The pickup truck is more like a must-have tool because it isn't just useful, but also very versatile, hence its never-ending popularity. Pickup trucks are bestsellers in many markets, especially the full-size truck, with little trucks tagging behind closely, because some buyers feel a full-size truck is just too much compared to what they really need, thus go for more compact trucks. Locally, pickup trucks sell like hot cakes, in fact, Autoweek, noted that on average, the Ford F-Series sells one truck every 30 seconds.
In 2016, a US News & World Report revealed that 450,000 buyers chose little over full-size trucks in the domestic market alone, citing things like increased fuel economy, improved urban maneuverability and more affordable prices as their main reasons. Trucks are a necessity in the domestic market, there's no doubt about that. Despite the presence of locally made trucks like the GMC, Dodge, Chevy and the like, the market is increasingly looking towards foreign trucks because they're equally, if not a tad bit better than their homegrown truck brands. The competition just got stiffer as big foreign brands like Nissan, Volkswagen, and even Mercedes have upped the game a notch higher, giving local trucks a run for their money.
As much as tariffs exist on these foreign trucks, they still have a big say in the market, and they're not about to shy off any time soon. Here are 20 foreign made pickups that are actually better than domestic pickups.
20 Honda Ridgeline
To survive in a market where it faces competition from the likes of Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline came into the market in style. It came with excellent towing, camping, community, tailgating and road-tripping abilities. What differentiates the Ridgeline from its competitors is the fact that it isn’t a typical truck,just by looking at its unibody design. The truck doesn’t offer a beefy frame nor traditional 4-wheel drive equipment (which today is an optional feature), Car and Driver notes.
These features allow the truck to provide superior efficiency and top of class refinement.
The four-door truck is powered by a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and rides on an independent suspension. The RT trim is fitted with four-wheel drive while the other trims which include Sport, RTL and RTL-T comes with all-wheel drive.
19 Nissan Titan
Want to try something new with the foreign trucks? The Nissan Titan is your best bet. It comes with features that will make you think twice before you go for its domestic competitors such as Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra. Titan’s midnight editions, Motortrend says, has dark inserts on the grille, black fog light surrounding, dark headlights, black midnight edition badges, black exterior badges and 20-inch black-finished alloy wheels. The full truck comes with three cab styles and either rear, or all-wheel drive. It is only the Platinum that has rear-seat entertainment system. Under its hood is a 390-hp, 394 lb-ft 5.6-liter V-8 engine paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
18 Toyota Tacoma
If you are the kind of guy interested in a truck with both excellent utility and off-road ability, the Toyota Tacoma should be among your first choices. Tacoma is submissive to various tasks and also provides an excellent trail-busting capability.
To function well off-roads, Tacoma is fitted with knobby tires, advanced suspension and off-road driving aids.
The luxurious trims of Tacoma feature a lifted stance that creates a high step-in height together with quiet unusual seating position. The truck's interior is properly laid out with easily understood and effective controls, and the cabin is also spacious for folks with average height, Edmunds notes. Some of the domestic trucks that should advance their game with the introduction of Tacoma include Chevrolet Colorado and Chevy Silverado full-size truck.
17 Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundra comes at a base price of about $32,715, a value which matches its qualities and performance. This truck, according to Car and Driver, features standard active-safety features as well as a spacious interior and an excellent off-road ability. Its powertrains include V-8 engines: standard 4.6-litre V8 and optional 5.7-liter that makes 401lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic and either a rear or all-wheel-drive. Tundra’s spacious interior allows for a comfortable ride though it is flooded lacklustre quality and improved designs. The truck features some updated qualities which include relevant safety features. Tundra comes in various trims which include SR5 and CrewMax cab (known for its spacious rear seats).
16 Nissan Frontier
Nissan Frontier is a mid-size pickup truck that boasts of being a durable workhorse. The Frontier, according to Car and Driver, comes with an extended plus crew cab style, with optional engines which include a standard 152-hp inline-four mated with five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic, or a 261-hp V-6 that produces 281 lb-ft of torque paired with the same automatic or six-speed manual.
For better off-roading ability, the truck has bigger tires and upgraded shocks on Desert Runner and Pro-4x trims.
This truck has standard pick-up capabilities which include towing, hauling and off-roading but can’t compete with more advanced features. Other standard features within the truck include air conditioning, cruise control, backup camera control and 5.0-inch non-touch colour display with Bluetooth connectivity.
15 Suzuki Equator (2012)
Choosing the Suzuki Equator truck over domestic trucks within its class won’t be a bad idea considering the fact that it is a great vehicle with great features and performance. It is powered by either a four-cylinder engine or a V6 which is produces a strong acceleration. The four-cylinder engine is mated with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, while the V6 engine is paired to a standard automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine takes in 17/22 mpg on city/highway while the V6 model takes in 15/20mpg. According to US News, the Equator’s interior is fitted with cheap-looking, hard plastic materials but has intuitive climate and audio controls. The standard features in this truck include which include power windows, power-adjustable mirrors, air conditioning, and cruise control.
