Yeah, I've test drove the GM and I loved the drive and comfort but didn't care for the getting in and out. The sill was really big to get over, just making it awkward. Would definitely need steps. The Frontiers seemed fine, but I was never comfortable in Nissan seats. It drove fine but lack of brake controller killed it for me. I haven't had a chance to drive a Taco or Ford yet, but I really don't like Ford's dependance on screen controls. Guess we'll see when I drive them.
TFL Mega Ike - 5 Mid-size trucks
- Thread starter Fightnfire
- Start date
Yeah, I've test drove the GM and I loved the drive and comfort but didn't care for the getting in and out. The sill was really big to get over, just making it awkward. Would definitely need steps. The Frontiers seemed fine, but I was never comfortable in Nissan seats. It drove fine but lack of brake controller killed it for me. I haven't had a chance to drive a Taco or Ford yet, but I really don't like Ford's dependance on screen controls. Guess we'll see when I drive them.
Fightnfire
Moderator
I think what the mid-size comparisons have taught me is that we can't trust each manufacturer to measure certain specifications the same as the other manufacturer. In the end they're in charge of the measurements and clearly they're all doing it differently.
All the videos I've watched anyway have shown a pretty big difference in the backseat comfort of the Ranger compared to the others whereas I've seen videos with people debating between the backseat of the GM the Tacoma, The ranger pretty unanimously seems to be the most comfortable and have the most room.
If I was buying one of these trucks now I wouldn't really care but when I bought my second gen Tacoma I cared a lot about the backseat comfort because I was going to regularly be putting two kids back there.
TheDo114
Well-known member
Hard agree, we can't trust what manufacturer put on paper as specs and that's why a test drive is so important, or channels like @testerdahl
It's actually an SAE standard so I don't doubt the dimensions at all.
But with those dimensions so close to each other, comfort will be more about shape, height, and cushion density. Which is always too personal.
And honestly, I care more about driver comfort over all of it since that seat will be occupied 100% of the time compared to the others.
Blue Oval 5.0
Active member
Binged watched numerous videos on 2024 mid-size pickups over the weekend, including those by Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk. There was some very interesting content and great feedback.
Wife and I stopped by the GMC dealership on Sunday as it is next door to the recycling center where we needed to drop some stuff off. I will say this, there must have been 100+/- Sierra trucks on the lot - mostly half tons. I was amazed how they crammed them into such a small area. Are full size truck sales dead? What is going on? My Lord. This dealership had 90% of their lot packed with vehicles.
Anyway, they had 7 Canyon's on the lot, 5 Elevation and 2 AT4X trim levels. One of the Elevation trucks was left unlocked. It was nicely optioned with leather seats, spray-in liner, tow package, etc. Wife liked the driving position and ride height but would definitely need a step bar to get in and out at 5' 5". Personally, I felt a little tight from side to side. Am I going to be rubbing elbows or touching shoulders with the front passenger? I am 6' 1", 220lbs. There was plenty of leg room and the vision was good. Interior quality seemed to be pretty high even in the Elevation trim. My wife sat behind me and claims to have had enough leg room. I did not even try to sit behind myself, did not look like it would work. I contacted the dealer through their site and am going to set up a time to test drive. The AT4X trucks that were there were about $58k IIRC. The white color seat and trim along dash and door would concern me - that is going to get dirty quick if you do a lot of off-roading or overlanding. I could not get inside to get a closer look. It did have some crazy looking rock sliders on it for rocker protection. And the truck did look menacing.
My first impression is that I am not convinced a mid-size truck will work for me from a comfort standpoint. The seats were comfortable but will my back be able to handle a 3-4 trip? I will reserve judgment until after the test drive. That said, my wife will be the primary driver, so her feedback pulls more weight. I will say the aggressive styling of the Canyon along with the 2-inch lift from the factory was very appealing, especially in person. It makes the truck look nearly as large as the Sierra 1500 to the untrained eye. The Canyon just seems to be much larger than other trucks in the segment when you walk right up to it. The interior, even in the base trim, was well appointed and there was not too much cheap plastic trim that I expected. I found the infotainment screen to be in near perfect alignment with the digital dash cluster, I prefer the horizontal look and the transition is very smooth and does not block visibility.
