2021 Midsize Truck Comparison: Tacoma vs. Ranger vs. Frontier vs. Colorado & Canyon
2021 Midsize Truck Comparison: Tacoma vs. Ranger vs. Frontier vs. Colorado & Canyon
Read about our Midsize Truck Comparison: https://edmu.in/3lutCW8
Midsize trucks can do it all. Quickly becoming the right size for many shoppers, midsize trucks are capable of towing, hauling and heading off-road. In this video, Ryan ZumMallen from Edmunds compares four of the top pickup trucks you can buy to see which is the best midsize truck for 2021. For this truck comparison, Ryan has the redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier and puts it up against the top-rated Toyota Tacoma, the Ford Ranger and the GMC Canyon (the Chevy Colorado is covered as well). Ryan spends time with each truck and discusses their respective strengths and weaknesses, and he gives you his pick for best midsize truck and why. So if you’re on the hunt for your next midsize truck, look no further than our 2021 midsize truck comparison test of the 2022 Nissan Frontier, 2021 Toyota Tacoma, 2021 Ford Ranger, and 2022 GMC Canyon.
2022 Nissan Frontier pricing \u0026 review: https://edmu.in/2YENuhx
2021 Toyota Tacoma pricing \u0026 review:https://edmu.in/38RfFeW
2021 Ford Ranger pricing \u0026 review: https://edmu.in/2VvVq3u
2021 Chevrolet Colorado pricing \u0026 review: https://edmu.in/3n9vjuy
2022 GMC Canyon pricing \u0026 review: https://edmu.in/3tpye3e
Intro 00:00
Nissan Frontier 01:00
Ford Ranger 04:14
GMC Canyon 07:21
Toyota Tacoma 10:32
Edmunds’ Take 13:05
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#ToyotaTacoma #FordRanger #ChevyColorado #NissanFrontier #GMCCanyon
Content
0 -> RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Today,
we've got four--
1.86 -> count them-- four of the top
mid-sized trucks you can buy.
7.41 -> There's the tried and true
Toyota Tacoma plus the GMC
11.22 -> Canyon and Ford Ranger,
and then there's
14.16 -> this, the brand new
Nissan Frontier.
17.19 -> We know these trucks
well because we've
19.26 -> put each one through our
exhaustive testing process.
22.71 -> And now we want to find out
exactly how they stack up
26.13 -> against each other.
27.57 -> If you ask me,
midsize trucks are
29.49 -> more like right-sized trucks.
31.59 -> This group is
livable and versatile
34.14 -> while still packing
a lot of utility
36.27 -> and off-road capability.
38.28 -> We'll run you through each of
their strengths and weaknesses
41.46 -> and show you some reasons
why you might decide
43.53 -> to buy one over the other.
45.51 -> While you're here, be
sure to throw us a like.
47.56 -> And don't forget to subscribe
so you see more Edmunds
49.77 -> videos just like this one.
51.45 -> And hey, if you like money, go
to edmunds.com/sellmycar to get
55.59 -> a cash offer on
your car right now.
58.32 -> Seriously, right now.
60.48 -> [MUSIC PLAYING]
61.38 -> You've been waiting for it.
62.71 -> We've been waiting for it.
63.99 -> Well, wait no more.
66 -> The redesigned Nissan
Frontier is here
68.28 -> with a load of enticing
upgrades for 2022.
71.91 -> Most noticeably, it
has a burly new look
74.58 -> and tons of options, including
a wireless smartphone charging
78.51 -> station, surround view camera,
and those sweet-looking grab
81.47 -> handles.
81.97 -> Yee-haw.
83.7 -> There's a lot that
interests us here.
85.36 -> So let's dive right in.
87.21 -> One of the big highlights
is a 3.8-liter V6 engine,
91.26 -> which is standard on all trims.
92.74 -> So there's no more
4-cylinder option.
95.52 -> That engine is now the
most powerful in the class.
98.37 -> And it pairs with a 9-speed
automatic transmission
101.58 -> that delivers smooth power
and comfortable shifts.
104.82 -> But perhaps even more crucial
is the improved steering
108.87 -> in the new Frontier plus
Nissan's excellent zero gravity
112.53 -> seats that come standard
and a bigger stabilizer
115.17 -> bar for better on-road comfort.
117.42 -> Hill descent control is also
standard on 4-by-4 models.
120.81 -> OK, you know what?
121.66 -> Let's just talk about how
the dang thing drives.
123.66 -> When it comes to driving
feel and refinement,
126.33 -> the Frontier is
powerful and smooth
129.27 -> and a definite upgrade from
past Frontiers the steering
133.62 -> can still be a little
bit vague, but it's not
136.05 -> bad for the body on frame
midsize truck class.
139.38 -> And as far as off-roading,
this Pro-4x trim
142.35 -> checks all the right boxes.
