You needn’t go all out to get your hands on a capable pickup, as many of the best midsize trucks offer competitive towing and hauling capacities. Thanks to their more reasonable dimensions, they are better suited for driving around town, but they can still go off-road when needed since 4x4 drivetrains are common in the segment. You also get a variety of engines to choose from, like a gas V6 or a diesel that offer better gas mileage. This segment has no shortage of great choices, so it takes a lot to stand out from the pack. Just take a look at our ratings of the best midsize pickup trucks of 2024 sold in the USA if you doubt it.

Characteristics of Medium-Size Trucks

As one of the most versatile and customizable vehicles on the road, midsize pickup trucks can fit just about any role. That being said, there are some similarities you can expect, for better or worse. These qualities might be more muted on some models, but they are almost always present:

What to Consider Before Buying Midsize Pickup Trucks

Buying a new car is a big decision, and a pickup truck even more so. They are expensive and are not particularly well-suited for the city. Other cars like SUVs or wagons can tow a fair amount, too. This means you should carefully consider if a truck is what you need, and if so, is a midsize the right one? Here are some pros and cons to help you figure it all out:

Pros

• Plenty of power from V6 and V8 engine options
• High towing and hauling capacities
• Rugged construction makes them ideal for off-roading
• Excellent safety ratings
• Slightly more maneuverable around town than a full-size truck

Cons

• Poor fuel efficiency
• Still cumbersome to drive
• Can’t tow as much as the biggest trucks

FAQs

What is the best medium-sized truck for 2022?

We give the Jeep Gladiator the highest score of 8.9 in this segment. It is a bit pricier than most of its rivals, though, at around $37k for the base trim.

Is a midsize truck worth it?

When it comes to doing heavy work, a full-size truck is still king. In comparison, midsize trucks can’t tow or haul as much, though they are still hardier than your run-of-the-mill SUV. You won’t find any ludicrously powerful V8 engines under the hood, but these cars still do a fair amount of work. None offer conventional trunk space, but the cargo beds can usually be customized to suit most requirements. And, if you wish to accommodate the entire family, you can generally opt for a larger cab and a 4-door body.

Are there any affordable medium-sized pickups?

This is a reasonably priced market, for the most part. You can pick up a new model for as little as $26k (the Chevy Colorado). But, if your budget is below $20k, perhaps look at some used vehicles from 2019 or 2018. Depending on how hard they have been worked, you may need to replace a part or two, such as the tires, but you will likely still save in the long run.