Mitsubishi Triton (LC2T)

The Mitsubishi Triton returns home in its third-generation model and it's shaped up to become the best Triton ever made.

2024 Mitsubishi Triton

Starting at 4,980,800 Yen plus additional costs, which makes it nearly a million more expensive than its main rival, the Toyota Hilux, the all-new, third-generation Mitsubishi Triton, fully imported from Thailand, is the comeback Mitsubishi Motors desperately wanted since the discontinuation of its coolest vehicles ever made, the Pajero and the Lancer Evolution.

2024 Mitsubishi Triton

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Triton draws inspiration from the XRT Concept, incorporating its Beast Mode design tough enough to tackle Hokkaido's worst if you're into that. From the rough roads of Hokkaido to the bustling streets of downtown Tokyo, rest assured that this muscular styling is as salty as the salty spitoon, not a super weenie.

2024 Mitsubishi Triton interior

Inside, the all-new Triton is one of the most spacious in its class because the truck is one of the largest in its class. 

Most importantly, most of the interior's contact points are heavily emphasized on grip comfort and sturdiness, making it more dramatic to flicker about. The dashboard is packed with a fully automatic air conditioner with left and right independent temperature control and an available touch screen sat-nav lifted from the Outlander PHEV, more comfortable front seats, and other improvements to make the new Triton's interior more utilitarian and luxurious than the first one.

Asked about the seat material, the entry-level GLS uses fabric while the range-topper GSR uses leather with orange stitching.

The cargo bed is now wider and longer compared to the old model and it has a 2×4 lumbar attachment, 4-piece cargo bed hooks, a wide rear bumper cover, and a bed liner for the GSR model, making it suitable for business and leisure at a steady rate.

2024 Mitsubishi Triton

Built on a newly developed ladder frame with significantly increased rigidity compared to the conventional model, as well as front double wishbones, improved rear leaf springs, extensive use of high-tensile steel, and Super Select 4WD-II and Easy Select 4WD systems, the all-new Triton is fully prepared to tackle through the world's most punishing roads, all in the name of playing dirty with its improved off-road capabilities.

Powering the all-new Triton is a brand new 4N16 2.4L clean diesel engine that produces 204PS of power and 470Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Toyota Hilux. Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the fuel economy is 11.3kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards, slightly less economical than the Hilux, just so you know.

The third-generation Triton features numerous safety features such as including Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Stability Control, traction control, Hill Descent Control, and Hill Start Assist.

After 12 years of void, the Triton is finally back home with a vengeance and this comeback is what Mitsubishi Motors truly needed. With its bravado looks, gripping interior, new diesel engine, improved offroad capabilities, and host of safety features, there's no doubt that this will be the best Triton ever made by a long shot.

If you want a Japanese pickup truck, it's either the Toyota Hilux or the Mitsubishi Triton. That's it.

PRICE LIST:

GLS - 4,980,800 Yen

GSR - 5,401,000 Yen

AVAILABLE COLORS:

White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Blade Silver Metallic (GLS only), Red Solid (GLS only), and Yamabuki Orange Metallic (GSR only).

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Ford Ranger (P703)

The world-proven Ford Ranger pickup truck is now in its 5th-generation and this all-new version strives to be the world's best midsize truck that can tackle the likes of the Toyota Hilux and the Chevrolet Colorado.

2024 Ford Ranger

Starting at $32,565 plus additional costs, the fifth-generation Ford Ranger continues to assert its world-class quality that makes the Ranger, well, a Ranger. Once and always.

2024 Ford Ranger

Beginning with the design, the fifth-generation Ranger is more of a macho-sized version of its little brother, the Maverick, but unlike the Maverick, the all-new Ranger is still the macho man known the world over. From the bustling streets of the West Coast to the desert hills, this Ranger still asserts its Built Ford Tough mantra.

2024 Ford Ranger interior

Step inside, the all-new Ranger features a 12-inch center touchscreen with SYNC 4A, digital instrumental panels, climate control, a B&O sound system, and a wireless charging pad, among many others. Like its predecessor, it's offered only in a four-door SuperCrew but when asked about the space, it is slightly more spacious compared to its predecessor. It even has a wider track compared to its predecessor, meaning you can now load a full-sized 'Euro' pallet flat in the bed.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

The fifth-generation Ford Ranger is powered by a choice of a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6, all are mated to a 10-speed automatic. The lesser one produces 270HP of power and 310lb-ft of torque while the so-called superior one produces 405HP of power and 430lb-ft of torque. All engine variants gave the Ranger a towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs.

Depending on the variant, the Ranger is armed with the Ford Trail Control, five driving modes from Normal to Sport, independent front suspension with gas-pressurized shocks and a stabilizer bar, electronic shift-on-the-fly for 4x4 variants, electronic-locking rear differential, rear outboard mounted shocks, and increased track width, making it capable of handling the world's roughest conditions from the Scandinavian winter wonderland to a bridge over the River Kok.

The first-ever Ranger Raptor runs on the same 405HP 3.0L EcoBoost V6 but with a specially-developed 10-speed AT, a full-time 4x4 system with an Electromechanical Transfer Case, 10.7 inches of ground clearance, Ford Trail Control, electronic-locking rear differential, and Fox Racing shocks with Live Valve technology. With the signature Baja Mode set, the Ranger Raptor is ready to trailblaze through the Moab without going FUBAR. It's more than enough to crunch the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 alive in the open.

