Ranger too much; honestly just don't like the way it looks. I think if I were going Ford I might lean toward the Maverick and save a little bit more money.

New Tacomas are garbage.
ElephantRider
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vmiaptetr said:

My kids really like the Gladiator. Then again, a truck where the roof and doors come off is a bit childish.
Gladiator would be my top choice, but whatever I get would need to make a commute from BCS to Houston a few days a week.
vmiaptetr
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Is your concern gas mileage or comfort or something else?

If it's gas mileage, I'd say look into getting a Diesel model. MPG on those is in the mid to upper 20's on highway.

If it's comfort, Fox makes a lift kit that is sold thru Chrysler ($1600). The shocks are super beefy and make for a much improved ride.

If it's something else, I got nothing.
Furlock Bones
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ElephantRider said:

vmiaptetr said:

My kids really like the Gladiator. Then again, a truck where the roof and doors come off is a bit childish.
Gladiator would be my top choice, but whatever I get would need to make a commute from BCS to Houston a few days a week.
Mojave edition gladiator. Negotiate for the dealer to install the headliner in the roof. Or the Frontier would be my choice.
AgGrad99
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Depending on what you're looking for, truck pricing has come down, and you dont have to spend 65k on a new one.

I just pulled up a random dealership in Austin, and found this one, for 39k:
https://www.henna.com/new-Austin-2024-Chevrolet-Silverado+1500-Custom-1GCPABEK1RZ321409

Here's a V8 version for 45k:
https://www.henna.com/new-Austin-2024-Chevrolet-Silverado+1500-LT-2GCPACED0R1253202

Here's a 4WD, V8 for 48K:
https://www.henna.com/new-Austin-2024-Chevrolet-Silverado+1500-LT-2GCUDDED4R1254563


Again, might not be what you want, but you dont have to spend 65k anymore.

Might be worth shopping around, since the smaller trucks aren't too much cheaper these days.
ElephantRider
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vmiaptetr said:

Is your concern gas mileage or comfort or something else?

If it's gas mileage, I'd say look into getting a Diesel model. MPG on those is in the mid to upper 20's on highway.

If it's comfort, Fox makes a lift kit that is sold thru Chrysler ($1600). The shocks are super beefy and make for a much improved ride.

If it's something else, I got nothing.
Comfort and noise are the concerns. I haven't had a Jeep in a while though so maybe those aren't really concerns anymore

Company would be paying for the fuel, so IDGAF there
3rd Platoon
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Personally, I'd go with the Frontier. It's still a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder, and they are well-built to last. You can get the Pro-X trim with a better suspension, and it's basically replaced the Tacoma for quality since Toyota screwed up with the new model. Unless you just didn't like the look, it's somewhat of a no-brainer.

That said, the Canyons/Colorados look sharp. The 2.4L turbo isn't a good fit for the full-size trucks, but they're superb for the mid-size.
---------------------------------------
aka Commander 99 and "The Fake Dave South"
Milwaukees Best Light
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Just get a full size. Nobody ever said they wished they had less room in their truck.
Mr Mojo Risin
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3rd Platoon said:

Personally, I'd go with the Frontier. It's still a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder, and they are well-built to last. You can get the Pro-X trim with a better suspension, and it's basically replaced the Tacoma for quality since Toyota screwed up with the new model. Unless you just didn't like the look, it's somewhat of a no-brainer.

That said, the Canyons/Colorados look sharp. The 2.4L turbo isn't a good fit for the full-size trucks, but they're superb for the mid-size.
I need to drive one. I think I'm down to (at least in this category) the Frontier and the Colorado. Not willing to pay the premium for the Canyon, when I can get a Trail Boss for several thousand less than the AT4(X). Y'all convinced me on the Tacoma and Ranger.

I'm seeing some really good prices driving to New Braunfels or Tyler, possibly as close as Katy, on the Nissan. Dec 31st or March 31st may be a really good day.




On the full size note, not ruling it out totally, but how much bigger is a 1990's full size versus today's midsize?

I'm currently using my in-laws early 2000s Tundra, and the new Tacoma is almost the exact same size.
America was built on speed, hot, nasty, badass speed.
'03ag
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I recently drove a couple of Tacomas and a Frontier Pro4x back to back.

disclaimer: these were all media testers and I suspect the Tacomas had already spent quite a bit of time off road. So they could've head more wear and tear on them.

That said, I thought the Frontier felt noticeably more solid. Steering was tighter, and heavier(which I like, you may not). Nissan interior was a little more bland looking, but that could be a good thing for some. If you have off road intensions, the Frontier's leaf spring rear suspension had noticeably less flex.

