Friday, February 24, 2017

2017 Nissan Frontier Overview REVIEW

The 2017 Nissan Frontier has an appealingly cheap starting price, but it can't keep up with newer competitors that have better performance, more features, and higher-quality cabins.

Is the Nissan Frontier a Good Truck?

The Frontier is fine for daily driving and light work duty, but it's not as refined or capable as most competitors. Rough patches of road make for an unpleasant ride, and the Frontier can't match the towing and hauling capabilities of many rivals. Overall, the aging Frontier has fallen behind the competition, and despite its low base price, you'd be better off with another compact pickup truck like the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado.

Should I Buy the Nissan Frontier?

You may be tempted by the Frontier's low base price, but don't be fooled. Few drivers will be satisfied with the bare-bones cabin you get for that low cost. You don't even get a radio, air conditioning, or power locks and windows in the base model. Higher trims offer more features, but the Frontier hasn't been significantly updated since 2005, and it shows its age compared to rivals. Most other compact trucks have longer lists of high-tech features, more fuel-efficient engines, and better towing or hauling abilities.
We Did the Research for You: 76 Pieces of Data Analyzed
We compiled and analyzed 76 different data sets to guide this review and the Frontier's ranking. This data includes other professional automotive reviews, as well as safety and reliability ratings. Buying a new vehicle can be a difficult experience, but we've taken some of the burden off you. We have all the important information you need, from the Frontier's towing capacity to its price and even whether or not the seats are comfortable. The Frontier was last fully redesigned for the 2005 model year and has seen few major changes since. As a result, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from the 2005 through 2017 model years.
Why You Can Trust Us
With 75 years combined experience and nearly a decade spent ranking cars, the team at U.S. News Best Cars has the expertise to help you make the right buying decision when you're in the market for a new vehicle. We remain impartial when writing our reviews, so you can trust that we're not trying to steer you toward a vehicle based on which manufacturer offers us the biggest gifts. In fact, we accept no expensive trips or gifts from any automaker, and the ads on our site are sold by an outside partner.

How Much Does the Nissan Frontier Cost?

Prices for the Frontier start at $18,390 for the base S model, making it the cheapest truck in the class. Most buyers will want to step up to the $22,860 SV trim, since the base model has essentially no features – not even air conditioning, a radio, or power windows and locks. The base Chevy Colorado is priced less than the Frontier SV and comes standard with many of the same features, plus a few more like Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. The Frontier SL model tops out the line, and it costs $32,510. You can swap out a Crew Cab instead of a King Cab for as little as $1,130 or as much as $5,510, depending on trim.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Nissan dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Nissan deals page.

Nissan Frontier Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma?

So long as you can afford the Tacoma's higher base price, it's the better buy. The Tacoma outperforms the Frontier in nearly every way. It has a nicer cabin and higher safety scores, and it can haul heavier payloads. The Tacoma also has more standard features, including a touch-screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. You can add more advanced safety features to the Tacoma that aren't even available in the Frontier, like blind spot monitoring or rear cross traffic alert. While the Frontier can have an uncomfortable ride and heavy steering, the Tacoma has a smoother ride and sharp steering. Both rivals have similar fuel economy estimates and powertrains.

Which Is Better: Nissan Frontier or Chevrolet Colorado?

Most buyers should choose the Chevrolet Colorado over the Frontier. Like the Frontier, the Colorado has a four-cylinder base engine and offers a V6. However, the Colorado's engines are more powerful than their counterparts in the Frontier. The Colorado also offers a turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that gets one of the best fuel economy ratings in the class, while the Frontier earns mediocre fuel efficiency ratings. The Colorado is also a better choice than the Frontier for towing and hauling, as it has higher capacities in both respects. The Colorado's interior is extremely nice, and the Crew Cab's front and rear seats have ample room for adults to ride without feeling cramped. While the Colorado doesn't have the most tech features in the class, it does have an easy-to-use infotainment system, and it offers Apple CarPlay and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot, neither of which are available in the Frontier.

Frontier Interior

How Many People Does the Frontier Seat?
King Cab models seat four, while there's room for five in Crew Cab models. The Frontier's front seats are among the best in the class. The seating position is excellent, and the seats themselves are comfortable. Heated front seats and leather upholstery can make them even more enjoyable.
The rear seats are almost the opposite. King Cab models have fold-down rear seats that are a chore for anyone to sit in. While Crew Cab models have a full back seat, it's still short on legroom and support. Most compact trucks don't have especially spacious rear seats, though the Chevy Colorado offers a bit more head- and legroom in the back than most rivals.
Frontier and Car Seats
Crew Cab models are probably better for buyers with young children, as Crew Cab models feature two full sets of LATCH car-seat connectors in the rear seats. It still won't be a picnic to install a car seat though. The tether anchors aren't easy to find, and you may confuse other hardware for the anchors. The lower anchors are easier to get to and don't require too much force when connecting a car seat, but they're still somewhat difficult to maneuver around.
Frontier Interior Quality
For a work truck, the Frontier's interior will be sufficient. It has a no-nonsense design, with a handful of useful features but low-quality materials. Rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma have more upscale materials, along with excellent build quality.
Frontier Cargo Space
The Frontier offers some features that you expect from a truck bed, like a spray-in bed liner. It also offers the Utili-track system, which features channels in the bed floor and moveable cleats, giving you plenty of options to secure whatever cargo you need to haul.
There's a 6-foot-1-inch bed in King Cab models, and Crew Cab models can have either a 6-foot-1-inch or a 5-foot bed. The Chevrolet Colorado has longer beds, but they're not wide enough to carry standard sheets of plywood flat on the floor. However, the Toyota Tacoma's beds are wide enough for plywood.
Frontier Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
Any features you want in the Frontier are options, including power windows and locks. The most notable feature is probably the NissanConnect infotainment system. It's easy to use because it features a smartphone-style interface. It also has voice recognition, so you can control some functions with verbal commands. The best part about NissanConnect may be its smartphone app integration, which allows you to easily connect your trusty mobile companion.
In addition to the touch screen and voice recognition, the Frontier has physical controls for some functions. The controls are well-organized on the dash, but they aren't as smooth or precise as the dash controls found in some rivals.
There are more standard features in the Chevrolet Colorado, including a basic infotainment system. Higher Colorado trims have a more advanced infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay?

