Best Midsize Pickups Truck: According to Motor Intelligence research, Americans like trucks and will purchase more than 2.7 million in 2022. About one in six customers had a midsize pickup truck instead of most full-size half-ton versions. Why? These smaller haulers give the majority of the style and ability of their big brothers in more fuel-efficient, practical, and economical packaging since a sizeable number of truck owners never really employ the full capabilities of full-sizers.
Smaller trucks saw a prolonged downturn in the 2000s but have seen a significant resurgence in the last ten years, in part due to the increasing popularity of full-size trucks. Most midsize trucks in 2023 are comparable to full-size versions from the Reagan period.
The Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier were around ten years old and comprised the whole sector in 2014. Nevertheless, late that year, GM successfully brought back the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon after a three-year sabbatical. Ford reintroduced the Ranger in 2019 after an eight-year hiatus, while Jeep unveiled the Gladiator in 2020, the company’s first truck since 1992, not wanting to be left out. The Maverick and Santa Cruz models from Ford and Hyundai debuted in 2022 due to the high demand for smaller vehicles. For more information, see our list of the top compact trucks.
Also continuing is the competition. Nissan recently gave the Frontier its first substantial facelift since 2005; new Colorado and Canyon models will be released in 2023, and new versions of the Ranger and Tacoma will be released in 2024. When the 2023 model year trucks are released, GM’s effective Diesels, which have among the best tow ratings in the class, will also be discontinued, but for now, the 2022 model year GMC Canyon is still available. The Gladiator will be the only diesel midsize left when it’s gone.
Best Midsize Pickups Truck For 2023
2023 Honda Ridgeline
starting for $38,800
Although it is the least conventional midsize truck, the Honda Ridgeline is also the most comfortable for daily use. Many pickup truck customers never, or only seldom, utilize their vehicles’ entire payload, towing, or storage capacity. They still depend on them for jobs, transportation, and family-carrying responsibilities. The unibody Ridgeline is built to handle all but the most demanding truck jobs, is as comfortable to drive and is as family-friendly as the Pilot SUV on which it is based. It is the only truck on our list without a separate body and frame.
Of course, full-frame trucks can provide more various cab and bed configurations and have better payload and towing capacity. The Ridgeline doesn’t have an extended cab or a six-foot bed and has average off-road prowess. It also has a maximum towing capability of 5,000 pounds (2,000 to 2,700 pounds less than the class leaders) and a maximum payload of 1,583 pounds (300 pounds fewer than the Ford Ranger). The Ridgeline’s other qualities make it the ideal family vehicle, even if you only need this little space.
It is lightweight and has much more interior room due to the unibody structure. Only the Gladiator has more excellent back legroom and headroom than the Ridgeline, which handles more like a sedan than a typical truck. In addition, Honda surpasses several rivals with a more advanced infotainment system and a ton of safety equipment. Additionally, there are practical utility features, such as the lockable under-bed trunk. It will comfortably do 85% of the tasks that 85% of truck owners would ever require.
2023 Jeep Gladiator
Starting with -$37,375
Given its Wrangler foundations, it’s hardly surprising that the Jeep Gladiator is the most competent midsize pickup off-road. However, the Gladiator’s skills go well beyond the battlefield. It can be modified to equal Chevrolet for the maximum tow rating (7,700 pounds), it has the most comprehensive and roomiest crew cab of any vehicle in its class, and it boasts the most fuel-efficient engine (the optional 24-mpg combined EcoDiesel V6). It also has an adventurous appearance that few other vehicles can match.
However, there are some compromises. Hitting the options list is necessary to get the most out of the Gladiator, which is expensive. Renegade and Mojave, the two variants with the best off-road capabilities, start at more than $50,000; the EcoDiesel V6 is an additional $4,150. The Max Towing option is also unavailable on all trims, costing $1,695. The Gladiator’s base V6 has below-average fuel efficiency and handles like a listless, twitchy Wrangler on the interstate. Even though Jeep offers a lot of active safety technologies, it also lacks safety information.
