No matter the quality or appeal of a car, they all need a redesign at some point. Over time, cars and SUVs began to look outdated and less attractive to customers. As a result, automakers are changing everything about them. Moving into the modern era is a great way to restore attention to a particular model, increase sales, and gain new interest. For 2023, there are a few midsize trucks that are in desperate need of a redesign, like the Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, and Chevy Colorado.
1. Toyota Tacoma
The first midsize truck in desperate need of a redesign is the. Entering the 2023 model year, almost nothing has changed about the popular pickup. What’s more, the exterior and interior design has remained the same since the last redesign in 2016. Some experts think the Tacoma will enter its next generation for 2024, which won’t come soon enough. Right now, the look is as old as ever, but the exterior could use some work, too.
Currently, customers can purchase the SR and SR5 models with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the best features (and a better driving experience) come with the more efficient V6 engine. It’s a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Like many other models, including the Tundra, the Tacoma needs a hybrid option to improve fuel economy.
2. Honda Ridgeline
Next up, a mid-size truck that badly needs a redesign. This model was last redesigned one year after the Tacoma in 2017. For the most part, critics think the Ridgeline is one of the best on the market. However, it does not take an expert to see that the exterior is outdated. Next to newly designed modern pickup trucks, the Ridgeline is undoubtedly showing its age.
Besides, that’s not all that could use a refresh in Honda’s mid-size truck lineup. The 2023 Ridgeline can only have a 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. Although it’s a smooth, powerful driving unit with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft, it’s not very fuel efficient. Midsize trucks now need to outpace compact models like the Ford Maverick, which average 40 mpg city. Ridgeline owners will visit the pump frequently, as the all-wheel-drive model gets 18 mpg city and 24 highway.
Could we see an all-new exterior and hybrid powertrain for the Ridgeline soon?
3. Chevy Colorado
Third and perhaps the midsize truck that is in dire need of a redesign is it. Its last full redesign came in 2015, so we’re nearing the decade mark without major changes. Few things have changed in recent years besides the new Trail Boss Pack, among others. Off-road-oriented models have rugged looks that the standard Colorado models don’t match. Without the expensive packages, the Chevy pickup’s exterior styling is clearly outdated.
In addition, the interior is in dire need of changes. Edmunds says the front seats feel too compact for taller passengers, and most competitors offer more in-cabin storage when the seats are folded down. Next, very few driver-assistance features are included, which many competitors have in their suite. Like other trucks on the list, it also lacks a fuel-efficient or hybrid powertrain. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 are fine, but most customers want the V6, which only gets 19 mpg.
Outdated midsize trucks need to be redesigned
In conclusion, there are a few outdated midsize trucks in dire need of a redesign. For now, we think the Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, and Chevy Colorado could use some changes. These models either look outdated inside and out, have outdated engines, and very few options, or some other problem that many competitors leave behind. Are there more models you’ve seen that need to be updated ASAP?
