In general, trucks have only gotten more expensive and larger over time. As the full-size truck industry drifts increasingly upmarket and away from its utilitarian roots, luxury, six-figure rigs that were once a true representation of individuals who toiled for a living are now commonplace to see leaving factories. But as the cost and size of big trucks continue to soar, midsize and compact trucks have begun to shine, providing more than enough capability in addition to all the comforts and conveniences you'd expect from a contemporary automobile. The market has rarely been better for truck owners who want more from their vehicles than merely to be the biggest.
In the market, midsize pickup trucks have carved out a distinct niche for themselves by providing a flexible mix of size, usability, and outstanding capabilities. These mid-size pickup trucks strike the ideal blend between practicality and adventure to satisfy the needs of both work and play. Here is how we, with our experts, would rank the current best midsize truck 2023 and make the midsize truck comparison.
Why are outdoorsy types so drawn to midsize trucks? Their height. Smaller trucks are also simpler to operate off-road, where space is frequently constrained, in the same way that they are simpler to park in cities.
So, let’s learn more about the most reliable midsize trucks ranked by our experts.
Start things off with one of the best midsize trucks. The Gladiator adds the functionality and adaptability of a pickup truck to the famous off-road prowess of Jeep. Unfortunately, it is at the expense of drivability on the road. There are 11 different trim levels available for the 5-seat Jeep Gladiator. The Rubicon, which has a starting price of $53,040 with a 3.6L V6 engine with Four Wheel Drive, is the most popular model. According to the experts, this Gladiator will get 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
Pickup trucks are among the most popular cars in the United States, and they have increased in size and price over time. Since consumers' desire for more affordable, smaller alternatives has increased over the past ten years, the midsize truck class now has an equal number of options as the full-size market. However, it wasn't until 2020 that admirers of the off-road-capable Jeep Wrangler received the Gladiator model, which was initially made from 1962 to 1988.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator shares a lot of similarities with the Wrangler up front, where the 5-foot bed is located. Since it's difficult to distinguish between them from the front, the Gladiator retains a lot of what makes the Wrangler so well-liked.
Even though the Frontier received a complete makeover in 2022, it still runs on an outdated platform, which can either be a plus or a minus, depending on who you ask. It is considered the best midsize truck 2022. Despite the archaic foundations, you shouldn't totally write off the Frontier. It has a strong 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces excellent numbers of 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It has an eight-speed transmission and can be driven with the rear or all four wheels.
The 2023 Nissan Frontier has a maximum cargo capacity that ranges from 1,360 pounds to 1,600 pounds. The Frontier is equipped with a strong suspension, an optional four-wheel drive system, and cutting-edge traction control systems that enable it to navigate rough terrain and difficult trails. One of this mid-size pickup's most striking features is the Safety Shield 360, which has six safety features to safeguard the driver and passengers. Gas mileage for the Frontier may reach 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
One of the most well-liked mid-size trucks on the market in 2023 is, without question, the Honda Ridgeline. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the Honda Ridgeline generates 262 pound-feet of torque and 280 horsepower. It comes with an all-wheel drive option and is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The maximum payload capacity also varies between 1,509 and 1,583 pounds. It provides strong performance for both city driving and off-road adventures thanks to its large engine displacement. Only a double cab or crew cab is available. The bed is 5.2 feet long. The only vehicle on the list with a Unibody construction is the Honda Ridgeline. According to experts' estimates, it will get 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The most reliable midsize truck in its class is the Chevrolet Colorado. For 2023, Chevy has streamlined its Colorado portfolio. The original V-6 engine has been replaced with a single 2.7-liter in-line four-cylinder that, in WT and LT specification, produces 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has a second-generation GM eight-speed automatic transmission and can be driven with the rear wheels or all four. The ZR2 variant, on the other hand, produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
The Chevrolet Colorado shares a lot of stylistic cues with the full-size Silverado. A number of top-notch features and technology are also included, including heated and ventilated front seats, push-start buttons, heated steering wheels, single- or dual-zone temperature control, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, etc.
With amenities like the 11.3-inch central infotainment screen, the most recent Colorado is also a tech extravaganza.
