Pick-ups are not very popular vehicles in our market, especially when we compare it with North America. There, these vehicles with an open cargo area became popular almost at the same time as the car itself, since the Ford T even had a version with a modified rear body, the Model T Runabout, released in 1925 and of which they sold no less than 34,000 units in the first year. Today, the Ford F-150 can be considered its heir (saving distances) and is the best-selling car in most States, especially the most rural ones.
These types of trucks have a very clear work approach and are preferred by construction and agricultural workers. In Europe this varies slightly, as other commercial vehicles are more popular. Where off-road skills are not required and a true 4×4 is needed, people clearly prefer comfort on asphalt.
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Without being true SUVs, they inherit from them many of the technical solutions that SUVs have been discarding, such as leaf springs, reducers, chassis beams and crossbars… which gives them real 4×4 capabilities, much more than the SUVs you can find on the market, with a much greater orientation towards moving on asphalt .
This has meant that, over the years, these vehicles, in addition to their focus on agricultural work and construction, have been incorporated into those looking for a vehicle for leisure, perfect for those who need to carry very large belongings and move off the asphalt. with guarantees.
This trend has meant that its sales in the Spanish market have become almost residual, with a completely professional approach, now accounting for 5% of commercial vehicles. And it is that they are very robust vehicles, capable of withstanding great punishments in their daily use.
The open cargo area of a pick-up, called a box (also a plate, bed or basin) is surrounded by a wall, around half a meter high. The rear part can be folded down to be able to load and unload objects and in some models that cargo platform can be covered, with a canvas or with a fiberglass structure, which improves security and prevents theft.
In the international market there are different types. They can be grouped by size, cab and bed configuration, traction, engine and chassis. Depending on their length, they are divided into compact, medium and large (5.00, 5.50 and 6.00 meters long, approximately)… but in emerging markets it is possible to find them smaller… and in other latitudes, such as Australia, they are UTE (term that comes from utility) are still very popular, conventional vehicles with an open cargo area.
The best pick-ups of 2023
When one analyzes the pick-up offer on the market, the first thing that stands out is that the offer, with some exceptions, is polarized between Asian and American brands. The Japanese have taken over the majority of representatives in this segment, since we cannot count on many of the American exponents in Europe (at least through traditional sales channels).
In most cases (whenever it has been possible and that they have it), we have taken the measures of the double cab version. In other bodies there are slight variations in size, so you should check the external measurements of the option that interests you the most:
| MODEL | MEASUREMENTS in mm long wide high |
POWER |
| Ford Ranger | 5,362 / 1,860 / 1,815 | 160 to 200 hp |
| Jeep Gladiator | 5,591 / 1,894 / 1,843 | 264 hp |
| Mitsubishi L200 | 5,205 / 1,805 / 1,780 | 154 to 181 hp |
| toyota hilux | 5,330 / 1,855 / 1,815 | 150 hp |
Comparison of new pick-up in 2023
There is not a very large pick-up offer in Spain. These are the ones you can find new (plus some secondary brands, like the Mahindra Goa pik-up):
Ford Ranger
The fifth generation of Ford Ranger It was presented in 2022. It made its debut sharing the platform with the Volkswagen Amarok, with a completely different design compared to the pick up which he substituted despite having the same starting point. The renewed American truck brings with it a greater mechanical variety and a significantly more suggestive degree of equipment.
From the outside, the Ford Ranger sheds its skin to look more like its sisters from across the pond, the Maverik and F-150. Everything is much more square, avoiding the curves of the previous model. Mentioning cargo space, the box is a little bigger than before thanks to a 50 mm wider track and a 50 mm longer wheelbase. On board, the cabin stands out for a digital instrument panel and a multimedia system made up of a 10.1 or 12-inch touch screen
Mechanically, you can choose between three turbodiesel units and one gasoline. The diesel range begins with the block of 2.0 liter EcoBluegood with 170 or 213 hp. There is also a V6 of 3.0 liters with 241 hp. On the gasoline side, there is a 2.3 liters with 302 hp, as well as a variant with the surname Raptor with a twin-turbo V6 of 292 hp; or the 2.0-liter diesel block of 213 CV of the previous model. Depending on the version, the traction is to the rear wheels or to the four, with manual or automatic transmission.