I just felt like the Frontier was the better one to be in daily. FYI it's not available with cooled seats if that's an issue.
Mr Mojo Risin
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Mr Mojo Risin said:

3rd Platoon said:

Personally, I'd go with the Frontier. It's still a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder, and they are well-built to last. You can get the Pro-X trim with a better suspension, and it's basically replaced the Tacoma for quality since Toyota screwed up with the new model. Unless you just didn't like the look, it's somewhat of a no-brainer.

That said, the Canyons/Colorados look sharp. The 2.4L turbo isn't a good fit for the full-size trucks, but they're superb for the mid-size.
I need to drive one. I think I'm down to (at least in this category) the Frontier and the Colorado. Not willing to pay the premium for the Canyon, when I can get a Trail Boss for several thousand less than the AT4(X). Y'all convinced me on the Tacoma and Ranger.

I'm seeing some really good prices driving to New Braunfels or Tyler, possibly as close as Katy, on the Nissan. Dec 31st or March 31st may be a really good day.




On the full size note, not ruling it out totally, but how much bigger is a 1990's full size versus today's midsize?

I'm currently using my in-laws early 2000s Tundra, and the new Tacoma is almost the exact same size.
I went ahead and looked it up myself. As long as the internet search engine isn't crazy, here's what I found:

(Not perfect comparisons)

'98 Silverado
218.4" L
76.8" W

'24 Colorado
213" L
75-78" W



2002 Tundra
217.5" x 75.2"

'24 Tacoma
213" x 74.2"



2004 Titan
224.2" x 78.8"

'24 Frontier
210.2" x 74.7"



America was built on speed, hot, nasty, badass speed.
AgBass01
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I just got a 24 GMC Canyon AT4 in July and I absolutely love it.
NColoradoAG
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'03ag said:

I recently drove a couple of Tacomas and a Frontier Pro4x back to back.

disclaimer: these were all media testers and I suspect the Tacomas had already spent quite a bit of time off road. So they could've head more wear and tear on them.

That said, I thought the Frontier felt noticeably more solid. Steering was tighter, and heavier(which I like, you may not). Nissan interior was a little more bland looking, but that could be a good thing for some. If you have off road intensions, the Frontier's leaf spring rear suspension had noticeably less flex.

I just felt like the Frontier was the better one to be in daily. FYI it's not available with cooled seats if that's an issue.

I'm gonna be in the market soon for a midsized pickup and the no A/C seats sucks because I like everything else about the vehicle.
Teslag
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AgBass01 said:

I just got a 24 GMC Canyon AT4 in July and I absolutely love it.


About to go from a 3/4 ton to one of these soon. I like the Canyon Denali as well but they are hard to find
3rd Platoon
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AgBass01 said:

I just got a 24 GMC Canyon AT4 in July and I absolutely love it.
How is the 2.4L Turbo working out? I'm not the biggest fan of turbos, but I've heard decent things about the GM one in the Canyons and Colorados.
Teslag
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I test drove one yesterday and it's a lot of fun. The upper level Canyon/Colorados have the high output version with 310hp/430lb torque. Found it way more enjoyable than the Tacoma or Frontier and the interior blew those away as well.
bam02
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I'd be all over the Frontier with the longer bed. Those are sharp.
jrrhouston98
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I bought a 22 Tacoma TRD Pro last November with 12k mi on it. Was hoping to find a new one but they weren't available. I love the truck but it has its nuances. The Pro has a cat back exhaust which I find to be annoying. This coupled with wind and road noise makes it pretty loud at highway speed. This is probably enhanced by the BFG ATs that came on it. It's on road manners are great, however. It handles really well and is very responsive. The limited off road driving I've done has been very pleasant. The truck really feels at home off pavement. Fuel economy leaves a lot to be desired, again probably not helped by the load range E tires.

This past weekend I rode in a 22 Frontier. First time in one of these. First thing I noticed and commented on was how quiet it was. Almost no road noise. It was also very smooth. You could feel the tightness of the vehicle even as a passenger. My only knock on the Frontier is the styling. I like the look of the gen 3 Taco a lot more.
PMD03
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Milwaukees Best Light said:

Just get a full size. Nobody ever said they wished they had less room in their truck.
I've got to disagree. I prefer what we are now calling "midsize". The new Colorado is the size of a OBS Chevy half ton and can tow 7,700 pounds. They are capable, yet much easier to drive than the current half ton trucks.
ElephantRider
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Teslag said:

I test drove one yesterday and it's a lot of fun. The upper level Canyon/Colorados have the high output version with 310hp/430lb torque. Found it way more enjoyable than the Tacoma or Frontier and the interior blew those away as well.
I believe all Canyons have the high output engine; it's standard on Trail Boss and up for the Colorado and is an option on LT
bam02
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Well, why didn't you say so?!?!
Street Fighter
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ElephantRider said:


Comfort and noise are the concerns. I haven't had a Jeep in a while though so maybe those aren't really concerns anymore



You're a funny guy.
Buck Turgidson
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I have been thinking about getting a new Ram 1500 Classic Warlock for my boys to drive. You can get one with a V8 and 4WD for about $41k right now.