Asked about safety features, the all-new Ford Ranger is armed with driver-assist features such as Pre-Collision Assist, BLIS, Lane-Keeping System, Rear View Camera, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps. It even comes with a 360-degree camera, Active Park Assist 2.0, Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Brake Controller, and Tow/Haul Mode on the transmission shifting, giving it better confidence behind the wheel.

The fifth-generation Ford Ranger continues to assert its world-proven credentials with its muscular new design, interior, performance, and technology that makes the Ford Ranger THE Ford Ranger, once and always. It's the official pickup truck of the new normal and whether you're ready or not, it's morphin' time, ladies and gentlemen. You're looking at the world's best Ford Ranger.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (Third Generation)

In the beginning, the Chevrolet Colorado (and its GMC Canyon equivalent) is basically an Isuzu pickup with a different flavor. Due to a seismic shift in the motoring industry, the partnership between General Motors and Isuzu has ended as well as leaving the RHD markets, leaving the development of next-generation Colorado in doubt. However, even without Isuzu's help, the all-new, third-generation Colorado has arrived, leaving everyone with unanswered questions.

2023 GMC Canyon

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

The all-new, third-generation, Chevrolet Colorado and its GMC Canyon equivalent sparked numerous unanswered questions by the time these midsize pickups were unveiled to the world. Why would General Motors decide to build the all-new Colorado by themselves, even without Isuzu's partnership? That's American self-sufficient to you but more with that later on because let's observe the design.

2023 GMC Canyon Denali

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

Both new models are larger in size compared to their world-proven predecessors but in design terms, their differences speak for themselves with the Colorado being mature-looking while the Canyon's looking ready for everything even while groomed in the stylish Denali trim or the tough, off-road ready AT4 trim.

2023 GMC Canyon interior

2023 Chevrolet Colorado interior

Apart from their tough looks, both the new Colorado and the Canyon feature a cutting-edge interior that could leave other Colorado loyalists outside America begging to play with it someday. On the driver's side, it's packed with an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment display and an 11-inch diagonal driver information center, not to mention smartphone connectivity if you're looking to add some fun in a middle of a traffic jam. On the passenger side, both new models are roomier compared to their predecessors, meaning there's enough room for your sweet spot if you're calling shotgun on your next weekend trip to either a mall or a nearby province.

As for the rear bed, both new models are packed with useful features such as the optional StowFlex Tailgate that comes with a lockable storage compartment built into the tailgate, and up to 17 tie-downs to secure your stuff. Of course, the tailgate can be mid-positioned in case you need to carry longer items and has a maximum payload over the 1800lb/820kg mark, depending on the model though.

2023 GMC Canyon AT4

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Now, let's talk about the way these new-generation midsize trucks behave, and spoiler alert; such behavior will make General Motors regret its decision to leave RHD markets. Because these new models no longer run on Isuzu mechanicals, both the new Colorado and the new Canyon are now running on the same mechanicals as their big brothers, the Silverado and the Sierra, making them tough and capable everywhere, even when things get hot or cold. In the case of the off-road-oriented ZR2 and AT4 variants even in Desert Boss and AT4X specs, you can expect high-performance lifted suspension, wider chassis, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and a Baja mode if you're in the mood for sandblasting.

No V6 and diesel in the new model, especially Isuzu-made ones. The only engine you'll find in the new trucks is a 2.7L Turbo High-Output engine mated to an 8-speed AT. This engine produces 310HP of power and 430lb-ft of torque.

Asked about safety, the new trucks feature Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beam. They even come with trailering app functionality and up to ten available camera views as well, making them the most advanced pickup trucks available.

Had General Motors remained in RHD markets, especially the pickup paradise Thailand, the new Colorado would be a big hit, would spawn a PPV equivalent, and best of all, would wear a Holden badge. Sadly, it's too late. General Motors is out of the RHD game and Holden is dead, meaning prospects of seeing the all-new Colorado taking on the world have faded. It's a sad moment for Colorado fans outside America but in its home market, such evolution deserves a lot of praise because both the Colorado and the Canyon are the most advanced trucks in their class. Although these new trucks have world-proven potential because of their toughness and tech, they'll never have the chance to take on the world someday...or are they?

Why would General Motors decide to build the all-new Colorado by themselves, even without Isuzu's partnership? As I said, that's American self-sufficient to you.

Photo: General Motors

Second Generation Volkswagen Amarok

Germany's answer to the Toyota Hilux, the Volkswagen Amarok, is now in its second generation, and it promises to be the most advanced Amarok ever made. So, what's it all about the all-new Amarok?

2023 Volkswagen Amarok

Priced at 47,122 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Amarok is more expensive compared to the previous model but despite its bourgeois price tag, Germany's answer to the Toyota Hilux is now tougher and more technologically advanced than its predecessor. This is something worth noticing.

Beginning with the design, the all-new Amarok is tougher looking compared to the previous model. From every angle, the evolution really pays off big dividends, although there's one inescapable fact; the evolution of the Amarok happened with the help of Ford Motor Company because it runs on the same mechanicals as the...well, for search query reasons, I can't identify which Ford the all-new Amarok is based from but I will give you a clue; the latest generation of the Ford pickup truck not yet sold in the US. It starts with an R and ends with an R. Rings a bell?

2023 Volkswagen Amarok interior

Although I'm not going to tell you what that is, it's time to focus on the interior and the all-new Amarok is now more advanced compared to the old one. On the driver's side, the all-new Amarok features an ultra-tall touch screen similar to the ones you find on a Tesla. It controls not just the air-con and infotainment features but also the rest of the vehicle with a touch, and it has smartphone connectivity as well so don't ask what.