Frontier Performance

Frontier Engine: Not Much Engine-uity
The Frontier features a four-cylinder base engine, but a V6 is available as an upgrade. The four-cylinder delivers adequate power for daily driving, but it's not great for hauling. Opt for the V6 if you plan to use your Frontier for work duty. Even with the V6, the Frontier can't match the torque that's generated from the Chevy Colorado's turbodiesel engine when it comes to hauling or towing heavy loads.
A five-speed manual comes standard with the four-cylinder, while a six-speed manual is mated to the V6. Both engines are available with a five-speed automatic.
Frontier Gas Mileage: Subpar for the Class
You'll get the best fuel economy by sticking with the Frontier's base powertrain (the four-cylinder paired with a five-speed manual transmission). It gets 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, which are low estimates compared to competitors like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. The Colorado and Canyon are both available with turbodiesel engines that are the most fuel-efficient powertrains in the class. Both get up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Upgrading to a V6-powered Frontier will cost you around $1,000 in added gas costs over five years compared to the base engine.
Frontier Ride and Handling: A Daily Driver, but Not Much More
The Frontier is as capable as class rivals like the Toyota Tacoma when it comes to being a daily driver, but its utility drops off beyond that. The Frontier's ride quality gets noticeably worse over rough roads or off the pavement, the steering is heavy and slow to respond, and the truck lacks maneuverability in close quarters. Drivers who prefer a smooth-riding and easy-to-maneuver compact truck should consider the Chevy Colorado instead.
Frontier Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the Frontier can tow up to 6,710 pounds or haul up to 1,500 pounds. If you plan to use your Frontier for towing or hauling, you'll want the V6, which unlocks the maximum capacities in both areas. Still, the Frontier's max towing and hauling ratings are slightly behind the Chevy Colorado, and compared to the Toyota Tacoma, the Frontier has a slightly higher towing capacity but a far lower maximum payload.

Frontier Reliability

Is the Nissan Frontier Reliable?
Most compact pickup trucks earn above-average predicted reliability ratings, and the Nissan Frontier follows suit. The Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado all earn the same scores from J.D. Power and Associates, while the Honda Ridgeline slightly outscores them all.
Nissan Frontier Warranty
The 2017 Nissan Frontier is covered with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Other trucks in the class come with similar warranties.

Frontier Safety

Frontier Crash Test Results
The Frontier does OK in crash tests. It earns 3.5 stars in the rollover tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it earns a rating of Good (the highest rating) in front and side crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Honda Ridgeline is the only compact pickup IIHS calls a Top Safety Pick+.
Frontier Safety Features
The Frontier is not the truck for you if you want the latest and greatest in driver assistance features. No active safety features come standard in the Frontier, and the only available aids are a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Those are nice features that make parking your truck easier. However, some class rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado have more advanced offerings, such as forward collision warning.

Which Nissan Frontier Model Is Right for Me?

The Frontier S (base trim) starts at $18,390, which is the lowest starting price in the class by about $2,000. There are four higher trims, each of which includes all of the features found in the trims below them plus a few more. The highest trim is the SL, which starts at $32,510.
Most buyers should choose the SV trim as it represents the most value for the money. The base S trim has essentially no features; not even have air conditioning, power windows, power locks, or an audio system. Meanwhile, the SV model comes standard with all of those features, plus an infotainment system, satellite radio, and Bluetooth.
Upgrading from a King Cab to a Crew Cab model will cost you an extra $1,130-$5,510, depending on the trim. Crew Cab models only come with the V6 engine. With either the standard four-cylinder or the V6 engine, you have a choice of a manual or an automatic transmission. The manual comes standard; upgrading to the automatic costs between $1,050 and $3,770, depending on the trim. However, the automatic is standard in some higher trims.
Choosing four-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive will add $2,650-$3,750 to the price tag, depending on the trim and cabin configuration. There are also several option packages, many of which are trim-specific. These add all manner of features, including bed, seating, and technology upgrades, and they range in price from $750 to $1,990.
Nissan Frontier S
The base Frontier S trim starts at $18,390, and comes standard with a four-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, cloth upholstery and not much else. You have to pay more for air conditioning, power windows, power locks, or an audio system.
Nissan Frontier SV
Priced at $22,860, the SV trim adds air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a four-speaker audio system, satellite radio, a USB port, Bluetooth, and an infotainment system with a 5-inch display.
Nissan Frontier Desert Runner
The Desert Runner trim is priced at $25,200, and it comes with the V6 engine, an automatic transmission, unique styling elements, performance shocks, and off-road tires.
Nissan Frontier Pro-4X
The off-road oriented Pro-4X model is priced at $32,340 and has the same features as the Desert Runner, along with a locking rear differential, skid plates, a 5.8-inch touch screen, navigation, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Nissan Frontier SL
The top-of-the-line SL trim starts at $32,510 and is only available as a Crew Cab. It loses the Pro-4X's off-road equipment and adds leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system. A moonroof is optional.
Who Makes the Nissan Frontier?
The Nissan Motor Company, which is a Japanese automaker, assembles the Frontier at two factories in the United States. One is in Canton, Mississippi, and the other is in Decherd, Tennessee.

