2023-05-13 11:00:00
This week, Ford unveiled the new generation of the Ranger pickup truck. Aesthetically evolutionary compared to the current model, it responds brilliantly to GM pickup trucks (Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon), which will soon land in dealerships.
While the midsize pickup set was seriously aging, just a few years ago it was Nissan that got the ball rolling with the redesigned Frontier. A product developed and designed for the North American market, but whose approach remains extremely traditional. And for good reason, the unique adoption of a V6 engine as well as the offer of two body lengths for the double cab model, while the extended cab (King Cab) remains in the catalog.
Chevrolet and GMC, for their part, chose to simplify the lineup by eliminating the extended cab, retaining only a crew cab model with a 5.5-foot bed. The same goes for Ford, which is withdrawing the extended cab configuration, justifying its decision with token sales. Interestingly, Chevrolet and GMC are also ditching the V6 and diesel to keep just a 2.7-liter four-cylinder.
In the case of Chevrolet, there are three versions of this mill with variants in terms of power and torque, while GMC will only keep the most powerful of the three. This is a striking strategy on the part of GM which, for years, boasted of offering its customers engines adapted to the needs of all, targeting Ford, which had only offered a four-cylinder engine since the return of the Ranger. .
A dramatic twist this week, Ford announced the return of its 2.3-liter four-cylinder, and the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, also used under the hood of the F-150. The manufacturer even goes so far as to offer a 400-horsepower, 3-litre twin-turbo V6 for its new Raptor version, in order to respond effectively to the arrival of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X.
A fierce fight is therefore to be expected between these two manufacturers, whose products are very competitive and up-to-date. We have also chosen to put the package, knowing that Ram plans to land with a new midsize pickup truck shortly. However, the enemy to be defeated is Toyota with the Tacoma, which will be completely revised for 2024. Officially unveiled on May 19, it is likely to be all the rage.
Not only have we so far confirmed the arrival of a TRD-Pro version benefiting from a V6 coupled with a hybrid engine, but rumors also point to the availability of a 2.4 four-cylinder liters turbocharged. In addition, Toyota confirms the offer of a manual transmission on certain versions, which risks making it the van with a very wide model range. Will we keep the extended bed or will we only offer crew cab models? To get an answer to this question, you have to wait a few more days.
One thing is certain, the strong comeback of several models is likely to hurt Nissan which, for a short time, boasted of offering the most modern traditional mid-size pickup on the market. As for the arrival date of the future Ram, which might probably take the name of Dakota, Stellantis remains silent.
Now, might other players take part in the adventure, considering that the demand for this type of vehicle remains very strong and that the profitability is just as strong? If there is another manufacturer on which to bet, it is Volkswagen. Not only has the German firm repeatedly shown concepts testifying to this, but Volkswagen’s midsize pickup truck has been part of the discussion for many years. It might, however, be a derivative of the Atlas which, starting next year, will only house a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
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