Hot Pickup Trucks for 2005 and 2006
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At the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, Dodge unveiled a Mega Cab version of its full-size Ram pickup truck. Scheduled to go on sale in the fall, the Ram Mega Cab is called the largest in its segment, with a cab that's extended by 20 inches. Dodge claims the most second-row legroom, too: a total of 44 inches.
Ford has already created a concept truck that is thought to signal the next-generation Explorer Sport Trac, which probably won't appear until the 2007 model year. Ford's compact Ranger will likely get a freshening before that time. Other pickups, both domestic and import-brand, aren't expected to appear in redesigned form any sooner than the 2007 season.
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Only one brand-new pickup truck went on sale as the 2005 model year began. Rather than being an all-new entrant for 2005, the H2 SUT is an offshoot of Hummer's H2 sport utility vehicle.
Chevrolet and GMC also have new derivatives of existing models. New for 2004 for fleet buyers, consumer versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra can now be equipped with a new drivetrain that shuts off the engine when idling at a stoplight and starts it again as soon as you're ready to roll.
Two additional trucks debuted midseason, but both are officially 2006 models: the uniquely styled Honda Ridgeline and the luxury-oriented Lincoln Mark LT. Three pickups have been extensively redesigned for the 2005 model year: the Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.
Three key factors determine whether a pickup truck qualifies as notable:
To come up with a total of 10 notable selections, we had to consider two new pickup trucks that have been released as early 2006 models. Three of the notables are brand-new, though one is essentially a new body style.
2006 Honda Ridgeline: Shunning conventional design elements, Honda has come up with a pickup truck that strays substantially away from the conventional box-against-box profile. Because pickup truck buyers are notoriously tradition-minded, that's taking a risk, but it's one that might be worth taking in order to attract pickup shoppers who may not typically consider a foreign-brand truck. Not only is the Ridgeline's cargo box wholly integrated into the cab, but it's not even horizontal at the top. Instead, the box is topped by angled panels that are reminiscent of flying buttresses that decorated the rear ends of some sports cars of the past.
Innovations include an in-bed lockable trunk, a dual-action tailgate and cargo space under the flip-up rear seat. Honda claims the Ridgeline's torsional rigidity is 20 times stiffer than a traditional pickup's. All-wheel drive is standard, and the 3.5-liter V-6 produces 255 hp.
An independent rear suspension helps yield an excellent ride but road commotion can be transmitted to occupants on some surfaces. The refined, solid Ridgeline has a heavy feel overall but few traditional truck characteristics, apart from some engine noise while accelerating. Passing power isn't quite as strong as that of some conventional pickups, but the Ridgeline can tow a 5,000-pound trailer and haul cargo right up to its limit without a whimper. You hardly notice the load.
Hummer H2 SUT: Adding a short pickup bed to the rear of an existing SUV isn't a new idea, though when Hummer does it, the result definitely draws attention. Replacing the H2 SUV's rear cargo area, the pickup box is 34.7 inches long and 59 inches wide. Folding down the glass-windowed midgate and the rear seat adds more than 3 feet to the length of the cargo box.
A lockable hard tonneau cover and a rubber cargo-bed mat are available. Most specifications are identical to those of the H2 SUV, which is smaller than the military-derived Hummer H1 but still draws cries of anguish from opponents of oversized, gas-guzzling SUVs.
2006 Lincoln Mark LT: Aside from the short-lived and seldom-seen Blackwood, the Lincoln Mark LT is the automaker's first true entrant into the pickup truck segment.
Essentially a Ford F-Series crew cab beneath the surface, the Mark LT's design cues come from the Lincoln family of passenger cars and SUVs. Considerable amounts of chrome are used, including chrome-plated thick-spoke wheels that hold 18-inch tires. Equipped with a 300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8, the Mark LT has four doors and a full rear seat for five-passenger capacity. Interior touches include genuine Ebony wood accents and soft Nudo leather seating surfaces.
Each member of this trio has been reworked substantially, adding power and growing in size.
Dodge Dakota: "Bigger, bolder and tougher" is Dodge's description of its smaller pickup truck, which actually qualifies as a full-size model according to cars.com. A V-6 is standard, but the Dakota can be fitted with either of two V-8s, yielding up to 250+ hp and 300+ pounds-feet of torque. Club Cab and Quad Cab models are available; no regular cab is offered. Dakotas come with two- or four-wheel drive in three trim levels.
Because the V-6 is sluggish for passing, you might feel the need for a V-8. After a slight delay at start-up, the V-8 Dakota has steady power delivery. Performance with the high-output engine isn't appreciably quicker than with a regular V-8 despite the increased horsepower and torque. When pushed hard, its automatic transmission slams into the next gear.
Four-wheel-drive Dakotas ride with pleasant smoothness on good pavement. Rear occupants in the Quad Cab sit knees-up with minimal foot room.
Nissan Frontier: Larger inside and out, Nissan's redesigned compact pickup truck comes in both King Cab (extended-cab) and Crew Cab forms. The Frontier targets entry-level buyers and promises the innovation of Nissan's full-size Titan in a more affordable and manageable package. The Frontier's available Utili-Track system and spray-in bedliner were first used in the company's Titan.