In terms of comfort, because it's offered only in a four-door double cab, the all-new Amarok is slightly more spacious compared to its predecessor. Asked about the bed space, the new model has a wider track than its predecessor, meaning you can now load a full-sized 'Euro' pallet flat in the bed. Such added dimensions really mean business and pleasure for the all-new Amarok.

Under the hood, the all-new Amarok is powered by a choice of two diesel engines such as the 2.0 TDI and the 3.0L V6 TDI engine. The 2.0L models can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed AT while the 3.0L V6 TDI engine is mated only to a 10-speed AT. The latter offered in variants such as the ProAmericana and Aventura produces 240PS of power, 600Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 8.8 seconds, a top speed of a Japan-car-beating 190kph, and 10.1L/100km of fuel economy combined.

In terms of dynamics, because it's offered only with a 4MOTION permanent four-wheel-drive system, the all-new Amarok feels bulky and obvious to drive on the city streets but it loves to flex its German muscles offroad. Because the mechanicals are from Ford, the all-new Amarok has the impression of the Leopard and the Abrams flexing its military-grade muscles. No, wait, the presence of an MMA fighter who was born in the US and raised in Germany. Physical.

Because the four-wheel-drive system is permanent rather than part-time compared to the Toyota Hilux and because of the mechanical LSD, the only way to alter its course of driving is the choice of six driving modes. Either way, it's worth fun playing with such modes, whether you're beating through the Berlin traffic or having a weekend at Hannibal's.

Because this is the most technologically advanced Amarok ever made, the new model features up to 25 assistance systems in terms of comfort and driving such as the Park Pilot, Lane Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, Active Cruise Control, Park Assist Plus, Light Assist, and more.

When the original Amarok first launched over a decade ago, the pricing would not be able to bring down the Japanese rivals but the performance is the only main advantage for the Amarok. With the second-generation Amarok, although the pricing story remains the same, the added tech and muscular design are next-level stuff, and looks like the Toyota Hilux is out of words facing this one. Despite its Ford connection, the all-new Amarok is ready to take on whatever double dare it comes through. This wolf has turned.

Photo: Volkswagen

Ford F-150 Lightning

With the success of the Mustang Mach-E electrified crossover and the E-Transit, the first electrified Ford F-150 has arrived and it brought back an iconic nameplate to match its electrified stance. This is the all-new Ford F-150 Lightning.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

With prices starting at below 52 grand plus additional costs, the new Ford F-150 Lightning is the electrified take on the best-seller that promises to deliver the same "Built Ford Tough" philosophy in this age of the new normal.

So, why did Ford decide to bring back the Lightning brand for this electrified F-150? For those who owned a super-old F-150 SVT Lightning, the one with the supercharged engine in it, consider the new F-150 Lightning a bit of a joke, just like the Mustang Mach-E when it was a crossover instead of being a muscle car that purists wanted. Sacrilege it is, the F-150 Lightning is built to tackle all kinds of demanding tasks like a true blue-collar worker.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning interior

Beginning with the styling, the Lightning features a unique exterior design that differentiates it from the normal F-150, which is common sense for carmakers trying to differentiate it from normal ones. The same story goes for the interior because instead of using a similar dashboard layout to its ICE-powered equivalent, it dons a tall touchscreen similar to the one used on the Mustang Mach-E, which is packed with numerous gadgetry, including the annoying Amazon Alexa feature.

While it can accommodate up to five people and has a big interior space which is typical for full-size trucks, the F-150 Lightning's convenience doesn't stop at the rear trunk because, with the unique electric powertrain position, the front hood has motors in it. Instead, it's a front boot that's almost as spacious as a Porsche 911. Ford calls this the Frunk but the Frunk is nothing new for carmakers. Mid-engined supercars had the frunk but nothing as spacious as the Ford. Besides, you can plug in it and enjoy manly stuff anywhere, especially tailgating parties with your bros.

Thanks to its dual electric motors that made it a 4WD offroader, the F-150 Lightning can be bolted with either a 98 kWh or a 131 kWh battery pack. With the latter, it generates about 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range, that's quicker than the Ford F-150 Raptor. As for range, it's good for up to 320 miles while running on the extended-range variant.

Because of its electric powertrain, driving the F-150 Lightning feels like weightlifting a 1000lb barbell repeatedly. It feels like hard work while on the go and even when you go offroading or using the available towing package, guess you'll have to go exercising first before handling this electrified truck. This is a real man's electric truck doing extreme jobs. This is no time to sit back and enjoy binge-watching your favorite painting TV show from your childhood. Once you're in the Lightning, the hard labor begins and every day is a work day.

At the end of your arduous day, the F-150 Lightning comes prepared with a list of safety features some may find shocking behind the wheel, including the intriguing Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving which works like Tesla's AutoPilot. It's shocking to have an autonomous driving feature implanted in the F-150 Lightning and with a long list of ADAS, welcome to the new normal, cowboy.

Although mediocre to reviving the Lightning brand to the electrified F-150, this deserves all the attention it deserves like blue-collar workers. With its electric powertrain, shocking tech features, the same F-150 capability, and unique front boot, the new F-150 Lightning has the earnings of being a Built Ford Tough vehicle. Macho-bellied men are more than welcome to drive this electrified F-150 by all means necessary and such capability means jealousy for those who wish who want to drive one.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Ford Maverick

Ford brought us some of the toughest trucks in the world, the Ranger and the F-150. These trucks showcased its Built Ford Tough promise because of the durability it possesses on and off the road, for work, or for play. With the arrival of the first-ever Ford Maverick pickup truck, it seems that the antithesis of the Built Ford Tough promise has arrived to do the work of the thesis. Is the baby Ford truck live up to its brothers' promises or not? Let's investigate.

