Consumers looking for a medium pickup truck with a single cab have three main options in the market: Chevrolet S10, Toyota Hilux, and Ford Ranger. Since these vehicles are geared towards work, payload capacity is a major factor, and the models have been listed in order along with information on power, torque, and price.
A notable aspect in this work-focused segment is the growing popularity of the automatic transmission. Both the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger offer this option in the single cab version, while Chevrolet restricts this transmission to the double cab. The adoption of an automatic transmission in work vehicles aims to reduce the risk of operational failures and also decreases the need for maintenance, such as clutch replacements; however, choosing this transmission may result in a reduction in payload capacity.
Performance and Payload Capacity of the Models
The Ford Ranger XL, in the single cab configuration, reached the top of the segment in terms of payload capacity. Equipped with a manual transmission, this model can carry up to 1,223 kg in the bed, surpassing the Chevrolet S10 by 3 kg. In work versions, the Ford Ranger uses the 2.0 EcoBlue turbodiesel engine, which generates 170 hp and 41.3 kgfm. Although it is the least powerful engine on the list, it offers low fuel consumption.
The Chevrolet S10, in the single cab version, presents a considerable payload capacity and is very close to the manual Ford Ranger. Its bed has more basic features, similar to the Hilux, including external hooks and a non-electrically locking cover. The Chevrolet S10's engine is the most powerful in the group, delivering 207 hp and 46.9 kgfm. It is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, being the only one that does not offer an automatic gearbox option.
When selecting the automatic transmission in the Ford Ranger XL, there will be a loss of 53 kg in payload capacity, but the vehicle will gain more comfort and the cruise control feature, known as autopilot. Toyota has homologated the single cab Hilux with a load capacity of 1,005 kg, a value that is only 5 kg higher than the double cab version, maintaining the same price regardless of the transmission chosen. In the case of the Hilux, what varies is the adjustment of the 2.8 turbodiesel engine: with a manual transmission, it produces 42.8 kgfm, while with the automatic gearbox it reaches 50.9 kgfm, keeping the power constant at 204 hp.