Pickup trucks can come in a plethora of different trims and sizes, depending on the markets. Japan has smaller roads and not as much need for such long-hauling. Europe likewise is used to smaller towns where huge trucks can be a detriment. On the other hand, nations in Africa and Asia, not to mention Australia, require such trucks to handle the elements and payloads in tough environments.
This means a lot of trucks overseas aren't available in the United States. To be blunt, many of them aren't sold because they're pretty bad (especially the scores of Chinese knock-off trucks) and wouldn't stand a chance against American competitors. Yet there are a few pickups that can be equal to, or even better than some pickups sold Stateside. The reasons they aren't sold range from tariffs to regulations which is a shame given how good some are. Here are eight of the best pickups not available in the U.S. and American consumers not knowing what they're missing.
8 Peugeot Landtrek
Imagine making a truck that's not only not available in your home country but the entire continent. Peugeot did so with the Landtrek, which is sold throughout Latin America and Africa.
The engine options are good with a 1.9l diesel or a turbocharged 2.4l petrol with 210 hp. The new models boast a towing capacity of three and a half tons and a payload of nearly 1500 pounds. These are meant for rugged areas and proof that this French-Chinese collaboration turned into a great truck for international markets.
7 Mitsubishi Triton
Mitsubishi's impact in the States has fallen so low, many forget it's still in business. But it can still offer some good stuff, and the Triton is one of their best current offerings. It can seem cheap yet boasts a fine 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with four-wheel drive with 178 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
The payload is just under 1900 pounds and towing power of close to seven thousand. It's a car perfect for the midsize truck market, so it's surprising Mitsubishi doesn't try to revive themselves in the States selling it.
6 Nissan Navara
Not only is this not available in the States, but Nissan just announced the Navara won't be sold in Europe after 2022. That adds to its rarity, which is surprising for such a strong truck. This comes after a facelift that makes the Frontier copy a striking ride. They also uploaded the payload capacity to 1867 pounds and a larger flatbed.
The 2.3l diesel engine still has an excellent output along with improved axles and bodywork. It seems Nissan is content to let the Frontier be in the States while South America uses a slightly more stylish ride.
5 RAM 700
While the Fiat Strada is available in some markets, the RAM 700 is primarily in Mexico. Which means those south of the border can enjoy a terrific ride. It may be small, but it's got it where it counts. The name comes from handling a payload of 700 kilograms or 1500 pounds. It's cheap with an "Adventure" package costing $20,000.
The 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 115 hp sounds low, but it can be speedy on the road and pretty reliable thanks to the small size. The "mini-truck" craze hasn't quite taken hold in the States, but the Ram 700 shows good things come in small packages.
4 Mazda BT-50
Quite popular in Australia, the Mazda BT-50 is made for the rugged terrain of that country. It's been similar to a Ford Ranger from the frame to the 2.2L inline-4 and 3.2L inline-5 diesel engine offerings. But there's enough difference to make it a fun ride with the new turbocharged variant offering 188 hp and towing up to 7,716 pounds.
The new design now makes it akin to a CX-5 with the Kodo style, and the popularity down underlet it survive under a new deal when Mazda's partnership with Ford ended. The new style makes an already top truck even better despite how U.S. owners can't have it.
3 Volkswagen Amarok
Already a great pickup, the Amarok is promising to become even better in 2022. It's a lot tougher than it looks, its svelte frame actually pretty strong and powered by either a 2.0l 4-cylinder or a 3.0l diesel V6. It's well put together with some great hauling and cargo.
The reason it never hit the States is the high cost offset by tariffs making it difficult for mass production. While rumors about the 2022 model might finally qualify, right now, this is one of the better VW models available widely in Europe but not the U.S.
2 Toyota Hilux
One of the most famous segments of Top Gear was them trying to destroy a Hilux...and failed. They rammed it into a tree, drove it into a lake, dropped it from a crane, crushed it with a wrecking ball, and literally set it on fire, and the thing kept on running. That one of the toughest trucks in the world isn't available in the U.S. seems baffling.
The engine is tops, it can tow close to eight thousand pounds and even a comfortable ride. For some reason, Toyota doesn't offer it, perhaps thinking there's not much market for it. Surely, any pickup owner would want a ride that appears to be indestructible.
1 Isuzu D-Max
Sold in the UK, Philippines, Australia, and South Asia, the Isuzu D-Max may be one of the best offerings from the company not available in the U.S. Breaking away at last from the Chevy Colorado, the new model D-Max shares a look like the Mazda BT-50 but enough individual flavor.
There's only one engine offered, but it's a beauty, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-four making 188 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The styling is great, making it look striking and a meaner look, so it's a shame it's not being offered to U.S. consumers.