autoMedia Auto News Blog : Pickup trucks

Ford Ranger, Ka Not Coming to America

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:50:00 GMT

Ford CEO Alan Mulally told Automotive News recently that the company would not be importing its global Ford Ranger pickup truck and Ka minicar into the United States, as previously thought. The Ranger built in Thailand, and sold throughout the world, is different and significantly newer than the model sold here, which has roots back to the 1990s. The Ka is considered too small for our market. Unstated, the Ka may also be too inexpensive to be profitable given transportation costs and exchange rates. Word of the Ranger not coming hurts. The current model is due to be phased out in 2011, and this news suggests there is no imminent replacement. The American Ranger fits an increasingly important niche beneath the full-size truck category, but it feels decidedly long in the tooth. An updated model design to from the onset to deliver significantly improved fuel economy could likely find its place. (Read our Ford Ranger review .) That may still be in the cards, though sourced locally. Pickuptrucks.com has reported that the long-speculated F-100 project may live on. Past rumors have suggested it would be a lightened F-150, though more likely it would be an unique design built for lighter-duty...(read more)

Pricing: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty – Better, Cheaper

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:54:00 GMT

Breaking with auto industry tradition, the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickup trucks are not just better than the outgoing 2009 models, but they are cheaper. The 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 regular cab ST 4x2 with an 8-foot bed starts at $28,165 (including $950 destination) or $1,970 lower than 2009 model it replaces. The crew cab model is priced at $31,415, and the Mega Cab begins at $36,865. Five trims are offered for 2010: ST, SLT, TRX, Power Wagon, and Laramie. Beneath the sleeker sheetmetal for the new model year, the freshened Ram boasts a number of mechanical enhancements and more feature content, making it a stronger workhorse. Special attention was given to the towing capability, with the diesel versions benefiting from standard exhaust braking. An available integrated trailer brake control provides better driver control when towing. Trailer brake control information is conveniently displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) that is standard on diesel models and available on gas SLT, TRX, and Laramie models. Larger 7x11-inch trailer-tow mirrors have integrated turn signals, memory function, and puddle lamps. The base engine a 5.7-liter, 383-horsepower Hemi V-8. For...(read more)

Preview: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:54:00 GMT

The mighty Ford F-Series Super Duty is significantly updated for 2011, with a meaner grille, more potent powertrains, and stronger work credentials. (Read our latest Ford Super Duty pickup review.)

Behind that imposing grille is a choice of two new engines, a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine and 6.2-liter SOHC V-8 gasoline engine. The diesel is Ford-designed, engineered, and built. Both engines are teamed with an all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection. This transmission marks the first application of Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) in a Super Duty-class vehicle. When so equipped, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers, or dump trucks. The power is available any time the engine is running.

Ford has not released output figures yet, but the automaker is pounding its chest and citing improved towing capacity and fuel economy. This pronouncement is key, as Dodge has taken off the kid gloves with its own claims. Previously, Dodge sandbagged the published Ram capabilities, as the company used a more challenging tow test than its competitors for its ratings.

The Super Duty trucks also promise an improved ride, enhanced Work Solutions, and interior refinements for the new model year. (Learn more about Ford Works Solutions.)

Read about the 2009 F-Series Super Duty Harley-Davidson.

Also see our 2008 Ford Super Duty review. Research Ford in the new car buyer's guide.

What’s New for Chrysler in 2010?

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:30:00 GMT

Not much in the way of new product. Remember, the company is rapidly reinventing itself, now that it has purged billions in so-called bad assets and almost 800 dealerships, leaving a leaner Chrysler Group to develop a revised product portfolio with its new corporate partner Fiat. (Read: "Like a Phoenix, New Chrysler Group LLC Rises.")

For the imminent future, there simply isn’t much happening. The products are largely in a holding pattern for another model year. However, if you look closely, there are numerous refinements that should make the vehicles more satisfying to own than before, though not the kind of breakthrough changes that are likely to spark showroom traffic. Below are the highlights of the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep product updates for the 2010 model year.

