Since the 1940s, when pickup trucks, like donkeys, were mere agricultural beasts of burden, they've grown to become more than just a farmer's helper to become a symbol during the Green Revolution of the late '60s. Back in the day, families that had trucks didn't need them anymore because of technological advancements that brought about large-scale operations, so fewer workers were needed, making individual farming more of a pastime than being for commercial purposes.
Pickup trucks have been and still are loved in the domestic market, most of them split in half with a cab and a bed, each with its own functions. And, while other car designs keep morphing into something new every time, the pickup truck design hardly does; in fact, it won't. They've always sat three people on the bench seat up front, and even with crew cabs that have four doors allowing for a seating of six people, plus extended caps meant for the youngsters or kids, the front bench will always remain the staple of the locally built truck, regardless. The big three, just like the front seat, remain the Chevy, Ford, and Chrysler. But, there's another set of three that are shaking up the local market: Nissan, Honda, and Toyota pickup trucks.
While the pickup truck in the domestic market is all about a feeling and trucks are known to bring work and amusement together in one vehicle, its symbolism will never really lose its value. But the reality of the matter remains: the competition is here, and we've listed just 20 of them that are giving local pickup trucks a run for their money!
20 Volkswagen Amarok
The entry of the Volkswagen Amarok definitely brought some stiff competition to the domestic pickup truck market, what with its relatively lower price and great features. The Amarok, in Inuit mythology, is a gigantic wolf that's said to like hunting alone as it stalks and devours its prey. We see why it's a competitor to domestic pickup trucks.
The truck has a 2-liter turbocharged TDI diesel engine, which comes in different states of tuning and top trims with an output of 309 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm.
It also features a redefined driving dynamic and 4motion all-wheel drive, plus its unique 8-speed automatic transmission that's absent in the N.A. midsize trucks.
19 Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup Truck
The Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup truck is a good off-road bully with a tough chassis and high ground clearance. The reintroduction of the Land Cruiser 70 series back into the market pours cold water on the domestic automakers since it's come with lots of goodies that are bound to steal the show. The much-celebrated truck is powered by a powerful 4.5-liter turbodiesel V8 engine that packs 265 hp and a 5-speed manual transmission. The truck also gives the driver a choice of the number of wheels he wants to drive with, plus features such as dual-mode automatic locking hubs, optional electric differential locks, and a winch that can be fixed on the front bumper from the company.
18 Mitsubishi Triton
Having been redesigned, the Mitsubishi Triton is now ready to compete against other domestic midsized pickup trucks in an adventure that no local company would like. The Triton, Autoguide says, was designed to rely on diesel power and, for that reason, it's powered by a small 2.4-liter turbocharged unit that produces about 320 lb-ft of torque. Its Exceed model is relatively low priced, going for about $48,000 before on-road costs. It also has some modern interior specs, which include heated leather seats, climate control, a proximity key with button start, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
17 Land Rover Defender Crew Cab Pickup
It's possible to have your Land Rover Defender whatever way you like, from a canvas-roofed pickup to a metal-sided vehicle, as this truck combines ruggedness with luxury. The one pictured is the new Kahn Land Rover Defender Double Cab Truck, which is a sight to behold. According to Highsnobiety, the "updated version of the classic SUV is the ultimate vehicle when it comes to off-roading."
It has a Volcanic Rock Satin paint job, dark-red leather seats, and a satin black roof for a luxurious feel.
Also included are a wider track and a two-inch lift on the suspension. The truck is powered by a 2.2 TDCI, 122 hp diesel mated with a manual transmission, which makes it great for off-roading.
16 Nissan Navara
Even before it was destined for the domestic market, the Nissan Navara must've attracted the attention of many around the world. The Navara features a 2.3 diesel engine that produces 330 lb-ft of torque transmitted either through a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. Having come to the market facing competition from domestic trucks such as the refreshed version of Ford Ranger, the Navara, Autoguide says, knew the task ahead of it — the fight for supremacy in the market. For this reason, the truck has been fitted with features such as a modified chassis and 4WD from the second-generation Navara, together with other new features.
15 Holden Ute
This rear-wheel-drive pickup is powered by a 6-liter V8 engine mated with a six-speed manual transmission, producing about 362 hp at 6,500 rpm, Autoweek says. It's one of the most admired pickup trucks that the local market would love to have and is filled with technology you can find in a BMW or a Lexus, such as Bluetooth, esight-sensor Ultrasonic park assist and reverse traffic alert. Other cool features are its 18-inch wheels, sports front bucket seats, 8-inch touchscreen, iPod connectivity, and MyLink infotainment system. The truck can tow up to 3,520 pounds and comes in two additional versions besides the Ute SS, such as the range-topping SS-V Redline that has a sportier all-around trim. There's also the HSV Maloo R8 Ute that packs 455 hp besides its swanky styling package.
