Over the years, both size and the price tag of trucks have gone up a lot. However, despite their rising costs, the popularity of trucks, particularly in the mid-size space hasn't gone down. Midsize pickup trucks have carved out their own unique space in the industry, offering a versatile blend of size, utility, and impressive capabilities. These mid-size pickup trucks are designed to meet the demands of both work and play, providing a perfect balance between practicality and adventure. 2023 saw several models receive an overhaul and here's how we'd rank the current crop of mid-size pickups.
7 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Staring MSRP $37,375
Kicking things off with one of the most capable mid-size pickups, for when you're on the rough stuff. Under the hood of the Jeep Gladiator lies the tried and trusted 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that can generate an impressive 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. You have eight trims to choose from. It's equipped with a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive. The removable roof and doors make Jeep Gladiator unique from its competitors. It's estimated to deliver a gas mileage of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.
The five-foot bed has a max payload capacity of the Gladiator is up to 1,710 pounds. When properly equipped, the Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds. The reason the Gladiator is at the bottom of our list is that it hasn't seen many changes and Jeep doesn't do well when it comes to long-term reliability.
6 2023 Nissan Frontier: Staring MSRP $29,390
Although the Frontier was given a full makeover in 2022, it rides on an old platform, which depending on whom you speak with, can be a good or a bad thing. Despite the old-school underpinnings, you really shouldn't dismiss the Frontier. It comes with a robust 3.8-liter V-6 engine that generates 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque which are healthy figures. It works with an eight-speed gearbox and is available with rear or all-wheel drive.
As for capability, the maximum payload capacity for the 2023 Nissan Frontier ranges from 1,360 pounds to 1,600 pounds. With its available four-wheel drive system, sturdy suspension, and advanced traction control features, the Frontier can handle rugged terrains and challenging trails. The Safety Shield 360, which includes six safety measures to protect the driver and the passengers, is one of the most eye-catching aspects of this mid-size pickup. The Frontier is capable of delivering a gas mileage of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The towing capacity of the Frontier varies depending on the configuration you choose. The maximum towing capacity of the 2023 Nissan Frontier ranges from 6,460 pounds to 6,720 pounds. When purchasing Nissan Frontier 2023, you can either choose the 5-foot bed or the 6.1-foot bed.
5 2023 Honda Ridgeline: Staring MSRP $38,800
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is undoubtedly one of the most popular mid-size pickups in the market. The Honda Ridgeline has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and is available with all-wheel drive.
In addition, the maximum payload capacity ranges from 1,509 pounds to 1,583 pounds. With its generous engine displacement, it offers robust performance for both city driving and off-road adventures. It is offered only as a double cab or Crew Cab. The bed size is 5.2 feet. The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is the only truck on the list that offers a Unibody construction. It's estimated to provide a gas mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. While the towing capacity of the Ridgeline may not be as high as some of its competitors, it is still suitable for towing small to midsize trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment.
4 2023 Chevrolet Colorado: Staring MSRP $30,695
Chevy has simplified the Colorado lineup for 2023. Gone is the old V-6 and in its place is a lone 2.7-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that generates 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque with WT and LT trim. It is mated with a second-generation GM eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with rear or all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the ZR2 model generates 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
The styling of the Chevrolet Colorado is similar to what you see on the full-size Silverado. It is also equipped with someworld-class features and technologies such as heated and ventilated front seats, push-start buttons, heated steering wheels, single or dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, etc. The latest Colorado is also a tech-fest with features like the 11.3-inch central infotainment screen.
The maximum payload capacity is 1,684 pounds. Colorado can deliver a gas mileage of 17 mpg city and 21 mpg on the highway. For the more adventurous folks out there, the latest ZR2 model has some proper off-road chops. The maximum towing capacity is 7,700 pounds. Keep in mind that Chevrolet Colorado is aCrew Cabonly, with a 5.2-foot bed.
3 202 Ford Ranger: Staring MSRP $29,585
The Ford Ranger, an icon among midsize pickup trucks, combines ruggedness, innovation, and outstanding performance. It has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, combining turbocharging and direct fuel injection to deliver optimal power and efficiency.
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine can generate 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It is mated with 10-speed automatic transmission and is available with rear or all-wheel drive. You can also choose the optional 6-speed manual or an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with features like the available FX4 Off-Road Package, electronic-locking rear differential, and Terrain Management System, it can conquer challenging paths. The Ranger has a gas mileage of mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The maximum payload capacity of the 2023 Ford Ranger is 1,905 pounds. With its standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, it can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it one of the highest towing capacities in its class. The SuperCab features a six-foot bed and the SuperCrew cab features a five-foot bed.
2 2023 GMC Canyon: Staring MSRP $36,600
The latest GMC Canyon is by far the most luxurious pickup truck in the class. Under the hood, the GMC Canyon 2023 offers a range of powerful engine options, ensuring there's a powertrain to suit your needs. It has a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates up to 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a standard rear-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive. Thanks to the engine displacement, it can showcase exceptional capabilities both on and off the road.
Some of the most eye-catching features of the 2023 GMC Canyon are pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, etc. It can provide a gas mileage of 18 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Canyon is known for its impressive towing and payload capabilities. When properly equipped, it can tow up to around 7,700 pounds. The payload capacity of the 2023 GMC Canyon is 1,580 pounds. All models and trims of GMC Canyon feature a5.5-foot bed, Crew Cab, and eight-speed automatic transmission. GMC has dropped long the bed option for the Canyon 2023.
1 2024 Toyota Tacoma: Staring MSRP (EST $29,000)
Saving the best for last, Toyota recently took the wraps off of its highly anticipated 2024 Toyota Tacoma and it's a major overhaul from the ground up. The engine options of the Toyota Tacoma are capable of delivering outstanding performance. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma features just one engine option: a 2.4-liter turbo. The base model of the Toyota Tacoma will generate 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.
The mid-level Toyota Tacoma will generate 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It's equipped with an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, and is available with rear and four-wheel drive, depending on the trim you're choosing. The Toyota Tacoma offers a Double Cab or XtraCab.
The IsoDynamic seats are available on the off-road trim TRD-Pro is a class-first feature. These seats offer shock absorbers for lateral and vertical movement. The IsoDynamic seats will keep the driver and the passengers steady while driving off-road. The Tacoma is estimated to provide a gas mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
The maximum payload capacity of the Toyota Tacoma is 1,709 pounds. The towing capacity varies depending on the engine and configuration you choose. On top of that, the maximum towing capacity offered by the Tacoma is 6,500 pounds. The Toyota Tacoma is available in two-bed sizes. The Double Cab features a five-foot bed and the XtraCab features a six-foot cargo bed.