2022 Ford Maverick

2022 Ford Maverick

With prices starting at 19,995 US Dollars plus additional costs, the Ford Maverick pickup truck is the most affordable truck in the lineup, making it the ideal bargain truck of the century. Although the pricing is handsomely rewarding, the Maverick is not as tough as its big brothers because it runs on a front-wheel-drive platform and unibody chassis rather than body-on-frame, meaning it's not really a Built Ford Tough truck at all. It's just a crossover pretending to be a pickup truck, an antithesis doing the work of the thesis.

More with that later on but first, the design. The styling of the Maverick is squarish from start to finish, it's like having a kinder-aged toddler sketching his dream truck in a blank piece of paper with a crayon. Although as regular as the regular show, the Maverick is sized like a passenger car, making it easier to park. Well done, Ford.

2022 Ford Maverick interior

The interior of the Maverick is also regular as well. On the driver's side, you get a functional touchscreen with some dials for the volume and radio stations, functional climate control that works like a regular car, a steering wheel chock full of buttons, a regular instrumental panel, and pretty much about it. Although not a show-off, the dashboard works as most regular cars should. As for spacing, the rear seats have less legroom than most proper pickup trucks, and that cramps your sweet spot. Oh, and did they mention that the rear seats come with a FITS slot for numerous situations?

As a compact pickup truck built for small business owners, the Maverick's flatbed with a multi-position tailgate and FLEXBED design is capable of carrying up to 1500lbs of payload, less than the Ssangyong Rexton Sports but more than the Toyota Hilux, and it's adjustable with six or ten tie-downs, depending on the variant.

Two powertrains are offered for the Maverick such as the standard 2.5L hybrid engine mated to a CVT, capable of 40MPG city fuel economy and 500 miles of range on one full tank of gas, and a 2.0L EcoBoost engine producing 250hp of power while mated to an 8-speed automatic and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive as well as 4,000lbs of towing capacity. The hybrid variant is for those who want a fuel-efficient truck good for the working class while the turbo variant is built for those who demand performance from the get-go.

It may be a pickup truck but because of its FF platform, the Maverick behaves like a city-focused crossover. Not dynamic as such but it's civilized and sensible in every way. It's capable to tackle through country roads like most Ford trucks should, living it up to its Built Ford Tough mantra. Not bad.

As for safety, the Maverick comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology with standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Automatic High Beam Headlamps. When equipped with other ADAS, the Maverick is the safest compact pickup truck Ford ever made, whatever it is.

Despite its regular looks, cramped rear seats, the front-wheel-drive platform that made it the antithesis, the hybrid variant that behaves like a Japanese hybrid, and tons of ADAS that can scare the speedo boy straight behind the wheel, the Ford Maverick still lives up to its Built Ford Tough mantra just like its big brothers. It truly is a worthy addition to the lineup worth checking out, like it or not.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Ssangyong Rexton Sports (2021 minor change)

Ssangyong's Rexton Sports is a midsize sport-utility truck that is the evolution of South Korea's first sport-utility truck since the Musso Sports of 2001 and with the advent of its 2021 minor change, the only pickup truck made in Korea gets even more bravado than when it was first unveiled three years ago.

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports Khan

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

The Rexton Sports, like the pre-facelifted version, is offered in two body styles to choose from such as the normal one, which is priced at 24,590,000 Korean Won, and the longer Khan variant, which is priced at 28,760,000 Korean Won.

For the facelifted versions, both the Rexton Sports and the Rexton Sports Khan now gained a monstrously huge front grille, which is as big as Big Bertha's mouth. It's scary and it will make your feet crawl. The rear view, meanwhile, draws some inspiration from today's Ford F-150 and that's not a bad thing for this facelift, of course.

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

What about the interior? Unlike the SUV it was based on, the Rexton Sports' interior remains almost unchanged. Yes, you still have the same 7-inch instrumental cluster, heated and ventilated seats, and 9.2-inch AVN, among many others, and it still fits up to five people. It still comes with smartphone connectivity that works with both iPhones and Android phones alike of course. However, the facelift features two new interior colors such as black and brown.

The Rexton Sports still uses the same LET 2.2L turbo diesel engine from its SUV equivalent but it's capable of producing 181PS of power and 40.8kg-m of torque, which is pretty much less than its SUV equivalent. For the normal Rexton Sports, it can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AT built by AISIN. The KHAN, meanwhile, is offered only in a 6-speed AT. In terms of fuel economy, the Rexton Sports is good for a combined 11.3kmpl while the KHAN is good for 10.3kmpl.

Both of these variants are good on and off the road because of their part-time 4WD system and five-link dynamic suspension but the KHAN is the better one because of its available power lift suspension that allows this truck to carry as much as 700kg of bed space. That's more than what the Toyota Hilux is capable of.

As always, the Rexton Sports comes ready with some safety tech such as Brake Assist System, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and many others, standard and optional alike. When opting for some Smart Driving Package, your Rexton Sports can have Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Detection.

Think you are up for these updated Korean-made pickup trucks despite their monstrous Big Bertha-esque grilles that will make your skin crawl? Looking forward to seeing you try.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ford F-150 (14th Generation)

The Ford F-150, the best-selling vehicle on a day-to-day basis, has been the strong choice for freedom-loving Americans from all walks of life; whether they want something to work for or for going places like a real American. With the arrival of the 14th-generation model, the all-new F-150 promises to be the most advanced pickup truck that became the second home for the patriots.