14 Mercedes Pickup
By 2010, this car was still at the concept stage, and production for the same hadn't even started. Yet, local automakers, Autoguide says, were probably going like, “To be safe, we have to up our game before this beast gets into the market.” From the concept's image, the Mercedes Small pickup was going to steal the show from the midsize pickups due to its stylish design. After the success of and the competition from German’s Sprinter large van, people anticipate that the Small pickup will be not only luxurious but also well done in all aspects.
The German company has confirmed its production, and most people are just waiting for it to enter various world markets, an event that doesn’t sound good for competitors.
By 2017, the truck was in the market with the motto "The best or nothing,” following years of intensive market research and development, to finally deliver the new Mercedes X-class pickup truck.
13 HSV Maloo
Australia has provided the world market with the HSV Maloo that features a variety of GM V8 engines giving it enough energy to haul all-seating room furniture without a strain and at a high speed, Autoguide reports. This truck holds a world record for being the fastest UTE with a top speed of 168 mph, a thriller powered by a 6.2-liter, supercharged LSA V8 engine that produces 410 kW of power and 691 Nm of torque, making it a machine that makes the heart pound. The standard features within the truck include AP ventilated discs with forged 4-piston calipers, projector headlamps, HVS quad exhaust outlets, an HVS Performance body design that includes a subtle front fascia splitter.
12 Toyota Hilux
The Hilux has a reputation of providing great performance in different terrains, and Jalopnik says it's been indicated to be the first truck to reach the North Pole and go through a volcano. The pickup truck consists of 4 by 2 and 4 by 4 models with options such as the single-cab, extra-cab, and double-cab being available. The truck features bigger wheels, LED headlights, and some bling by way of a chrome sport bar and side steps. The interior is gorgeous with more advanced features such as a rear seat air vent and touchscreen, among others, plus reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel, which makes it a threat to its competitors.
11 Toyota Tundra TRD Supercharged
With the introduction of the Toyota Tundra TRD Supercharged pickup truck, the domestic truck dealers must've felt threatened. The designer of this truck thought well to bring in a muscle-truck idea, which is quite unique. According to Car and Driver, the pickup's features provide nose-heavy weight distributions, work-class suspension, a high center of gravity, and speedy traveling.
The truck isn’t a sports car despite the fact it has additional power, but that's just meant to keep its strong masculinity going.
This truck is more expensive but less practical than other standard pickups, and its high-drama handling in rough weather is made possible by the tap-dancing solid-axle rears, what Car and Driver says is 'like driving a ballistic building.'
10 2017 Nissan Titan King Cab
The Nissan Titan King Cab has all the qualities that'll make local truck dealers consider it a serious threat to their market. It isn’t that expensive, with a base price of $35,975, which will attract more customers compared to the expensive locally made trucks. The truck features the same cabin and headlamps as those of the Titan XD, though it has different body panels, chassis, and suspension components. Its styling was inspired by XD having a blocky, chrome-laden grille, bulging front fenders, and lightly sculpted body sides. The interior features a dashboard peppered with buttons and logically placed controls, plus a reconfigured digital display, which shows vehicle information such as tire pressure and fuel economy.
9 2017 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Cab
With the introduction of foreign trucks from countries such as Japan, Germany, and others, consumers in the domestic market have some difficult choices to make when they compare buying a locally made truck model to purchasing a foreign, cheaper, and sometimes stronger make. This Japanese Toyota Tundra CrewMax Cab, according to Edmunds, has a powerful V-8 engine that produces 381 horsepower with a fuel tank capacity of 38 gallons. The vehicle also has off-roading features, which include the 20-inch wheels and a TRD off-road package, and it's an all-wheel-drive truck. The interior consists of a navigation system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and ventilated front seats, which allow for a more comfortable ride.
8 2017 Honda Ridgeline Crew Cab
This pickup truck comes at an affordable price ranging from $29,475 - $42,870, but price alone isn't what makes it a threat to the locally made trucks within its class. Granted, some may argue that the Honda Ridgeline lacks the low-range gearing and underbody of a typical truck, but, it has some positive attributes, which Edmunds notes in its review, such as a maddening touchscreen audio and navigation interface and an independent rear suspension that allows for superior ride and handling. The truck also has a unique two-way tailgate, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that provides multi-surface traction, and a spacious crew cab, which is comfortable and handsomely finished.
