Does The Midsize Truck Have A Future?

Chrysler killed the Ram Dakota in August 2011, after selling only 13,000 of them last year (Chrysler sold 177,000 in 2000).

Recently, however, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has hinted that the midsize truck could make a return on a unibody chassis created by the Chrysler-Fiat alliance, giving it an edge in fuel-efficiency over its competition. Marchionne also said that the new Dakota would come with a diesel engine, which would be a huge differentiator from the rest of the segment.

It's an interesting idea. A small, lightweight diesel-powered truck could find a place here in the U.S., if executed properly.

The Ranger and Toyota Tacoma are probably the best-known midsize trucks, which was long reflected in their monthly sales numbers. But, unfortunately for the Ranger, those numbers just weren't good enough.

Ford killed the Ranger in 2011. After years of neglect and a steady decline in sales, the American automaker just couldn't make the case for its future here in the states, though it once had been an integral part of its lineup.

The Ranger will continue to be sold abroad, in the form that you see pictured here, manufactured in Thailand, South Africa and South America.

General Motors seems to see a future for midsize trucks in the U.S., evidenced by its completely redesigned Colorado, which was confirmed for the American market last fall. However, we don't really know when production will start or what kind of drivetrains will be available.

We do know that the new Colorado looks good and will be facing a lot less competition now that the Dakota and Ranger have exited the market. 

The future of the GMC Canyon is still uncertain. While the Colorado has enjoyed a major overhaul, GM hasn't said whether or not GMC's smaller truck (which is currently almost the same exact vehicle as the Colorado, save the badge) will get the same.

The only thing we know about the Canyon's future comes from GM President Mark Reuss, who has said that if it gets built, it will be "significantly different" from the new Colorado. 

Indian automaker Mahindra designed the Scorpio to be a capable, fuel efficient midsize truck. Coming with a range of engines, from a hybrid to "India's burliest diesel," we're eager to see if this is actually the case.

Mahindra has been trying to sell vehicles in North America since 2010, but legal complications continue to create delays. By the time the Indian automaker is done with the lawyers, it will probably have to design a new truck.

The Frontier has been around since 1998 and continues to be a decent seller for Japanese automaker Nissan.

Its standard 2.5-L I4 produces 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, small numbers that are matched with middling fuel economy (19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway). A 261-hp V6 is also available. The Frontier is offered with both two- and four-wheel drive, in KingCab and Crew Cab models that come with a good package of standard features.

The Frontier is a solid midsize truck and, while it may fly under the radar, it should be considered if you're shopping in the segment.

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The Toyota Tacoma is currently the best selling small truck in the U.S., in part due to its reputation for reliability and fantastic resale value. With even less competition in the segment, it stands to be an even bigger seller for the Japanese automaker.

The refreshed 2012 Tacoma is available in a wide variety of cabs and either two- or four-wheel drive. Its base engine, a 2.7L I4, produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. A 4.0L V6 producing 236 hp is also available.

Since the base Tacoma only seats three, it's not exactly a family hauler, but it should be more than capable for your outdoor projects.

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