10 Pickup Trucks we Might Like to Get in Canada
North America is unarguably the land of the pickup truck, and every year, more and more consumers are buying them. The full-size models already sit at the top of the light-vehicle sales charts in Canada and in the United States, but truthfully, not everyone needs the capacities of such a big pickup. So there is potential for other pickup models that aren’t sold on our market. Here are a few we’d like to see here.
Ford Ranger Raptor
the F-150 Raptor is a sales success, so why not offer a Ranger Raptor too? Unveiled in Taiwan in February 2018, the little Raptor looks just as tough as its bigger brother with its massive grille, bulging fenders and 283-mm ground clearance. The pickup benefits from a new frame designed to withstand high-speed off-road stints, with a reinforced suspension that includes Fox Racing Shox dampers and more powerful brakes. In other markets, the Ranger Raptor relies on a twin-turbocharged, 2.0-litre diesel four-cylinder engine that develops 213 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Chevrolet Tornado
Isn’t this little pickup just so cuddly cute? The Tornado is sold in Mexico, among other countries, equipped with a 1.8-litre four cylinder that develops 105 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. Its payload capacity is rated at 1618 lbs. (734 kg), which isn’t bad at all.
Volkswagen Amarok
the German automaker has been selling a pickup truck for several years now, but it thinks bringing it to Canada and to the United States won’t be profitable. Yet it’s available right below us in Mexico. It can be equipped with a turbo-diesel, 3.0-litre V6 that produces 224 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, according to the country it’s available in. It boasts a maximum towing capacity of about 7000 lbs. (3150 kg). We’d settle for a pickup truck inspired by the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept unveiled at this year’s New York Auto Show.
Fiat Fullback Cross
In November 2017, the Fiat brand launched the new Fullback Cross, which will be sold in several European countries, but not here. It’s equipped with a turbo-diesel, 2.4-litre four cylinder that develops 180 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Would a pickup truck reignite consumer interest for the Fiat brand in Canada? Maybe not, but at least we’d end up with a stylish little truck, which wouldn’t hurt Ram sales. Unless FCA sells it here badged as, say, the Ram 1000 or something like that?
Nissan NP300 Frontier
We’re due for a new Frontier, right? Well, Nissan’s got one for other markets—including Mexico—that’s much more modern. Over there, it’s available with a 2.5-litre four cylinder good for 166 horsepower and 178 pound-feet or torque, or a turbo-diesel 2.5-litre four that produces up to 188 horsepower and 332 pound-feet.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class
Launched in 2017, Mercedes-Benz’s pickup is available in several trims including PURE, PROGRESSIVE and POWER, for work or for leisure. The company says it can tow up to 7716 lbs. (3500 kg) thanks to its turbo-diesel V6 that produces 258 metric horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It can also be equipped with a turbo-diesel, 2.3-litre four, good for 190 horsepower. We won’t say it too loud, but the X-Class is based on the architecture of the Nissan NP300.
Mitsubishi L200/Triton
Mitsubishi has been selling a pickup truck for quite a while now, but this one was never offered here. It’s called L200 in certain markets, Triton in others, and it’s available with a gasoline 2.4-litre four cylinder (132 horsepower, 149 pound-feet), a turbo-diesel 2.5-litre four (up to 178 horsepower and 295 pound-feet) or a turbo-diesel 2.4-litre four (181 hp and 317 pound-feet). Okay, it’s not the sexiest pickup truck out there, but it would be something new for Mitsubishi’s vehicle lineup in Canada.
Toyota Hilux
We like the Tacoma, but it’s starting to get really old. Meanwhile in Europe, Toyota launched a new generation of its Hilux pickup in 2016. A true symbol of toughness, this truck is equipped with a turbo-diesel, 2.4-litre four cylinder that develops 150 metric horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Ssangyong Actyon Sports
This Korean brand actually belongs to India’s Mahindra, and it offers a cheery little pickup called the Actyon Sports. Under its hood is a gasoline 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine (150 metric horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque), a diesel 2.0-litre four (155 horsepower and 266 pound-feet) or a 2.2-litre diesel (178 horsepower and 295 pound-feet). Its towing capacity is rated at 5070 lbs. (2300 kg)—not too shabby.
Mahindra Bolero
The Indian automaker is trying hard to establish itself in the United States, thinking its little Bolero pickup truck can handle several commercial tasks. With its turbo-diesel, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 63 horsepower(!) and 144 pound-feet of torque, Mahindra claims a fuel economy average of 7.7 L/100 km. Its payload capacity is estimated at 2755 lbs. (1250 kg), which is quite impressive.