The Good: Off road capable, push button 4WD system
The Bad: Not that powerful against competitors
The Say: An old fashioned truck wrapped in a modern package.
Go For: 2007 and later LS
Avoid: LT 4x2
Price Range: P600,000-P1,000,000
Our Rating: ***
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Car Choices:
We shall first discuss the dominant engine: the 3.0 4-cylinder. From launch til June 2007, a 3.0 that carries 130hp with direct injection comes standard that is economical but becomes noisy when driven 100kph and above.
July 2007 saw the addition of CRDi technology which resulted to a bump of power pegged at 146hp as well as the availability of an 81hp 2.5 which makes do with direct injection. First is the upgraded 3.0 which gives out more power for accelerating at the expense of refinement while the 2.5 feels alive at the lower range while returning decent fuel economy figures.
The first set of models (pre-July 2007) can be had with either LS or LX trim in both 2WD and 4WD. LX gives you an option for both manual and automatic transmissions and these following amenities: dual airbags, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, fog lamps, fabric seats, folding rear bench, fog lamps, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, CD player, alarm, and keyless entry. LS gives you step boards and limited slip differential for 4WD models.
An update done July 2007 caused the revision of the trim levels and better pay attention to this paragraph if you aim to buy a unit built from July 2007 to present. LT - the base model aimed toward fleet buyers - gets steel rims, vinyl seats, folding rear seat with underseat storage, power steering, CD player, and the option of 2WD and 4WD (added in 2011). Choosing the LX gives you alloy wheels, projector type headlamps, leather steering wheel, sport jersey fabric seats, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, MP3 capability, alarm, and keyless entry. Our favorite variant, the LS, can be had with either a manual or automatic transmissions and 2WD or 4WD plus dual airbags, ABS brakes, and fog lamps. Added in late 2008 is the LS Boondook which gives you rear parking sensors plus other exterior differentiation and only available with a manual transmission.