The Best Mid-Size Trucks of 2025

The Comfortable Medium

Even as full-size trucks remain America’s most popular automotive segment, the quality and capabilities of today’s selection of mid-size trucks begs the question: how much truck is enough? Considering what the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and company offer, it’s clear that a mid-size truck is more than enough truck for many buyers. For those looking for off-road adventure there’s the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger Raptor. If commuting comfortably is a pickup prerequisite, consider the Honda Ridgeline or GMC Canyon. Depending on the trim, you can find a version of nearly every truck on this list that will deliver exactly the balance of ruggedness and daily drivability.

7. Jeep Gladiator

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is unmatched among mid-size trucks when it comes to low-speed off-roading. Like the Wrangler on which it’s based, the Gladiator excels when taking on the roughest of trails. Where it struggles, however, is back on pavement where handling feels disconnected and the ride disconcertingly floaty. Every Gladiator comes with the same 3.5L V6 making 285 horsepower and getting 19 combined mpg, middling numbers for the segment though towing is an impressive 7,700 lbs. max. The Gladiator’s function-forward interior features chunky switch gear but also more than its share of hard plastic surfaces. The Gladiator Sport starts at $38,695. Overall, the Jeep Gladiator deserves consideration if you’re looking for a dedicated off-roader with style to spare. For daily drivability, check out the following alternatives.

6. Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier comes with several welcomed updates for the 2025 model year, including interior and exterior styling changes. The Frontier continues to be a decent mid-size truck that struggles to stand out in a competitive segment. Under the hood of every Frontier is the same 3.8L V6. With 310 horsepower, the Frontier is more powerful than average. And yet, towing capacity comes in at 7,150 lbs., well sort of segment leaders. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats are among the best among mid-size trucks and go a long way to making the Frontier a respectable commuter. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 equips the Frontier with numerous advanced safety features including blond spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Frontier Pro-X starts at $38,470, a decent option among mid-size trucks.

5. Chevrolet Colorado

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado makes a persuasive case for itself as one of the most affordable options among mid-size trucks while also offering one of the most spendy off-road variants in the segment. The Colorado is powered by a 2.7L turbo-four making 310 horsepower and a stout 430 lb.-ft. of torque. Inside the Colorado’s pleasant cabin, you’ll find typical upgrades like heated and cooled seats and an 11.3-inch touchscreen. The off-road oriented ZR2 trim adds a 3-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, upgrades rear dampers, and a skid plate. All that comes at a price as the ZR2 will set you back $51,295. The Bison package adds beadlock wheels and beefier skid plates as well as another $12,000 to the price tag. Still, the Colorado is also one of the most affordable mid-size trucks out there as the base WT trim can be had for $33,595. Capable and upgradeable, the Colorado is a mid-size pickup worth considering.

4. Ford Ranger

With diverse powertrain options and a low entry price, the 2025 Ford Ranger makes a strong choice among mid-size trucks. The Ranger’s base 2.3L turbo-four makes an adequate 270 horsepower. Buyers can upgrade to a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 with a healthy 315 horsepower or go full send with the Ranger Raptor’s 3.0L twin-turbo good for 405 horsepower. Non-Raptor versions max out at 7,500 lbs. towing capacity. The Ranger’s cabin offers abundant elbow room and storage along with options for creature comforts like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The 10- or optional 12-inch vertical touchscreen might take some getting used to, but Ford’s infotainment system is mercifully intuitive to navigate. Ford equips the Ranger with various advanced safety features but is less generous than many rivals. The Ford Ranger XL starts at $33,080 and while the Ranger Raptor tops off at $55,820, compared to other Raptor products, this mid-size Baja brawler makes for an impressive value.

3. GMC Canyon

Though similar mechanically to its GM cousin, the Chevrolet Colorado, the 2025 GMC Cayon easily distinguishes itself with a gussied-up interior that nears luxury-level swank in Denali form. Like the Colorado, the Canyon makes do with the same 2.7L turbo-four and its 310 horsepower. In place of the ZR2, the Cayon offers the AT4X as its off-road spec. The Cayon Denali features the segment’s most resplendent interior, adorned with black leather upholstery and teak wood trim. The Cayon dispenses with lower priced trims altogether and starts at $40,095 for the Elevation trim. The Denali, of course, will run you $53,695. Though spendy, the Cayon delivers where it counts with a perfect melding of capability and comfort.

2. Toyota Tacoma

With a recent overhaul (2024 model year), the Toyota Tacoma reclaims its position at the top of the mid-size truck segment. The Tacoma offers two powertrain options starting with a 2.4L turbo-four making 228 hp in base form or 278 hp in higher trims. This motor can be had with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, the latter a unique option in the segment. A hybrid option comes with 327 horsepower and standard four-wheel drive and nets 20 combined mpg. Towing is middling at 6,500 lbs. The Tacoma’s interior updates greatly improve material quality for one of the segment’s more impressive cabins. While Toyota Safety Sense is generously stacked with advanced safety features, blind spot monitoring is not available on the base model. The Tacoma SR starts at $31,590, making it one of the most affordable entry-level mid-size trucks. The hybrid i-FORCE MAX starts at $46,320 while the off-road TRD Pro tops the trim ladder at $63,735. With its great interior, rugged off-road trims, and powerful hybrid, the Toyota Tacoma has something to offer any mid-size truck buyer.