Pickup Trucks

[Evoex]

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We're look at chopping in the Santa Cruz for a real truck, which is definitely bittersweet. We've really loved it and it has served us well, but I've discovered the frame isn't rated for a weight distribution hitch, which is a deal breaker for towing a full-size RV. Could probably get away with it, but we're already past the 80% mark with our 4200 lb (loaded) trailer, so it's time to step up to a body-on-frame.

We don't need the limo rear seat, and would prefer something a little more compact (and less ubiquitous) than an F-150, so we're shopping midsize. After digging around and comparing specs and packages, it's come down to two choices: a 2025 Ford Ranger XLT (maybe Lariat for the right price) with 2.7 V6, or 2025 GMC Canyon.

Does anyone have any first-hand experience with either from the current gen? The Ford looks like the practical choice, it's very work-trucky and is marginally better on gas. But the wife has become enamoured of the GMC, and I have to admit, it looks great in black. I've test driven both, and the GMC drives like a truck and the motor feels like a diesel. The Ford feels lighter and smoother, and the motor goes like stink. But the GMC is definitely a nicer place to sit and comes with more gadgets. Ford is cheaper, GMC has a much better finance rate at 3.99 for 2025 models. On and on it goes...

Anyway, would love to hear from anyone who has lived with either about what they love and what drives them nuts.

What GM motor and transmission? They have been getting beat up over both since covid

 

[Priller]

What GM motor and transmission? They have been getting beat up over both since covid

2.7 turbo four and 8 speed auto. What I've read about the former is it's been pretty solid, and the latter had major issues but has been sorted out, mostly (current one is an 8L80 MFC). Always hard to tell with truck info, especially out of the US, as everyone has their brand.

The Ford 2.7 is apparently also relatively bulletproof, after some teething issues, and is mostly the same as the one in about a billion F-150s. Apparently the 10 speed auto isn't quite as robust, but has sorted the issues with creeping bushings that plagued the previous unit up to 2022, and is much smoother than the GM unit.

It's all a bit of a crap shoot when stuff is still relatively new and doesn't have the service history. We could look at the Nissan Frontier for something with old but tested components, but their payload numbers can be hilariously low and is a dealbreaker. And I'm not paying the Tacoma tax. Had one, still think it's the most overrated vehicle on the road.

 

[Hardwrkr13]

2.7 turbo four and 8 speed auto. What I've read about the former is it's been pretty solid, and the latter had major issues but has been sorted out, mostly (current one is an 8L80 MFC). Always hard to tell with truck info, especially out of the US, as everyone has their brand.

The Ford 2.7 is apparently also relatively bulletproof, after some teething issues, and is mostly the same as the one in about a billion F-150s. Apparently the 10 speed auto isn't quite as robust, but has sorted the issues with creeping bushings that plagued the previous unit up to 2022, and is much smoother than the GM unit.

It's all a bit of a crap shoot when stuff is still relatively new and doesn't have the service history. We could look at the Nissan Frontier for something with old but tested components, but their payload numbers can be hilariously low and is a dealbreaker. And I'm not paying the Tacoma tax. Had one, still think it's the most overrated vehicle on the road.

The Lariat is a huge step up in features/tech/luxury over the XLT so I'd compare that one against the GMC (not just on paper, driver both back to back on the same day to compare).
The 2.7 in the Ford is a stud and gets exceptional fuel mileage (yes you're correct that the 10-speed issues appear to have been sorted).
I think they're both equally good looking trucks. I'd check with actual owners to see what kind of mileage they're actually getting (I can speak for the Ford 2.7, but not the GM). My neighbour has the Canyon Denali which is nice.
The Ford has a fantastic app that's free and the Carplay/AA works great. Verify those on the GM.
Lots of leftover '25's in either brand so expect rates/pricing to be in your favour as we enter '26 in a few days.

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