Priced at 28,940 US dollars plus additional costs, the all-new Ford F-150 brings the blue-collar workers' favorite workhouse into greater depths by mixing the brains and the brawns together to create a pickup truck that works for people from all walks of life.

Before we get to know more about the F-150's strong-arm tactics that made America's favorite pickup truck great again, let's get to know more about its masculine exterior design and at first glance, it's somewhat similar to the previous model it replaces, only better. Of course, because this is the truck made for all kinds of duties, several variants have different grilles to choose from and one of them comes with the new active grille shutters, making it the most aerodynamic F-150 ever made.

Come at the back and this is where the real work begins for blue-collar men flexing their muscles. Sure, it doesn't have the fancy rear gate like the ones you get from the Ram 1500 but the new F-150 can be fitted with new zone lighting, Pro Power Onboard to plug your stuff on, and a tailgate work surface that comes with rulers, media holder, cup holder, and extra storage on the tailgate itself. Although it's somewhat more of a gimmick for a pickup truck, it's the ideal desk job for men who thought they can't sit on both boards. Why not?

Come inside, there's more serious stuff to do in the new F-150 because apart from the optional stuff at the tailgate, you can fit the interior with the new work surface you can turn this truck into an office. You can imagine doing all the work-from-home jobs while going out on an offroad trip but that would be risky. Also, the new F-150 comes with the available max recline seats so you can rest easy before doing time. Of course, we wouldn't forget about the high-tech cockpit that packs a 12-inch instrumental cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 on it. With all the tech and convenience loaded into the new F-150, the work-from-truck concept has just gotten real now.

Under the hood, the new F-150 is offered with the choice of six powertrains ranging from a beefy 3.0L Power Stroke turbodiesel that is almost as beefy as the Cummins guys that Ram uses, up to the almighty 5.0L TI-VCT V8 engine producing 400hp of power and 410lb-ft of torque. 

For the first time in an F-150, a 3.5L Powerboost hybrid V6 engine is offered and this powertrain produces 430HP of power, 570lb-ft of torque, and can tow up to 12,700lbs of stuff not to mention the class-leading payload of up to 2,120lbs.

How about driving? Well, being an F-150, it still works like an F-150 but having the one with a four-wheel drive is where the real party begins because offroading is where the F-150 does best, almost. Thanks to its military-grade aluminum body, this new F-150 can withstand all kinds of punishment it comes across, allowing this truck to come back home as it was nothing happened. When you go for the off-road-oriented Tremor variant which comes with available Trail 1-Pedal Drive, Trail Control, and Trail Turn Assist, plus monotube front and twin-tube rear shocks, it sure loves playing rough.

On the subject of playing rough, the new F-150 now boasts a wide array of driver-assist features and it's the only pickup to offer Active Drive Assist.

The new F-150 is now the best F-150 ever made because of its productive conveniences, a wide range of powertrains including the first-ever hybrid variant, handy-capable dynamics fit for all kinds of roads, and numerous tech installed on it. It's no doubt that the blue-collar patriots' choice has now evolved into a white-collar workhorse that loves getting itself dirty like a real patriotic American. That's Ford's national right done right!

Photo: Ford

Jeep Gladiator JT

Jeep revived the Gladiator name for their first-ever pickup truck since the Comanche and it's now a Wrangler JL with a bed on the back, which is rad for offroad enthusiasts looking for a serious offroad pickup truck that is not afraid to get itself scratched and bumped by nature. So, what's the X-file and the why card on this American Gladiator?

2020 Jeep Gladiator

The American Gladiator capable of handling America's toughest terrains starts at 33,545 US Dollars plus on-road costs and while it sounds like much for this pickup derivative of the Jeep Wrangler JL, the offroader that made everything who wishes to have one feeling jealous to have one someday, is another main reason why offroaders are ready to drive Jeep's newest pickup truck that loves to carry the most extreme jobs on its payload, much like your favorite smartphone app that carried a lot of dark, gritty, and raw ads.

2020 Jeep Gladiator

2020 Jeep Gladiator interior

Looking at the design, the Gladiator is a Wrangler JL with a rear bed to store some raw American stuff only Cowboy Charlie can think of. On the inside, it still packs the same Wrangler-like creature comforts big enough for a Sasquatch to squeeze about, and although unsure about the dashboard layout, which works like the Wrangler, the Gladiator's interior is about as comfortable as putting up a fresh pair of Duluth trading pants smothered with fish smell after a hard day's work at the pier. Now that's a hard-working Jeep, alright.

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Speaking of hardworking, the Gladiator really is a hardworking pickup truck that does all the manly things like every American pickup truck should. It carries the same Pentastar 3.6L V6 VT Engine with ESS as the Wrangler JL and is mated to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed Automatic 850RE Transmission. The engine produces 285HP of power, 260lb-ft of torque, City/Hwy MPG of 16/23, and a max towing capacity of up to 7,650lbs, making it tough enough to tow a caravan and annoy the speedo boys on the road.

Of course, while this is a caravanner's truck that can cause so much misery in traffic, the Gladiator is still a Jeep, and with the Rubicon variant, it's capable of getting through the most extreme offroad conditions no pickup truck ever imagined to get through thanks to exclusive features such as Locking Differentials, Electronic Disconnecting Sway Bay, Rick-Track 4:1 Transfer Case, Rock Rail, and Fox Shocks. With stuff like this, the Gladiator's not afraid to take on shortcuts and it can humiliate even a roaring supercar on a race from points A to B.