A four-cylinder is the base power plant, but an available 4.0-liter V-6 generates 265 hp versus 180 hp for the regular V-6 in 2004 models. Maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. Rear- and four-wheel-drive models are available.
Toyota Tacoma: Moving into its eighth generation, Toyota's compact pickup rides a longer wheelbase and features a wider track. Shoulder and hip room have increased by about 4.5 inches. Maximum towing capacity — 6,500 pounds, when properly equipped — is 1,500 pounds more than the previous maximum, and the Tacoma promises a tighter turning radius. The available V-6's output has grown by 55 hp.
The Tacoma comes in three body styles: regular cab, Access Cab (with rear half-doors) and Double Cab (with four conventional front-hinged doors). Rear- or four-wheel-drive models are available. In addition to regular models, Toyota offers a youth-oriented X-Runner.
With the V-6 and a five-speed automatic, the Tacoma reacts energetically. A Double Cab long-bed Tacoma with the TRD Sport Package copes well with relatively unpaved roads. At the same time, the ride is somewhat stiff, though the experience is no worse than in most compact pickups. Oddly, the performance-focused X-Runner isn't much more spirited than a regular Tacoma.
Chevrolet Silverado: Retail customers can purchase the full-size Silverado with a new drivetrain in 2005. Launched late in the 2004 model year for fleet buyers, this truck is available in limited quantities in select states. General Motors claims up to 10-percent fuel-economy improvement. The drivetrain uses a compact starter-generator that lets the gasoline engine shut off automatically at stoplights. The engine starts up again as soon as you let up on the brake pedal. Operation is quite transparent, and the starter-generator also provides regenerative braking while the truck is coasting.
The 5.3-liter V-8 produces the same output as in other Silverado applications: 295 hp and 335 pounds-feet of torque. Pickups with this drivetrain also include four 120-volt outlets for running power tools.
Chevrolet SSR: This limited-production retro sport truck gets an extra helping of horsepower for 2005. The new 6.0-liter V-8 generates 390 hp — 90 hp more than the previous 5.3-liter V-8 — and teams with either a four-speed-automatic or six-speed-manual transmission. Steering has been retuned to reduce low-speed effort. Nothing else on the road looks or behaves like the SSR, which features a retractable hardtop. Early models had assembly-quality issues, but even the original performed with near-breathtaking gusto.
Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty: Trailer-towers can get welcome assistance on 2005 versions of Ford's heavy-duty F-Series models, which earn notable status for innovation. Claimed to be an "industry first," Ford's Tow Command System includes an integrated electric trailer-brake controller. Ford claims that its integrated system works with a "special trailer brake strategy" when the antilock braking system detects poor traction. Super Duty trucks also have a fresh look, capturing some elements of the Mighty F-350 Tonka concept truck. Ford claims Super Duty models have the highest towing and cargo capacities in their class.
GMC Sierra: A close cousin to the Silverado, GMC's full-size pickup is available with the same drivetrain as the Silverado for 2005.
Chevrolet and GMC also have new derivatives of existing models. New for 2004 for fleet buyers, consumer versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra can now be equipped with a new drivetrain that shuts off the engine when idling at a stoplight and starts it again as soon as you're ready to roll.
Two additional trucks debuted midseason, but both are officially 2006 models: the uniquely styled Honda Ridgeline and the luxury-oriented Lincoln Mark LT. Three pickups have been extensively redesigned for the 2005 model year: the Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.
Three key factors determine whether a pickup truck qualifies as notable:
- Technical advances: In the pickup truck field, technical advances usually apply to performance, including cargo-hauling and towing capabilities. Features that provide entertainment or extra comfort may be valuable, too, but they're typically secondary. To be considered notable, a pickup must have at least one or two significant technical improvements.
- Innovative features: Unless a new model has some features that help it stand above the crowd, it doesn't warrant inclusion in this list. Models that have been around for some time and haven't changed appreciably this year might qualify if a new feature is sufficiently significant.
- Overall excellence: Enticing features are fine, but the vehicle has to be appealing in a general way as well. Helpful convenience features aren't worth much if a pickup truck fails at basic tasks like hauling passengers and cargo properly.
Three Notable New Pickup Trucks
To come up with a total of 10 notable selections, we had to consider two new pickup trucks that have been released as early 2006 models. Three of the notables are brand-new, though one is essentially a new body style. |
| Honda's 2006 Ridgeline breaks new ground in the pickup truck segment by offering a lockable trunk in the cargo box. |
Innovations include an in-bed lockable trunk, a dual-action tailgate and cargo space under the flip-up rear seat. Honda claims the Ridgeline's torsional rigidity is 20 times stiffer than a traditional pickup's. All-wheel drive is standard, and the 3.5-liter V-6 produces 255 hp.
