This Is Why We Can't Have Compact Pickups

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: February 16th, 2011

this is why we can t have compact pickups

Here at TTAC we often find ourselves bemoaning the lack of compact pickups on the US market, and trying to determine if that fact is due to weak demand or a lack of OEM investment into the segment. But now Chrysler has announced a new entry-level Ram 1500, codenamed “Adventurer,” which proves that full-sizers are the reason compact pickups are doomed in the US. According to ChryCo’s release, the “Adventurer” is

a value-priced, HEMI®-powered Ram 1500 regular cab truck that appeals to a cost-conscious, new-vehicle buyer who doesn’t want to give up performance and capability. The unnamed new Ram 1500, like the Ram Tradesman, offers buyers a standard HEMI V8 engine with its 20 mpg rating for the same price competitors are charging for their V6 engines.

The price? $23,830, including destination charge. That’s less than a V6, automatic 2WD Toyota Tacoma and nearly identical to a V6, automatic, 2WD Nissan Frontier. And at 20 MPG hwy, the Adventurer’s efficiency tradeoff is relatively small considering the performance advantages of its 390 HP HEMI V8. Though we applaud Ram’s decision to bring an entry-level, utilitarian pickup to the table, we bemoan the fact that this makes selling a compact pickup that much harder.

#NewCars #Trucks

Edward Niedermeyer

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Armadamaster on Feb 24, 2011

Automakers essentially did away with 1/2 ton trucks over the last decade, Dodge first in 2002, Ford in 2004, and finally GM in 2007. So basically when you go full size truck shopping, you are starting at 3/4 ton sized and up. The only compact pickup left on the market is the bulletproof Ranger, which is slated to go away. That leaves the not so bulletproof quasi-compact Colorado and then on up to what I call the new 1/2 tonner like the Tacoma etc. I hate to admit it, the one I like to replace my 1989 C1500 extended cab is what my neighbor just bought, a 2009 Dakota crew cab short bed. It's not much smaller than my C1500, downside is it doesn't get any better gas mileage either.

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2ronnies1cup on Sep 16, 2011

A 390HP 2WD pickup? How long does it spin its wheels before it actually begins to move?

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