Yes, the Gladiator boasts a wide range of safety features but the best feature of all is the TrailCam Off-Road Camera, which displays gridlines that allow offroaders to get through the right track when needed.

Thanks to such offroad features inspired by the Wrangler JL, the Jeep Gladiator turns drivers into hardcore sweet potatoes who love to take the dirtiest shortcuts while annoying the dashcam-wielding public into thinking that your offroader can do all things a normal car can't. Sounds common sense but there's nothing common sense about getting into the ultimate offroad truck that does everything like a Jeep should and you should give thanks to the Americans behind it.

Photo: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Ford Ranger (T6)

The previous Ford Ranger was the last of the American-made midsize pickup trucks ever made and because of customer shifts, the Ranger was axed from the lineup while the rest of the world have the current generation model, similar to what Japanese carmakers do when cars sold worldwide are not available in their home country. Thanks to you-know-who and as America shifts to more utlilitarian vehicles and with the rise of the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford decided to bring back the Ranger after eight years and it's about time Ford brought back the truck after its global success.

2019 Ford Ranger

The return of the Ford Ranger on American soil is good news for cowboys in the red states because having been around the world for eight years now, the fourth-generation Ford Ranger has landed Stateside so Americans can find out what are they missing since its eight-year disappearance.

2019 Ford Ranger interior

2019 Ford Ranger interior

So, what the Americans missing out from this Ranger after eight years? First and foremost, as today's midsize pickup trucks become more modern and macho, the Ranger keeps in tune with the times by delivering a muscular and modern design fit for a truck of that size. On the interior, it's surprisingly high-tech and comfortable for four or five people, which is great if you are trying to take your whole family to a Texas state fair or a road trip to the Grand Canyon with your mates.

When opted to a rear-wheel drive SuperCab, which is the base model of the new Ranger, it promises a maximum payload of just 1860lbs. The rear-wheel drive SuperCrew can do 1770lbs but whichever Ranger you'll choose, they're more than the payload limit set on the reborn Toyota Hilux, of course, therefore the Ranger wins.

2019 Ford Ranger

The Ranger's sole engine is a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. This engine produces 270hp of power, 310lb-ft of torque, 7500lbs of towing capacity, and combined fuel consumption of 23MPG for rear-wheel drive and 22MPG combined for four-wheel drive. That makes the Ranger more competitive than its chief rival, the Chevrolet Colorado.

When opted with the FX4 Off-Road Package, it features off-road monotube shocks, off-terrain tires too much to bear for the LTO, electronic-locking rear differential, and other exclusive features as well as Terrain Management System and Trail Control, the Ranger really stays true to the Built Ford Tough promise, meaning it has the guts to take on any challenge it come across, even in times when southern states are experiencing extreme weather that can flood a street in an instant.

Unlike the competition, the Ford Ranger offers a wide range of driver-assist technologies under the Ford Co-Pilot 360 banner such as BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, and Rear View Camera. They're all standard so you won't worry a thing when the next time you are setting off to a faraway neighborhood delivering stuff to potential customers and come back home to take kids to the mall or the playground.

The Ford Ranger starts at 24,300 US Dollars for the SuperCab while the four-door SuperCrew starts at 26,520 US Dollars, which is surprisingly as affordable as a now defunct Ford sedan. Now this is reasonably priced for a good-looking American pickup truck that made a comeback on American soil after almost a decade now. So, there we are, after almost a decade of disappearance, the return of the Ford Ranger really means business for this midsize pickup truck as it tries to pick up where the old Ranger left off and as more and more Americans are making the shift to more utlilitarian vehicles in the case of crossovers and trucks, the Ranger's fully prepared to cater the needs of the American public once again. Now that is the long-awaited comeback the Americans begged for.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

RAM 1500 (DT) vs. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 (4th Gen)

The newest full-size pickup trucks to hit the American workforce, the all-new Ram 1500 and the all-new trucks from General Motors, the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra, translate all of their Republican words into actions by delivering the right amount of space, power, efficiency, and all of their muscles in the era where American trucks are becoming great again or whatever. Doing most of their effort to squeeze the beer out of their top rival, the Ford F-150, these new breed of full-size trucks are showcasing what they can do to the righteous folks, even Cowboy Charlie himself.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado is hailed as the most dependable, longest-lasting, full-size pickup on the road, based on J.D. Power, and with the advent of this new generation, the all-new Silverado is now the strongest, most advanced Silverado ever, and it's the same thing goes to its twin, the all-new GMC Sierra 1500. These new-age light-duty pickup trucks made in the USA are showcasing country folks what they can do for them, starting with the good parts.

At first, the Silverado is cheaper to own than the Sierra because the former starts at 28,300 US Dollars MSRP while the latter starts at 37,800 US Dollars MSRP but despite the nearly ten grand difference, there's more what the Sierra delivers that the new Silverado can't but more than that later on because whichever General Motors' new generation light-duty pickup you choose, you are greeted by its all-new design which is very macho on the new Silverado but grittier on the new Sierra. Apart from their new muscular looks, these new models now have 20% more cargo volume than the opposition because of their best-in-class bed width and length for standard and short boxes and offer more cargo in the short box compared to the competition's standard box.