1,684 pounds is the maximum cargo capacity. The Colorado state averages 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the interstate. The most recent ZR2 variant boasts some serious off-road prowess for those who are more daring. 7,700 pounds is the maximum amount that may be towed. Remember that the Chevrolet Colorado only comes in crew cabin trim and has a 5.2-foot bed.
A midsize pickup truck icon, the best midsize truck, the Ford Ranger combines toughness, ingenuity, and exceptional performance. The Ford Ranger is a tough, powerful, and enjoyable vehicle to operate that combines a strong work ethic with a good bargain. There are 3 trim options available for the 5-seat Ford Ranger. The most popular model is the XLT SuperCrew 5' Box 4WD, which has a 2.3L I4 Turbo engine and Four Wheel Drive and has a starting price of $38,400. The estimated MPG for this Ranger is 20 in the city and 24 on the interstate.
Ford's midsize pickup, the beloved Ranger, completes the truck trifecta for the company. It is bigger and more powerful than the Maverick and smaller than the F-150. It faces out against a select set of pickup trucks with a comparable size, including the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, GMC Canyon, and Chevrolet Colorado. Despite having a hard ride comfort, the 2023 Ranger distinguishes out from this fierce competition by providing good overall value, turbocharged power, and a fun driving experience.
With rear- or four-wheel drive, the Ranger is offered in two body types (extended or crew cab) and three trim levels. The four-wheel-drive Rangers, in contrast to the car-like Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Cruz, have a low range and provide significant off-road performance. The Ranger breaks ranks with a powerful 270-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that feels stronger than its power numbers suggest. Big V6 engines are still ubiquitous in this class. This small truck moves quickly. Additionally perfectly tuned is the Ranger's 10-speed automatic transmission, which together with the engine produces superb performance and higher fuel economy than some competitors.
The next in our midsize truck comparison comes the Toyota Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma is a good option among midsize pickups due to its combination of performance and dependability. Although it is not the most luxurious or comfortable truck in its class, it has contemporary features, a large list of standard safety systems, and versatility that makes it useful in a number of circumstances. The Toyota Tacoma has five seats and seven trim levels. The TRD Off Road Double Cab 5' Bed 4WD V6 Automatic, with a starting price of $41,250, is the most popular model. It has a 3.5L V6 engine and Four Wheel Drive. According to estimates, this Tacoma gets 22 MPG on the interstate and 18 MPG in the city.
When driving a Toyota Tacoma, you get the sense of being in a real pickup truck. Although it isn't very elegant or modern, it is reliable, strong, and capable of completing the task. Additionally, the Tacoma offers a wide range of trims to accommodate different needs. The Tacoma provides a variety of options, from the Sport and Limited models that prioritize handling and comfort on the road to the Off-Road and TRD Pro models that can handle almost any route. It uses a four-cylinder engine, like the majority of its rivals, although there is also a V6 variant.
Knowing the top-notch used cars to buy as we enter a new year is important. Fortunately, we've already done the research and listing for the top-rated, most popular trucks of 2022, setting the stage for the greatest used trucks currently available or coming soon in 2023.
Based on past customer ratings, we recommend the top 5 manufacturers and models below if you're looking to purchase a used tiny, compact truck.
Due to its enticing style, cutting-edge technology, and safety features, this truck has been and continues to be regarded as one of the greatest pickup trucks to buy on the market today. The older generation (from 2009 to 2014) is cheaper, doesn't employ the new aluminum body construction, and offers a variety of engines, including a 3.7L V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 4.6L, 5.4L, and 6.2L for Ford Raptor variants.
The Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 keep their worth even if the mileage on the odometer reaches six digits, despite not being the most economical option among secondhand trucks.
Since the truck received a redesigned interior, grille, and more muscular frame with a 6.2L V8 alongside the 6.8L Triton V10 engine in the 2011 model year, the gasoline version is the one a client should gravitate toward.
We took this video from Everyman Driver YouTube Channel.
Before making your next used pickup purchase, be sure to keep the following things in mind.
According to the experts, with a dependability rating of 9.2 out of 10, the Honda Ridgeline is the most dependable midsize truck. With a 9.2 out of 10 reliability rating, the Toyota Tacoma is the second most dependable midsize truck. Three models have reliability ratings that are higher than the midsize truck category's average of 8.7.
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