Top Choices for Island Pickup Lovers

Keeping pace with local lifestyles, truckers know what fills their needs

BY PRISCILLA PÉREZ BILLIG

While 42 out of the 50 states prefer full-size pickups, Hawaii’s taste veers toward the small pickup truck as its number one segment, according to Experian Information Solutions Inc., for data, analytics and technologies. However, for heavy-duty work, truckers don’t shy away from the full-size models. “Known for its reliability and durability, the Toyota Tacoma is the number one selling mid-size pickup truck in Hawaii, with an average of over 5,000 annual sales,” says Judy Relosimon Ng, senior marketing manager for Servco Pacific Inc.’s

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“Featuring a towing capacity of 3,500 to 6,800 pounds, innovative deck rail system and a deck-mounted AC outlet to keep your accessories powered up, the Tacoma is built to withstand heavy-duty loads. For even more towing capacity, our full-size Toyota Tundra can haul 8,800 to 10,200 pounds.”

Not to be outdone by the Toyota Tacoma is the mid-size Nissan Frontier. Jordan Mopas, sales consultant at Tony Nissan, says the Frontier is “the most popular pickup truck due to its price point. Its revved-up horsepower makes it the best price in its class. Mopas estimates an annual sales of about 800 but the 2020 Covid lockdown put a cap on selling cars.”

According to New City Nissan Commercial Vehicle Manager Luke Kaumatule, the Nissan lineup features two popular trucks, the Frontier and the full-size Titan.

“The 2020 Nissan Frontier features an all new nine-speed automatic transmission,” Kaumatule says. “The Titan transmission is new for 2020 as well. As with many industries in Hawaii, automobile sales have been affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns. The arrival of the 2020 Nissan Frontier was initially affected by shipping and transportation delays.”

Kaumatule adds that while operations of various businesses re-open, inquiries into the new Frontier and Titan have seen an increase of 30 percent compared to the same time last year.

“We attribute the increase in interest, even through the pandemic, to the buzz around the new transmission and great buying opportunities like special rate 72-month (Frontier) and 84-month (Titan) financing. As of today, 0 percent APR financing is available for those two models at the mentioned maximum term.”

By the Book

According to the “Edmunds Truck Report 2020,” the market share for full-size trucks soared to a 14-year high in 2019 to 14.5 percent of the new vehicle market. That was amid the staggering rise of the mid-size truck market, which has grown 124 percent in sales over the past 10 years.

While the Tacoma is offered in six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro, Edmunds calls the entry-level SR “the work truck of the bunch.”

As part of the third Tacoma generation introduced for 2016, what’s new includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa smartphone integration; newly available surround-view and underbody cameras for enhance off-road visibility; a driver's seat that includes seat height and thigh adjustments; and a recalibrated transmission logic.

At Honolulu Ford, the F-150 and the Ford Ranger are popular due to their price points and gas mileage. The Chevy Silverado 1500 Trail Boss, with its offroad capability, is also in the running due to suspension and tire upgrades.

The Dodge Rebel is the best-selling pickup truck at Windward Dodge Chrysler. Although built for lighter duty, its appearance and suspension give it the muscle look so popular in the Islands.

All Hawaii dealerships have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Losses range from 30 percent to 90 percent.

Nissan Frontier

Chevy Silverado Trail Boss