I totally agree. Glad to see he's finally some kind of recognisable vehicle instead of an alien jet and alien tank. Making him a truck is an interesting choice... I guess they didn't want to go with a tank because they already did that with ROTF, and a tank isn't the best disguise outside of a war zone (Brawlastator and Bonecrusher (another military vehicle) had to wait in hiding until they were summoned). Also, making him a truck gives him that kind of "Nemesis Prime" feel (right down to red windows on the toy), which can be interesting if done right (and if Michael Bay can't make it so, I will when I get the toy! ).
Poncho doesn't bother me. Optimus Prime once wore a Santa Claus outfit after all.