We drove past the Toyota dealership on the way to the recycling center and the GMC dealer. They had gates blocking all of the entrances to their lots. I took that to mean stay off the lot outside of business hours, so I did. They were the only brand to do this around here. I walked out front, and they seemed to have quite a bit of used cars and trucks as the used lot was near full. The new vehicle lot, from what I could see from the road was fairly empty. I did not see a 2024 Tacoma from where I was standing. They had some Highlanders and Tundras but that was mostly it. A lot of empty parking spots, maybe 40% full. I would need to visit when they are open to get a better look.
Swung by the Ford dealership, no 2024 Ranger available to look at - on the lot at least. They had four 2024 F-150 trucks and only 2 Super Duty's. Not sure why their lot was so empty. I would guess maybe 50% capacity and a lot of empty space. It was mostly Bronco Sports and Explorers. This is the dealer I called about a Ranger Raptor and was told MSRP + $7500. No thank you.
We chose not to stop at the Honda dealer, which had 3 Ridgeline's on the lot parked right at the corner of the road. In retrospect, we should have stopped. The one on the end was a Black Edition in a blue grayish color, looked pretty nice. The other two looked like lower end trims based on the drive by. Another dealership with maybe 60% capacity with quite a bit of empty real estate. A lot of CRV's. Not much else. I saw 1 Passport and maybe 3 Pilots. No Odyssey's.
Chevy and Nissan were a few miles down the road and it was getting late, so we skipped them. Not sure if we will even get to visit them at this point. If we decide to go mid-size, it will likely come down to Canyon or Ranger.
Until next time...
Thanks,
Eric
Wife and I stopped by the GMC dealership on Sunday as it is next door to the recycling center where we needed to drop some stuff off. I will say this, there must have been 100+/- Sierra trucks on the lot - mostly half tons. I was amazed how they crammed them into such a small area. Are full size truck sales dead? What is going on? My Lord. This dealership had 90% of their lot packed with vehicles.
Anyway, they had 7 Canyon's on the lot, 5 Elevation and 2 AT4X trim levels. One of the Elevation trucks was left unlocked. It was nicely optioned with leather seats, spray-in liner, tow package, etc. Wife liked the driving position and ride height but would definitely need a step bar to get in and out at 5' 5". Personally, I felt a little tight from side to side. Am I going to be rubbing elbows or touching shoulders with the front passenger? I am 6' 1", 220lbs. There was plenty of leg room and the vision was good. Interior quality seemed to be pretty high even in the Elevation trim. My wife sat behind me and claims to have had enough leg room. I did not even try to sit behind myself, did not look like it would work. I contacted the dealer through their site and am going to set up a time to test drive. The AT4X trucks that were there were about $58k IIRC. The white color seat and trim along dash and door would concern me - that is going to get dirty quick if you do a lot of off-roading or overlanding. I could not get inside to get a closer look. It did have some crazy looking rock sliders on it for rocker protection. And the truck did look menacing.
My first impression is that I am not convinced a mid-size truck will work for me from a comfort standpoint. The seats were comfortable but will my back be able to handle a 3-4 trip? I will reserve judgment until after the test drive. That said, my wife will be the primary driver, so her feedback pulls more weight. I will say the aggressive styling of the Canyon along with the 2-inch lift from the factory was very appealing, especially in person. It makes the truck look nearly as large as the Sierra 1500 to the untrained eye. The Canyon just seems to be much larger than other trucks in the segment when you walk right up to it. The interior, even in the base trim, was well appointed and there was not too much cheap plastic trim that I expected. I found the infotainment screen to be in near perfect alignment with the digital dash cluster, I prefer the horizontal look and the transition is very smooth and does not block visibility.
We drove past the Toyota dealership on the way to the recycling center and the GMC dealer. They had gates blocking all of the entrances to their lots. I took that to mean stay off the lot outside of business hours, so I did. They were the only brand to do this around here. I walked out front, and they seemed to have quite a bit of used cars and trucks as the used lot was near full. The new vehicle lot, from what I could see from the road was fairly empty. I did not see a 2024 Tacoma from where I was standing. They had some Highlanders and Tundras but that was mostly it. A lot of empty parking spots, maybe 40% full. I would need to visit when they are open to get a better look.
Swung by the Ford dealership, no 2024 Ranger available to look at - on the lot at least. They had four 2024 F-150 trucks and only 2 Super Duty's. Not sure why their lot was so empty. I would guess maybe 50% capacity and a lot of empty space. It was mostly Bronco Sports and Explorers. This is the dealer I called about a Ranger Raptor and was told MSRP + $7500. No thank you.