14 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner
From the name PreRunner, you would definitely guess what this truck is all about. The name is said to have originated from desert rallying meaning that drivers of the truck check literally the routes they are to drive on, same as those of the race. The 2015 model of this pickup comes with 2 wheel drive despite the fact it has the features of all-drive-wheels.
Toyota Tacoma PreRunner is powered by a 2.7-Liter four-cylinder engines that takes in 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on highway.
According to Carmax, this truck’s bed can carry up to 1360 lbs of payload. The four door pickup truck has a carrying capacity of five, with an interior that features an entertainment system fitted with Entune, besides being Bluetooth compatible.
13 Mitsubishi L200
This Japanese truck will definitely give domestic trucks a run for their money. It features a new 2.4-Liter MIVEC diesel engine that produce 178hp and 430 Nm of torque together with a respectable turn of speed. For the engine to produce an edge of performance and efficiency, Autoexpress notes, it is fitted with variable valve timing, common-rail injection and aluminium construction. The truck features an all-wheel drive setting though some apply it as a part time setting on many occasions. The higher-powered engine sprints from 0-62 mph in 10.4 seconds, while its lower powered engine comes up in 12.2 seconds. The engine takes in an average of 34mpg, but what makes the L200 ahead of the rest in its class is its tightest turning circle. L200 is rated to tow 3.1 tonnes and is considered to be a hardworking truck.
12 Fiat Fullback
The Fiat Fullback has attracted the attention of many across the globe from its performance to styling, and finally its design. It enters the market facing competing from Nissan Navara, VW Amarok, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 and even the local updated Ford Ranger. To play fairly in the market, Autoexpress notes that the Fullback has a 148hp 2.4-liter diesel engine, air-con, cruise control, DAB radio, hill holds and LED DRLs. This truck shares some of the high-tech features found in the Mitsubishi L200 which include common-rail turbodiesel engine that comes with two power options that is 148hp or 178hp. The power variants have different fuel consumptions with 148hp powertrain has 44.2mpg with CO2 emission of 169g/km while the 178 hp has 42.2mpg with 173g/km.
11 Nissan Navara
Nissan Navara, Motoring notes, would be one of the best alternatives for domestic trucks what with its strong features both in the interior and the exterior. The truck features a revised coil-sprung rear-end together with a fast gear ratio for the rack and pinion steering. The interior has a neat presentation, single USB input but with no Android Auto or Apple Carplay connection, and adequate storage. The driver is greeted with a rake-adjustable steering on the front, and for a more comfortable ride, the truck also features a rear vent, power-sliding rear window that allow better ventilation.
For the all-drive-wheel models Navara come with hill descent control and hill start assist.
Safety features in the truck include seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking and crash safety performance.
10 Renault Alaskan
Ranger and Ford must have been green with envy when the Renault Alaskan stepped on the scene. Besides its tough-looking exterior and interior designs, Renault's maximum price of about $40,000 will drive you straight to it. The truck has comprehensive features together with powertrain options, with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that features direct and port fuel injection, Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles. The engine, Topspeed notes, produces 278 horsepower and 265 of torque, but it has another engine available including a 160-hp, 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder. This truck comes with both 2WD and 4WD (this model allows the drivers negotiate difficult terrains with ease). All the engines available are mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission.
9 Toyota Hilux
Toyota Hilux has all the reasons to be chosen and leave out its locally made competitors such as Ford Ranger and Holden Colorado trucks. The 2018 model of Hilux, according to Carsguide, features some tweaks and changes worth attracting attention.
The Hilux comes with various options which include 2WD or 4WD models and various trims that include single-cab, extra-cab and double-cab.
Within the truck are a cluster standard features that add up to its styling, including a hard-top tray cover, rear step bumper for easy climbing, bigger wheels, and LED headlights. The truck has a SUV-like cabin fitted with touchscreen multimedia infotainment system that is easy to use, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring. Other features that every Hilux truck comes with include ice-cold air conditioning, electric windows, power steering and cruise control.
8 Mercedes X-Class
Just the name Mercedes, already speaks volumes about what the X-Class is all about. The German automakers are known for producing top of range luxurious vehicles fitted with some of the best modern technologies and according to Test Driven, the X-class is described as a world first premium pickup truck. The truck offers an excellent ride together with better handling compared to its competitors, qualities enabled by the presence of its Mercedes-tuned all-coil suspension. The X-Class comes with 187hp 332 lb-ft 2.3-liter diesel inline-four engine which is similar to that of a Nissan. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual which is standard and optional all-wheel-drive system. The truck's engine is considered refined and also economical.
7 Volkswagen Amarok
It would be quite odd for Volkswagen Amarok to miss on this list of foreign trucks, because its size, styling and performance are exceptional. Its power is not to be left out, in fact, Motoring says the Amarok has been described as a powerful ute. Compared to its competitors within the same class, Amarok’s 165 kW/550Nm is 33kW is more powerful. This truck has adequate leg room thanks to its broad front passenger oriented cabin and well-proportioned tray.
