There’s nothing minor-league about the mid-size pickup truck segment. Sure, these pickups don’t have cabins as cavernous as larger full-size trucks or have the towing capability to move mountains, but for most consumers, these smaller options have the capability to get the job done. It’s all about utility value in this segment. Plus, these trucks’ smaller footprints mean they’re surprisingly maneuverable, especially compared to their full-size stablemates. Here’s a roundup of mid-size pickups ranked from worst to best:
7. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma was refreshed for 2020, receiving a truckload of updates inside and out. It’s a popular choice for off-roaders of all levels thanks to its rugged design and proven powertrain, even in three-pedal form; however, the truck’s chintzy cabin, lack of interior space, and somewhat awkward driving position are obvious drawbacks. The definitive truck look comes with stereotypical poor handling and fuel economy. This is particularly egregious given competitors offer better paved-road handling and fuel efficiency. The Tacoma can do a lot, but the reality is that newer mid-size trucks are capable of doing much the same—but better.
- Car and Driver rating: 6.5/10
- Base price: $26,770
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6. Ford Ranger
After its global release in 2010, the latest Ford Ranger finally returned stateside for the 2019 model year. Every Ranger is powered by a 270-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four with a 10-speed automatic transmission. We found that on paved roads the Ranger’s acceleration and braking performance are a bit old-school when compared with more civilized rivals’.
- Car and Driver rating: 7/10
- Base price: $27,425
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5. Nissan Frontier
We’ve had mostly the same ol’ Nissan Frontier since 2005, but that’s finally changed for 2022. The latest Frontier does carry over some pieces from its predecessor, including its ladder-type frame. That said, Nissan fits the reworked truck with stronger mounting points for the suspension, new bump stops, and hydraulic body mounts that better insulate the cab from the road. The steering has been brought into the modern era, too. Despite its carryover hydraulically assisted rack, the Frontier’s tiller no longer feels as sloppy as that of its forebear. The Frontier offers the most power in the segment thanks to its 310-hp V-6, which pairs with a nine-speed automatic. Every new mid-size pickup has its über-off-road model, and the Frontier Pro-4X is a solid example of increasing capability without sacrificing the ride on paved roads. It’s also $7000 cheaper than Chevy’s Colorado ZR2 (more about that truck in a bit). An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, and a larger 9.0-inch unit is available.
- Car and Driver rating: 7.5/10
- Base price: $29,985
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4. GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup that presents itself as a jack of many trades and a master of none. There are two cab options and two different bed lengths to choose from, not to mention three available engines. We highly recommend the available 308-hp V-6 that makes this truck one of the quickest we’ve tested.
- Car and Driver rating: 8/10
- Base price: $28,595
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3. Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is available in a variety of trims, from fleet-ready WT spec all the way up to Moab-capable ZR2 guise. Combine this wide range of models with reasonably affordable pricing, and it’s hard to ignore the bow-tie brand’s mid-size pickup. That said, the Colorado’s age is starting to show, and its low-grade interior and last-decade styling may sour some consumers. Those willing to wait may be better served by the redesigned 2023 Colorado, which sports more modern styling inside and out and a four-cylinder-only powertrain lineup.
- Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
- Base price: $27,230
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2. Jeep Gladiator
Taking design cues from its SUV sibling, the Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator combines the versatility of a pickup bed with the open-topped (and door) experience of Jeep’s quintessential off-road model. No matter the trim, all Gladiators come with four doors and a five-foot bed. A 280-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and a six-speed manual transmission are standard. There’s also a 260-hp diesel generating 442 lb-ft of torque. The Gladiator Mojave, meanwhile, packs 11.6 inches of ground clearance—it’s the perfect trim for Gladiator owners looking to scratch their off-road itch.
- Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
- Base price: $38,765
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1. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline shares its unibody chassis with the Odyssey, Passport, and Pilot. Why does that matter? It redefines what driving a truck feels like. While body-on-frame trucks typically bounce and wiggle over pavement irregularities, the unibody Ridgeline offers a smooth ride with easy-to-control handling. Better yet, the Ridgeline comes standard with a 280-hp V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission, not to mention all-wheel drive. Honda’s mid-size truck also includes a number of trick features, such as an extra weatherproof in-bed cargo area that can store items you’d rather not put inside the cabin or hear roll around in the bed and a tailgate that can either drop down or swing to the site. The Ridgeline has been a C/D 10Best Trucks winner three years in a row. We also spent 40,000 miles with one, and it didn’t disappoint.
- Car and Driver rating: 9/10
- Base price: $39,435
MORE RIDGELINE SPECS
Every 2022 Mid-Size Pickup Truck Ranked
- 7. Toyota Tacoma
- 6. Ford Ranger
- 5. Nissan Frontier
- 4. GMC Canyon
- 3. Chevrolet Colorado
- 2. Jeep Gladiator
- 1. Honda Ridgeline
The Cheapest New Trucks You Can Buy Today
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