The Final Call

The Frontier has comfortable front seats and easy-to-use optional infotainment technology. The Utili-track system adds versatility to the bed, which is also a plus. On the downside, the Frontier's fuel economy and ride are worse than many rivals', and the cabin design feels dated. The rear seats are cramped as well. Additionally, most competitors can tow and haul more than the Frontier. The Frontier does have one of the lowest starting prices in the class, but it comes with no creature comforts in the base model. You'll likely be happier with higher-ranked rivals such as the Chevrolet Colorado or Toyota Tacoma.
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2017 Toyota Tacoma Overview

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma ranks at the bottom of the small class of compact pickups. While it's still a solid package with a great payload capacity and off-road capability, it can't match the overall performance, interior features, or capabilities of most of its rivals. 

Is the Toyota Tacoma a Good Truck?

Don't let the lower ranking fool you; the Toyota Tacoma is still a very impressive truck for its size. It's arguably the most formidable off-road vehicle in the class in its standard configuration –and especially in the several off-road-focused trim levels. It has a relatively high towing capacity and can handle heavier payloads than its rivals. The Tacoma is also refined enough for everyday use, with a comfortable cabin and many standard and optional features.
While the 2017 Toyota Tacoma is a good truck, there are a few drawbacks. The standard cab configuration only has seating for four, with a cramped back seat. The base four-cylinder engine also delivers a low amount of horsepower and unremarkable fuel economy.

Should I Buy the Toyota Tacoma?

You should only buy a compact pickup if you don't need the large towing or payload capacities that full-size pickups can provide. These aren't heavy-duty, dedicated work vehicles, so if that's your aim, the Toyota Tundra may serve you better. You'll be able to tow more than 10,000 pounds and haul over a ton of cargo in its bed.
Among trucks for everyday duty, the Tacoma is a well-balanced package. It has the best suite of standard features in the class and is fairly refined, but the Honda Ridgeline has much more passenger space and a nicer interior. The Tacoma is the most capable off-road vehicle in the class, so you should definitely consider it if that's something you want. However, the Chevy Colorado delivers better performance in some areas, like towing and fuel economy.
Starting at more than $24,000, the Tacoma is far from the cheapest offering in the class. However, once you start upgrading less expensive competitors, their prices come into line with comparable Tacomas. For a well-rounded truck that you can drive comfortably every day but still charge with tough tasks, the Tacoma is worth a look.
We Did the Research for You: 21 Pieces of Data Analyzed
To help you make the best possible decision when car shopping, we analyzed 21 pieces of data and research to form an expert analysis of the 2017 Toyota Tacoma. This includes reviews from professional auto journalists, as well as hard facts like crash test results and reliability ratings.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of writers, researchers, and analysts has a combined 75 years of experience in the auto industry, and we've been helping consumers find the right car for almost a decade. Our focus is on you, and we don't accept favors, trips, or gifts from car companies. Any ads you see on the page are handled by an outside source.

How Much Does the Toyota Tacoma Cost?

The Tacoma has the second-highest starting price in the class – but it's one of just five trucks, so that doesn't say much. You'll pay $24,120 for a base Tacoma. The Honda Ridgeline is the most expensive at $29,475, and the Chevy Colorado is representative of the rest of the class at $20,055. Meanwhile, Toyota's full-size truck, the Tundra, has one of the highest prices among its competitors: $30,020. For that price, the Tundra will only get you a three-person front bench seat, while the Tacoma has four seats in two rows in its standard configuration.
The Tacoma comes standard with a four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and a four-seat Regular cab. You can upgrade to several combinations of a V6 engine, four-wheel drive, and a Double cab that seats five, but these options can quickly bring the Tacoma's price above $30,000. In fact, four of the six available trim levels start north of $30,000. A fully loaded Tacoma comes in at around $43,500.
Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Toyota dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Toyota deals page.

Toyota Tacoma Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Tundra?

The only other truck Toyota makes is the full-size Tundra pickup, in contrast to the compact Tacoma. Unlike the Tacoma, the Tundra scores well below most of its competitors in its class. It's hard to recommend the Tundra over the Tacoma. The Tundra is only a better choice than the Tacoma if you place a premium on truck capabilities like towing and payload capacity. You'll be able to haul a few hundred pounds more cargo in the Tundra's bed than in the Tacoma's, and the Tundra can tow almost 4,000 pounds more. Those improvements are a result of the Tundra's standard V8 engine. However, the Tundra stands out from its class for its lack of a diesel option. The V8 also gets much lower fuel economy than the Tacoma's standard four-cylinder, at 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway compared to the Tacoma's 19 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. If you opt for a more powerful V8, that mileage drops even more. Another drawback of the Tundra is that it can only hold three people in its front bench seat. You'll have to upgrade above the roughly $30,000 base price (which is already the highest in the class) to get a second row. The Tacoma in its standard form has seating for four, and though its back seat is pint-sized, it’s probably still preferable to sitting three-across in the front. You can also opt for an extended cab Tacoma for much less than any Tundra.

