Best Midsize Pickup Trucks

Meet the Contenders

In this guide, we’re taking a look at the seven class-leading midsize pickups on the market, including the:  

• Toyota Tacoma

• Ford Ranger

• Chevy Colorado

• GMC Canyon

• Jeep Gladiator

• Nissan Frontier

• Honda Ridgeline

We’re comparing each model's current generation–2024 model years to be exact–to ensure the most up-to-date performance figures, designs, and features.

2024 Toyota Tacoma

After eight years with the Tacoma’s 3rd generation, Toyota unveiled the all-new 4th-generation Tacoma for the 2024 model year, built on Toyota’s redesigned TNGA-F Global Truck Platform. Like the Tundra, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser 300, the new Tacoma features robust body-on-frame construction with a lower center of gravity, lower cowl height, increased stiffness, and an approximately 20 percent cheaper production cost! 

In addition to the move to Toyota’s TNGA-F chassis, the 4th gen Tacoma features a peppy new turbocharged 4-cylinder powertrain, redesigned sheet metal, and an all-new interior, bringing the aging Tacoma well into the current generation of midsize pickups.

Specs

Ford Ranger

Midsize pickup fans rejoiced at Ford’s announcement of the 2019 Ranger, marking the return of an icon to the US market. Though new to the states, this new Ranger, built on Ford’s T6 platform, had existed in other parts of the world since 2011. Now, five years after its US release, the T6 Ranger receives its first major revision, including an extreme facelift and an all-new powertrain! 

The 2024 Ford Ranger retains the T6 chassis, similar to the 6th generation Bronco. Unlike the previous model year, which only featured the 2.3L inline 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine, the 2024 model offers two additional powertrains. These include the 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6, an optional upgrade for XLT and Lariat trims, and the 3.0 twin-turbocharged V6 on the all-new Ranger Raptor trim! 

Aesthetically, Ford updated the all-new Ranger with similar styling cues to the new F-150 and Super Duty pickups. While some critics aren’t quite sold on the massive, C-shaped headlights and single-bar grille, the consensus around the RealTruck office is that it’s a welcome addition.

Specs

Chevy Colorado

In 2023, the Chevy Colorado received its first significant update since 2015. The all-new chassis features a familiar, robust body-on-frame construction complete with a fully boxed chassis for superior strength and durability. Other upgrades include a fully redesigned interior and exterior and a powerhouse 2.7L turbocharged I-4 powertrain capable of pumping out 430 lb-ft of max torque! 

For 2024, Chevy kept the recipe essentially the same, save for a few updates to standard equipment on higher-spec trim levels. Whereas the 3rd generation Colorado originally launched with three iterations of the 2.7L, only two carry into 2024–the base 237 horsepower engine and the high-output 430 lb-ft variant–effectively doing away with the mid-tier engine. All models also receive the larger 11-inch digital driver gauge cluster.  

These updates, paired with the stylish and polished chassis, earned the 2024 Colorado title of Motor Trend’s 2024 Truck of the Year!

Specs

GMC Canyon

If you weren’t already aware, GMC is a GM-owned company, as is Chevrolet. As such, both brand names offer essentially identical vehicles, albeit with slightly different sheet metal and subtle differences. The GMC Canyon is no exception, being a nearly identical clone of the Chevy Colorado! 

While we enjoy both pickups, neither necessarily takes the cake. Both feature identical powertrains, driveability, comfort, and equally attractive aesthetics. Ultimately, if you’re in the market for a GM midsize, choose whichever model best meets your needs and aesthetic preferences. 

We will make note of the price difference, however. GMC is more of a luxury-focused brand than Chevy, and as such, nixes base-model trim packages like the WT. Compared to the Colorado’s base price of just over $30,000, the Canyon starts at $36,000!

Specs

Jeep Gladiator

While Jeep is no stranger to the truck market, releasing its first pickup back in 1947, more recent production halted after the discontinuation of the Comanche in the early nineties…until 2019. At the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, Jeep announced the return of the Gladiator, this time based on the Wrangler JL platform. 

This new midsize pickup, dubbed the JT, featured body-on-frame construction, solid axle/multi-link front and rear suspension, and familiar sheet metal, appearing nearly identical to the JL Wrangler from the cab-forward. 