We have already blogged on the notable update to Dodge Caliber’s interior. Most other vehicles that receive any update for the new model year are given a light touch. The one exception is the 2010 Dodge Ram heavy-duty pickups to be offered for the first time in a true crew-cab configuration, complimenting the regular and mega cab. All heavy-duty trucks are distinguished from their light-duty brethren by a unique grille, hood, and bumpers. Refinements throughout promise reduced noise, and the cabin boasts more storage locations. The Ram sees its various tow and capacity ratings increased, though these reflect more a change in how Dodge chooses to make its claims, more closely matching the competition, than representing engineering changes. The powerplants for the heavy-duty trucks include the venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel. Chassis cab 3500, 4500, and 5500 Rams will be available for 2011.

The Ram Power Wagon returns, with electric-locking front and rear differentials, electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tires, underbody skid-plate protection, 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing, and a custom-built Warn 12,000-lb. winch is accessible through the front bumper. The exterior has been enhanced with a new two-tone paint scheme and graphics package.

Fuel economy tweaks are made on several models, including the light-duty Ram, Dodge Nitro, and Jeep Liberty. These models now have a fuel cut off indicated by an “Eco” light activated during deceleration. Other vehicles, including Jeeps, have had this feature previously. The Nitro and Liberty have some detail updates to their various trims, such as materials updates and larger, standard floor mats.

The Jeep Wrangler receives a long list of minor updates that should add appeal to the legendary rock crawler. On all models fog lamps, tow hooks, compass, outside temperature readout, larger visors, fuel-saver indicator, and front dome lamp are standard. The Sunrider soft-top has been made easier to install. Other changes depend on the trim and options, with changes such as uplevel seating surfaces, new colors, new wheels, and the addition of Uconnect Phone added to the navigation system.

The 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee in its final year sees the model line simplified to the Laredo and Limited trims, dropping the Overland. An all-new, larger Grand Cherokee will be introduced for the 2011 model year based on the Mercedes-Benz ML platform.

The Chrysler Sebring convertible and sedan has a minor exterior freshening with a new hood and wheels. Inside, the cars receive a new instrument panel and active head restraints.

And the PT Cruiser lives on for another year, despite its planned discontinuation. There is a new Classic trim that bundles popular features in a value package.

Even the Chrysler 300 receives minor updates, with the 300C now claiming keyless entry/keyless go and rear park assist as standard. Side-curtain air bags are standard on all models. An all-new 300 is expected for the 2011 model year.

The Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans now have active head rests and rear obstacle detection on all models.

The Dodge Journey gains the “eco” feature also added to the Nitro, seeing highway fuel economy increase 1 mpg on the highway with the V-6 model. Active head restraints are standard on all trims, as well we four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Those models with a video entertainment system now have a larger, nine-inch screen.

The Dodge Challenger adds even more performance and excitement for 2010 with the Super Track Pack, includes 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires, front and rear Nivomat self-leveling shock-absorbers, a larger rear stabilizer bar, a 3.06 rear-axle ratio, performance brake linings, and enthusiast-desired “ESP-off” stability calibration. A less extreme nostalgia trip can be taken with the SE Rallye package featuring a dramatic stripe package alternative to the R/T Classic with dual hood and decklid stripes, chromed fuel filler door, 18-inch rallye wheels with all-season performance tires, body-color deck-lid spoiler, and Micro Carbon interior accents.

And finally, the Dodge Viper lives on despite Chrysler’s previous efforts to sell it off. There are four new paint colors and tan Nappa upholstery to mark the new year.

So, while the engineers learn Italian and put together the pieces for what will be the new Chrysler going forward, these enhancements will have to see consumers and dealers through. Again, while there is little drama, the vehicles are more appealing than before.

