2012 Global Pickup Shootout
Ford Ranger XLT, Holden Colorado LTZ, Toyota Hilux SR5 and VW Amarok Highline
2012 Global Pickup Shootout - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports
Fourth Place: Toyota Hilux
Third Place: Volkswagen Amarok
Second Place: Holden Colorado
First Place: Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger XLT, Holden Colorado LTZ, Toyota Hilux SR5 and VW Amarok Highline
2012 Global Pickup Shootout - PickupTrucks.com Special Reports
At a time when fuel prices are rising and more manufacturers are trying to squeeze out every mpg they can from their pickup trucks, you'd think there would be a strong push for smaller pickup trucks. Unfortunately, that's not the case in the U.S. Except for GM and its new Chevy Colorado, many truck makers seem to be slowly withdrawing from the segment.
That's why we decided to partner with some of our friends in Australia to put together this four-way global midsize pickup truck comparison. It may not be as thorough as our previous Shootouts, but there is still plenty of good info about some interesting pickups, including a first look and test of the new Colorado (called the Holden Colorado in Australia), a vehicle soon to made and sold in the U.S.
Fourth Place: Toyota Hilux
Customers are still happy to sign up for Hiluxes in greater numbers than ever before, but it’s not the best ute out there. It finishes solidly in last place, mainly because of the quality of its rivals rather than any hugely obvious shortcomings.
The problem is simply that the Hilux is an old vehicle, and the world has moved on since its introduction in 2005. Back then it set the standard, but now it’s lagging in most areas. It carries less in the cargo bed, tows less, its engines have less power and torque, its transmissions have fewer gears, and it’s not comfortable on the road.
The upside is that the Hilux is known for its durability, its resale value is extremely good, and it seems to be a bulletproof performer off the beaten track.
Additionally, a recent price cut and equipment upgrade means the Hilux is more attractive than before, but not attractive enough in this company.
Third Place: Volkswagen Amarok
If Volkswagen put a bigger engine in the Amarok and offered an automatic transmission in the proper 4x4 version with low range, we’d be happy. Automatics are very popular in this type of ute in Australia, and they are, by far, the best choice for tough, low-speed off-road work.
We’d prefer a larger-displacement engine for the extra torque, and we’d like the Amarok to sound like it’s not working so hard. The Amarok has a smooth-revving engine, but it just lacks the torque-ier personality of its key rivals.
If you are happy to work the engine hard and don’t mind changing gears yourself (and often), you’ll be rewarded with the vast interior and wide cargo bed. Just don’t expect to tow quite as much as Ranger and Colorado owners.
Second Place: Holden Colorado
If you’re expecting a ute that handles more like a car, then it’s going to disappoint. Sure, it feels more traditionally trucklike compared with the Ranger and Amarok when it comes to cornering and is far more cumbersome in general driving, but it is a pickup, after all.
Some liked the no-nonsense interior, but we thought it was a little ordinary for an all-new truck, and it did look like a lower trim level. The engine is the loudest at idle, but the sound is not irritating and smoothens out as the truck gains speed.
Despite all that, it didn’t take us long to warm up to the Colorado. Its softer suspension means it floats a little more than the others, but it is also very comfortable in most conditions. The engine has plenty of torque to get around without much fuss, and the cabin feels spacious.
The Colorado’s 7,500-pound-plus tow rating is handy, and there is nothing missing from the list of standard equipment. If you don’t mind driving a pickup that feels like a pickup, the Colorado (the least expensive of our group) makes for a good value proposition.
First Place: Ford Ranger
It’s the most expensive ute here, but the Ranger is the best of the bunch. The Colorado and Amarok are both impressive, but the Ranger sets the new standard.
It isn’t perfect, though. The engine has some inconsistent injection noise, the manual gearbox is not extraordinary, the cargo bed is narrower than the Amarok’s, and the ride can be a little firm at lower speeds. But the Ranger is a clear winner in almost every other respect.
The engine has plenty of torque and never seems to be working too hard. The six-speed automatic is a good option, especially for stop-start city driving or remote and rugged off-road action.
Serene is the best way to describe the cabin. It is quiet and also rather well-isolated from all the bumps and ruts on the roads.
We understand that design is quite subjective, but we thought the Ranger was an attractive machine. It doesn’t have the hard-edged ruggedness of the F-Series pickups, but it still looks tough, especially when it’s next to its competitors.
Then there is the interior. Some of the buttons confused us, but the layout, design and quality of materials are far superior to the others. Also, the high-ish payload and tow ratings make the Ranger a practical machine.
What did we like most about the Ranger? One thing that stands out is how it handles flowing country roads: It stays surefooted, sits flat and responds quickly to inputs. To put it simply, it was fun to drive.
While U.S. customers should no doubt be pleased that GM has committed to sell the Colorado there, it’s a shame there aren’t similar plans for the Ranger to come over as well.