Which Is Better: Toyota Tacoma or Honda Ridgeline?

The all-new 2017 Ridgeline returns after a two-year hiatus, marking the return of a truck model to Honda’s lineup. The result of this redesign is an excellent vehicle overall that outperforms the Tacoma and all its class rivals in nearly every category. The Ridgeline comes with a standard V6 engine that has about 120 more horsepower than the Tacoma's base four-cylinder, along with slightly better fuel efficiency. You'll also get a nicer cabin with the Ridgeline and smooth, supple ride quality. Honda made sure to provide plenty of passenger space (especially in the rear) in all Ridgeline models – something you'll only get in the Tacoma if you spring for a Double cab. That said, the Tacoma still makes for a better traditional truck than the Ridgeline. It has a higher towing capacity and can handle a heavier payload. The Tacoma beats out the Ridgeline in off-roading ability; it offers specific trims with upgraded off-road equipment and is available with four-wheel drive, something the Ridgeline does not offer. However, all-wheel drive is available in the Honda. In short, if you're looking for an everyday ride that only goes off-road or hauls things occasionally, the Ridgeline is more up your alley. If you need to tow and haul or go off-road regularly, give the Tacoma a look.

Which Is Better: Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado?

Unlike the Ridgeline, which has a base price of over $5,000 more than the Tacoma, the Chevrolet Colorado starts at about $4,000 less. You might expect a drop in quality with that price difference, but the Colorado's cabin is replete with quality materials and is more impressive overall than the Tacoma's interior. While the Colorado doesn’t come with a standard touch screen like the Tacoma, its optional 8-inch interface is intuitive and advanced. The Colorado also offers features that aren't available in the Tacoma, like Apple CarPlay and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. When it comes to performance, the Colorado beats the Tacoma handily. You'll be fine sticking with the standard 200-horsepower engine, or you can upgrade to a 305-horsepower V6. There is also a turbodiesel engine that returns a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,700 pounds – more than the Tacoma can handle. With the turbodiesel engine, the Colorado gets excellent fuel economy for the class at 22 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The Tacoma can handle a heavier payload than the Colorado, but unless that’s a major factor for you, the Colorado is a better pick.

Tacoma Interior

How Many People Does the Tacoma Seat?
The Tacoma seats four or five people, depending on which cab configuration you get. Access cab (aka extended cab) models have two rear seats and smaller rear doors for entry. Like most extended cab pickups, this is a cramped zone – only 24.6 inches of legroom – that's best left to smaller passengers. A full bench seat and full-size rear doors are added into Double cab models. Passenger space in the rear expands somewhat in these larger Tacomas, adding an extra 8 inches of legroom. Even so, the Tacoma has one of the smaller back seats of this class. The seats are pretty comfortable in the front, and there's a fair amount of room. You can't alter the height of the seats, though, and the steering wheel’s limited range of adjustments can make it hard for some to find an optimal driving position.
If you need a back seat that caters to more than just cargo, take a spin in a Honda Ridgeline. Not only does its back seat provide enough room for adults, but you can expect all-day comfort from all of its seats. The Tacoma's big sibling, the Tundra, only seats three in its standard configuration (a front bench seat), but if you go with the optional rear seat, you'll be rewarded with accommodations for up to six people and plenty of space and comfort.
Tacoma and Car Seats
The Tacoma has two complete sets of LATCH child-seat connectors and three top tether anchors. The lower anchors are easy to find and use, but the tether anchors will probably give you some trouble. They’re located on the back of the rear seats, so you'll have to fold the seat slightly forward to find the attachment point. To fit most car seats in the rear, the front passenger seat will have to be moved significantly forward. That results in very little room for anyone wishing to sit up front.
Tacoma Interior Quality
Most of the Tacoma’s cabin materials are high quality, which imparts not only a feeling of durability but also one of sophistication. Surfaces are soft to the touch, like the rubber or faux leather that adorns the dashboard (depending on the trim).
As nice as the Tacoma's interior is, the Honda Ridgeline still sets the high mark in the class for comfort and quality. It has elegant materials that would be more at home in a sedan. That added style comes at a price, though – the Ridgeline's base price is over $5,000 more than the Tacoma's.
Tacoma Cargo Space
For the occasions when you need your small truck to handle a big job, the 2017 Tacoma has the capacity and flexibility to help you out. It can haul 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood, heave a payload of up to 1,620 pounds, and haul all sorts of outdoor gear. Both a 5-foot and a 6-foot bed are available, and every model is outfitted with fixed and movable tie-down cleats, a composite bed liner, and storage compartments in the bed. Dampers in the tailgate lower it gently every time. The tailgate can also lock or be removed completely. An optional 120-volt outlet built into the bed lets you turn your truck bed into a work zone or tailgate party central.
The Tacoma's 1,620-pound payload capacity is the highest in the class. It beats out the very similar maximums of both the Honda Ridgeline (1,584 pounds) and Chevy Colorado (1,580 pounds). If you need the ability to haul more stuff than that, you’ll want to upgrade to the full-size Tundra, which can carry up to 2,080 pounds. The caveat with that is that you’ll have to stick with the Regular cab and get a long bed with a V8 engine. Most other configurations of the Tundra have payload capacities between 1,550 and 1,700 pounds.
Tacoma Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma has a few features you won't find in many small trucks this size. For starters, every model comes with a mount on the windshield for your GoPro camera, so you can capture all your off-road antics on video. Among its safety tech is a standard rearview camera; images are displayed on the base 6.1-inch or upgraded 7-inch touch screen.
The Tacoma uses Toyota's Entune interface, which comes standard with Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, a USB port, and six speakers. Four different levels of Entune infotainment centers are available, with the best being the model that comes standard in TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims. The standout skill for this Entune Premium Audio system is its ability to link with your phone to run apps like Pandora, Yelp, Facebook, iHeart Radio, and Slacker. It also comes with navigation, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Test drivers like the Entune interface better than most, saying it’s a very responsive system. 
While the Tundra comes identically equipped to its smaller version, the Tacoma is the only truck in the class with a standard touch-screen infotainment system. All its rivals employ a 4- to 5-inch display screen and require an upgrade to get a better system. "Better" is subjective, though, as the Honda Ridgeline offers exciting features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but on a convoluted display screen with poorly arranged icons. Conversely, the infotainment system in the Chevy Colorado operates smoothly and has features like a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot.