GM to Halt Medium-Duty Truck Production

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:00:00 GMT

In a Twitter-scale press release today, General Motors announced the next casualty in its ongoing right-sizing effort since selling Hummer and Saturn:

After four years of working with multiple potential buyers, General Motors has decided to wind-down its medium-duty truck operations. Production of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium duty trucks will cease by July 31, 2009.

The shame is, GM had a tentative deal with Navistar International Corp. in 2007 that wasn’t finalized. CEO Fritz Henderson told media today that the medium-duty truck business hadn’t been profitable for years, making it a straightforward decision for a cash-strapped GM to purge. The employees will reportedly be reassign to other facilities or offered an attrition program, according to Automotive News.

Last year, GM sold about 20,000 medium-duty trucks, down from 30,000 the year prior. Ultimately, the General may see many prospective customers turn to the heavy-duty pickup trucks, or even their full-sized hybrid trucks, as the commercial market looks to right-size its fleet, as well.

Pricing: 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor

admin — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:49:00 GMT

The dirt-loving 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor will reportedly be priced about $3,000 above a comparably equipped F-150 FX4, according to pickuptruck.com. Starting at about $39,000, the Raptor features a distinctive, wide-stance exterior and hardware upgrades to tackle serious off-road challenges. (Full, official pricing has not yet been announced.)

Noticeable differences between the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor first shown at SEMA and conventional F-150 include a distinctive grille that has the Ford name carved into it; front bumper, vented hood, front fascia and fenders, functional hood extractors, fender extractors with ‘SVT’ bored out, as well as visible FOX Racing Shox, the only internal bypass shocks available on a street truck. Side-to-side, the Raptor measure more than seven inches wider than the base F-150.

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is powered by 5.4-liter, 320-horsepower Triton V-8 three-valve engine. This proven powerplant will be joined by a larger, all-new 6.2-liter V-8 after launch.

An impressive machine, with a long roster of enhancements, the Raptor pushes the boundaries for appearance and performance. Read our complete rundown on the 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor pickup.

Read our 2009 Ford F-150 review. And see SEMA previews of Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Hummer H3, Kia Soul, Subaru Forester, and other project vehicles.

Chicago Auto Show: 2010 Toyota Tundra

admin — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:15:00 GMT

True to form, the 2009 Chicago Auto Show saw several trucks unveiled. Where LA favors green and Detroit future cars, Chicago has been host to work machines. Toyota rolled out the Tundra Platinum Package, a Value model, and the recently announced Work Truck.

The Platinum Package includes a new Limited grade billet-style grille with chrome bumpers, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and tires, daytime running lamps, door sill protectors with a Platinum logo, and Platinum badging. Inside, the top-of-the-line package adds a power memory function on the driver’s seat, outside power mirrors and puddle lamps, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Also included in the Platinum Package is a power tilt and slide moonroof, navigation system, ventilated seats with a unique perforated leather seating surface, wood trimmed shift knob and door switch plates, auto up/down driver and front passenger windows, chrome accented HVAC vents and controls, and headrests with an embroidered Platinum logo. It will be available in four exterior colors that include Black, Silver, Slate, and Salsa Red.

Aimed at commercial truck buyers, the Tundra Work Truck Package is a no-frills truck to be offered in several configurations. It will be available as a Regular and four-door Double Cab model in standard and long bed configurations and set up in 4x2 and 4x4. It will be available with a V6 or one of two V8 engines including Tundra’s powerful 381 horsepower 5.7-liter i-Force V8, with a towing capability of up to 10,800 pounds. On the outside, the Tundra work truck Package will include black bumpers and grille surround, replacing chrome. Power mirrors are replaced by manual outside rearview mirrors. Tundra models equipped with the work truck are expected to carry a price adjustment that will range from $550 to $655 less than the truck’s standard MSRP, depending on the model.

