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Test drove the new Ranger, GMC Canyon and Taco OR.....

Discussion in 'General Automotive' started by SSingh1975, Jan 28, 2019.

  1. Jan 28, 2019 at 7:18 AM
    #1
    SSingh1975

    SSingh1975 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Elk Grove, California
    Vehicle:
    2011 BMW X5 Diesel, 2017 GMC Yukon Denali
    Been a lurker here since late last year and almost signed the papers for a 18 Taco 4x4 OR last year but wasn't ready to part with my oil burner X5 so here I am.

    Market has changed in the mid size now so quickly with the new Ranger, Canyon All Terrain and Colorado getting additional off road trims.

    Not new to Taco (I've test drove it enough (all trims) last year....however the newcomers are definitely interesting. My non profession thoughts from the test drives I did over the weekend on the new Ranger (Lariat model) and Canyon All-Terrain (basically like the OR in the Taco). I did test drove the Colorado last year and liked it but I prefer the interior and body style on the Canyon better than the Colorado.

    Tacoma:
    Pluses- Typical Toyota reliability
    - BEST aggressive bodystyle out of the 3 (imo)
    - proven performance over time and tons of mods available aftermarket
    - safety sense inc on all trims
    Minuses - not the most powerful engine and even all the trims I test drove had
    "searching" transmission issue.
    - Interior is outdated compared to the other 2 (on par with Chevy Colorado)
    - Interior room is not too bad but once you get in either the new Ranger or the Canyon, this is clearly evident that the Taco lacks in this aspect..more apparent on the back seat.

    Ranger:
    Pluses: Fantastic engine, smooth transmission and very responsive
    - Lariat trim is really nice with a modern interior
    - Dunno if its me but seems like the tray is deeper than the Taco
    - In my opinion, this will be the model that might come close to beating Taco sales this year and wouldn't be surprised if some old gen Taco owners sway over ;-)
    - Dealer wouldn't let me drive this on freeway but just driving around in the
    parking lot and side streets, really no complaints with the truck.

    Minues: Too early to tell about long term reliability. Keep in mind the turbo engine is DIFFERENT from the 'Eco-Bust' ones being in the Focus.
    - Might be some QC issues with 1st batch. The demo truck back seat wouldn't latch properly.lol. Salesman said it's the demo car so go figure.
    - Personally, I think a 2-3 year lease on this would work out great since the residuals seem to be on par with Tacoma pricing.

    2019 Canyon All-Terrain:
    - this was the sleeper hit from experience. Really a well rounded truck and decent V6 engine with lots of power. IMO, the Canyon (especially the AT package) had the best seats/interior out of the 3 and seeming the most room (even the back seats).

    Minuses: - Don't think it's a real Off-truck truck due to the seemingly low front end. If I do get it, first thing would be to remove the low air damper. But its too nice a truck to be really putting it thru heavy terrain :). I definitely see this as a soccer mom truck making occasionally rounds to Home Depot and soccer practices at the same time.
    - questionable GM reliability?

    To round off, I see people touting Taco's resale value all the time but from my own research on used market, CarMax and lease residuals, all 3 are definitely up there. Yes, the Taco has the most but these are not far behind ..maybe a few thousand dollars difference.

    For me, I'm gonna hold on to my X5 till end this year and then will be in the market again. Right now, the Ranger (being new) is the most expensive especially once you add in the varying trims but of course by year end when the dealers are flooded, the discounts may start coming.

    I also asked the sales mgr at Ford about the lack of Ranger marketing and from he said, it's due to the fact that dealers don't have inventory yet but once the lots are full, the marketing may come then.

    2019 will be a interesting year for the mid size truck segment!

    PS: I have no desire in the new Jeep truck. Will probably be an over priced piece of crap with bad reliability but the Jeep fanboys will be all over it without a second thought.
     
  2. Jan 28, 2019 at 7:43 AM
    #2
    Exracer2

    Exracer2 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Colchester Ontario
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Off-Road Alpine White ACLB
    BRO grille, KICKER speakers, Key amp, Hideaway sub
    I was at the Detroit Auto show yesterday and the Ranger looked much better than the preproduction one they had there last year. They had a few sweet paint schemes (two tone) that I hope are production and not custom show special one offs. (I was in a hurry and left my camera on the kitchen table).

    Based purely on paint and aftermarket setups the Tacoma is lacking based on auto show displays. They bring a stock truck and well you get to see the new pro colour of the year. Then you hit the GM and Ford displays (and even the Jeep Gladiator) and you see awesome looking displays. Ford had a few rangers outfitted with RTT’s and full on off-roading / overlanding dream machines.

    If I were to rate the current midsize offerings purely based on the displays yesterday the ford had those awesome 2 tone trucks and the gladiator looks great. The twins always look good. If the midsized market gets driven only on looks the Tacoma looks bland in comparison. Did I already say the two tone fords looked hot?
     
  3. Jan 28, 2019 at 7:53 AM
    #3
    TexAggie

    TexAggie Well-Known Member

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    Eric
    Houston, TX
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    17
    OME Lift
    Might just be me, but I think the Taco is hands down the best looking interior in the segment. The ford and gm interiors just remind me of mini vans. I don't understand why people get caught up on "leather" dashes.
     
  4. Jan 28, 2019 at 10:53 AM
    #4
    skiploder

    skiploder Personally holding a grudge against Falken

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    Nice of you to drop in after spending some time on the Ranger forums....

    #23

    ...and the 2.3 is the same engine that's in the mustang. It's the one that has been noted by leading car magazines to be losing power under optimal conditions. It's a turd.
     
    JNG and Crow_of_judgement like this.
  5. Jan 28, 2019 at 10:57 AM
    #5
    skiploder

    skiploder Personally holding a grudge against Falken

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2017
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    Somewhere NE of Kanab
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    FZJ80/XJ LS swap
    My brother just bought one of these shit wagons. Sent me the link.
     

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