144.42 -> It's got extra clearance, bigger
shocks, three skid plates,
147.81 -> and yes, a locking
rear diff, all stuff
150.96 -> you're going to expect from
a midsize off-road truck,
153.93 -> plus looks tough.
156.21 -> Inside this Frontier, it's
a world of improvement
159.15 -> from the old one.
160.38 -> First, you get an 8-inch
screen with Apple CarPlay
163.62 -> and Android Auto all standard.
166.36 -> You'll notice a lot of
tightened design in here, which
169.17 -> is not necessarily a bad thing.
171.06 -> And that's a good
base to start with.
173.22 -> It's still not super
premium, and there
175.26 -> is a lot of hard plastic.
177.06 -> But hey, for some, that's
part of the Frontier charm.
180.84 -> Again, grab handles.
182.88 -> You get a 6-foot
bed on extended cabs
185.58 -> and a five footer
with the crew cabs.
187.8 -> One downside is the Frontier
now has taller walls,
191.16 -> so it's harder to
reach inside the bed.
193.56 -> But the standard damped
gate is a big plus.
197.28 -> Even better is a lot of tie-down
options and an available cargo
200.94 -> management system.
201.93 -> Now, when it comes
to trim levels,
204.23 -> you've got the
Frontier S and SV.
207.03 -> Those are the work trucks
and daily use trucks
210.48 -> although this redesign
model now checks
213.27 -> in at a base price
of about $29,000
216.93 -> with destination
for the extended cab
219.18 -> and over $30,000
for the crew cab.
222.33 -> That's a far cry from
the past model, which
225.12 -> you could get from around $20K.
227.76 -> Also new for this gen
is the Pro-X trim,
230.73 -> which is 2-wheel drive only
and gets some of the cosmetic
234.36 -> "off-road-y" bits, but it's
nowhere near the equipment
237.48 -> in the Pro-4x.
238.74 -> Overall, this 2022 Frontier
represents a big step forward.
243.69 -> But at its increased price,
is it still a work truck?
247.65 -> Is it still a smart,
affordable option?
250.32 -> Let's see how it stacks up
against the other three models
253.05 -> we have here today.
255.37 -> We've not been very high on
the Ford Ranger in the past.
259.88 -> And there are
myriad reasons why.
262.27 -> At its core, the Ranger
feels like a carryover model
265.72 -> that hasn't been
fully modernized yet.
269.06 -> That said, the Ranger
has its benefits.
271.21 -> And this Tremor package
fixes the majority
273.88 -> of the issues we
have with the Ranger,
276.07 -> but it doesn't fix them all.
278 -> So what do we like about it?
280.18 -> Well, the Ranger has
strong acceleration
282.55 -> from its turbocharged
4-cylinder engine,
285.02 -> which is standard regardless
of the trim level you choose.
288.52 -> The infotainment system and
available safety features
291.4 -> are also strong points.
293.5 -> Now, the Ranger has an admirable
payload and towing capabilities
297.73 -> in some configurations and
even good fuel economy.
301.06 -> But things start to go
sideways as soon as you
304.48 -> step through the doors beginning
with a confusing layout
308.05 -> and frustratingly small buttons,
which can be annoying to aim
312.64 -> for on bumpy roads.
314.5 -> And frankly, nothing
really stands out.
318.55 -> Space is mostly fine for
average-sized drivers.
321.76 -> The seats feel OK.
323.47 -> The tech all works.
324.98 -> But there are few highlights.
326.95 -> We do like the up-fitter
switches in this Tremor,
329.2 -> but you have to get
the Tremor to get them.
332.32 -> Once behind the wheel, you
can appreciate the 2.3-liter
335.77 -> engine.
336.37 -> There's lots of torque.
337.85 -> And it is not afraid to punch.
339.94 -> However, the braking,
handling, and shifting
342.94 -> are not as refined.
344.38 -> In fact, more than a
few members on our team
347.5 -> actually got some
motion sickness
349.63 -> while driving the
regular Ranger.
351.64 -> Now, this Tremor has
an upgraded suspension
354.34 -> that improves the flowy
ride on other versions.
357.34 -> And it brings
significant improvements
359.89 -> to off-road capability.
361.39 -> Check out Carlos's video
comparing the Tremor
363.79 -> with the Tacoma TRD Pro
to see how it stacked up.
367.12 -> What about as a truck?
368.86 -> Well, all of these
trucks are body on frame,
371.68 -> meaning they use an extra
strong structure really
374.68 -> good for serious
off-roading and towing.
377.62 -> And the Ranger does have
strong max towing ratings.
381.31 -> Its superb payload ratings are
with the extended cab versions.
385.58 -> We also find the bedsides
to be way too tall.