Beyond these two trucks, all Tundras receive a minor freshening for the new model year. The 2010s will be distinguished by a redesigned front grille and taillamp design. (I did say minor...) Additional standard equipment on all Tundra models include driver and front passenger knee airbags, height-adjustable headlamps, and a redesigned seven-pin towing hitch connector that sits above the hitch to help avoid damage during high departure angle driving. Two new optional audio systems supplement the three existing systems, adding high-tech features such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB inputs, and satellite radio.

Toyota will also introduce a new 4.6-liter V8 engine for the new model year. An alternative to the mighty 5.7-liter V-8, the 4.6L produces 310 horsepower, 327 lb-ft. of torque, and it is estimated to deliver 15 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway. The new V-8 is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.

While the even the popular pickup truck segment is shrinking, Toyota is effectively broadening its Tundra lineup and adding appeal.

Pricing for the 2010 Tundra will be announced closer to its launch in April.

Read our Tundra Work Truck preview and last Toyota Tundra review. Research Toyota in our 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Pickup Truck Crash Tests – Not All Trucks Created Equal

admin — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:27:00 GMT

Pickup trucks are engineered to tackle serious work chores, but test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that not all provide good, or even marginal, protection in side impacts. The IIHS recently tested crew-cab pickup trucks and found shortcomings with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, and Nissan Titan. (Learn about the IIHS and government crash tests.)

“The size, weight, and height of these large pickups should help them ace the side tests just like the other large pickups we’ve tested. Not these three,” says Institute senior vice president David Zuby. “They perform worse than many cars we’ve evaluated.”

The Silverado, Ram, and Titan should have an advantage in side crash tests over smaller vehicles, not just because of their size and weight but also because the dummies’ higher seating positions put their heads and shoulders above the striking barrier. Occupants of cars, for instance, are more vulnerable because their bodies are in line with the fronts of vehicles, especially tall ones, which might hit them in the side.

“These large pickups don’t have to work as hard as smaller vehicles do to protect their occupants. Even with their characteristic advantages, the Ram, Titan, and Silverado still miss the mark when it comes to occupant protection in side crashes,” Zuby says.

With the Silverado, IIHS attributes the results to a combination of a poor side structure plus the
lack of side torso airbags. The truck’s optional side curtain airbags are designed to protect occupants’ heads, and these worked well. But occupants’ upper bodies remain unprotected even with the optional side curtains.

In contrast, the Ram and Titan’s side structures are designed to better limit intrusion. The Ram’s side structure/safety cage earns a good rating, while the Titan’s earns acceptable marks. The Ram has standard head-protecting side curtain airbags but not torso airbags. Both curtain and side torso bags are optional in the Titan. Adding torso airbags might improve the Ram’s side
protection.

IIHS Pickup Truck Crash Test Results

Shown in rank order of ratings. Click names to research further.

Honda Ridgeline
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front and side: 2006-09 models
Rear: 2009 models

Ford F-150
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2009 models.

Toyota Tundra
Front: Good
Side: Good
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2009 models.

Dodge Ram 1500
Front: Good
Side: Marginal
Rear: Good
Front and rear head-curtain airbags.
Front and rear: 2009 models
Side: 2009 models (mfg. after September 2008)

Nissan Titan
Front: Good
Side: Marginal
Rear: Acceptable
Optional front and rear head-curtain airbags and front torso airbags.
Front and side: 2004-09 models
Rear: 2005-09 models

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500
Front: Good
Side: Poor
Rear: Acceptable
Optional front and rear head-curtain airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2009 models.

Nissan Titan
Front: Good
Side: Poor
Rear: Acceptable
Without optional side airbags.
Front and side: 2004-09 models
Rear: 2005-09 models

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500
Front: Good
Side: Poor
Rear: Acceptable
Without optional side airbags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2009 models.

Learn more about car safety from our DriveSmart articles.

