Ford vs. The World in 2015: How’d They Do?
Being an automotive journalist has some perks to it, such as being able to drive practically every new vehicle that goes on sale. This year I’ve driven most every new truck on sale, from the new Nissan Titan XD with the Cummins diesel to the GMC Canyon (also, interestingly, with a diesel). While we are all Ford fans here, how do the current Ford trucks stack up to the competition? Here’s how they compare to some of the competition.
One of the biggest trends this year is the addition to more diesels in non-heavy duty trucks. The Nissan Titan XD, for example, is designed to be a “heavy half ton,” offering some extra capability by adding a diesel to the mix.
On the other end of the diesel spectrum is the Colorado and Canyon diesels. The Duramax in those trucks does increase capability (towing, for example, increases by 700 pounds), but the diesel completely changes the entire character of both of those trucks.
The diesel trend might even have Ford taking notice. We just reported that Ford might be openly testing a diesel version of the F-150 for the 2017 model year. Even with Volkswagen killing most of the credibility of diesel passenger cars, the trucks seem to be unaffected.
The small, midsize pickup trend is growing. Toyota refreshed their Tacoma model, and the Canyon and Colorado are selling well. All three are good trucks to drive, even if they have different goals and personalities. Strong sales might even have Ford thinking about getting back into the Ranger game.
The current slew of midsize trucks do make a compelling argument for Ford to get back into that segment. I can say that I would love to see a new Ford Ranger and would be really excited to get behind the wheel of one. Being one of the last manufacturers to the game gives Ford the advantage of being able to fix all the small problems with the current truck offerings and make an even better option.
Back to the Titan XD, the other big truck launch of the year, I’m not completely sold on the segment it’s trying to play in. It’s a fine truck, even if the towing numbers aren’t quite as good as I had hoped in crew cab configuration, but it comes down to price. If the truck is the same price as a F-250, I can’t see many people opting for a less-capable truck even if the F-250 is more than they need.
Ford themselves also introduced an all-new Super Duty this year. While it’s not going on sale until next year, Ford isn’t sitting back but are plowing ahead. Like the F-150, it’ll have an aluminum body and some of the most advanced technology equipped to a heavy duty pickup truck.
Also, Ford upped the innovation game this year by offering a new F-150 with a piece of technology called Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Is it technology you need? Probably not, but it’s cool and works well, and I would definitely get it on my next pickup truck.
Overall, the state of the truck industry is healthy and strong. Even though Ford didn’t have a big new truck launch this year, they still are highly competitive and are on track to lead sales yet again.
What do you think? Let us know over in the forums!