Available with bodywork SuperCab Y Double cabinthe 2022 Ford Ranger is structured around five trim levels: XL, XLT, Sport, wild track Y Abductor; being these last two the ones with the most off road. In order to personalize the Ranger, Ford offers a line of 150 accessories developed by the ARB 4×4 specialist. Depending on the finish chosen, there will be a more or less complete package of driving assistance assistants, increasingly similar to passenger cars.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator It was presented in 2020 to become the largest pick-up in the Spanish market, at 5.60 meters in length. Manufactured in Toledo (Ohio, USA), with it the brand resumed its presence in a segment that it had abandoned in 1992 with the Comanche. It is based on the Wrangler hence it is a true SUV. Although for exclusively offroad use the Wrangler will be more capable and manageable (see test), the Gladiator adds the rear box for greater versatility.
It is sold with a double cab body, five seats and four doors, disassembled and can be washed with pressurized water. The rear box allows loading up to 613 kilograms, a figure below other alternatives, hence it is more focused on recreational use than professional. The reason is that it uses spring suspension instead of balletas, which is usual in vehicles of this type, but less comfortable.
It moves thanks to a propeller V6 diesel with 264 hp at 3,600 rpm linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox (see test). It has a transfer case for the reducer that allows driving in front-wheel drive or 4×4. It reaches 177 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 in 8.6 seconds and announces an average consumption of 9.5 l/100 km.
It has a high starting price with an available finish, the Overland, more than complete. Above is the Gladiator Launch Edition, with more exclusive details but that imply a fairly high price premium. A lot of vehicle customization is possible with Mopar accessories.
Mitsubishi L200
The Mitsubishi L200 that the brand presented in 2019 is one of the benchmark pick-ups within a not too broad segment. Thanks to the use of a ladder chassis, an all-wheel drive system and a ground clearance of 220 millimetersits offroad skills are far from doubt.
The base on which it sits is the same as that used on the 2015 model. The front end took many of its design cues from the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, achieving an overall look that is muscular yet slightly futuristic. The interior, practically the same as the previous model, is functional, seeking the ergonomics above all. The plastics are hard, but with good fits between pieces.
The Mitsubishi L200 is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. 2.3 with 150 hp and 400 Nm. It offers a top speed of 174 km/h, a maximum payload of 1,080 kg and a trailer towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg (see test). You can choose between an automatic or manual transmission, both six-speed. In any case, power is sent to all four wheels up to a ratio of 40/60 (front/rear).
Among the outstanding equipment, from the access level it offers keyless access, air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity. At higher levels you can already find chrome body trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, reversing camera, touchscreen infotainment system, hill descent control, heated front seats, ambient lighting and rear USB ports.
toyota hilux
The toyota hilux It is a historic pick-up, originally launched in 1968. In 2021 the 2016 model was updated, an update that focused on having more efficient diesel engines and some improvements in safety equipment.
There weren’t many exterior changes, limited to slight modifications to the front bumper and grille. New LED optics were also included and the sets of wheels and the range of colors were renewed, with three new shades.
As for the engines, the access variants have the 2.4D that delivers 150 CV, linked to a six-speed manual box. If you are looking for more benefits, there is the 2.8D with 204 hpin this case associated with the automatic gearbox with six relations.
It is possible to choose between three bodies. For a more professional use there is the single cabin or the extra cabin and four seats. The most demanded is the double cabin variant, which can be chosen with the finishes GX, GX Plus, VX Y VXL. It debuted the Invincible finish as the top of the range, with a more powerful image, access and start without a key or LED headlights. From the simplest, elements such as air conditioning, fog lights, VSC stability control, TCS trailer sway control are standard… Sportiness was put in by the Hilux GR Sport in 2022.
[NOTA: Artículo publicado el 02/06/2015, actualizado de manera recurrente con las últimas novedades del mercado]