Chicago Auto Show: 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

admin — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:42:00 GMT

At the Chicago Auto Show, Ford will roll out its 14th truck collaboration with Harley-Davidson, a rich-looking F-150. More attractive than several Harley editions through the years, the 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 features a dramatic front fascia and six-bar shaped billet-style grille, a deployable running board, brand badging, and massive 22-inch wheels. The most striking element is the available Lava paint, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake. It is also available in black.

The interior design was inspired by a Harley-Davidson jacket, from the materials to the hand-tailored details. Zippers, snaps, and leather are used throughout, ensuring that biker will feel right at home in the well-appointed cabin.

Pricing and other details will be released closer to the truck’s on-sale date.

Read our 2009 Ford F-150 review, and research the F-150 in the 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Sneak Peek: 2010 Ford Ranger Pickup Truck

admin — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:08:00 GMT

With those consumers who are buying new vehicles focused on smaller, more fuel-efficient models, it seems wise for Ford to continue to improve its Ranger pickup truck. The current generation was introduced over a decade ago, but it soldiers on with largely safety improvements for the 2010 model year.

On sale this summer, the 2010 Ford Ranger adds standard side airbags designed for head and torso protection. In addition, the Ranger will also pack as standard equipment electronic stability control and “roll stability control” to help keep the truck on the road and shiny side up.

An alternative to full-sized trucks, such as the redesigned Ford -150, the Ranger is EPA rated for 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the 2.3-liter I-4 engine.

Read our most-recent Ford Ranger review, and research the Ranger in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.

AUTO SHOW: Kia Soul’ster Open-Air Concept

Editor — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:57:00 GMT

It’s cold outside Cobo Center, home of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan, but Kia’s Soul’r Yellow open-air concept vehicle—Soul’ster—radiated a lot of excitement at its debut. Based on the upcoming, unconventionally designed Kia Soul crossover, the Soul’ster is a two-door, four-seat convertible with a funky, hip attitude and LED headlamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, 19-inch wheels, non-floor-mounted “cantilevered” seats that when viewed from the side look like they’re suspended in air, tons of storage and a choice of possibly up to four engines, including a turbodiesel. “Soul’ster delivers something new, intriguing and relevant to today’s buyers—a fun, affordable convertible for active people who like to share good times with friends,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, KMA.

AUTO SHOW: Ford F-150, Hyundai Genesis Win 2009 Truck, Car of the Year

Editor — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:42:00 GMT

North America Car and Truck of the Year Awards for 2009 go to the all-new Hyundai Genesis and the completely reworked Ford F-150, it was announced today at the press introduction of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

To win the coveted honors, vehicles have to be completely new or substantially revised. A jury of 50 independent automotive journalists across the U.S. and Canada began the selection process by testing every new car and truck introduced this last year. Next they assigned a points-value to vehicles that, according to the rules of the judging, “set new benchmarks in the classes in which they compete. Jurors evaluate the vehicles on factors including value for the dollar, innovation, handling, performance, safety and driver satisfaction.”

Finalists in the Car of the Year category included Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis, and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec, Dodge Ram, and Ford F-150 were finalists for Truck of the Year honors.

The Genesis makes history as the first Korean-made automobile to receive the prestigious award. The Genesis is a rear-wheel-drive four-door sedan offered with a 3.6-liter V6 or Hyundai’s all-new and first-ever V8, a 4.6-liter that produces 375 horsepower. The combination of performance, safety features, luxury amenities and design elements rivals that of other similarly equipped and built sedans costing thousands of dollars more.

Like the Hyundai Genesis, value isn’t the only attribute that earned the 2009 Ford F-150 Truck of the Year kudos. It’s officially America’s safest full-size pickup truck, having earned a 5-star frontal and side-impact rating in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests and “Top Safety Pick” honors from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). To complement its safety technologies, the new F-150 is more aerodynamically designed for greater fuel efficiency. Ford says, “For trucks equipped with the 5.4-liter V-8 engine, fuel economy improves by as much as 12 percent. At the same time, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds—a combination no other competitor can match.

