Best Rig to Start a Build

[Munga Brown]

Go test drive all three everybody’s opinion will mean nothing if you find it uncomfortable

This. And then try a Nissan Frontier. Not a 2020. New engine and new transmission. I shopped all the midsized when my ‘08 Frontier started to go (my neglect in a coastal environment). Didn’t like the way the 9 speed transmissions constantly hunted for the right gear in my primary driving environment, nor did I like how they felt like they were trying to be a sedan, nor did I like the interior styling & gizmos. Bought a ‘19 Frontier. Tried & true. No changes from ‘05 - ‘19, and to me, that’s a good thing.
Go for what you like, and above all else, enjoy!

 

[9Mike2]

I too have owned and driven many different brands, for shear off roading it's hard to beat a Jeep. Toyota's are pretty good, but duty cycle for a fleet we did have problems. I have had Fords and Gmc's and Chevy, as pickups and SUV's (exp. Suburbans and blazer and bronco) My son just got the new Ranger, it has a lot of accessories for it, racks and lockers and such. But like the JT (Jeep PU) give it a year or two to get the bugs worked out. A friend got a JT and has sunk many dollars into it already to get what he wants. It's pretty sweet, but I don't have the funds he does to do all that, like 488's and 40' tires....The Bison is one and done as you can't put taller than the 33's on it...

 

[TnWalrus]

Tacoma. I have 2017 TRD off road. The only mod I put on it was sliders. It is an extremely capable truck right out of the box.

 

[9Mike2]

As above, it depends on were and what you want to do. A stock vehicle like that might be just the right ticket for you. Your choice...

 

[Smileyshaun]

Just remember what’s comfy for a 6’5 guy could be miserable for 5’7 guy and vise versa , heck two people the same height could have different length legs and find the same vehicle comfortable/uncomfortable. I would be more concerned with finding something that’s comfortable for me to sit in all day long rather than caring about what doodads and doohickeys come from the factory with it , lockers and lift kits can be added to anything .

 

[BCMoto]

I would have to say Colorado Bison! its very capable and its not a toyota

 

[BigRedDog]

To be able to give you a proper answer, it would be helpful to have a bit more information such as:

1. Price range
2. New or used, or either
3. Actual plan for use. Do you want something that can be a rock crawler? Or something more suited for dirt roads? Or either?
4. Ideas on future build. Do you want to put a camper in the bed? Pull a trailer? Add armor? Lift it? Payload is something that not enough people consider, and can be a limiting factor with mid-size trucks
5. Any other "must haves" besides heated seats? (which all mid-size trucks offer)

High some VERY high level pros/cons for the mid-size trucks:

1. Tacoma

• Pros: Reliability (though I'd argue that a new Tacoma's reliability with the 3.5L isn't really any better than the Frontier with the 4.0L or probably the Gladiator with the 3.6L), aftermarket support, resale value
• Cons: Cost, Payload in off-road trims (1,100lbs-ish), seating position, low-torque engine once you begin to build out your Taco

2. Colorado/Canyon

• Pros: Diesel option, cost on used market, ZR2 or the Bison trims offer great off-road ability
• Cons: Aftermarket support, reliability, interior quality

3. Frontier

• Pros: Cost (either new or used), reliability, fully-boxed frame and Dana 44 rear, simple/durable interior
• Cons: Ancient interior, payload not much better than a Tacoma, no current safety tech

4. Gladiator

• Pros: Capability (even in Sport trim), resale value, aftermarket support, payload and towing, interior quality
• Cons: Cost, overall length

5. Ranger

• Pros: Towing and payload, fuel economy (at least on highway)
• Cons: Cost while new, 4cyl. may not be for everyone, unknown reliability, aftermarket support

Personally, I was in your shoes about 8 months ago. I decided on a lightly used, '16 Frontier Pro-4x for a few reasons: 1. Cost - you can get a brand new loaded Pro-4x for $30k, or you can follow my footsteps and get a lightly used model (which is the same exact truck...since they never change) for even less. I also really enjoyed the torque from the 4.0L engine as well as the responsiveness of the ancient 5-speed auto. I looked at Tacomas, but being 6'1" I did not enjoy the seating position, nor the outrageous prices they sell for out in Denver. I never drove a Colorado or Gladiator, but drove a new Ranger and while I liked it, I felt they were severely overpriced at the dealerships and I was unsure how well the 2.3L would hold up over time.

Ultimately the price and simple nature of the Frontier won me over, but YMMV.

 

[Munga Brown]

I put the “no current safety tech” in the Pro category. I HATE that crap. Disabled all of it I could in wifeys RAV4 (she hated it, too)

 

[MidOH]

I'd get the Ranger right now. Check out the thread with the Ranger Forum guy that drove the entire TAT with just MT's added.

Toyota's not for me. Hitting my head when I cross any bump got old quick. Frames, camry engine, and GVWR, are deal breakers when I last checked. Reliability has come down quite a bit. And Domestic reliability has increased. The gap is too tight to give the Toy reliability kudos, still.

Jeep Glads are still over priced, and possibly very uncomfortable for some.

Canyon/Zr2 are GM's. I despise GM now for anything off road. I'm not even going to bother arguing it.

The Frontier is great. Same truck our granpappies drove 30 years ago.

 

[Autism Family Travels]

I'd get the Ranger right now. Check out the thread with the Ranger Forum guy that drove the entire TAT with just MT's added.

