Midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado or Honda Ridgeline strike a balance between large and small trucks. They do more than the smaller trucks in terms of cargo capacity while offering the versatility of a full-size truck, like hauling, towing and off-road capability. If you want something that can easily fit into your garage or something that you can use for daily commute with little fuel consumption, your best bet will be owning one of these.
If You Care About Fuel Economy
Since midsize pickups are equipped with smaller, more efficient engines along with advanced fuel-saving tech, they consume less fuel compared to their full-size counterparts. With a truck like the 2024 Ford Ranger, you can tow up to 7500 pounds of load and still enjoy 22 mpg of fuel efficiency. The Toyota Tacoma does even better with its fuel-efficient powertrain, which guarantees that you can drive around without constantly looking at the fuel gauge while still performing heavy-duty tasks.
If You Want to Save Cost
One interesting factor that affects owning a vehicle is affordability. Luckily, midsize trucks come with lower price tags than larger ones. Starting at $27,000 for base models, it can reach $32,995 for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and $34,265 for the 2024 Ford Ranger XL. Models with a strong off-road capability or luxury design cost between $39,000 and $50,000. Looking past the purchase price, midsize trucks have lower maintenance costs and insurance premiums, making them inexpensive to own.
If You Want a Multi-Purpose Pickup Truck
You can conveniently use a midsize truck for various purposes, whether you are hauling loads for a construction project, transporting hay to your farm or navigating a tight street. With options like off-road capability, you can find your way over rocky terrain, swamp or desert and still handle normal commute duties with ease. Also, since they are designed for everyday use, there is no need to worry about finding a wide spot to park.
5 Best Midsize Pickup Trucks Just for You
Toyota Tacoma
The new Tacoma is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that gives an output of 228 and 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. However, the Tacoma Hybrid comes with a 326-horsepower engine. You can choose between the single cab or the double cab option and also from various bed configurations according to your taste. Tacoma has a body-on-frame construction and two rear suspensions—leaf springs and coil springs. In addition to its attractive exterior, it has an aesthetically pleasing interior supplemented by beautiful digital displays.
Ford Ranger
To enhance the appearance, Ford digitized most of Ranger’s controls and made them part of the infotainment systems. In addition, its interior receives a modern look with honeycomb-patterned air vents and textured dashboard trim. The Ranger comes with a hidden upper glove box in the dashboard, storage under the truck’s rear seat and larger pocket cubbies. For the 2024 model, the entry-level variant is fitted with a turbocharged 2.3 liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower.
Chevrolet Colorado
Among the best midsize pickup trucks you can get for a decent price, the Chevrolet Colorado stands out because of its strong towing capacity, useful technology features, easy-to-use controls and aesthetically appealing interior. It comes with only a four-door cab and a 5-foot bed with five trim levels available in both the two and four-wheel drive. Chevrolet lovers can enjoy a smooth ride with the pickup’s turbocharged 2.7 liters, four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed transmission.
GMC Canyon
Every GMC Canyon has a decent interior that is equipped with an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a head-up display, underbody cameras and a digital gauge cluster behind a new steering wheel. These features ensure that you can cruise around the city with the Canyon while using it for large-load haulage. Like the Chevy Colorado, its 2.7-liter engine produces 310 hp with 430 pound-feet of torque. This gives it more power than its V6 rivals like the Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline.
Honda Ridgeline
If you want something that looks like your everyday SUV without the rugged look of a truck, the Honda Ridgeline is your choice. Fitted with a 280 horsepower engine that produces 262 pound-feet of torque, this 3.5 liter V6 truck offers a smooth car-like ride, making it comfortable to drive with less effort. The Honda Ridgeline can haul about 1600 pounds of payload, similar to the Chevy Colorado but less than the Ford Ranger.
Your Needs, Your Choice
Not everyone wants a large pickup truck that occupies space in a tight parking lot or a truck that drinks up fuel. A midsize pickup truck is just sufficient to fulfill your needs, whether you want something that can haul goods to your farm or something you can drive on your next adventure. Fitted with strong and efficient engines, they can serve your needs.
