2024’s top midsize trucks
In the US, pickup trucks are quite popular, but most of them come with enormous price tags to go along with their enormous size. This is where the market for midsize trucks, which is growing quickly, comes into play. There are many midsize pickup trucks to choose from, with options available from almost every major American manufacturer. However, the best midsize pickup trucks are superior to the competition in terms of comfort, off-road capability, and luxury.
Simply said, there’s a great midsize truck out there for any consumer, whether they want to tackle tricky trails, surround themselves with wood and leather, save money with a cheap starting price and strong efficiency, or even hit the road with the wind in their hair on their way to the beach. We’ve evaluated every American midsize truck on the market for 2024 and selected the top options for all kinds of purchasers. Continue reading to determine which of the following midsize truck options is ideal for you in 2024 or 2025 (note that further Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator models are anticipated in 2025).
You might want to think about getting a tiny truck if your needs don’t call for a midsize one. In 2024, there will only be two available for purchase; our rankings are provided below.
2024’s top midsize trucks
Chevy Colorado in 2024
Its impressive ride and handling, robust engines, robust towing capacity, elegant cabin, and Google infotainment make it stand out.
Better would be: There is only one truck/bed set (four doors, short bed).
Initial Cost: $31,095
See our most recent evaluation of the Chevrolet Colorado.
Let’s just say that we think the newest Chevy Colorado is fantastic. Indeed, in our opinion, the Colorado is the greatest midsize pickup truck available in the United States. The starting price is affordable because of the standard WT offering, but one of the Colorado’s more specialized models is where it really shines. The ZR2 adds an even larger suspension lift and a slew of off-road special bits to the Trail Boss’s increased off-road capability, while the ZR2 Bison tops the range with incredible Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, unique bumpers, and underbody cladding for superior rock-crawling performance.
The LT and Z71 trims, which will account for the majority of sales, are situated in between those specialty packages. Standard power is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque; however, a more potent variant with 310 HP and 390 lb-ft is more commonly seen. A High-Output engine option increases torque to 430 lb-ft while maintaining the same 310 HP. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission come standard; off-road vehicles, of course, come standard with four-wheel drive.
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Why it is notable: High torque and power; a plethora of off-road options; a smooth and quiet ride; availability of a manual gearbox
Better would be: Coarse engine; pricey; limited; not as luxurious as it may be; awkward manual
Initial Cost: $32,995
Review the most recent Toyota Tacoma from us here.
When the 2024 model year rolls around, the Toyota Tacoma is all new. Over the last ten or so years, sales of the Tacoma have curiously climbed despite it steadily slipping behind an expanding group of rivals. People adore them, which emphasizes how crucial it is that they have been enhanced. It’s finally a better Tacoma, which they all deserve.
The range of possibilities is even more for 2024 than it was previously, with numerous cab and bed combinations, plenty of trims, and multiple off-road versions available. There are two different suspension options: the higher trim models have coil springs in the back, while the lesser trim models have the more conventional leaf spring suspension. Across the board, turbocharged four-cylinder engines are available, taking the place of normally aspirated four- and six-cylinder models. With over 300 horsepower and over 400 pound-feet of torque, the hybrid is now the top of the line. You may choose between two- and four-wheel drive and a manual transmission with the more potent turbo-four.
The non-hybrid models, which we got the chance to test drive, are now formidable rivals with respectable performance, economy, and comfort levels. Although we haven’t had a chance to try the high-performance hybrid variants yet, we’ve driven the Tacoma long enough to conclude that it’s finally deserving of its sales stats that lead the segment. Read about our experiences hauling some boulders to get a better idea of the kinds of everyday tasks that owners of midsize trucks are likely to expect their vehicles to accomplish. The most recent Toyota Tacoma is suited to execute some of these tasks.
2024 GMC Canyon
Why it is notable: Rich cabin; robust drivetrain; excellent handling and ride quality in Denali
Better would be: There is only one cab/bed combo and no budget trim.
Initial Cost: $37,595
View our most recent review of the GMC Canyon.
The Chevy Colorado, which we believe to be the greatest midsize truck overall, and the GMC Canyon have the majority of the same foundation. All of the positive points we noted about the Colorado also apply to the Canyon; however, GMC prioritizes high-end customers over the Chevy option’s more general focus. This implies that the average transaction prices for the Canyon will be significantly greater than those for the Colorado.
The good news is that premium Canyon variants, including as the AT4X AEV and the top-of-the-line Denali, both appear and behave like the ultimate in luxury and off-road capability, respectively. In addition, the Denali is a shockingly decent deal when compared to the Toyota Tacoma Limited, which is more expensive and noticeably less luxurious inside than the GMC, despite the latter’s seeming high base price.
Honda Ridgeline in 2024
Why it is notable: Excellent handling and ride quality on the road; creative bed design; standard AWD
Better would be: controversial design, limited off-road capability, and lack of low-cost base variants Starting
Price: $41,145
See our most recent assessment of the Honda Ridgeline.
For 2024, Honda made some much-needed improvements to the Ridgeline, but the truck is still the most car-like vehicle available. This is because the Honda Ridgeline sits on a unibody chassis rather than a conventional ladder frame, which sets it apart from every other midsize pickup truck (but similar to the compact Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz).
The main selling feature of this truck is its midsize pickup, which rides and behaves better on the road than the Ridgeline. When driving around town, most trucks give off an air of ruggedness, but the Ridgeline is so SUV-like that it feels more like you’re driving a Honda Pilot with a bed (because that’s basically what it is). We cherished the unique swing-out tailgate technology on our long-term Ridgeline test truck, which is still a segment-only feature. Its interior design doesn’t aim to overpower with a harsh, masculine aesthetic. Rather, it’s more like Honda’s family-friendly SUVs, which are also pleasantly ergonomic and have lots of cubbies and storage.
As we stated at the beginning, the updated interior for 2024 is still very car-like and lacks the overtly trucky tones of its rivals. Additionally, there is a Trailsport trim option that comes with special spring rates, damper valve tuning, and stabilizer bars for the suspension in addition to large General Grabber A/T Sport tires.
2024 Jeep Gladiator
Why it is notable: The only vehicle with doors and a roof that can be removed, tough off-road styling, and powerful towing
Better would be: Poor on-road performance due to rugged build; only one unimpressive engine option
Initial Cost: $40,885
Review the Jeep Gladiator we just reviewed.
Excellent electronics, plenty of clever off-road technology, and a redesigned cabin (derived, like most of the truck’s components, from the perennially popular Wrangler off-road SUV) are just a few of the many advantages of the 2024 Jeep Gladiator. The new Mojave X and Rubicon X trim levels increase capability while also adding—seemingly paradoxically—more elegance. Regretfully, the Gladiator’s superb 4Xe plug-in hybrid powertrain will not be available for the 2024 model year.
With 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the 3.6-liter V6 engine isn’t exactly breaking any speed or efficiency records, and it’s plainly lagging behind class leaders Toyota and General Motors, but it’s still quite respectable. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment or an optional six-speed manual transmission. A heavy-duty transfer case is available to transmit power to all four wheels.
If the Jeep Gladiator has a killer feature that none of its rivals can match, it’s the option to take off the top, doors, and windshield completely for the best wind-in-the-hair experience. The Gladiator is still unmatched if that’s what matters most to you as a consumer. However, most purchasers will find that a more well-rounded truck, such as the Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Colorado, is more pleasant to live with on a daily basis.
