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Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda3Best Mid-Size Trucks of 2024
We ranked the best mid-size trucks of 2024 based off of their powertrains, interiors, technology, and options. Which truck wins?
Ranking the Best Mid-Size Trucks of 2024
Looking for the functionality of a truck in a more manageable size? Mid-sized trucks are lighter duty models that still feature the utility of a bed, handy towing, and can keep it going when getting off-road. These trucks can vary from your everyday work truck to rough-roading, luxury rides. We took a look at the available mid-sized pickup trucks for 2024 and ranked them based on how well they scored with the Carsforsale.com team. Find out which truck comes in at number one!
7. Nissan Frontier
The Breakdown
Strong standard V6
That Hardbody Edition
Low entry price
Pathetic level of standard driver aids
Best tech limited to top models
Plain base cabin
A good, but not great midsize pickup
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.5/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$31,425 – $45,435
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
18 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
Although the Nissan Frontier entered a new generation just two years ago, it finds itself struggling to stay relevant in its class. Its lone engine option comes in the form of a 3.8L V6 engine putting out 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear or all-four for higher trims. This powertrain achieves a lowly 21 mpg (about 13 cents per mile) combined rating from the EPA and can only tow a maximum of 6,640 pounds. The interior of the 2024 Nissan Frontier feels cheap in comparison to the competition and much of the heated surface features are locked behind packages. If you want a value truck and don’t care for the added bells and whistles, there are better options farther up on this list.
6. Jeep Gladiator
The Breakdown
Open-air experience
Endlessly customizable
Real off-road capability
Only one engine
Poor on-road experience
Poor fuel economy
A compromise in truck form
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$41,085 – $64,890
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
17 City / 22 Hwy (MPG)
Even after a recent refresh, the Jeep Gladiator is starting to lose its unique charm against the rest of the mid-size trucks. For 2024, the Gladiator features a single powertrain option in the form of a 3.6L V6 engine making just 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It does come standard with four-wheel drive like almost all Jeep products, but that only further hampers its fuel economy that’s at best 19 mpg combined. This setup can tow up to 7,700 pounds and is one of the better options when the road ends, but that’s as far as the highlights go when it comes to performance for the Gladiator. Inside does feature some nice updates like the new standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and two options for digital driver displays. If Jeep could tack on some better standard safety tech and maybe get the 4xe hybrid drivetrain in this truck, then we’d see it rank back near the top.
5. Ford Ranger
The Breakdown
Strong and stronger engines
Long list of modern technology
Mini F-150 looks
No more 6-foot bed
Light on luxuries
On the expensive side
The Ranger gets competitive
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.25/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$34,265 – $57,065
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
21 City / 25 Hwy (MPG)
The Ford Ranger continuously finds itself as the middle of the pack for the mid-size truck segment, but Ford hopes to change that with the all-new fifth generation. The 2024 Ford Ranger has grown slightly and gains some F-150-esque styling updates. Ford has also improved the truck’s ride comfort and has updated its engine offerings. The standard unit is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder, but customers can find an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7L V6 engine too. There is also the Ranger Raptor that sports a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 and 4WD for those that want a little more fun out of their mid-sized truck. Fuel economy is 22 mpg combine at best and towing maxes out at 7,500 for non-Raptor models. The inside may not be as luxurious as its full-sized sibling, but the Ranger does still provide a 10-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with an even larger 12-inch unit on top trim levels.
