Truck Trend's Best in Class 2008: Compact Pickup
By Editors of Truck Trend
Winner: Toyota Tacoma
Runner-Up: Dodge Dakota
Admittedly, this segment of the auto industry hasn't been getting much love over the last few years. Prices of full-size pickups have been so competitive, salesmen are slotting buyers into bigger, stronger, more capable vehicles, sometimes for the same money. But the Tacoma is still a serious player. Just about the newest (since its redesign) of any compact, the Taco has a strong four-cylinder and a neck-snapping 4.0-liter V6 -- and that doesn't even count the TRD supercharger option (for about $4000) offered at the dealer. It's the sales leader in the segment, and for good reason. However, if you have to have a V8, the only option is the Dakota, so we've slotted that in at number two. | Compact Pickup, 4WD ext cab 4-door | | Vehicle | Chevy/GMC Colorado/Canyon | Dodge Dakota Club Cab | Ford Ranger SuperCab | Isuzu I-290 | | Base price | $21,160/$20,570 | $24,330 | $22,870 | $18,048 (2WD only) | | Wheelbase, in | 126 | 131.3 | 126 | 125.9 | | Base engine | 2.9L DOHC I-4 | 3.7L SOHC V-6 | 4.0L SOHC V-6 | 2.9L DOHC I-4 | | Opt engine | 3.7L I-5 $1000 | 4.7L HO V-8 $1615 | | 3.7L I-5 $4089 | | Horsepower, SAE | 185 (242) | 210 (302) | 207 | 185 (242) | | Torque, SAE | 190 (242) | 235 (329) | 238 | 190 (242) | | Tires | 205/75R15 | 245/75R16 | 225/70R15 | 225/75R15 | | Fuel cap, gal | 19 | 22 | 19.5 | 19.6 | | EPA fuel econ, city/hwy | 16/20 (15/21) | 15/19 (14/19) | 15/19 | 16/22 (15/20) | | Max pass | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | | Base curb weight, lb | 3506 | 4296 | 3410 | 3488 | | GVWR, lb | 5300 | 6010 | 5060 | 4600 | | Max payload, lb | 1500 | 1750 | 1600 | 1200 | | Max towing cap, lb | 5500 | 7100 | 5800 | 3500 | | Vehicle | Mazda B-Series Cab Plus | Mitsubishi Raider Extended Cab | Nissan Frontier King Cab | Toyota Tacoma Access Cab | | Base price | $22,680 | $20,535 (4x2 only) | $22,495 | $22,240 | | Wheelbase, in | 126 | 131.3 | 125.9 | 127.2 | | Base engine | 4.0L SOHC V-6 | 3.7L SOHC V-6 | 4.0L DOHC V-6 | 2.7L DOHC I-4 | | Opt engine | | | | 4.0L V-6 $1555 | | Horsepower, SAE | 207 | 210 | 261 | 159 (236) | | Torque, SAE | 238 | 235 | 281 | 180 (266) | | Tires | 225/70R15 | 245/70R16 | 225/70R15 | 205/75R15 | | Fuel cap, gal | 19.5 | 22 | 21.1 | 21 | | EPA fuel econ, city/hwy | 15/19 | 16/22 | 15/19 | 15/19 (15/18) | | Max pass | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | | Base curb weight, lb | 3662 | 4310 | 3704 | 3670 | | GVWR, lb | 5020 | 6010 | 5178 | 5350 | | Max payload, lb | 1400 | 1700 | 1300 | 1600 | | Max towing cap, lb | 5600 | 4150 | 6300 | 6500 |
(Related Articles) Truck Trend's Best in Class 2008
It's that time of year again. We've collected the vital information on every pickup, sport/utility vehicle, crossover, and minivan and put all the data into charts for you to sift through. Every Full-Size, Compact, Pickup, SUV, Minivan, and More! |
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