An independent rear suspension helps yield an excellent ride but road commotion can be transmitted to occupants on some surfaces. The refined, solid Ridgeline has a heavy feel overall but few traditional truck characteristics, apart from some engine noise while accelerating. Passing power isn't quite as strong as that of some conventional pickups, but the Ridgeline can tow a 5,000-pound trailer and haul cargo right up to its limit without a whimper. You hardly notice the load.
Hummer H2 SUT: Adding a short pickup bed to the rear of an existing SUV isn't a new idea, though when Hummer does it, the result definitely draws attention. Replacing the H2 SUV's rear cargo area, the pickup box is 34.7 inches long and 59 inches wide. Folding down the glass-windowed midgate and the rear seat adds more than 3 feet to the length of the cargo box.
A lockable hard tonneau cover and a rubber cargo-bed mat are available. Most specifications are identical to those of the H2 SUV, which is smaller than the military-derived Hummer H1 but still draws cries of anguish from opponents of oversized, gas-guzzling SUVs.
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| The 2006 Lincoln Mark LT features a decidedly luxurious interior, complete with standard leather seats and real wood trim. |
Essentially a Ford F-Series crew cab beneath the surface, the Mark LT's design cues come from the Lincoln family of passenger cars and SUVs. Considerable amounts of chrome are used, including chrome-plated thick-spoke wheels that hold 18-inch tires. Equipped with a 300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8, the Mark LT has four doors and a full rear seat for five-passenger capacity. Interior touches include genuine Ebony wood accents and soft Nudo leather seating surfaces.
Three Pickups Earn a Redesign
Each member of this trio has been reworked substantially, adding power and growing in size.Dodge Dakota: "Bigger, bolder and tougher" is Dodge's description of its smaller pickup truck, which actually qualifies as a full-size model according to cars.com. A V-6 is standard, but the Dakota can be fitted with either of two V-8s, yielding up to 250+ hp and 300+ pounds-feet of torque. Club Cab and Quad Cab models are available; no regular cab is offered. Dakotas come with two- or four-wheel drive in three trim levels.
Because the V-6 is sluggish for passing, you might feel the need for a V-8. After a slight delay at start-up, the V-8 Dakota has steady power delivery. Performance with the high-output engine isn't appreciably quicker than with a regular V-8 despite the increased horsepower and torque. When pushed hard, its automatic transmission slams into the next gear.
Four-wheel-drive Dakotas ride with pleasant smoothness on good pavement. Rear occupants in the Quad Cab sit knees-up with minimal foot room.
Nissan Frontier: Larger inside and out, Nissan's redesigned compact pickup truck comes in both King Cab (extended-cab) and Crew Cab forms. The Frontier targets entry-level buyers and promises the innovation of Nissan's full-size Titan in a more affordable and manageable package. The Frontier's available Utili-Track system and spray-in bedliner were first used in the company's Titan.
A four-cylinder is the base power plant, but an available 4.0-liter V-6 generates 265 hp versus 180 hp for the regular V-6 in 2004 models. Maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. Rear- and four-wheel-drive models are available.
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| The redesigned Toyota Tacoma's available 245-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 is larger and more powerful than the V-6 installed in its predecessor. |
The Tacoma comes in three body styles: regular cab, Access Cab (with rear half-doors) and Double Cab (with four conventional front-hinged doors). Rear- or four-wheel-drive models are available. In addition to regular models, Toyota offers a youth-oriented X-Runner.
With the V-6 and a five-speed automatic, the Tacoma reacts energetically. A Double Cab long-bed Tacoma with the TRD Sport Package copes well with relatively unpaved roads. At the same time, the ride is somewhat stiff, though the experience is no worse than in most compact pickups. Oddly, the performance-focused X-Runner isn't much more spirited than a regular Tacoma.
Four More Pickups Worth Noting
Chevrolet Silverado: Retail customers can purchase the full-size Silverado with a new drivetrain in 2005. Launched late in the 2004 model year for fleet buyers, this truck is available in limited quantities in select states. General Motors claims up to 10-percent fuel-economy improvement. The drivetrain uses a compact starter-generator that lets the gasoline engine shut off automatically at stoplights. The engine starts up again as soon as you let up on the brake pedal. Operation is quite transparent, and the starter-generator also provides regenerative braking while the truck is coasting.The 5.3-liter V-8 produces the same output as in other Silverado applications: 295 hp and 335 pounds-feet of torque. Pickups with this drivetrain also include four 120-volt outlets for running power tools.
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| Chevrolet's SSR is the only pickup truck for sale in the United States that can double as a convertible. |
Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty: Trailer-towers can get welcome assistance on 2005 versions of Ford's heavy-duty F-Series models, which earn notable status for innovation. Claimed to be an "industry first," Ford's Tow Command System includes an integrated electric trailer-brake controller. Ford claims that its integrated system works with a "special trailer brake strategy" when the antilock braking system detects poor traction. Super Duty trucks also have a fresh look, capturing some elements of the Mighty F-350 Tonka concept truck. Ford claims Super Duty models have the highest towing and cargo capacities in their class.
GMC Sierra: A close cousin to the Silverado, GMC's full-size pickup is available with the same drivetrain as the Silverado for 2005.
