Born to run: our 2005 report on compact, midsize, full-size, and sport utility trucks

Tools of the Trade, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Michael Morris

Last year was a big one for full-size pickup makeovers, but for 2005 the biggest new-truck news can be found in the middle of the pack--notably, in the introduction of several totally revamped, upgraded, and enlarged midsize pickups from Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota, as well as the recently launched midsize GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado.

Of course, just to keep us interested, all of the pickup manufacturers have added something of note to almost every truck in their lines, whether midsize, full-size, or compact. Some altogether new "hybrid" pickups and "sport utility" trucks are also rolling our way. Many of these models are already available as this issue goes to press. Here's the rundown:

MIDSIZE/COMPACT PICKUPS

DODGE DAKOTA

In a world divided between full-size and compact pickups, the Dakota long ago staked out an early claim to being the only true midsize truck (the fact is, there is no official compact or midsize classification for pickups, as there is for sedans). That notwithstanding, for 2005 the Dakota remains the only nonfull-size pickup to offer a V8 engine, but it is finally being challenged in the "midsize" segment by formerly compact competitors General Motors, Toyota, and Nissan.

Last year, GMC and Chevy rolled out their Canyon and Colorado pickups, which are bigger than their compact Sonoma and S-10 predecessors. Yet despite the Canyon's 5-cylinder engine, neither truck comes close to the V8 power under the Dakota's hood. This year's all-new, upsized Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier pickups also take a run at the midsize title, but they still fall short in critical specs like payload, towing capacity and that all-important macho high-water mark-engine displacement.

So the Dakota continues to lead this new, growing midsize truck segment and even reinforces its position with a complete makeover for 2005. The Dakota's engine lineup alone is impressive. Two 4.7-liter V8s are available--a High Output tuner that blows away the competition with over 250 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, and a somewhat less-potent version rated at 230 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. A 3.7-liter V6, with 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, is standard equipment. The new Dakota also benefits from a reengineered frame that adds 2.7 inches in width to the body, further distancing it from the pack and making the all-new interior feel as spacious as a full-size truck. Dodge claims the Dakota is now nearly 7 inches wider than the Chevy Colorado, for example.

This truck's cargo specs are also first-rate. The 2005 Dakota has a maximum towing capacity of 7,000-plus pounds and can carry a maximum payload of 1,740 pounds. Club Cab (two smaller, forward-opening rear doors) and Quad Cab (four standard doors) styles are offered on the new Dakota, and optional side-curtain air bags are available.

NISSAN FRONTIER

A year ago, Nissan rolled out its mighty, first-ever full-size pickup, the Titan, with an all-new American-built V8 included, to rave reviews. For 2005, its smaller sibling, the formerly compact (now advertised as midsize) Frontier pickup, gets a Titan-like transplant, adding nearly 10 inches in wheelbase length. New sheet metal makes this third-generation truck look much like its bigger brother, but the Frontier also benefits from frame and suspension redesigns modeled on the Titan underbody.

Available in King (with rear access doors) and Crew Cab (full four-door) models, the Frontier features an all-new 4.0-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) V6 with class-leading horsepower (265) and torque (284 pound-feet). Already a proven performer, this is the same base engine used in the new 350-Z, Maxima, and other current Nissan car models.

Like the Titan, the new Frontier now offers a factory spray-in bedliner and Nissan's innovative Utili-track bed tie-down system. It has a 1,600-pound maximum payload and up to 6,000-pound towing capacity.

Despite the redesign, full-size guys will be disappointed that although Nissan stretched the body and wheelbase, less than 2 inches of interior side-to-side room were added. The industry's move toward larger-than-compact small pickups finally addresses the reality that Americans are taller (and wider) than many overseas drivers, and compacts--which originated in the Asian truck market--are just too small for many potential buyers here. The new, improved Frontier pickup may be bigger outside, but inside it still feels like a compact.

TOYOTA TACOMA

Also getting the super-size treatment for 2005 is the revamped Toyota Tacoma. The manufacturer claims this eighth-generation pickup "moves well beyond the compact-truck dimensions of previous models," yet doesn't go so far as to call the Tacoma a midsize truck. Depending on the model, wheelbases are up to 5.9 inches longer and wider by some 4 inches, which translates directly to interior roominess as well.

More power is "also provided for the new Tacoma. The top-of-the-line engine is the same base 4.0-liter V6 available in the full-size Tundra, which puts out a respectable 245 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is matched with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. A new 2.7-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine is also available. Maximum payload is 1,685 pounds, with a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.