Toyota's not for me. Hitting my head when I cross any bump got old quick. Frames, camry engine, and GVWR, are deal breakers when I last checked. Reliability has come down quite a bit. And Domestic reliability has increased. The gap is too tight to give the Toy reliability kudos, still.

Jeep Glads are still over priced, and possibly very uncomfortable for some.

Canyon/Zr2 are GM's. I despise GM now for anything off road. I'm not even going to bother arguing it.

The Frontier is great. Same truck our granpappies drove 30 years ago.

You can argue all you want, however the Colorado is a proven reliable platform.

 

[MidOH]

Good luck with that.

 

[JCWages]

You can argue all you want, however the Colorado is a proven reliable platform.

Works for me. It's nice having a capable, small and decently powerful rig when your friends need rescuing. :)

 

[MidOH]

I really don't care about canyons. Quit quoting me.

 

[Seanm26]

None of them. Car payments are for the birds.

 

[MidOH]

Guess I'll be testing the ignore function then.

 

[Autism Family Travels]

Guess I'll be testing the ignore function then.

Wow. Touch a nerve much? Relax. Someone disagreed with you. Don't cry about it. You opinon of the new Colorado platform is proven to be false. No one killed a member of your family. Take a beer, drink it and chill. If that don't work come to Canada light a j and mellow out.

 

[Billiebob]

Therefore it can handle more weight.

If payload is a challenge, think full size 3/4 ton. All the 1/2 ton and smaller pickups are just really nice cars with a box.
And all of them are real easy to overload.

Tow Rating has zero to do with GVWR or Payload.

 

[Billiebob]

To be able to give you a proper answer, it would be helpful to have a bit more information such as:

1. Price range
2. New or used, or either
3. Actual plan for use. Do you want something that can be a rock crawler? Or something more suited for dirt roads? Or either?
4. Ideas on future build. Do you want to put a camper in the bed? Pull a trailer? Add armor? Lift it? Payload is something that not enough people consider, and can be a limiting factor with mid-size trucks
5. Any other "must haves" besides heated seats? (which all mid-size trucks offer)

High some VERY high level pros/cons for the mid-size trucks:

1. Tacoma

• Pros: Reliability (though I'd argue that a new Tacoma's reliability with the 3.5L isn't really any better than the Frontier with the 4.0L or probably the Gladiator with the 3.6L), aftermarket support, resale value
• Cons: Cost, Payload in off-road trims (1,100lbs-ish), seating position, low-torque engine once you begin to build out your Taco

2. Colorado/Canyon

• Pros: Diesel option, cost on used market, ZR2 or the Bison trims offer great off-road ability
• Cons: Aftermarket support, reliability, interior quality

3. Frontier

• Pros: Cost (either new or used), reliability, fully-boxed frame and Dana 44 rear, simple/durable interior
• Cons: Ancient interior, payload not much better than a Tacoma, no current safety tech

4. Gladiator

• Pros: Capability (even in Sport trim), resale value, aftermarket support, payload and towing, interior quality
• Cons: Cost, overall length

5. Ranger

• Pros: Towing and payload, fuel economy (at least on highway)
• Cons: Cost while new, 4cyl. may not be for everyone, unknown reliability, aftermarket support

Personally, I was in your shoes about 8 months ago. I decided on a lightly used, '16 Frontier Pro-4x for a few reasons: 1. Cost - you can get a brand new loaded Pro-4x for $30k, or you can follow my footsteps and get a lightly used model (which is the same exact truck...since they never change) for even less. I also really enjoyed the torque from the 4.0L engine as well as the responsiveness of the ancient 5-speed auto. I looked at Tacomas, but being 6'1" I did not enjoy the seating position, nor the outrageous prices they sell for out in Denver. I never drove a Colorado or Gladiator, but drove a new Ranger and while I liked it, I felt they were severely overpriced at the dealerships and I was unsure how well the 2.3L would hold up over time.

Ultimately the price and simple nature of the Frontier won me over, but YMMV.

I'd agree with most of this ^^^ post.

If you can live within the GVWR then any of these are great choices. Pretty sure they all have heated seat options too.

Tacoma, Only Con for me is the seating position.

Colorado hits pretty much all the Pro buttons. Great ride, comfortable, otherwise pretty much equal to the rest.

Frontier, probably the best used buy, not a lot of aftermarket and new they depreciate quickly so buy used and save $$$

Gladiator, Cons, HUGE, terrible ride. Pros, bulletproof, capable, based on the Wrangler lets hope it holds value as well.

Ranger, brand new, little aftermarket support yet but it is a Ford so I expect the after market to grow exponentially.

 

[Smileyshaun]

 

[MidOH]

Wow. Touch a nerve much? Relax. Someone disagreed with you. Don't cry about it. You opinon of the new Colorado platform is proven to be false. No one killed a member of your family. Take a beer, drink it and chill. If that don't work come to Canada light a j and mellow out.

I don't repeatedly quote people that disagree with me. Endless arguments = ignore button. I expressed my opinion, I'm not here to argue, and expressly said as much. If you'd like to buy an argument, send me a check, and pics of your missus.

I also would like to avoid accidentally taking bad advice on tires, shocks, trails, anything. So I usually put people, that like obviously substandard quality products, on ignore for that. And also nearly everyone from california.