On the Sierra, meanwhile, storing stuff in the back makes it more convenient with the addition of the Primary Gate Load Stop which prevents stuff from sliding out of the box. Handy if you're storing so much gym equipment ready for delivery. Apart from that, the Sierra's back gates offer more stuff to do than the new Silverado, therefore, the new Sierra does all the work more than its compatriot.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 interior

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 interior

On the inside, although intimidating on the outside, the new Sierra and the new Silverado are surprisingly as luxurious as a luxury car, and in some models, they've added their first-ever rear-seatback storage compartments, which is something that the competition doesn't have.

The new Silverado, depending on which model you're on, can be fitted with either a 3.0L Duramax Diesel, 2.7L turbo, 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and the 6.2L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The Sierra, meanwhile, depending on the variant, can be fitted with the same petrol engine choices as the Silverado, especially the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, but no diesel in sight.

With the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine, it produces 420HP of power and 460lb-ft of torque and has a towing capacity of 12,200lbs, which is great for towing caravans for the trip in the woods and also great for towing a sportscar stuck at the middle of nowhere in need of repairs. To get the most out of its towing capacity, these new trucks come with advanced trailer technology to make them more usable.

In some models, the Silverado and the Sierra can be fitted with special off-road packages, Z71 Off-Road Package for the Silverado and AT4 for Sierra, to make them more capable of handling every single terrain with confidence. The Silverado Z71 fits perfectly in the countryside but the Sierra AT4 easily gets through without all of the drama whatsoever.

For safety, both these trucks are offered with a Forward Collision Alert, Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Camera Mirror, Park Assist, and more.

Although different in every single way, the newest trucks from General Motors are all about getting the job done from 8 in the morning to 11 in the evening, something that Cowboy Charlie would do on a day-to-day basis but if Cowboy Charlie has no interest in those new GM trucks, he would consider the real game changer of light-duty trucks, the all-new RAM 1500.

2019 RAM 1500

2019 RAM 1500 interior

Starting at $31,795 MSRP, the all-new RAM 1500 is a real segment breaker as FCA claims because this new truck beats all of the competition in terms of style, comfort, capability, and performance.

When compared to the competition, the RAM 1500 beats them all with its best-in-class V8 engine towing at up to 12,750lbs, available Active Level Four-Corner Air Suspension, Available Rambox Cargo management to store stuff like a real prepper, best-in-class rear legroom, in-floor storage fit for preppers also, standard 3.6L V6 engine with eTorque producing 305HP of power and 269-lb-ft of torque, standard eight-speed automatic, standard push button start, and the brake rotor size. No light-duty pickup truck in America comes close to the RAM 1500.

It nicked up every award and accolades as well as being named Motor Trend Truck of the Year and such achievement makes the RAM 1500 a clear winner with no questions asked.

So, there you have it, if you are in the mood for light-duty pickup trucks but not in the mood for Blue Ovals, consider the Silverado as an affordable alternative but if you want the best a true American pickup truck has to offer, go for the Ram 1500. Simple as that.

Photo: General Motors/ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Ssangyong Motor Company rings out the new year with a brand new model and this one is, you guessed it, a midsize sport utility truck that is the evolution of South Korea's first sport utility truck since the Musso Sports of 2001. Meet the Rexton Sports, the pickup derivative of last year's G4 Rexton.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Let's have a quick history lesson first before getting to know more about Ssangyong's latest SUT. Back in 2001, Ssangyong brought us South Korea's first pickup, the Musso Sports (later called Musso SUT) and while the pickup body is new, it's actually a decade-old Musso underneath and it feels as refined as a PUJ that was still smoking the roads for a lifetime. In 2006 and 2012, there were the Actyon Sports and the Korando Sports and while they're known to be the modern-day equivalent of the banger truck it replaces, the bed seems a bit shorter than its predecessor and annoyingly not the best truck to live with.

Now, come 2018, Ssangyong finally called it quits on the Korando Sports and in return, uses the new and improved G4 Rexton, which was launched on Korean roads last year, for the basis of their best pickup yet, and here it is, it's their best-ever take on South Korea's first pickup truck or ute or bakkie, whatever you may call it.

Like I said, it was actually based on the G4 Rexton except that now, Ssangyong converted it into a pickup truck and the result is the one that used to be a crossover now comes with a rear bed possessing a biggest space than any of the Ssangyong sport trucks of yesteryears, capable of 1,011-litres of boot space, which is great for all work and all play, making it a not-so-dull pickup truck you can use every day. However, there's a big catch; it's not really a one-tonner because it can carry up to 400kg of payload, a hundred less than the Toyota Hilux's 500kg payload limit. Bad mark for Ssangyong there.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Under the hood, the Rexton Sports uses the same LET 2.2L turbo diesel engine from its G4 derivative, capable of producing 181PS of power and 40.8kg-m of torque. But unlike the G4, it comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or an AISIN 6-speed AT. In 2WD models, a 6MT variant can return combined fuel consumption of around 11km/L and that puts it awfully close to the Toyota Hilux.

If you go for the 4WD variant, the Rexton Sports comes with a 4TRONIC part-time 4WD system with three driving modes that can be picked at the flick of a switch. Those going for a muddy Sunday drive can go for the low-range 4WD because this is where it can unleash its offroad potential, which is great when you're taking shortcuts. Thanks to its high-tensile steel plates on the bodywork and ultra-high-tension quad frame, it's as tough as a kid who keeps on playing soccer even when his knees are covered in boo-boos. Brave stuff.

