For a very long time, the pick-up truck market has been dominated by the Toyota Hilux and it’s no wonder. As Top Gear once proved, the mighty Hilux is very much invincible.

However, while the Hilux has been the default pick-up of choice (no doubt the same could be said about the updated facelift model), that doesn’t mean its competitors have backed down. Next year, there will be three new pick-up trucks to try and reduce the Hilux’s share in the market.

Okay, it’s technically one brand-new truck with the other 2 being revamped facelifts. So, we’ll start with the newest truck on the block.

2021 Mazda BT-50

The all-new 2021 Mazda BT-50 would be Mazda’s first new model to be introduced next year, according to the CEO of Bermaz Auto, Dato’ Francis Lee in an interview with BFM radio. The BT-50 is expected to arrive in Q1 2021, likely imported from Thailand.

Unlike the previous BT-50, which looks peculiar, the all-new BT-50 sports a very elegant Kodo design look on the front.

Another significant change in the all-new BT-50 is what’s under it. Mazda has decided to partner with Isuzu instead of Ford. Beneath that CX-9-looking exterior is the humble Isuzu D-Max.

This means we will be getting the rebadged D-Max ahead of the all-new one which will come to Malaysia in 2022.

That being said, the Mazda BT-50 is essentially the D-Max in an expensive suit as the Mazda is clearly marketed to be more premium.

It is powered by a 3.0-litre Ddi BluePower common-rail turbodiesel (190 PS/450 Nm) that is shared by the D-Max. So, it's definitely reliable.

We have put out more details on what to expect in the all-new BT-50 in our FAQ here.

2021 Ford Ranger

Launched in Thailand last month, the good ol' Ford Ranger gets a new facelift which includes a power roller shutter and that’s it.

While Thailand has a few variants for the facelifted Ranger, we can expect to see the facelifted Ranger Wildtrak, at least, launching in Malaysia next year.

Visually, the Ranger facelift gains a few black trims around the evergreen pick-up truck including the grille, the roof racks, and the wheels.

Mechanically, it retains the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine (213 PS/500 Nm) mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

However, you would have to wait a little bit longer for the updated Ranger Raptor if you’re looking for some off-roading performance.

2021 Nissan Navara

Just like the Ford Ranger, the Nissan Navara is an ageing dinosaur. While the Ranger facelift only gets a very minor change, the 2021 Nissan Navara facelift gets a modern makeover.

This includes LED headlamps with DRLs and LED taillamps. Then, there’s the front which receives a new V-motion grille, albeit looking beefier.

Adding on to the new Navara line-up is a new trim called PRO-4X which enhances the rugged looks to a T. This includes black colour trims, a black Nissan emblem, and black wheels.

Looks like Nissan has followed Ford with their black trims aesthetic.

As we are looking at the facelift, the powertrain on the facelifted Navara is retained with a 2.3-litre twin-turbocharged engine (190 PS/450 Nm).

However, it remains to be seen whether this engine will come into Malaysia to replace the 2.5-litre single turbo unit which produces the same power output.

Also retained is the rear multi-link coil suspension which should give it an advantage in passenger ride comfort compared to other pick-up trucks.

Other improvements include a new steering wheel similar in design to the Almera, increased amounts of sound-deadening insulation, and a host of ADAS suite features including AEB, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning.

There you have it, the three pick-up amigos that will be launched in Malaysia in 2021. Will any of these make you change your mind in getting a Toyota Hilux?