For the past decade virtually everyone has let their compact pickups whither on the vine. Ford discontinued its once best-selling Ranger altogether. The problem: it was hard to make money on them. But GM somehow got the business case to work for a new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. If they were counting on having the market to themselves, though, it appears they’ll be disappointed.

The segment leader–by default as much as through merit–has been the Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma was last redesigned for the 2006 model year, and I don’t think it was entirely new even then. Site members who have checked out the Tacoma ad the competing Nissan Frontier have reported that the Toyota felt very dated in comparison–and the Nissan is itself a very old design, dating to 2005.

Well, for 2016 the Tacoma has been entirely redone. The new truck appears far more up-to-date inside and out. Interior materials, though still clearly those of a truck, are much improved. The rear seat in the crew cab seemed slightly more roomy than that in the GM truck. The new Tacoma’s optional engine will be a 3.5-liter V6 with direct and port injection running on the efficient Atkinson cycle. They’re not releasing its power output yet, but promise far better fuel economy than the current Tacoma–not a hard bar to clear. But–unlike the GM trucks–no mention of a diesel option.

Toyota stressed the truck’s strong off-road racing record in its presentation, and both the styling and engineering reflect this heritage. Chevrolet and GMC dress their trucks up with rugged-looking wheels and trim, but are they similarly the real deal?