389.17 -> Worse, the rear seats
lack 60-40 folding.
392.98 -> And you can't lay
the seatbacks down.
395.65 -> Can you use it?
396.91 -> Sure, but others
offer a lot more.
400.51 -> There are three trims to
choose from with the Tremor
403.21 -> package available
on XLT or Lariat,
406.66 -> which brings up an
important point.
409 -> Ranger packages are more
important than the trim levels.
412.57 -> Regardless of the
model, there are
414.43 -> lots of features that are
hidden in different packages you
417.85 -> need to add on top
of the base price.
420.28 -> So pay attention during
the ordering process
423.32 -> so you make sure you
get what you need.
424.99 -> From tip to tail, the Ranger
just kind of misses the mark.
428.65 -> If you need something that's
versatile and good on gas,
431.95 -> then sure.
432.88 -> The Ranger makes some sense.
434.33 -> But you'll be making
concessions the others simply
437.26 -> don't ask from you.
438.73 -> Hey, maybe the next
version will be better.
443.2 -> Up next is the truck GM
would love you to think
446.77 -> is a luxury pickup,
the GMC Canyon,
449.65 -> which is here today
also representing
451.81 -> the similar Chevrolet Colorado.
454.45 -> The Canyon is an upscale
version of the Colorado.
457.39 -> And is it comfortable?
458.8 -> Sure.
459.76 -> Luxury, though, might
be a bit of a stretch.
463.24 -> Regardless, the GMC
Canyon is refined.
466 -> And its top Denali trim is
the most plush size pickup
469.51 -> you can buy.
470.5 -> But this ain't no Denali.
472.36 -> This one here is the new
AT4 off-road version.
476.44 -> So what's really good
in these streets?
478.39 -> We like the V6
engine and especially
481 -> the quiet cabin that keeps
bumps and noises outside
484.54 -> of the Canyon.
485.68 -> We also like the
available turbo diesel.
488.05 -> And it's pretty tough off road
because it shares a lot of DNA
491.47 -> with the Colorado.
493.33 -> These AT4 add-ons
are no joke either,
496.57 -> but best is the
canyons mix of comfort,
499.81 -> standard tech, and
towing strength.
503.08 -> Inside, you've got pretty
good space all around.
505.81 -> And while these seats should
fit a wide range of body types,
509.56 -> they aren't
particularly supportive.
512.38 -> The rears have the
opposite problem.
514.48 -> They're quite firm and might
get uncomfortable quickly,
517.96 -> but the rest of the
cabin is peachy.
520.48 -> These controls are easy
and straightforward.
523.57 -> And they connect to an
excellent technology system.
526.99 -> On the road, like I
said, that V6 engine
529.87 -> has solid acceleration
and can really
532.45 -> handle itself with a load.
534.25 -> Driving response and feel
are fine and accurate.
537.62 -> It feels heavy at
all times, though.
539.35 -> But it puts all that
toughness together
541.9 -> when it's time to work.
543.43 -> The Colorado and
Canyon both are rated
545.59 -> to tow up to 7,000 pounds
with the V6 and 7,700 pounds
550.54 -> with the available turbo diesel.
552.46 -> The payload ratings
are also high,
554.44 -> making this a great choice
if you have heavy needs
556.93 -> and don't want to
go full Gladiator.
559.66 -> Our advice is if you're
serious about towing,
562.27 -> look for the integrated
trailer brake.
564.52 -> The bedsides are
rather tall here,
567.13 -> but we like the built-in
step for easy access.
570.34 -> One big bummer when
it comes to storage
572.8 -> is that the rear floor
isn't totally flat.
576.52 -> In lower trims, we just don't
see a whole lot of value.
580.37 -> So a Colorado makes
more sense unless you're
583.93 -> getting a Canyon Denali or this
AT4, which is growing on me.
589.24 -> All the serious
off-road gear is here
591.55 -> like skid plates
and a locking diff.
594.01 -> My one big beef, the
Colorado and Canyon
597.43 -> hang their shock towers down
low and close to the middle
600.7 -> where they're
susceptible to rocks.
602.98 -> Unacceptable.
604.21 -> The Canyon has a lot going
for it, but are we sure
607.54 -> this AT4 is the best idea?
610.15 -> This is supposed to
be the mid-size pickup
612.19 -> as a classy affair.
614.05 -> So ask yourself if
you're really going
615.97 -> to risk your majestic
new GMC on some rocks.
619.6 -> Go ahead.
620.64 -> Are ya?
621.7 -> It's the Canyon Denali
for us, or go all in
625.36 -> with the hardcore Colorado ZR2.
627.94 -> Just throw on some red tow hooks
if you really like that look.
632.99 -> The most tried and true of the
bunch is the Toyota Tacoma.
637.01 -> Granted, that's because it's
been around for a while,
639.89 -> since 2016 to be exact
for this generation.
