The US regulations are strict. All vehicles must meet minimum requirements to be on streets. So, there is no chance you will ever see some things that are possible in Japan with their Kei cars and trucks. A pickup with 660 cc engine is not meeting safety and efficiency laws. Well, it is still possible to import such vehicles, but without modifications, these won’t be able to ride on roads.
Even some well-known truckmakers are struggling to deliver their vehicles to this market. Furthermore, the compact class in the truck segment is not so popular nowadays. There are SUVs that are capable to tow as much as small pickups. But, companies are not giving up on these vehicles. This segment is not so profitable, but changes in 2019 could change things up in favor of compact trucks.
After new generations of full-size pickups are announced, in the next couple of seasons we will see most small trucks redesigned. However, the next year already brings excitement with new models confirmed for 2019.
2019 Ford Ranger
Definitely, the most important addition to the compact segment of the truck industry. The comeback of the 2019 Ford Ranger is not overshadowed by the arrival of the new generation of F-150. What’s more, this move by Ford made other companies speed up the development of their new pickups. Whatsoever, we are still waiting for further details about Ford Ranger Raptor, which is now official for Europe and Australia. The starting price for the new truck will be $25,500. Ford hasn’t unveiled the complete lineup yet. Experts believe that Raptor could go over $40,000.
2019 Chevy Colorado
Finally, the 2019 Chevy Colorado has a competition from its archrival. That is not all since its top of the class model ZR2 expects news about Ford Ranger Raptor. If this happens, two companies will expand the battle to the compact truck segment in 2019. But, it is not going to be easy to remove Colorado from its rank. The pickup offers best in class towing capacity. It also comes with the possibility to choose between diesel and petrol engines. Again, the ZR2 version is performing great off-road. The versatility of 2019 Chevy Colorado lineup is hard to beat, and the Ford is not the only company that challenges the truck.
2019 Toyota Tacoma
The supremacy of the US carmakers is threatened by 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The Japanese pickup already caused serious damage by launching the TRD Pro version. But now, with the possibility of Ranger Raptor arrival, buyers will benefit with a wider offer. However, Toyota is ready for this, since, during next year, we could see the first appearance of the Tacoma Diesel model. The truck was planned for 2019 but now the delay is confirmed. With growing competition, Toyota mustn’t disappoint once again.
2019 Dodge Dakota
The return of 2019 Dodge Dakota is not official yet, but everything point this is more likely to happen. The comeback of the Ford Ranger, the appearance of the Fiat Fullback in other markets, and desire of FCA to be a leader in every segment will bring back the old nameplate. However, the new Dakota is not going to have too many familiar things with the old truck. Now, the new look, possibly very similar to Fiat Fullback, and the new engine lineup should start the new era, both for the pickup and the company.
2019 Nissan Frontier
If you are looking for the cheapest pickup truck in the market, that will be the 2019 Nissan Frontier. With starting price under $20,000 the model is not offering too much. Serious offer, as for all other compact trucks, starts from $25,000. But, if you don’t need a lot of gadgets and don’t want to spend too much, the entry-level 2019 Frontier will offer enough. Currently, Nissan is more focused at bigger trucks, Titan and Titan XD. Whatsoever, few changes for the next small pickup could make a serious impact. You can read more about these in our review HERE.
2019 Honda Ridgeline
One of the most versatile trucks in the market. The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is a sporty model, the class which is not so popular nowadays. However, it manages to survive thanks to its reliability and performance. For the next season, we expect to see its special version – Type R. It can cause a lot of attention and moves in the truck market, and it seems the Japanese carmaker is ready to take the risk. The performance-oriented pickup would be the only of a kind. If buyers accept it well, Ridgeline Type R will have an initial advantage over the competition, which will follow its steps as soon as it reaches some amount of popularity.