The Gladiator hasn’t changed much in the last half a decade; it remains more of a hybrid between an SUV and a pickup rather than a true midsize truck, fitted with a removable top similar to a Jeep Wrangler and a small, shallow bed. Realistically, the Gladiator is louder, less refined, and less efficient than other pickups on the list; however, it holds a massive presence in the automotive aftermarket. If you’re looking for a midsize to build into a capable wheeler, consider the Gladiator. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable pickup for daily driving duties, there are plenty of other platforms on the market.

Specs

Nissan Frontier

2022 saw a significant redesign of Nissan’s flagship midsize pickup, the Frontier, after a nearly eighteen-year run of the model’s 2nd generation! Aside from requiring a massive overhaul to stay current performance and feature-wise, the Frontier had grown incredibly stale, looking (and driving) as one would expect from a nearly two-decade-old pickup.

Ultimately, Nissan delivered! The 2022 Frontier featured a completely redesigned chassis, body, and interior, reviving the tired design. It looked, dare we say, Tacoma-inspired, featuring a similarly angular form factor and aggressive body lines. Though not many changes have come to the pickup in the past few years, the Frontier remains a solid contender at an attractive entry-level price point.

Specs

Honda Ridgeline

While most pickup fans cringe at the thought of ‘Honda’ and ‘pickup’ used in the same sentence, the Ridgeline has proven to be a reliable entry into the midsize pickup market, frequently outranking such competitors as the Frontier and Gladiator. 

Though the only unibody pickup on this list, the Ridgeline has one quality going for it that the other contenders don't: car-like ride quality. Well, that plus Honda’s outstanding reputation for reliability and efficiency. 

Without a significant refresh since 2017, the Ridgeline is beginning to feel a bit dated; however, it’s arguably the most comfortable and mild pickup on the road. If you’re in the market for sedan or CUV-like performance with the practicality of a small bed, you may want to consider the Ridgeline.

Specs

Which Midsize Pickup Reigns Supreme?

So, which midsize pickup sits at the top of our list? Well, none! Each of the seven midsize competitors outlined in the previous section has its particular strengths and weaknesses that’ll appeal to different consumers. Whether you’re looking for the best budget, off-road performance, on-road ride quality, or any other factor! Ultimately, there isn’t any universally ‘best’ pickup on this list, only the best pickup for you. This being said, which pickup is best suited for you?

Selecting Your Ideal Midsize Pickup

Determining which midsize belongs in your driveway involves considering a few factors, including the vehicle’s primary use, overall reliability and durability, and your budget. After all, no one pickup is right for every individual; you’ll need to consider your personal preferences, needs, and expectations.

Planned Usage

First, and arguably most important on the list of considerations, is your planned usage of the pickup. Each model has particular strengths and weaknesses that lend it to specific tasks. For example, the Honda Ridgeline’s unit-body (unibody) construction and independent rear suspension, borrowed from the Honda Odyssey minivan, provide a plush, car-like ride. While this quality may lend to daily driving and on-road use, it won’t fare as well in off-road conditions as other platforms, like the Jeep Gladiator or Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

Reliability and Durability

Now, these factors can be somewhat subjective; however, we’d classify anything as ‘reliable’ if it has a low cost of ownership and a proven track record. Though brands like Toyota and Honda are built on a reputation for reliability, we typically stray away from the first model years after a major refresh, like the 2024 Tacoma, in favor of something with a more proven track record for reliability, like the Ranger (aside from the early-year transmission woes). 

Regarding durability, that variable is up to your discretion. Do you view durability as a pickup that can surpass 200,000 miles without requiring major repairs? Or a pickup that can tackle the Rubicon Trail without snapping an axle shaft or blowing a transfer case? In either case, choose a vehicle that meets your definition of durability.

Budget

Lastly, let’s talk about budgets. Not everyone has fifty thousand dollars to spend on a fully optioned midsize; most have to work within their reasonable budget. While this number is different for everyone, consider which pickup will do everything you want it to, as best and as comfortably as you’d like it to, for the least amount of money. If that means selecting the most capable off-roader at the lowest price point or the most well-optioned base model, so be it! 

Taking all of these factors into account should help narrow your options. And remember, whichever pickup you choose, you can always order upgrades from your friends at RealTruck! Our knowledgeable sales staff is available to contact seven days a week to help with all product inquiries and order assistance.