The issue with the truck is its smaller back row which will require the front seat to be pushed forward for more space behind.
The other concern about this truck is that it lacks rear airbags. With competition from rivals such as Mercedes Benz X-Class and Ford Ranger, the Amarok has been upgraded to include a full suite of airbags and drivers aids that includes autonomous emergency brake.
6 Isuzu D-Max
The improved Isuzu D-Max has been fitted with some few adjustments both inside and outside. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter diesel engine that provides more power compared to a Toyota Hilux, but slower than the Toyota, and at the same time it feels underpowered and raucous while it is being driven, Test Driven notes. With all the improvement done on the truck, D-Max still lacks some features such as adjustable steering wheel and locking rear differentials. Despite the setbacks, the truck still offers a comfortable driving experience and safety and also works well for those that require off-roading and towing capabilities. D-Max is fitted with standard Trailer Sway Control which help in saving life, plus gels with electronic stability control to detect and correct trailer sway to prevent a nasty accident.
5 SsangYong Musso
With setbacks such as poor fuel economy, short load bed, and a vague ride, the SsangYong Musso has caught the eyes of many with what it has to offer. The Korean truck is also considered tough and provides great off-road ability with its four-wheel-drive mode. This truck shares some features with the SsangYong Rexton SUV like the underpinnings and engine, plus, under its hood is a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine that makes 179-hp, paired with either a six-speed manual, or automatic transmission. The power produced by the engine enables it to haul a 3,500 kg trailer. The interior has leather dotted around the dashboard and on the seat coverings with well-placed soft-touch plastics though some areas seem cheap and scratchy, Carbuyer notes.
4 Isuzu D-Max Arctic Truck AT35
This is a more refined Isuzu D-Max pick truck that is offered in two flavours: the extended cab, and the four-door double cab. It’s an off-road centric truck, as noted by TopGear, and, being a utilization consumer vehicle, it would explain its high price which is £7,000, much higher than standard trucks. This truck has looks like a working class charm and features some features some qualities that are honest to it. The truck is fitted with frowny lights, Liberty Walk-specs and balloon wheels. To come up with the gorgeous look, the AT35 has a suspended by 55mm and also fitted with Nokian Rotiva AT tyres all terrain tires thus make it 125mm higher than a standard truck.
The modification on the truck allows it to straddle huge boulders and attract steeper slopes.
For an excellent performance, this truck has a 2.5 litre 161hp 295lb ft twin turbo diesel engine that was brought out from standard cars.
3 Mitsubishi Triton
This doesn’t come as a shocker in this list, right? Mitsubishi has all the ingredients to be one of the major global players in the pickup truck market. One of the things that will make the truck amazing is its 10-year drivetrain warranty with a 5-year/130,000 km warranty. Triton is a simple truck having considerate levels of comfort and convenient qualities like comfort ergonomics, cruise control, reversing cameras and Smartphone/Apple Carplay, Driveline notes. Under the hood of the truck is a 2.4 135kW turbodiesel that provides enough energy for towing up to 3.1 tons of braked trailer. The power produced by the engines is said to enable the truck overtake without being over-endowed with power and stirs it with a little conscious. The engine is paired to a full time all-wheel-drive with a 5-speed gearbox.
2 2018 Nissan Titan XD
This 2018 Nissan Titan XD is one of the best trucks that are trying to find its place in the light and heavy duty segment. It is made of a bulky body, beefy frame and even a torquey diesel engine, Car and Driver notes. It performance and middling capacity isn’t as good as other light-duty trucks.
This truck is powered by a Cummins V-8 engine which has a litany of operational problems that are experienced in the long run.
Away from the negative issues, the XD offers supremely comfy seats together with cool cargo-bed options. After a series of modifications on the truck, the XD features dark exterior elements with unique badging for a sinister look. The truck comes in two packages: the crew-cab SV and SL models, with an optional diesel engine and all-wheel drive. The XD comes with various exterior colours such as Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic and extra-cost Pearl White.
1 Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan is a work of great engineering, mixing all modern, three-row crossovers into a single machine. This seven seat truck is a quite a good adventure for family use providing exotic comfort though it features a few rugged pretensions, Car and Driver notes. To acquire more strength, the pickup truck offers a a good value proposition together with flexible interior though its standings have been let down by the dated electronics and sloppy handling - qualities which make it elope in the background of its competitive segment. The available trims include base S which is fairly well equipped and SV that has additional features like keyless entry, push-button start with remote start, automatic headlights and eight-way power-adjustable drivers seats.
Sources: caranddriver.com, topgear.com, motoring.com.au, testdriven.co.uk, driveline.co.nz, carsguide.com.au, topspeed.com, autoexpress.co.uk, carmax.com, cars.usnews.com