Despite these drawbacks, the Gladiator excels at various tasks and provides a range of customizing options. A Wrangler would never be able to handle challenging routes, tow a camper, or transport several motorcycles without beds. Sport’s basic model is sparse, but nine trim levels and several customization options exist. In contrast to iGM’s Toyota Tacoma, tall people may fit in the rear seat, and you can enjoy the fresh air by lowering the top. It is difficult not to enjoy, price apart.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado
Starting with-$30,695.
The ChevroIt’llolorado has been completely redesigned for 2023, transforming it from an outdated has-been to a top contender. There are now five trims, a new engine, a ton of new technology, and a new low-cost Trail Boss that undercuts junior off-roaders like Ford and Toyota on Price.
Although the power output varies depending on the ECU tune, all Colorados are powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine connected to the vast Silverado’s basic engine. While higher models have 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, lower trims have 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The truck can still tow 7,700 pounds. The hot-rod Bison is also gone, although the ZR2 will get a “Desert Boss” option later this year.
Sadly, the long bed and expanded cab are no longer available, and despite the truck’s overall growth, the rear seat inexplicably shrank. But there are also many new subscription services. Colorado features excellent infotainment options, a large 11.3-inch screen, and a wealth of optional extras like surround-view monitoring. Its cabin is unquestionably the best in class. There is also a sizable selection of active safety systems, albeit not as many as Ridgeline’s rivals, Nissan or Toyota.
Colorado is undoubtedly the greatest of the conventional midsize trucks and now ranks close to the top of its class.
2023 Ford Ranger
Starting with: $26,400
The Ford Ranger is older than you may expect, even though it was just released in 2019. It debuted in foreign markets in 2011 and has received just minor updates. This entails a relatively plain style and an interior that seems somewhat dated, but look beyond the exterior to discover a capable vehicle. The versatile Ranger may be the best choice, despite internal competition from the smaller and more economical Maverick, depending on your car’s use.
The Ranger is a conventional full-frame truck, much like its GM, Nissan, and Toyota rivals. It just has a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, unlike them. It has performance on par with V6 competitors, outperforms non-turbo fours from GM and Toyota, and gets decent gas mileage. It handles admirably for a conventional truck, and a $495 option package increases the essential towing capability from 3,500 pounds to 7,500 pounds. Its off-road prowess is further improved with the $4,290 FX4 and Tremor kits, although the Gladiator and Tacoma TRD Pro remain better.
The drawbacks? The Ranger’s crew cab is small in the rear but average compared to its main competitors. Without any graphics packages, it isn’t very appealing to the eye, and even if the infotainment system is simple, it is out of date compared to many alternatives, much like the interior. The base-model LX of the Ranger is undoubtedly the most outstanding midsize work truck value due to its price and class-leading payload capacity (1,860 pounds), but it’s also a superb bargain. Later this year, the Ranger will get a facelift for the 2024 model.
Nissan Frontier 2023
Starting with: $29,190
The Nissan Frontier, formerly a truck industry Methuselah, had its first significant facelift in 17 years in 2022. The most powerful V6 engine in the class is now paired with entirely new systems, an updated look, and a more durable frame than the previous model. The Frontier transformed from an antiquated outsider to a class challenger in one swift motion. However, it is unclear how long it will remain current. By 2024, Ford, GM, and Toyota will all have rebuilt vehicles entirely to compete with the Frontier. But for now, it provides a decent balance of aesthetically attractive styling, practical usefulness, and off-road prowess.
A 3.8-liter V6 engine powers the Frontier, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, the former of which is the most in its class. The Frontier is a good performer because of its good power, even though it would be a stretch to call it quick in a world of Honda Accords that can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Although four-wheel drive (4WD) versions are an option, rear-drive is the default, and they come with regular terrain settings with high and low ranges. In addition, the 4WD-only Pro-4X, which costs less than all but the highest-spec off-road Tacoma and Gladiator versions, is a serious rival.
