Future Tundra
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,334
Likes: 237
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
We really, really liked the Ridgeline. It tows 5,000 lbs, has good power & economy, rides nice, BUT…no cooled seats available in the USA (Canada gets them!) & at the time, no way to lock the tailgate. I would have a hard locked cover on the bed & it’s just freaking stupid to not be able to lock the tailgate. I’ve heard they added that, but the lack of cooled seats is a total deal killer for me. I don’t think the Tacoma has it either. I guess you have to buy a big gas guzzler or a problematic small truck in order to get cooled seats…SMH.
I'm with you on the Ridgeline....particularly the 2Gen model. The Ridgeline gets a lot of pans on Car Chat (always did), but I'm in the minority (along with you) that disagree with those pans. It is well-built, drives and rides nicely (something that a lot of trucks don't, even today, unless you get a silky Ram or GMC 1500), and, unlike most other trucks, combines the benefits of both unibody and partially-separate frame in its design. Consumer Reports also thinks highly of it.
You might also want to check out the new Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, but they might be too small for your needs. They are also basically FWD crossovers with a bed on them, unlike the Ridgeline or true BOF pickups.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 215
From: Texas
I'm with you on the Ridgeline....particularly the 2Gen model. The Ridgeline gets a lot of pans on Car Chat (always did), but I'm in the minority (along with you) that disagree with those pans. It is well-built, drives and rides nicely (something that a lot of trucks don't, even today, unless you get a silky Ram or GMC 1500), and, unlike most other trucks, combines the benefits of both unibody and partially-separate frame in its design. Consumer Reports also thinks highly of it.
You might also want to check out the new Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, but they might be too small for your needs. They are also basically FWD crossovers with a bed on them, unlike the Ridgeline or true BOF pickups.
You might also want to check out the new Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, but they might be too small for your needs. They are also basically FWD crossovers with a bed on them, unlike the Ridgeline or true BOF pickups.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,334
Likes: 237
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
No & No - I don’t want a buzzy 4 cylinder anything & they can’t tow much of anything. They are only good to put a kids bicycle or a few bags of mulch in. I’ve even considered a Lefthand Ute (Holden El Camino). There is a guy in Colorado that imports them from Australia & converts them to lefthand drive. I would essentially have a Corvette powered El Camino.
Anyhow, it's good to hear that there's a firm that does American-Spec El-Caminos from the Maloo. It shows that at least somebody was listening.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 25,962
Likes: 4,291
From: Alberta
One massive difference. Cybertruck looks like it does for technical reasons the exoskeleton can't be pressed into complex, organic shapes. What is Toyota's excuse? Massive wasted space for the sake of styling (if you can call it that) zero to do with function.
That is seriously ugly, but then i think all modern trucks are so ugly. They all have extremely high front hoods destroying front visibility for no reason other than to look 'tough'.
this one has a very busy front for no reason. And of course white makes it all look worse.
i predict epic failure. They probably won't even offer the v8.
Last edited by bitkahuna; Jun 19, 2021 at 08:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 215
From: Texas
Bitkahuna, you nailed it! I just watched Consumer Reports Talking Cars this morning & they talked specifically about this so-called truck styling. They found that since the year 2000, truck hood heights are up 11% & they are 55” off the ground. Trucks were also found to be 24% heavier from 200-2018 - that’s insane! All of this macho style has created a huge safety issue of being unable to see over the damn hood. It’s also a big factor in crashes with much smaller vehicles. There is just no justification, other than off road clearance that warrants having such a big, tall front on these trucks. It’s just stupid ugly & doesn’t benefit the vehicle in any way. I ride motorcycles also & there is nothing worse than having a 4WD truck behind you at night, blinding you with its headlights & knowing that they can’t see a damn thing over the hood of their beast.
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
^^^ yet the engines are getting smaller and smaller. Looks like a big turbo diesel V10 can fit under that hood. Unreal. Agree with most, this thing is beyond terrible. Always will be a fan of the brand, but so many unattractive new Toyota vehicles is very concerning to me.