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2017 GMC Canyon Overview and REVIEW

The full review of the 2017 GMC Canyon is coming soon. In the meantime, you can see pictures, research prices or view and compare specs for the 2017 GMC Canyon. If you're considering the 2016 GMC Canyon, which ranks 3 out of 5 Compact Pickup Trucks, read our review to find out more.

Notable for 2017

  • New Canyon Denali model
  • New All Terrain X package
  • New Nightfall Edition
  • New engine and transmission
The 2017 GMC Canyon is carrying over most of its design from the 2016 model year. However, GMC is adding an All Terrain X package for rugged driving conditions and bulking up the Canyon’s power with a new engine and transmission. Pricing for 2017 models, which will arrive at dealerships in late 2016, has not yet been announced.

GMC Canyon Interior

Expanded Connectivity
There will be two standard USB ports in SLE, SLT, and Denali models – one on the dashboard and one inside the center console – plus two available USB ports on the rear of the center console. The Canyon will also offer 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot.
Full Denali Treatment
The new Canyon Denali will offer buyers the full Denali experience available with other GMC models. In addition to its upgraded exterior styling, the interior of the Canyon Denali will feature a jet black color scheme with leather-appointed, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a full-color driver’s display, automatic climate control, and Denali-logo sill plates and floor mats.

GMC Canyon Performance

New Engine
A new available 3.6-liter V6 engine is designed to offer drivers more confident acceleration. Mated to a new eight-speed transmission, GMC boasts that the shifting experience will be smoother than before. The powertrain is rated to achieve 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque – both slight increases over the old V6.
Excellent Trailering Capacity
The 2017 Canyon will deliver great towing capacity when equipped with the V6 or the available 2.8-liter turbodiesel. With the V6, the Canyon supports a 7,000-pound max trailering rating. With the diesel, it's rated at 7,700 pounds.
New All Terrain X Package
The 2017 Canyon will be offered in an SLE trim level with available All Terrain X package, giving buyers the opportunity to make their compact truck more rugged. The package includes an off-road suspension and transfer case shield, hill descent control, a spray-on bedliner, step bars, unique 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and all-weather floor liners. Note that this package will only be offered with the V6 and turbodiesel engines.

Details: 2017 GMC Canyon

The 2017 GMC Canyon is a compact truck that seats up to five. It will be available in five trims: SL, Canyon, SLE, SLT, and Denali. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. The Canyon comes standard with a 6-foot-2-inch bed, and Crew Cab models are offered with a 5-foot-2-inch bed.
Standard features include 13 reconfigurable tie-down locations in the bed, a 3.5-inch-diagonal driver information screen, a 4.2-inch-diagonal color radio, a USB port, a rearview camera, cloth seating, and air conditioning.

Optional features include satellite radio, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a sliding rear window, leather-appointed seating, a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system, and the IntelliLink infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen.
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2017 Chevrolet Colorado Overview

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is a hardworking truck (featuring class-leading towing abilities and a line of compelling engines) that makes it easy to relax. That's because it has one of the nicest cabins in the class, treating travelers to an uncharacteristically quiet, comfortable ride.

Is the Chevrolet Colorado a Good Truck?

By the numbers, the 2017 Colorado checks off most of the requirements to be a good truck. Its two available gasoline engines emphasize either fuel efficiency or power, and its optional turbodiesel offers both (for a higher purchase price). The Colorado has one of the highest tow ratings among compact pickup trucks at 7,700 pounds, matched only by its cousin, the GMC Canyon. Its maximum payload capacity is also very good.

Taking into consideration its low starting price and respectable list of standard amenities, and the availability of affordable options, the Colorado presents a great value. This appealing blend also illustrates why the Colorado earned our award for the Best Compact Truck for the Money in 2015 and 2016. Topping off the Colorado's attributes is its history of above-average reliability.

