So Many Mid-Sized Truck on Market

I think the reality is that nothing is really going to change in the midsize market. People who want a midsize will buy one. Same with people who want a compact or fullsize truck. The twins just got a refresh and once they can get all the bugs worked out I would expect their numbers to keep going up. The Frontier had it's refresh in 2022 but it does not seem to be helping too much. Time will tell with the 6G Ranger but I suspect they will sell everyone they make. The Gladiator is just too damn expensive for a midsize truck. What I do see happening is a lot more deals on fullsize trucks going forward and that will drive people towards them.

 

I'm interested to see what the Kia truck looks like. BOF one pice 4DSB? Unibody revision of the Santacruz?

 

Definitely a midsize contender.

 

It will be over designed with a bunch of creases on the body and cool light strips everywhere. Everything will crap out at around 50k miles. LOL

 

The midsize market has been heating up partially because full-size trucks are pricing too many people out. The funny part is midsize trucks aren't all that far behind in price, but that is enough for a lot of people.

 

KIA is a far different company than it was 10, even 5 years ago. No longer for people who want a deal over toyota and Honda, rather a first choice. Their truck should sell well. And I’m betting they’ll beat Toyota releasing an EV version.

Honestly if come 2025/26 and Kia has a legit EV mid size and Toyota is sticking to $60k “performance” hybrid Tacomas that get 23 mpg I’d get the Kia. Rather go with them than Rivian.

 

Until other manufacturers build plants dedicated to their 1/4 trucks, Tacoma will always sell more. From an article dated May 14, 2023 Ford built 17,462 Rangers to 46,742 Broncos (combined 64,204). If we assume that is from January to May 1 Toyota sold 75,037 Tacomas in the first 4 months. If Ford only built Rangers there they'd still be behind Toyota 11k units (based on pace would equate to a 33k shortfall).

I do agree that pricing on 1/2 tons will send more buyers to smaller trucks or just keep theirs for much longer. I live in a not so wealthy area in Oklahoma and people around here cannot afford a car payment that exceeds $500 let alone $1,000.

 

They've come along way but still wouldn't buy a KIA unless I had gun to my head. LOL.

I thought Toyota had issues with their Tundra hybrids, KIAs are 5 times worse. Id rather have a hybrid then a EV anyday of week.

 

2024 Mitsubishi Triton looks impressive but still not in the class of 2024 Tacoma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzb_iRHmc00

 

I think Toyota is going to be trying to push the Tacoma upmarket too, guessing that only the SR and SR5 are going to be reasonably priced while the rest of the Trim Levels see a significant price bump.

 

agree. I've sat in and driven both gens of Ridgelines. If you don't need to run trails or need the extra 1400 pounds of towing capacity it's a significant step up in quality and driving experience, especially the 2nd gen Ridgeline. If you only need to haul stuff it has more hauling capacity than a Taco.

I wonder if it would be more popular if it came with a 2 inch factory lift.

 

It would be more popular it they gave it some aggressive styling. They tried with the HPD model but still needs more. Maybe the Pilot frontend would work where it is more squared off. It does 99% of what I need to do in a truck and I love the dead body compartment in the bed.

 

The refresh helped but agree. What would make it compelling is an adjustable suspension like the Grand Cherokee, and make it look good when in off road mode. BOF is not a dealbreaker for me, but clearance is. Can still climb challenging forest roads and traverse some traps with unibody. Just need the clearance.

Seeing how Honda went a bit more robust with the 23 pilot, bet the Ridgeline refresh should have some tricks to make it a better off roader.

Also needs a damn shift knob. That button transmission select is cool in an SUV. But stupid in a truck.