7 2013 Toyota Tacoma
With the exception of its features, the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most reliable trucks in the auto industry, scoring 4.5 out of 5 in JD Power's reliability ratings. Backed by a great reputation, the Tacoma has every right to be a serious competitor to other U.S. trucks of the same class.
The Tacoma also scores four stars out five in terms of safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
US News also reports that the truck's fuel economy ratings of 16-21 mpg in the city and 18-25 mpg on the highway are efficient, though it depends on the model, but it also has some cool features inside like air conditioning, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB port, and an off-road package such as Bilstein shocks, 16-inch alloy wheels mounted on wider tires for better grip, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control.
6 2012 Suzuki Equator Crew Cab RMZ-4
Not much is known by consumers about the Suzuki Equator, and it can be easily confused with the Nissan Frontier because both have almost the same exterior body lines. What makes it different from the Frontier, though, is its more substantial horizontal front grille, rounder headlights, restyled sheet metal, and its insignia on the tailgate, notes Motortrend. The Equator offers an enjoyable ride both on and off the road. The four-wheel-drive truck is powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 engine coupled with a five-speed transmission, producing 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The truck comes up from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and runs a complete 16.0 seconds at 86.9 mph in the quarter mile.
5 Subaru Baja Turbo
It'll be difficult to say that the Subaru Baja Turbo has the best design, but according to Car and Driver, it looks like it's "walked out of a public bathroom with a long stretch of toilet paper stuck to the bottom of its shoes" - lol! The truck is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine mated with a five-speed manual transmission that produces 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Its heavy weight of about 3,751 pounds makes it less quick and comes down from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, but it's much faster than its competitors. For off-roading abilities, the Subaru has its ground clearance increased slightly more than 8.4 inches, which has affected the car’s skidpad and braking performance.
4 2010 Nissan Frontier
If you thought the US is the only place in the world that produces some of the world's best trucks, then you got it wrong because there are much better trucks like this 2010 Nissan Frontier to disprove it.
The Frontier has an excellent off-roading ability and high towing capacity, thanks to its ability to offer both capability and dependability combined.
The 2010 Frontier model boasts a refined ride and smooth engine choices and is powered by a four-cylinder V6 engine, which comes mated with either a manual or an automatic transmission, transferring power to the rear wheel or all four wheels. Compared to the Toyota Tacoma, the Frontier has the worst fuel economy rated at 17 mpg for the city and 22 on mpg for highway, whereas compared to the Hummer H3T, the Frontier hauls much better and tows up to 6,500 pounds, US News reports.
3 2006 Isuzu i-350 crew cab
Isuzu is known for being a heavy commercial vehicle with a stout diesel engine, but the Isuzu i-350 crew cab is a mid-sized pickup that competes with the U.S. Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon. Motorweek says the "Louisiana-assembled i-Series are real trucks, built with a separate body on a stout ladder-type frame," with a wheelbase of about 125.9 inches. It's powered by a 3.5-liter dual overhead-Cam inline 5-cylinder engine that makes 220 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The I-350 comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission with standard shift-on-the-fly part-time 4-wheel-drive with low range, and it comes down from 0 to 60 mpg in 9.3 seconds, completing a quarter mile in 17 seconds at 84 mph.
2 1994 Mazda B Series B3000 4x2 Regular Cab
This truck is impeccable from its low base price of about $ 11,855 to its performance, style, and fuel economy. The truck, according to Cars Direct, is powered by a 3.0l V-6 engine that makes 140 horsepower and 160 ft-lb and is either mated with a 5-speed manual w/OD transmission or a 4-speed automatic w/OD transmission. The truck is quite generous with its fuel economy, which is at 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, and it doesn't slack on comfort and convenience with features like a passenger vanity mirror, glove box, dome light, partial floor console, and dual door bins, among others.
1 2006 Mitsubishi Raider
Though the Mitsubishi Raider looks like a mid-sized pickup, a Detroit-based platform was used to come up with its unique design.
Its interior isn’t that complex but has been praised for its simplicity, space, and amazing layout.
It features a more direct dashboard with few features and a front bench seat that can only accommodate a maximum of three adults. Under the hood is a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 210 horsepower, but Car Gurus says a 4.7-liter V8 engine with 235 hp is also available. The V8 engine runs on regular fuel and is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 engine is mated with six-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
Sources: jalopnik.com, caranddriver.com, autoguide.com, motortrend.com