The main area where the Colorado stumbles is safety. Every other model (save for the analogous Canyon) outranks the Colorado with higher crash test scores. It's worth noting that the Colorado now comes standard with the Teen Driver safety system, valuable when you loan your truck to unexperienced drivers. The Colorado still has very good safety ratings, they're just not as high as those of some competitors.

The Colorado is also the 2017 Best Compact Truck for the Money award winner because it continues to have the best combination of quality and value in its class. The Colorado is on a three-year winning streak for this award-- something no other compact truck has done.

Should I Buy the Chevrolet Colorado?

If you're looking for a small truck that's both durable and affordable, the Chevy Colorado is a good place to start. Even with the base model, you get a good amount of amenities without having to shell out extra dough (unlike with the Nissan Frontier, which has nothing notable for standard tech features). The Colorado's included USB port lets you play music from your phone on the six-speaker audio system. A rearview camera and 4.2-inch display screen are also standard. These included amenities-- paired with the Colorado's below-average starting price of around $20,000-- make the Colorado a great value and helped it earn our award as the Best Compact Truck for the Money in 2015 and 2016.

Other attributes of the Colorado that make it a good buy are its stellar reliability scores, class-leading towing abilities, and well-rounded list of options, which includes an available turbodiesel engine-- a rarity in this class.

If you're still struggling to decide if the Colorado fits you best, take a look at Which Compact Pickup Truck Is Right for You?

Compare the Colorado, Canyon, and Frontier "

We Did the Research for You: 26 Pieces of Data Analyzed
Shuffling through the countless pieces of information online can leave you dizzy. That's why we've collected everything you need in one spot. Side-by-side comparisons, model specs, information on different trims and options, safety scores, and more can all be found in our comprehensive review. Altogether, we gathered and analyzed 26 pieces of data on the Chevy Colorado to give you everything you need to know in one location.

After a short hiatus, Chevrolet reintroduced the Colorado for the 2015 model year. It received a new turbodiesel engine for 2016 and has a new V6 engine for 2017 (both optional), but it has seen no other major changes. As a result, this overview includes applicable reviews and research from the 2015 through 2017 model years.

Why You Can Trust Us
Buying a car is a big decision. To find the best car for you, you need more information than you'll find with one expert opinion, and more accurate details than you'll get with a hastily written review published by a newbie blogger. At U.S. News & World Report, our automotive team has a combined 75 years of experience in the auto industry, and we've been ranking and reviewing cars for nearly a decade. We tap into that knowledge to create each of our thorough reviews. We don't accept lavish trips or gifts from car companies, so you can rest assured that our reviews are unbiased and accurate.

How Much Does the Chevrolet Colorado Cost?

With its starting price of $20,055, the 2017 Colorado is one of the least expensive models in our compact pickup truck rankings. The Nissan Frontier slides in a little below (at $18,390), and the GMC Canyon is just above (at $20,940). At the top end are the Toyota Tacoma ($ 24,120) and Honda Ridgeline ($ 29,475). Pricing for Colorado models (before adding options) tops out at $35,930 with the Colorado Z71 4x4. This is less than the highest-priced trim of every other competitor in the class.

The Colorado comes standard with a decent amount of tech, including a rearview camera, a 4.2-inch display screen, and a USB port. The Frontier, in comparison, doesn't even have standard power windows or locks. This combination of a low price and a healthy dose of included amenities makes the Colorado a great value. Chevy also offers affordable packages and add-ons; for example, you can gussy up the affordable WT trim with niceties like Bluetooth, a 7-inch touch screen, and Apple CarPlay for only $375.

To get the lowest price in your region on a new Chevrolet Colorado, use our U.S. News Best Price Program. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Chevrolet deals page.

Chevrolet Colorado Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon?

Chevrolet and GMC are two branches of the same General Motors family tree, which is why you'll find a lot of similarities between the Colorado and the Canyon. Both have similar standard infotainment specs: a USB port, a 4.2-inch display screen, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker audio system. These trucks also share the same engine options, and both can tow up to 7,700 pounds (the highest capacity in the class).

As the premium brand, GMC has traditionally created more of an upscale feel in its cabins than Chevrolet has. However, Chevy has been closing this gap in recent years, and the current Colorado receives lots of praise for its handsome, quiet interior. Refinements like leather upholstery and a seven-speaker Bose audio system are available in the Colorado and Canyon alike, further diminishing any advantage in elegance the Canyon previously held in the lower trim levels.

The final mark against the Canyon is price. The Colorado undercuts the Canyon's starting price by about $900. You can ultimately buy a more luxurious small pickup truck through GMC with the Canyon Denali, which tops out with a price tag that is more than double the starting cost (at $43,120). Unless you desire the swankiest of small trucks (like the Canyon Denali) or prefer GMC's styling over Chevrolet's, you'll get a better value with the Colorado.

For more details on how these two trucks compare, take a look at our side-by-side comparison, Chevrolet Colorado vs. GMC Canyon.

Which Is Better: Chevrolet Colorado or Toyota Tacoma?

Price and value also heavily come into play when comparing the Chevrolet Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma. You'll pay more for a base Tacoma, but you'll get more as well. Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and a GoPro Camera mount are standard features with the Tacoma, but not with the Colorado. The Tacoma's base display is a 6.1-inch touch screen, versus the Colorado's 4.2-inch display screen. There's a heavy cost attached to these amenities, though; the Tacoma's starting price is about $4,000 higher than the Colorado's.

