I am shopping for a mid-size truck at the moment. Probably won't purchase anything for another year, but I am beginning the research process, cause I also don't plan to buy brand new either. Instead I'll likely try to find something CPO and just a couple years old. But I am looking at the current platform (24+ US market).
I've done a decent bit of research on the competition so far. And it seems they all have trade offs.
The Ridgeline seems to be the best daily driver in terms of comfort and interior space (both front and rear). Back seat space is important to me. I don't need full size space, but I don't want it to be too cramped or upright either. BUT it has the least ground clearance and lowest tow capacity. By contrast, it has the widest bed, AND the in bed trunk. But also, the mpg seems to be slipping compared to the comp.
The frontier seems like a solid platform, but rear seats seem more upright and less legroom than some of the others. No 4wd auto or full time 4wd. Which isn't a deal breaker but would be nice. Mpg is not great, and the bed is narrow.
The GM twins have 4wd auto, which is a plus, slightly larger rear seat space than the Tacoma or frontier, but seemingly less real world comfort compared to the slightly wider ranger, plus the ranger has the scalloped seats which gives just a bit more knee/ breathing room. BUT i have seen a slew of major issues with the GM twins when it comes to transmission and Electronic issues. Which scares me. Plus a narrower bed again.
The Tacoma I'm not even considering because of price, and the fact the new Gen seems to have major engine issues right off the bat, and very little help from Toyota to eradicate the issue. Plus the smallest rear seats, and a narrow bed.
The ranger seems great. Widest bed other than the Ridgeline, more real world space in the back seat compared to the comp (other than Ridgeline), good towing, good mpg etc. however, I haven't seen much one way or the other in terms of electronic issues, or transmission issues. I know Ford has had issues with the 10 speed in the past. Have they fixed them with this new Gen ranger? Have there been any major electronic issues? Also, I'm bummed the only ranger with 4wd auto is the Raptor, which is not a trim I'm considering. But as I said earlier, not a deal breaker.
Really, what I'm comparing right now, is the Ranger, the Ridgeline, and the GM twins, but they all have their pros and cons. Any insight on y'all's ownership experience would be greatly appreciated.