I recently test drove a Frontier with my two sons and it was just too tight for us. Also, the rear seat back is very upright - not good for longer trips. Too bad, because they look great and are very reliable. If we weren't going to use the back seat a lot, the Frontier would be at the top of the list for us.
Independence H-D
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ElephantRider said:

vmiaptetr said:

Is your concern gas mileage or comfort or something else?

If it's gas mileage, I'd say look into getting a Diesel model. MPG on those is in the mid to upper 20's on highway.

If it's comfort, Fox makes a lift kit that is sold thru Chrysler ($1600). The shocks are super beefy and make for a much improved ride.

If it's something else, I got nothing.
Comfort and noise are the concerns. I haven't had a Jeep in a while though so maybe those aren't really concerns anymore

Company would be paying for the fuel, so IDGAF there


Very little comfort. Very much noise. Poor MPG. It will have electric gremlins. Keep a trash bag around for rubber ducks.....

It's a jeep.

Jeep owner. Meh.
ElephantRider
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The rubber duck thing is a big hold up for me, also. One of the stupidest ****ing things I've ever seen.
Kyle Field Shade Chaser
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You can find V8 5.0 F-150's 4x4 in an STX trim for like $38K nowadays. I'd get one of those well before a mid size, unless you just need the mid-size or mpg savings. If you have passengers frequently the full size are drastically more comfortable for everyone including the driver.

If you get a mid-size, only option is the Frontier IMO. Or, a moderately used Tacoma. But new, Frontier.

Teslag
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I just pulled a trigger on a 2024 Colorado and after driving the Tacoma frontier and Colorado I felt like the Tacoma and Frontier just didn't offer what the Colorado could performance wise and the Colorado had a much nicer and modern interior and options. I'll post a review later.
NColoradoAG
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Teslag said:

I just pulled a trigger on a 2024 Colorado and after driving the Tacoma frontier and Colorado I felt like the Tacoma and Frontier just didn't offer what the Colorado could performance wise and the Colorado had a much nicer and modern interior and options. I'll post a review later.

User name does not check out
Teslag
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Well we still have the Tesla. I just need a truck and EV trucks just aren't there for what I need.
TSW2012
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We just did this a couple months ago replacing the wife's Subaru.

We decided on the Colorado

Toyota: we found too expensive for features I didn't like the seating position.

Nissan: liked the truck and engine. Back seat size/comfort was poor and no rear AC vents killed this off the list.

Ford: wife said no dial for transmission selector did not drive

Chevy: liked the comfort and capability. It is worth getting the technology package 360 cameras helped my wife be more confident moving from a car. And the Bose stereo is a cheap option. The engine is incredibly powerful and even though it's gas it drives like a diesel. We get 23mpg average and 26+ highway.
Bird Poo
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ElephantRider said:

I'm looking at these, also. I like the new Frontier and it's going to be the most reliable, but there are no rear AC vents. My kids will be riding in it a decent amount so that's my biggest holdup there.

Really like the look of the new Colorados/Canyons, but my last GM experience didn't end well.

Haven't looked at the Ranger too much; honestly just don't like the way it looks. I think if I were going Ford I might lean toward the Maverick and save a little bit more money.

New Tacomas are garbage.


I just bought a brand new Ridgeline Trailsport. Surprisingly, I got 26 mpg going 75 mph on a recent trip. It's the only midsize with ac vents for the back. I absolutely love this truck.

They MSRP for 47 but I got them down to 40.
Bird Poo
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NColoradoAG said:

'03ag said:

I recently drove a couple of Tacomas and a Frontier Pro4x back to back.

disclaimer: these were all media testers and I suspect the Tacomas had already spent quite a bit of time off road. So they could've head more wear and tear on them.

That said, I thought the Frontier felt noticeably more solid. Steering was tighter, and heavier(which I like, you may not). Nissan interior was a little more bland looking, but that could be a good thing for some. If you have off road intensions, the Frontier's leaf spring rear suspension had noticeably less flex.

I just felt like the Frontier was the better one to be in daily. FYI it's not available with cooled seats if that's an issue.

I'm gonna be in the market soon for a midsized pickup and the no A/C seats sucks because I like everything else about the vehicle.


Honda Ridgeline does
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