Interior dimensions are about the same-- the Colorado has a little more rear legroom, but the Tacoma is a bit wider. The Tacoma has a slight edge with safety and dependability, posting marginally higher crash test ratings and predicted reliability scores. Where the Tacoma noticeably outshines the competition is beyond the pavement. If you're serious about off-roading, there's no better compact truck than a Tacoma TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro to tackle a trail. Prepare to shell out $40,760 for the ultimate Tacoma TRD Pro. If the specs on the TRD Off-Road meet your requirements, this trim is actually more affordable than the Colorado Z71 4x4, which has milder off-road components and a pricier $35,930 starting cost. Unless you plan on traversing some serious off-road trails, though, the Colorado will be a better buy for you. Its ride is smoother, its cabin feels more upscale, and its lower price translates to significant savings.

Check out our Head to Head: Chevrolet Colorado vs. Toyota Tacoma to dig even deeper into how these two trucks compare.

Compare the Colorado, Canyon, and Tacoma "

Colorado Interior

How Many People Does the Colorado Seat?
A base 2017 Colorado only holds two people, as no rear seat is included. All other Extended Cab models have dual folding rear seats and can seat up to four people. Crew Cab models come with a rear bench seat, which increases seating capacity to five and offers more room in the back seat.

The Colorado's seats are more comfortable than what you'll find in many small trucks. Cloth upholstery and power adjustments for the driver's seat are standard, and you can add options like leather upholstery and heated front seats. As is true of most extended cab models, quarters are a bit cramped for grown-ups riding in the back of a Colorado Extended Cab. Crew Cab models come with more headroom (38.3 inches versus 36.7) and more legroom (35.8 inches versus a stingy 28.6), which larger passengers will certainly appreciate. Alongside a Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, the Colorado Crew Cab is more generous with head and leg space, though the Tacoma offers passengers a little more side-to-side room.

Colorado and Car Seats
In Colorados with rear seats, the outboard seats offer both lower and top tether anchors for child safety seats. Crew Cab models come with an additional top tether anchor for the middle seat. The base Colorado-- which has no rear seats-- has one top tether anchor for the front passenger seat.

Even in Crew Cab models, the Colorado realistically holds only two car seats. You'll get the best fit if you're using forward-facing convertible or booster seats. Though the lower anchors are pretty easy to find, a limited amount of space in the rear seating area means you'll have to move the front seats forward if you want to clip in any rear-facing seats. The top tether anchors are not very user-friendly; you'll have to fold down the rear seatback to find and use them.

Colorado Interior Quality
In side-by-side comparisons with its rivals, the Colorado stands out for its carlike comfort and convenience. While other pickups feel coarse and utilitarian, the Colorado feels more upscale. It comes with high-quality materials and a handsome cabin, and it is distinctly quiet on the highway.

Colorado Cargo Space
The 2017 Colorado has two bed sizes to pick from. The 6-foot-2-inch Long Box is available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab models, and you can also outfit Crew Cab models with the 5-foot-2-inch Short Box. There's only 44.4 inches (about 3.7 feet) between the wheel housings, so a 4-foot-wide sheet of plywood won't lay flat. However, the Colorado's bed is almost 2 inches deeper than the Toyota Tacoma's (20.9 inches versus 19.1). This extra height is advantageous to help contain oversized cargo.

Whether you have a base Colorado (no rear seats), an Extended Cab version (with dual folding seats), or a Colorado Crew Cab (with a foldable bench seat), you can create a large storage area behind the front seats. That's perfect for carrying cargo that's too fragile to ride in the bed, or for when you want to lock belongings inside the cab. Extra storage cubbies are built in under the rear seats, and there's a sizable floor console between the front bucket seats.

Colorado Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation
If you are used to driving something smaller, you'll feel at home inside a Colorado, with its carlike tech features and layout. The design is classy, the gauges are easy to read, and its buttons and knobs are clearly marked and within reach. For most, the available MyLink infotainment interface is relatively responsive and straightforward, though you'll need to click through some extra menus to find certain settings.

The Colorado's standard infotainment system comes with a 4.2-inch display screen, a six-speaker audio system, and a USB port. In comparison, the Toyota Tacoma also includes Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free in its base pickup. However, you can add these features to the Colorado WT trim with the $375 WT Convenience Package and still be under the $24,120 starting price of a Tacoma. Most features you can add to a Chevy car or SUV-- including a Bose premium sound system, an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot-- are also available in the Colorado. (To learn more, read What Is Apple CarPlay? Then, see the Best Cars With Apple CarPlay.).
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2017 Honda Ridgeline Overview AND REVIEW

For the 2017 model year, Honda is reintroducing the Ridgeline compact pickup truck after a years long hiatus. This fully redesigned truck makes a good first impression: it places high in our rankings, outmatching both domestic and foreign competitors. The Ridgeline makes an excellent daily driver, with a quality interior, spacious seating, and well-balanced performance.

Is the Honda Ridgeline a Good Truck?

The Ridgeline is a well-rounded, capable, and comfortable truck. It has one of the nicest interiors in the class, with premium materials and roomy seating accommodations. A standard V6 engine gets respectable fuel economy, and the Ridgeline drives easily enough for daily use. It also gets very high safety scores, which is more than can be said of nearly all other trucks in the class.

