Top 10 Trucks We Wish Were Sold in the US
Although pickups are a big deal in the United States, there are still plenty of trucks that are sold in worldwide markets that have never made their way into North America.
It’s fun to dream though, isn’t it? We’ve put together a wish list of trucks sold outside of the U.S. that we would love to see come stateside. Most of them are small trucks, as the full-size and Heavy Duty end of the market is definitely filled up here in America.
Although, since the reintroduction of the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado, the midsize pickup segment is starting to heat up once again. Toyota just revealed the new Tacoma, while a revived Ford Ranger and redesigned Nissan Frontier are both in the works.
So, what other trucks should be for sale in the U.S. to heat up the competition even more? Read on to find out.
Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok offers a TDI diesel engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive and the refined driving dynamics that Volkswagen is known for. A 2.0-liter turbodiesel offered in different states of tune is available, with the top-trim truck putting out 309 lb-ft of torque at just 1,750 rpm. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic, a gear count that none of the North American midsize trucks can claim.
Rumor has it that Volkswagen is once again considering bringing the Amarok to United States, so this is one wish that may actually come true.
Holden Ute
Offering a sedan driving experience with the convenience of a truck bed, the Holden Ute is a best of both worlds kind of vehicle. Maybe best of all, you can get the Ute with a massive 6.0-liter V8, turning it into a tire-chewing pickup truck that can also take on the drag strip.
GM could always introduce the Ute as a revamped El Camino if it ever decided that the small pickup would do well in the U.S. Until then, we can only dream.
Ford Falcon Ute
If Chevy ever brings the Holden Ute to North America, Ford would be ready to answer with the Falcon Ute. Designed by an Australian, this Ford Ute gets its motivation from a 4.0-liter V6 with about 310 lb-ft of torque. Behind the driver, you can load in up to 2,000 lbs worth of cargo, offering serious convenience for those looking for a car-based pickup.
A turbocharged version of this engine is also available in the Ford Ute, cranking out 362 hp to the rear wheels.
Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup Truck
Buyers in Japan got a special treat when Toyota reintroduced the Land Cruiser 70 Series back to that market for just one year to celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary. This legendary truck, which was last fully redesigned in 1984, comes with a 4.0-liter V6 cranking out about 265 lb-ft of torque, hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission.
A part-time four-wheel drive system allows the driver to choose how many wheels are being driven. The Land Cruiser also comes with dual-mode automatic locking hubs and an optional electric differential lock. A winch can also be mounted to the front bumper straight from the factory to make sure you never get stuck.
Ram 700
A proper small truck, the Ram 700 makes due with 119 lb-ft of torque and a five-speed manual gearbox along with front-wheel drive. What’s key with this small car-based pickup is the carrying capacity of 1,554 pounds on the two-door version, a number that rivals larger midsize pickups.
And at current conversion rates, you could pick up a small Ram 700 for just about $14,000 in the U.S., offering good fuel economy and truck convenience for cheap.
Chevy Tornado
Taking the fight to the Ram 700 in South American markets in the small Chevy Tornado, yet another car-based pickup that could do well here in the U.S. Like that small Ram, the Tornado makes due with just 105 hp, though the small truck can haul 1,620 lbs worth of cargo.
Converting the price directly from Mexican Pesos, you could get a new Tornado for just over $10,000.
Ford Ranger
Although rumor has it that Ford is planning to bring the Ranger back to the U.S., until it officially happens, we’ll keep asking for it. Available in 180 global markets, the new Ranger can be had with two different diesels and one gas engines, the most powerful of which is an oil burner that makes 347 lb-ft of torque. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs, the Ranger would be among the top of the heap in North American midsize pickups.
SEE ALSO: Ford Ranger Slated for Return to US in 2018
Mitsubishi Triton
Mitsubishi’s midsize pickup truck was just redesigned this year, making it a prime candidate to come to North America to fight with the redesigned domestic midsize trucks. Like most of these global trucks, the Triton relies on diesel power, specifically from a small 2.4-liter turbocharged unit making about 320 lb-ft of torque.
Along with redesign came new levels of refinement for this small pickup along with fresh styling that would look great rolling down the interstate.
Nissan Navara
In a way, the new Nissan Navara is already destined for the U.S. When the redesigned Nissan Frontier arrives, it will borrow much of its running gear from the Navara, hopefully including a diesel engine. In worldwide markets, the truck uses a 2.3-liter diesel to make around 330 lb-ft of torque, sent through a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic unit.
In the next few years, we should see a new Nissan Frontier hit the market.
Mercedes Small Pickup
Although it’s not even in production yet, we think its fair to start asking for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz small pickup truck now. Based off just this concept image, the truck looks stylish and like it would fit right in with today’s crop of midsize pickups.
Based on the success and competence of the Sprinter large van, its a safe assumption that a pickup truck from the German luxury brand would be well done, in either diesel or gas varieties. Mercedes has confirmed they are building it, now all we can do is hope they offer it in the U.S.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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The writer of this article doesn't know what he is talking about. Landcruiser pickups come with a 4.5L turbodiesel V8, 265 hp, not ft-lb, 317 ft-lb; 479 with twin turbos.
What about the Hyundai Porter. THAT's a real truck. small and can haul just about anything. every configuration available known to man. obviously whoever wrote this /voted for these lives in town. all these are is glorified soccer dad trucks.