4. Honda Ridgeline
The Breakdown
Naturally aspirated V6 power
Standard AWD
High level of standard tech
TrailSport doesn’t add ground clearance
At the low end of the towing spectrum
Crossover styling
Pilot with a pickup truck bed
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.25/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$41,145 – $47,745
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
18 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
While the Honda Ridgeline may not have conventional truck architecture like the rest of its class, it does find a niche where it can live. 2024 ushers in a refresh for the Ridgeline that not only updates the interior but also gains the rugged TrailSport trim. While this new trim isn’t quite as rough and tumble as the competition, it does install some off-roading adjustments and all-terrain tires. Powering this Honda is the same 3.5L V6 it’s had for a long while now. It generates 247 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent through a 9-speed automatic and on to all four wheels as standard fare. The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is able to achieve 20 mpg combined and 5,000 pounds of towing with its ageing engine, but we’d like to see atl east a hybrid version join the lineup. The Ridgeline does benefit from its unique construction by adding in some underbed storage and it also gains a less burly interior design which helps create a more comfortable and functional cabin space. Infotainment tech is lagging slightly with just a 9-inch touchscreen available, but Honda alleviates this by providing the Honda Sensing suite as standard equipment.
3. GMC Canyon
The Breakdown
Big towing figures
Torque-rich motor
Handsome cabins
More than $70,000 fully loaded
Skips base engine from Colorado
One body configuration only
An expensive, but compelling pickup
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.5/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$37,595 – $55,895
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
19 City / 23 Hwy (MPG)
The 2024 GMC Canyon gains a new AT4X AEV Edition and Over-The-Air software update capabilities, but it’s otherwise the same third generation model that debuted last year. Being the premium version of the Colorado means that the interior of this mid-sized truck is a little more lux, but its otherwise the same beneath the skin. Powering the Canyon is a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The truck’s best fuel economy comes in at 20 mpg combined, which isn’t great in comparison to its competition. It does make up for that by leading the segment alongside the Colorado when it comes to towing with a maximum rating of 7,700 pounds. The AT4X versions of the Canyon are great off-road options with between 9.6 and 12 inches of ground clearance depending on the edition. Inside is also a great environment with the Denali being one of the most luxurious examples of the segment. GMC also tosses in a standard 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and offers the GMC Pro Safety suite for added value.
2. Chevrolet Colorado
The Breakdown
Great towing capacity
Excellent off-road capability
Perfectly sized
Tech falls short
Base engine is weak
Some cheap materials
A terrific mid-size truck
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.75/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$31,095 – $60,540
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado also gains some optional equipment from AEV on their ZR2 Bison trim, but it’s otherwise virtually unchanged over last year. That standard 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but the available high output version bumps those numbers up to 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado can achieve 22 mpg combined, which is two ticks better than its GMC sibling. It does that while also providing the same class leading 7,700-pound max towing capacity. The Chevrolet Colorado’s interior may not achieve the more luxurious appointments that the Canyon does, but it’s otherwise nicely laid out and carries the same 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
1. Toyota Tacoma
The Breakdown
Great engines
Plenty of options
Class-leading warranty
Expensive upper trims
Still waiting for the Trailhunter and TRD
Limited features for lower trim levels
A true mid-size competitor
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
9/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$32,995 – $59,595
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
21 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)
The Tacoma has been a top performer in its class for years now, and 2024 is no different. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is all-new and has improved upon what made previous generations of this mid-sized truck so alluring. It’s even more off-road capable past the TRD Pro trim with the new Trailhunter trim featuring new gimmicks and Old Man Emu components.
Toyota provides three options under the hood. The first is the standard 2.4l turbocharged four-cylinder which makes 228 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque. Next is a tuned-up version of the same engine putting out 50 more ponies and 74 more lb-ft of torque. Finally, Toyota has hybrized the Tacoma by giving it a 2.4L four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor that produces 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque when working in unison. Towing maxes out at 6,500 which is commendable, but not giving it the win in the trailering department. The Tacoma does win when it comes to achieving the best fuel economy, but the hybrid version truly cements those honors as it is estimated to get 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Inside of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is also a pleasant update. It’s spacious, modern, and features either an 8-inch infotainment system as standard or a giant 14-inch unit for higher trims. Toyota also adds great advanced safety and driver aids at the base model. Toyota has raised the bar for the mid-sized truck class, and it’s poised to sit at the top for years to come.
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