While the Ridgeline is undoubtedly a good all-around vehicle, the truck doesn't necessarily stand out when it comes to more truck-specific concerns, like towing, off-roading, or payload capacity. You can do all of these things to a degree with the Ridgeline, but if they're part of your regular routine, other trucks might suit you better. The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado have much higher towing capacities, while the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma perform better off road.

Should I Buy a Honda Ridgeline?

The Ridgeline's high price tag goes hand in hand with its high ranking-- if you want the best, you'll have to pay for it. And if you have the means, it's worth it. No other truck is as well-rounded, with the right combination of performance, comfort, safety, and practicality that should make a small truck appealing. However, if you're on more of a budget, there are much cheaper choices in the class-- like the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado-- that almost rival the Ridgeline's scores and overall appeal, and have better towing and hauling abilities as well. If you want a dependable and comfortable daily driver with truck features, it's hard to beat the Ridgeline. But if you need more utility for off-roading or towing on a regular basis, you'll want to consider something else in the class, or even a full-size pickup truck.

Compare the Ridgeline, Colorado, and Canyon "

We Did the Research for You: 20 Pieces of Data Analyzed
We analyzed 20 different pieces of research and data from around the automotive industry to help you decide if the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is for you. Our reviews are based on what expert professional auto journalists are saying about the Ridgeline, and we use hard data like crash test and reliability ratings from independent agencies. We've done the research so you don't have to, and we have come up with an expert analysis so you can make a smart buying decision.

Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of writers and analysts has over 75 combined years of experience in the auto industry, and we've been working to help consumers make educated buying decisions for almost 10 years. We are also completely impartial: any ads you see on the page are from an outside source, and we don't accept gifts or trips paid for by car companies.

How Much Does a Honda Ridgeline Cost?

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline starts at $29,475, which is much higher than the base prices of all other trucks in the class. The Toyota Tacoma costs over $5,000 less at $24,120, and the GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier all start at around or below $20,000. There are seven Ridgeline trim levels, the highest of which starts at $42,870. For the Ridgeline's high base price, though, you'll get one of the nicest interiors in the class, a standard V6 engine, and seating for five with four doors.

On the surface, it may seem as though the extra cost covers these amenities and standard options. However, the Ridgeline is priced at $5,000 more than the next highest priced vehicle in the class. That price is higher than upgrading many competitors to a V6 and adding some options that are standard in the Ridgeline.

Indeed, the Ridgeline's price is higher than even many full-size pickup trucks. The Ram 1500 and Ford F-150, which both rank atop that class, start at under $27,000. They are both far more capable for off-roading and/or towing and hauling tasks.

The Ridgeline comes standard with front-wheel drive, and you can upgrade to all-wheel drive for $1,800 in most trim levels. However, AWD is standard in the two highest trims (RTL-E and Black Edition).

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Honda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Honda deals page.

Honda Ridgeline Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma is better at off-roading than the Ridgeline and should appeal to shoppers who want more of a classic truck experience. Its TRD Off-Road trim is one of the best off-road performers in the class, thanks to its rugged suspension and Multi-Terrain Select system. While the Ridgeline is pretty bare on standard features, the Tacoma comes with the Entune infotainment system, a 6.1-inch touch screen, and Siri Eyes Free iPhone control. Another cool feature is the built-in windshield mount for a GoPro camera, which no other truck in the class offers. The Tacoma also has the highest payload capacity in the class at 1,620 pounds, so you'll want to go with it over the Ridgeline if you plan to regularly fill the bed to the brim. The Ridgeline is a better choice if you only need a moderately capable truck-- but you'll have to pay over $5,000 more for it.

Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Chevrolet Colorado?
Like the Tacoma, the Chevrolet Colorado is much cheaper than the Ridgeline, but by almost $10,000 instead of $5,000. The Colorado is better than the Ridgeline in nearly all aspects of performance that you would expect from a truck. Though it has a four-cylinder base engine, the Colorado is available with a V6 that's more powerful than the Ridgeline's. The Colorado also offers a turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that gets one of the best fuel economy ratings in the class, as well as a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which handily bests the Ridgeline's 5,000-pound rating. Unlike the Ridgeline, you can get four-wheel drive in the Colorado. The Colorado's interior quality rivals that of the Ridgeline, and the crew cab's front and rear seats have ample room for adults to ride without feeling cramped. While the Colorado doesn't have the most tech features in the class, it does have an easy-to-use infotainment system as well as OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. That's better than Honda's infotainment system, which is hard to use and has poorly organized controls.

Which Is Better: Honda Ridgeline or Ford F-150?
If you want a truck that can do everything it should be able to, and you either don't care about the bells and whistles or have room in your budget to add them, consider moving up to the full-size Ford F-150. Whether towing or hauling people and/or payloads, full-size trucks have a measure of utility that compact trucks just can't match. And when you consider that the F-150 has a lower starting price ($26,540) than the Ridgeline and tops our rankings of full-size pickup trucks, it begins to look like a very attractive option. The F-150 can tow up to 12,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of nearly 3,300 pounds, which dwarf the Ridgeline's capacities of 5,000 pounds and 1,584 pounds, respectively. It also has three different cab configurations and three different bed lengths to choose from. Upgrading the F-150's interior to nicer materials or more features can make the price jump quickly, so if you want a comfortable daily driver and the occasional use of the truck's capabilities, stick with the Ridgeline. However, if you need a dedicated brute that can work hard on a daily basis, the F-150 is among the best.
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