The 4.0-liter V6 teams with either a heavy-duty five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed electronic automatic with adaptive shift logic. Having five gears means closer gear ratios for better throttle response when accelerating, towing a trailer or driving off pavement. A high-gear lockout switch on the tip of the shift lever lets the driver kick up or down a gear with the tap of a finger.

With the best power rating in its class, the B4000 delivers no-fear passing, even on steep mountain grades. Having so much muscle on tap makes even tough truck chores easy, like hauling loads or pulling a heavy trailer.

With its 10-inch ground clearance and generous front suspension articulation, the B4000 Cab Plus 4x4, scampers over obstacles. And when it runs out of clearance, skid plates shield the transfer case and fuel tank from damage.

Ford's pulse-vacuum hub-lock device sets the front hubs quickly for push-button shifting into four-wheel-drive mode, and it engages while running at highway speed. The planetary transfer case, also from Ford, operates from a rotary dial on the dashboard for seamless switching from rear-wheel to four-wheel high, or further down to four-wheel low for off-road maneuvers.

Whether on lumpy trails or paved roads, the Mazda takes bumps and turns with confident dexterity. Its rigid ladder-like chassis, with full box bracing of the front section, combines with an independent wishbone front suspension to smooth out the ride.

4x2 models ride on cushy coil springs in front with two-stage leaf springs in the rear.

4x4 versions ride on torsion bars up front and add heavy-duty shocks in the rear for firmer dampening.

All Mazda Trucks get a front stabilizer (anti-roll) bar to reduce body lean in corners; 3.0 and 4.0-liter models have a rear stabilizer bar as well.

Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering, rarely used on a pickup, further increases the Mazda's agility, making it more enjoyable to drive on winding roads.