642.8 -> But Toyota sells a ton of
them because of its reputation
646.19 -> for durability and the fact
that you know exactly what
649.58 -> to expect from them.
650.79 -> There is plenty you
should know about it.
653.03 -> The Tacoma is aimed
squarely at off-roading.
655.97 -> It's got excellent ground
clearance and pretty
658.4 -> direct steering and handling
that help a lot on the trails,
661.61 -> but it's also livable.
663.23 -> Witness the extensive standard
driver assistance technologies
667.19 -> and 8-inch touchscreen
that comes on this model.
670.55 -> Plus, there's good
visibility and no need
673.07 -> for expensive
protective bed liners
675.77 -> because it's
composite as standard.
678.59 -> Should I keep going?
680.48 -> Now, it's not perfect.
682.76 -> Step inside, and you'll
see problems with, well,
686.12 -> stepping inside.
687.14 -> That high clearance means it's
a steep climb just to get in.
690.77 -> And once you're there,
the steering wheel
692.57 -> doesn't telescope
very much, so it might
695 -> be hard to get comfortable.
696.48 -> However, the seats are
much more adjustable
699.47 -> than they've been in the past.
700.82 -> And the control
layout is excellent.
703.43 -> Under the hood, we recommend
the optional V6 engine.
707.09 -> The muscle comes in handy.
708.68 -> And it's very responsive in
low-speed, off-road situations.
712.37 -> The brakes are
also appropriately
714.44 -> sensitive off road,
but on road they
717.05 -> have a jumpy feel that takes
some practice to get the nose
720.56 -> not to dive all the way down.
722.34 -> But the 6-speed automatic
transmission is smooth.
726.02 -> It's just a little dated.
727.16 -> And the steering and
handling is probably
729.5 -> the best in this group.
730.97 -> Ah, the bed.
732.86 -> Like we said, it's
composite, so you
735.02 -> don't need to shell out
for a protective lining
737.21 -> surface, which is great.
738.86 -> Also, the walls are low.
740.85 -> So it's easier to
reach the floor.
742.94 -> And every Tacoma
comes with tie-downs
745.4 -> and a damped tailgate that
opens nice and low to load
749.27 -> heavy items.
750.15 -> It's a simple, well-designed
bed with the user in mind.
753.8 -> Weird.
754.58 -> One complaint is that folding
its rear seats is a little bit
758.09 -> fussy.
759.11 -> We think more trucks should
follow the Tacoma's lead when
762.14 -> it comes to its model lineup.
763.94 -> You've got the SR and SR5,
which are great, affordable,
767.87 -> barebones options and the
Limited for fancier folk.
771.92 -> Then the fun starts.
773.39 -> This TRD Off-Road is a
seriously capable package,
777.11 -> backing up its skid plates and
locking diff with the Tacoma's
780.56 -> good dimensions.
782.03 -> The TRD Pro is even
on another level.
786.27 -> As you can see,
the Frontier is up
788.6 -> against some stiff competition.
790.67 -> You've got interesting outliers
like the Jeep Gladiator, which
793.67 -> we left out because it's more
expensive than the rest here,
796.31 -> and the Honda Ridgeline, which
we left out because it's not
799.34 -> a body-on-frame truck.
800.99 -> With traditional pickups like
the Ranger, Canyon, and Tacoma,
804.89 -> there are distinct
strengths and personalities
807.77 -> to fit your needs.
809.12 -> And the redesigned
Nissan Frontier
810.92 -> has clearly upped
its game in response.
813.96 -> Today's comparison solidifies
our mid-size pickup rankings.
817.91 -> The Ranger still
trails the class.
820.22 -> The Frontier has
made huge strides,
822.14 -> but we're having trouble
grasping its new pricing
824.54 -> structure.
825.47 -> And the GMC Canyon works
best at its classiest.
829.46 -> The rugged AT4 may
be a bridge too far.
833.18 -> It's the Toyota
Tacoma that we still
835.34 -> consider the top choice
out of the group we
837.65 -> have in this video.
839.25 -> It's an inherently capable truck
with enough creature comforts
842.63 -> and usability to make
your life easier.
845.48 -> Now, it's possible we
could see new versions
847.31 -> of the Tacoma, Ranger, and
Colorado and Canyon very soon.
851.67 -> But until then, if I got
my choice out of the group,
854.97 -> I'm taking the Taco.
856.55 -> Thanks so much for watching.
858.18 -> Don't forget to throw us a
like and leave a comment below
861.11 -> to tell me how we got
this horribly wrong.
863.9 -> If you'd like to read an
in-depth article about each
866.42 -> of these trucks, click the
link in the description below.
868.97 -> [MUSIC PLAYING]
872.02 ->
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTCZdCc512o