Read the complete reviews of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis and 2009 Ford F-150 as well as detailed buying information in the Hyundai and Ford new vehicle buyer’s guides.

RIP – Pontiac G8 ST Sport Truck

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:13:00 GMT

As General Motors aggressively recasts its production plans, the Pontiac G8 ST Sport Truck was revealed to be the latest casualty. Billed as a 21st-century El Camino, the G8 sedan-based trucklet promised to be a fun, sporting variation on a nostalgic theme. But, as GM reportedly explained to dealers, the niche vehicle doesn’t fit with their vision for the Pontiac brand. Presumably, that vision includes profitability and launching a small volume, pricey model imported from Australian just doesn’t add up in today’s market.

At least we still have the refined, high-horsepower G8 sedan.

See our Pontiac G8 GT review. Research the Pontiac G8 in the new car buyer's guide.

Unveiled: 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck

admin — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:01:00 GMT

With the economy’s sharp left turn, automakers are looking to reorient their pickup trucks toward the core audience—commercial users—as suburbanites are turning away from such gas-guzzling behemoths as commuter vehicles. Toyota joins the movement with the debut of the Tundra Work Truck package at the recent 2009 San Diego Auto Show. (See our Tundra review.)

Like similar packages from domestic brands, the Tundra Work Truck Package is a no-frills machine built for a hard life on the job. The new Work Truck Package will be available on Tundra 4x2 and 4x4 regular and four-door Double Cab models in standard and long bed configurations. It will be available with a V-6 and two V-8 engines including Tundra’s powerful 381 horsepower 5.7-liter i-Force V8, with a towing capability of up to 10,800 pounds.

The proven formula is simple: Set up the work truck with only the features commercial truck buyers need to get the job done, enabling the truck to be sold at a lower price than a full-dressed model.

Visually distinctive, the Work Truck Packages replaces the chrome bumpers and grille with simple black, and the power mirrors are replaced by manual outside rearview mirrors.

Inside, the truck comes with easily washable vinyl bench seats and rubber floors. Tundra's standard silver instrument panel and HVAC controls are replaced by basic black and include voltage, oil pressure, and warning lamps in place of gauges. Lighting in the ignition key ring and the glove box are removed along with map and door courtesy lamps. The package also excludes cruise control and the remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

Tundras equipped with the Work Truck Package are expected to carry a discount that will range from $550 to $655 less than the truck's standard manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), depending on the model. (Yet, somehow, it feels like Toyota is shaving much more in cost from the vehicle.) We’ll see what the real cost benefits are when final pricing is announced closer to the spring 2009 on-sale date.

Read our last Toyota Tundra review. Research Toyota in our 2009 new car buyer's guide.

Pricing: 2009 Suzuki Equator

admin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:26:00 GMT

Suzuki will soon expand its product line with its own version of the Nissan Frontier, called Equator. This American-made compact pickup truck will start at $17,995 for the 2WD extended cab model with a four-cylinder engine and climb to $28,095 for the 4WD crew cab version.

The truck features a five-speed manual transmission for the Base and Comfort trim levels, combined with a 2.5-liter/152-horsepower four-cylinder. Stepping up to the Premium trim level brings a five-speed automatic, plus additional amenities. The Sport trim line adds a 4.0-liter/261-horsepower V-6 with five-speed automatic transmission.

The crew cab is available in both short (5 foot) and long (6 foot) bed configurations, perfect for sizing to a Suzuki bed toy. All crew cab models also include a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and a five-channel tie-down system to hold an ATV or dirt bike in place. The maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.

All told, consider this a Nissan Frontier with a slightly different, arguably more attractive, grille. Not a bad thing at all.

Research the Suzuki Equator in the 2009 new car buyer’s guide.Read our latest Nissan Frontier review.