The Nissan’s crew cab is small in the rear, similar to the Ranger, and all that power (at the sacrifice of mpg) doesn’t always translate to best-in-class brute force. The Frontier’s maximum payload and towing capacities are 6,720 and 1,610 pounds, fewer than the Tacoma or Ranger and below average for the class. Nissan has a ton of active safety features. However, fewer are included as standard as those from Honda or Toyota. The Frontier is still a good bargain and will probably appeal to those looking for a classic truck experience.
GMC Canyon 2022
Starting with: $26,800.
In the spring of 2023, a completely new GMC Canyon will be on sale, but until then, the 2022 model is still available. Once the ’23 is here, leftover ’22s may also be purchased at a discount, but few are languishing on dealer lots. Strangely, 2022 contains several features the newer version won’t have, so if you’re purchasing now, pay attention to those advantages. The Canyon is a dated car initially released in 2014 and has had many updates, including a styling upgrade in 2021.
The optional Duramax Turbodiesel four-cylinder engine and the extended cab layout are absent from the current model. The ’22 versions worth owning are these other variations, as New Canyons will only ever be available as gas-powered crew cabs from this point on. The powerful (369-pound-feet) turbodiesel is being phased out. While not as efficient as Jeep’s EcoDiesel, it still has the best-in-class towing capability of 7,700 pounds and decent fuel efficiency. The gas V6 has enough power but poor fuel efficiency and a smaller towing capacity than the diesel.
There are many grades of Canyon, but the lower end of the trim range offers the most outstanding value since the Denali isn’t quite as opulent as the price may imply, and the new model is likely to be a significant improvement. Waiting for it is worthwhile. The lower-end variants are more attractively styled than the Chevrolet Colorado and offer comparable features. Even though it is not as spacious as those of Honda or Jeep, the crew cab’s rear seat is among the finest competitors from Ford, Nissan, and Toyota.
Toyota Tacoma 2023
Starting with: $27,250
With 237,323 “Tacos” leaving dealer lots in 2022, the Toyota Tacoma was once again the best-selling truck in America that wasn’t a full-size model. With 89,197 units sold, the Chevrolet Colorado is far and away the best-selling midsize truck on the market. However, sales were down 6.3% from 2021. Even though the present generation comes from 2016, some underlying bones date back to 2005. Therefore, Tacoma’s bare age may be becoming apparent. In any event, Tacoma’s off-road prowess, resale value, and rock-solid dependability scores continue to be big appeals.
However, this truck’s other features are below average for its class. The Tacoma crew cab has the most minor and most confined rear seat. We can’t suggest the vehicle since its weight exceeds the capabilities of its base-model four-cylinder. Even if you don’t choose the TRD Pro, the four-wheel drive Tacoma is a fantastic off-roader because of the V6’s superior performance. Still, it only gets average gas economy and isn’t enjoyable to drive on the road. The Pro’s truck-like driving habits are considerably worse because of its off-road adaptations, which hurt it in other situations.
Despite this, Toyota continues to add active safety measures, so you know it will last forever. It also still looks excellent. However, the existing design won’t stay for very long. 2024, a brand-new Tacoma is expected, or it might be modified significantly.
What is a Midsize Pickup Truck?
Compact, Midsize, Full-Size, and Heavy Duty are the four fundamental size and capability categories into which pickup trucks are grouped. We include entirely electric trucks in their respective size categories, with the Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV being the only exceptions.
Most small trucks are compact (or tiny) trucks, any vehicles with a length of fewer than 201 inches (such as the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz). Midsize cars are located above that and have different wheelbases and total lengths depending on the cab and bed size. Any truck that is not a conventional half-ton or heavy-duty model and whose crew cab variation has an overall length of more than 201 inches is classified as one of these vehicles. All class members are the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
The only electric midsize pickup is the Rivian R1T. It is not intended for the same clients as the conventional models since it is a luxury model with a price of more than twice as much as the beginning pricing of all other midsize. Similar to the GMC Hummer EV pickup, which is identical in size to a standard heavy-duty vehicle but targets a whole different group of customers.
