Trd Pro's Latest Competition

Well, The Chevy Colorado already had dibs on the "Shimmy" brand.

 

Didn't they come with the bearings already in the pan?

 

Hahahaha! Maybe. I never had one, thankfully. Just liked the looks when they launched.

 

Don't doubt that 4banger. I test drove one and it's impressive. That twin turbo is nice.

 

I like it. Would be worth a test drive if I was looking for a new truck.

 

A 2.7 will shit all over a 5.3.

 

I wonder if the transmission works.

 

I was strongly considering a Bronco with the same engine before I settled on a Tacoma. I ruled out the Ranger for two reasons. Main reason was that it just doesn't look good. I want to like it....but just can't. Something about that dopey, droopy, front end. This is coming from someone who currently drives an older Ranger.

The other was no manual option.

I have no real issue with the EcoBoost engines. I doubt they'll achieve any mega-mileage but, if maintained and taken care of, I don't think they are a huge problem. I'm confident enough with myself that I can drive a 4 cylinder without feeling emasculated. The days of displacement are over.

 

I see soccer moms driving fullsize half tons all day long. I would guess they are leased vehicles.

 

LMAO, yea, it definitely will! The 2.7's internals will spew all over the 5.3 if you tried to make the same power out of it. A 5.3 will make serious power with a cam and some valve train work and that's with a stock bottom end. A Ford motor blows if you stare at it too long. Even stock for stock, the 5.3 will have torque everywhere the 2.7 Ecoboost is lacking. Factor in heat soak and a 2.7 has no chance of doing truck work as long and as well. Oh, and the new GM truck blocks that matter are all 6.2L. It's all fun and games until you're that guy sliding backward down the boat ramp

 

Test drove one when I had my 4Runner still and hadn't driven a Tacoma.

The power delivery in the truck was really awesome and it was super peppy. Just couldn't get past how boring it looked compared to the 4Runner and the interior was way cheesier and boring in person than it looks in online photos. Also pretty bad visibility and manual rear window ultimately led to no deal.

If I didn't need to tow a travel trailer, I'd 100% trade the Tacoma in on a Bronco because I think it'd be an amazing vehicle to drive for a few years.

I'll happily take another look at the next generation Ranger since it'll be designed for the North American market as far as aesthetics go, especially if there's a Raptor version.

I'm a Mustang guy, so I have no issues with Fords. Toyota is now number one in my heart though as I've never loved a vehicle as much as I loved my 4Runners. But as a brief GT350 owner, I love what Ford does for pushing the limits from an engineering perspective so I'll continue to support them, especially as they push for more power train alternatives.

But yeah Tacoma is a much better looking overall vehicle with much better features at this point in time. I certainly wouldn't complain about a little more pep and progression in the drive train though.

 

A cammed 5.3 will make less power than a tuned 2.7.

 

Maybe a built one with upgraded turbo etc. Not factory internals or just tuned lmao. Not if it's to survive in real world use. Maybe for two seconds on a glory run on a dyno for youtube. Then, they'll turn down the boost and drive home with half the power so it doesn't blow up. Furthermore, using your own argument, we are talking about truck use. That 2.7 will never have the torque of the 5.3. It might make a cute peak number for social media bragging rights, but anyone who can read a dyno chart will know it's not useful for truck use nor on track. Area under the curve will be lacking and it won't hold that torque for long. You also keep conveniently sidestepping the heat soak. That brutal reality of thermodynamics that a turbo cannot overcome. That reality that will choke the truck and cut its functionality when towing and hauling for extended periods. Not to mention the abuse on the little transmission and rear end that come coupled to a little turbo 2.7, a Ford transmission at that

 

Prior to owning my Tacoma I owned 3 Ford Rangers over the years. Sadly the only appealing thing I saw while watching the video for this new Ranger was that they have 4 frame mounted recovery hooks. Kinda surprised that Toyota didn’t do that with their Off Road and Pro trim levels at least.

 

Why would you assume that?

 

I recently saw a young lady cruisin by in a new LR Tundra Pro.

 

Why wouldn't I assume that.

Just looking at them I don't think they are investing in a fullsize pick up. I would also assume that their last lease vehicle was aT4R, or a GX 460.