If you're on normal mode, you can switch it to 2WD and have a cozy driving on your point of interest, which is kind of average for a pickup truck of this magnitude. Not good but not bad either so it's a so-so, even for a truck that comes with double wishbones at the front and multilink suspension at the back. While navigating through traffic, the Rexton Sports comes ready with some safety tech such as Brake Assist System, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and many others, standard and optional alike. When opting for some Smart Driving Package, your Rexton Sports can have Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Detection.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

Unlike any other pickup truck, the Rexton Sports boast a very luxurious interior with very decent legroom at the back. It even has some fancy instrumental panel and an available sat-nav that comes with smartphone connectivity that works with iPhones (via CarPlay) and Android (via mirroring), giving you plenty of reasons to toy around with the interior but because the seats are leathery, if you take it for a leisurely drive around Pyeongchang in time for the games, your butt crack will fall victim to the icy menace when the leather seats are as freezing as snowballs. Better pull your pants up before seating on those, folks.

The Rexton Sports starts at 23,200,000 Korean Won and it comes with four trim levels and two drivetrains. So, thoughts on the new Rexton Sports? Well, it's basically an improvement compared to past Ssangyong pickups of yesteryears since the ancient Musso Sports, it's luxurious on the inside, surprisingly spacious, and surprisingly tough. Downside? The bed is not as tough as the Hilux's, less efficient than the Hilux, and the driving feel is average. With the advent of Rexton Sports, Ssangyong has positioned itself as the recreational vehicle specialist selling only vehicles bearing the Rexton, Korando, and Tivoli banners. The Chairman is now dead and in return, Ssangyong's lineup now only bears a truck, a minivan, and four crossovers. Looks like Ssangyong's going mainstream now and they only focus on recreational vehicles to win back profits.

Available colors: Grand White, Fine Silver, Marble Grey, Indian Red, Maroon Brown, Atlantic Blue, and Space Black.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company 

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

The midsize pickups are making a comeback on their way home. USA has the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon (not to mention Ford returning the Ranger at the end of the decade), Japan only has the Toyota Hilux, and Europe has the VW Amarok, Fiat Fullback, and the recently launched Renault Alaskan. Even though they're sourced from Third World countries, they are First World at heart and I only prefer First World pickups because that's how I only cover. Now, the First World pickups are joined by a new contender, this time from Mercedes-Benz.

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class

This is the first-ever X-Class from Mercedes-Benz and unlike every First World pickups we knew, except for the Americans, that was sourced from Third World countries, it was sourced from a First World nation, namely Spain, and while it says Mercedes-Benz on it, what's underneath is basically a Nissan November-Papa-Three-Zero-Zero November-Alpha-Victor-Alpha-Romeo-Romeo-Alpha (sorry, phonetic alphabet used due to search query reasons), just like the Renault Alaskan sourced from South America.

Unlike every other First World pickups, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class is the big daddy of the midsize pickups because this is the first time a luxury carmaker made on, despite the Japanese connection underneath, which is also a byproduct of the Axis Powers just like the Fiat 124 Spider based on the Mazda Roadster and Toyota's next sports car based on BMW's next Z4. The Allied Forces are wetting their pants right about now ever since the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis making a comeback on car manufacturing.

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class interior

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class interior

Outside, you will notice the Mercedes-Benz design that is very unheard for a pickup, giving countryfolks a hint that you're driving a luxury car while doing usual countryfolk stuff like farming or carrying stuff to the nearby market. On the inside, there's your typical Mercedes-Benz interior where in top-spec variants featured plush leather seats, wooden trim, and some extras that will make you accommodated like every saloon in the Mercedes-Benz range.

2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class

As a bonafide one-tonner, the X-Class can carry up to 1.1 tonnes of payload, which is more than the Hilux's 500kg payload limit. You can carry barrels full of powder keg without even annoying the neighbors. As long as you didn't turn a truck into a personal transport for cultists and extremists alike, the X-Class is as civilized as a muscled man working in the foundry and when you take it on some healthy lifestyle stuff, the X-Class showcases its true action vehicle at heart.

Because like the Nissan it was based upon, the X-Class features a ladder-frame chassis combined with the super-high-tensile-strength steel to ensure it's tough enough to go anywhere and it has engageable 4MATIC with two different modes; low-range that sacrifices top speed for better offroad capability while high-range for better traction offroad. Come next year, it will come with the permanent 4MATIC that can handle almost everything.

Under the hood, the X-Class is powered by a 2.3L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in two different power outputs with the highest producing 190PS of power and 450Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Although average, that torque output is healthy enough for some pull and go but for those who need more for the X-Class, they'll have to wait until next year for the more powerful V6 diesel variant because it has the best towing capacity and the best functionality tough enough to get through different jobs that are so much more than just 9-to-5 hours of working time directive.

Along with the toughness the X-Class delivers, it's also the smartest because it promises a wide range of tech features no pickup has ever possess but some of the bits are not yet available for now so we have to make do with the features that helps drivers park the X-Class with ease including this nifty 360-degree camera that makes this pickup aware of almost everywhere. While waiting with the most important safety tech to arrive by some other time, it's ideal to make do with the one with the Park Assist because it feels like your driving experience with the truck might be taking over by such driver aids like...the one I'm toying around everyday where that talking gadget's taking over your game for no reason.

Because this is the Mercedes-Benz, the X-Class starts at 31,340 Euros plus VAT and it's quite the most expensive pickup truck you can buy right now. Despite its expensive price tag, the X-Class works like every other pickup truck in the world and it's glad a First World country like Germany is selling trucks like these and while the pricing is not as friendly as the other First World pickups sourced from Third World countries, it still is a worthy contender in the battle of the midsize pickups.

Source: Daimler AG