We chose not to stop at the Honda dealer, which had 3 Ridgeline's on the lot parked right at the corner of the road. In retrospect, we should have stopped. The one on the end was a Black Edition in a blue grayish color, looked pretty nice. The other two looked like lower end trims based on the drive by. Another dealership with maybe 60% capacity with quite a bit of empty real estate. A lot of CRV's. Not much else. I saw 1 Passport and maybe 3 Pilots. No Odyssey's.
Chevy and Nissan were a few miles down the road and it was getting late, so we skipped them. Not sure if we will even get to visit them at this point. If we decide to go mid-size, it will likely come down to Canyon or Ranger.
Until next time...
Thanks,
Eric
If you can, you might wait until summer or end of summer. New trucks are just now rolling out and you won't get to see all the models for a while.
Fightnfire
Moderator
Nice write up, the Canyon is a great truck. I wish we got to see it more in reviews instead of the Chevy it's just so much better. I agree with you in the looks department, the Canyon is the best looking of the bunch.
If I was going mid-size it would also like you be between the Ranger and the Canyon. 58k for a Raptor or AT4X is impressive. I need to price up a well equipped AT4 to see where it lands and what you get.
Blue Oval 5.0
Active member
The nearest Ford dealer that shows any Ranger inventory is about 30 mins away. I may try to out there this upcoming weekend. They currently show one of each trim; XL, XLT, Lariat, Raptor ranging from $38k to $59k. Will be worth a trip if the trucks are still there.
I am in no rush Tim. We are sharing my 2008 F-150 right now. We make it work as we both work from home 50% of the time, have short commutes, and alternate which days we work at home. At some point, we will need to make a decision But it is not this week.
I can’t explain why I am drawn to this truck so much. The styling is attractive and the power numbers are incredible. I built up an AT4 model with the Premium Package, tow pkg, step bars, bed cover, and bed liner and the price was $49,995. No, it is not cheap. I built up a Ranger Lariat and it was just over $52k and that is before the 2.7 becomes available, which is another $2,200. It still won’t have ventilated seats or rear vents but will have better cameras and a few other things. Still, $4k more.
Does anyone here drive a new Colorado or Canyon? Would love to get their feedback on ownership experience. I have a watched a lot of You Tube, most folks seem to like it for the most part. The biggest complaint seems to be the lack of a light switch on the dash and having to use the screen to adjust it.
I am in no rush Tim. We are sharing my 2008 F-150 right now. We make it work as we both work from home 50% of the time, have short commutes, and alternate which days we work at home. At some point, we will need to make a decision But it is not this week.
I can’t explain why I am drawn to this truck so much. The styling is attractive and the power numbers are incredible. I built up an AT4 model with the Premium Package, tow pkg, step bars, bed cover, and bed liner and the price was $49,995. No, it is not cheap. I built up a Ranger Lariat and it was just over $52k and that is before the 2.7 becomes available, which is another $2,200. It still won’t have ventilated seats or rear vents but will have better cameras and a few other things. Still, $4k more.
Does anyone here drive a new Colorado or Canyon? Would love to get their feedback on ownership experience. I have a watched a lot of You Tube, most folks seem to like it for the most part. The biggest complaint seems to be the lack of a light switch on the dash and having to use the screen to adjust it.
You know if you buy that GMC, you'll have to change your screen name...
Blue Oval 5.0
Active member
Tim,
What is your take on the decline in first quarter sales of full size pickups? Is it due to the change over in model year for Ram and Ford? Is it the UAW strike?
I found it odd that the local GMC dealer had a LOT of Sierras but the Ford dealer had only six full size trucks.
Eric
What is your take on the decline in first quarter sales of full size pickups? Is it due to the change over in model year for Ram and Ford? Is it the UAW strike?
I found it odd that the local GMC dealer had a LOT of Sierras but the Ford dealer had only six full size trucks.
Eric
Blue Oval 5.0
Active member
You know if you buy that GMC, you'll have to change your screen name...
Ha ha well I still have two Ford’s and yeah, this goes against everything I stand for. Must be the eclipse or the lack of blood to the brain during the recent surgeries, lol.
When do you expect the 2025 Ram to arrive in your driveway???
