A pickup truck, despite the fundamental purpose, is more than a utility vehicle for many purchasers. Spruced up with a running board, chrome sports bar and tonneau cover, the pickup becomes a lifestyle statement, not merely a vehicle to haul pigs’ feed and carry lumber.

In fact, late model pickup trucks offer the same drive and feel as many SUVs built on similar chassis. Also, features (leather interior, traction control, hill assist) in a modern pickup are equal to many higher-priced SUVs. And when driving off-road on rough, unforgiving terrain, nothing beats a rugged pickup truck.

This week, Auto, shows mid-sized pickup models sold by local representatives and briefly tells what dealers say about their vehicles.

Toyota Hilux

Whether you use the Hilux pickup as a commercial workhorse or exciting outdoor sports companion, it will never let you down. A double-wall cargo deck and strong box-section chassis ensure durability says the Toyota Jamaica website. For the most part, power comes from a 2.5-litre D-4D common-rail, turbo diesel engine with a 3.0 litre also available. The website adds that a double wishbone front suspension, tilt-adjust steering wheel and power windows ensure driving refinement. The Hilux is available from Toyojam in double-cab 2WD and 4WD versions as well as single-cab models of both.

Price:

Double cab 4WD diesel 2.5L

— $3.9 million

Double cab 2WD diesel 2.5L

— $3.0 million

Double cab 4WD diesel 3.0L

— $4.4 million

Engine: 2.5 Litre diesel, 4 cylinder inline, Direct-injection common rail (all model types locally); 3.0 Litre diesel.

Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic

Dimensions:

Length — 5255mm

Width — 1760mm

Overall Height :

Double cab 2WD — 1680-1795mm

Single cab 4WD — 1680-1795 mm

Double cab 4WD — 1695-1810 mm

Ground Clearance: 212 mm

Fuel tank capacity:

Double cab 4WD — 80 litres

Double cab 2WD — 76 litres

Single cab 4WD — 80 litres

Single cab 2WD — 76 litres

Fuel consumption:

Brakes: Front ventilated discs; Rear drum (all models)

Tyre size: 205/70R16 (all models)

VW Amarok

The world’s latest mid-sized pickup truck, unveiled internationally last year is quietly making its impression on the local market. Three versions are available from dealers ATL Autohaus — Base, Trendline and Highline at the top end — but no single cab versions are currently on the market in Jamaica.

“It is the best overall value in the mid-size segment,” says VW brand manager Adam Harris. “It is superior, best handling, most fuel efficient and has the best crash safety test result,” Harris adds. “It’s the only pickup with five-star rating; it drives like a car,” Harris tells Auto.

Price:

2WD double cab

— $2.89 million

4WD double cab

— $3.3 million (starting)

Engine: 2.0 litre single or twin turbo diesel

Transmission: 6-speed speed manual; automatic available late next year

Dimensions:

Length — 5254 mm

Width — 2228 mm (mirror to mirror)

Overall Height — 1834 mm

Ground Clearance: 249 mm

Fuel tank capacity: 80L

Fuel consumption: 1000km per tankful

Brakes: Front, ventilated disc;

Rear drum

Nissan Navara

Available locally in double-cab 2WD or 4WD versions only. Marketing manager at Fidelity Motors, David Harris reminds that the Navara is branded as the Frontier in the US market. The Frontier sold locally is a different vehicle.

Price:

Double-cab 2WD $3.7 million

Double-cab 4WD $4.15 million

Engine: 2.5 Litre diesel

Transmission: 5&6-speed manual;

5-speed automatic

Dimensions:

Length – 5125 mm

Width – 1795 mm

Overall Height – 1765 mm

Ground Clearance: 205 mm

Fuel tank capacity: 80litres

Mazda BT50

Brother to the Ford Ranger, the Mazda BT50 is represented in Jamaica by Executive Motors.

“We only sell the 4WD double-cab model,” a representative tells Auto.

Price: 4WD double cab $3 million

Engine: 2.5 Litre turbo-diesel, inline four-cylinder

Transmission: 5-speed-manual

Dimensions:

Length — 5169 mm

Width — 1807 mm

Overall Height — 1755 mm

Fuel tank capacity: 70L

Fuel consumption:

Brakes: Front — ventilated disc;

Rear — drums

Ford Ranger

“Ford Ranger is unquestionably a pickup truck legend. It has earned its highly regarded status in automotive history through a range of superior qualities — durability, safety, performance, value for money, road-holding ability, stability, and passenger convenience,” says KIG’s plug for the Ranger. Ford Ranger available as single-cab, space-cab and double-cab versions with the XLT at the top of the model range.

Price: Starts at $2.77 million

for single cab 4WD

Engine: 2.5 Litre Turbo Diesel

Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic

Dimensions:

Length – 5173 mm

Overall Height: 1755 mm

Ground Clearance: 207 mm

Brakes: Front — ventilated disc;

Rear — drum