Yes to all the above AND interest rates, uncertain economy. Just everything is working against truck sales at the moment.
I would add that my advertising revenue has started to increase and I'm doing much better year over year. This gives me hope that incentives are coming, advertising dollars will be up and truck sales will be better than last year.
I know my business is just one example and my results could not be related to anything at all. I just found it interesting when I got to thinking about it.
With that said, I don't make a nickel off any truck you buy. My income is all advertisements and I don't control who buys Ads nor do I know who buys them. I'm completely removed from that process and that's just the way I like it.
I keep getting that question about the 2025 Ram 1500 and I don't have an answer. I have no idea what is going on actually.
One of the subscribers emailed me a week or two ago to inform me they are starting to stage Ram 1500s outside the plant to get ready to ship them. He thought by mid to late April.
My concern is I have so many options, it might be slowed down by that.
You know, I should just do a video with that information. It won't be a long one, but obviously there's some interest in what's going on.
Blue Oval 5.0
Active member
Ypres, I think a video update is warranted. None of them seem to have the streets while dealers still have 2023 and 2024 models sitting around. Is Ram holding them back???
Also waiting for that video review on Heather’s Trailblazer…
Blue Oval 5.0
Active member
You know if you buy that GMC, you'll have to change your screen name...
I just contacted two Ford dealers about the Ranger Raptor so not so fast my friend, lol!
Blue Oval 5.0
Active member
2nd Ford dealer responded to Ranger Raptor request… $10k market adjustment. Even higher than first dealer. No thank you…
NorthskyBlue NHT
Member
I'm sorry but I have to push back on the GMC Canyon being "just so much better". The exterior sheet metal between the Canyon and Colorado are even closer than between Silverado/Sierra, that is to say they're styled virtually exactly the same except for slightly different headlights and a rectangle grille in the front with red letters "GMC" on it. The interiors are physically and mechanically the same with some color differences on top end models, the exterior colors are exactly the same (with different names) and the available trims are the same with different names.
I get that when the T1 Silverado came out a lot of people didn't like the styling and many understandably preferred the Sierra styling. But for the new generation Colorado that's simply not the case with virtually every commenter I've seen on the topic raving over the Colorado's styling, with many calling it the best looking mid sizer. Styling preferences vary but I can't see how objectively the Canyon could be called "so much" better in any appreciable way as the two vehicles are nearly identical with the only major exception being essentially a rectangle on the front.
Fightnfire
Moderator
There are lots of differences between the two, they're both good looking trucks. I was going to start listing them from memory of crawling through them but here's an article that sums it up nicely.
Sheet metal differences on the front, hood and rear. Front and rear light differences. Material changes throughout. More standard items on packages. Lift and wider track on all Canyon models. High output on all Canyon models and on and on. CC standard on all GMC models.
Also, the model lineup isn't the same: (The Elevation is better specc'd standard than a WT, LT and Trail Boss)
GMC has Elevation < AT4 < Denali < AT4X
Chevy has WT < LT < Trail Boss < Z71 < ZR2
Sheet metal differences on the front, hood and rear. Front and rear light differences. Material changes throughout. More standard items on packages. Lift and wider track on all Canyon models. High output on all Canyon models and on and on. CC standard on all GMC models.
Also, the model lineup isn't the same: (The Elevation is better specc'd standard than a WT, LT and Trail Boss)
GMC has Elevation < AT4 < Denali < AT4X
Chevy has WT < LT < Trail Boss < Z71 < ZR2
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Blue Oval 5.0
Active member
Dealer #3 claims to have a wait list on Ranger Raptor at $10k over MSRP. I guess the economy is not as bad as I thought it was…
100% agree. Very large differences between the GMC and Chevy. I was actually surprised how much. All the GMC Canyons have the same height as the Chevy Trailboss but are much better equipped inside. A much better tech package as well. The Chevy has nothing to offer that the GMC doesn't. The only confusing issue I find with the GMC is the Denali. There is nothing that differentiates it from the AT4 other than the badging and some extra stitching. It should have a Super-cruise and powered steps that the others cannot get.
The AT4 I built was $50,315 with bedliner and bed lights added. No sunroof or Bose audio. I'll probably add steps as well just for ease of entry but not the GMC ones. I like the off-road aluminum ones they sell but you need to buy the lift with them, and I have no need for that. I do like the driving feel and the seats seem comfortable. No telling what that would be on a long trip though.