Top 10 Mid-Size Pickup Trucks 2024 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2024 model year, the Best Overall mid-size pickup is the fully redesigned Toyota Tacoma, which starts at $31,500 and pairs a new turbocharged powertrain (including an available 326-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid) with a TNGA-F platform, an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, and Toyota's class-leading resale reputation.

The Best Value pick is the Ford Maverick, which starts at $23,400 and is the only truck here that delivers a standard hybrid returning an EPA-rated 42 mpg city while still hauling 1,500 lb of payload. Between those two bookends sit eight more strong choices, ranging from the V6-powered work-ready Nissan Frontier to the trail-crushing Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the open-air Jeep Gladiator.

This guide ranks all ten on real 2024 specifications, pricing, and capability so you can match the right truck to the way you actually drive.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted every truck against six criteria, drawing on published road tests and verified manufacturer data rather than spec-sheet hype:

• Capability and towing — 20%: maximum tow rating, payload, and bed dimensions.
• Off-road and versatility — 20%: four-wheel-drive hardware, ground clearance, lockers, and bed utility.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 20%: horsepower, torque, hybrid options, and EPA combined MPG.
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%: brand track record, projected resale, and running costs.
• Interior and tech — 10%: infotainment, driver-assist suite, and cabin quality.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: what you get for each dollar of starting MSRP.

Sources informing these rankings include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), TFLtruck, the IIHS, and the EPA, cross-checked against manufacturer press materials. All prices are 2024 starting MSRP excluding destination.

1. Toyota Tacoma 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $31,500 | Best for: buyers who want one truck to do everything for a decade-plus.

The 2024 Tacoma was redesigned from the ground up on Toyota's TNGA-F body-on-frame platform shared with the Tundra. A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes up to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, while the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid lifts output to a stout 326 hp and 465 lb-ft.

Max towing reaches 6,500 lb (gas) with payload up to 1,709 lb, EPA combined economy sits around 23 mpg, and buyers choose a 5-foot or 6-foot bed with RWD or 4WD. The redesigned crew cab earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and Toyota Safety Sense comes standard.

Pros:

• Strongest resale value and reliability reputation in the class.
• Available hybrid delivers the most torque of any truck here.
• IIHS Top Safety Pick with a standard driver-assist suite.
• Genuine off-road hardware on TRD Off-Road, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro trims.

Cons:

• Loaded TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims push past $60,000.
• Ride can feel firm on lower trims compared with the unibody rivals.

Verdict: The most complete mid-size truck of 2024 and the safe long-term bet.

2. Chevrolet Colorado

Starting MSRP: $29,500 | Best for: buyers chasing the best towing-plus-off-road blend.

Chevy's second-generation Colorado runs a single turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder in two tunes: 237 hp / 260 lb-ft on lower trims and 310 hp / 430 lb-ft on the upper trims and the TurboMax models. Max towing leads much of the class at 7,700 lb, and the off-road ZR2 adds front and rear lockers plus Multimatic DSSV dampers while still pulling 6,000 lb.

EPA economy is modest — the ZR2 returns about 17 mpg combined — and you get a 5-foot or 6-foot bed with RWD or 4WD. An 11.3-inch touchscreen and standard active-safety tech round out the cabin.

Pros:

• Class-leading 7,700-lb maximum tow rating.
• 310 hp and 430 lb-ft from the TurboMax engine.
• ZR2 is a genuinely capable factory off-roader with dual lockers.

Cons:

• Only-average fuel economy, especially in the thirsty ZR2.

Verdict: The capability champ if towing and trail work top your list.

3. Ford Ranger

Starting MSRP: $34,265 | Best for: drivers who want F-150 attitude in a smaller package.

Redesigned for 2024 with styling cribbed from the F-150, the Ranger's standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four makes 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, with an available twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 for buyers wanting more grunt. Max towing reaches 7,500 lb across trims, the Lariat returns roughly 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway, and every Ranger pairs a 5-foot bed with RWD or 4WD.

A 12.4-inch digital cluster, available 12-inch portrait touchscreen, and the off-road Ranger Raptor up top give the lineup real breadth.

Pros:

• 7,500-lb tow rating on every trim.
• Optional twin-turbo V6 adds serious muscle.
• Tech-forward cabin lifted straight from the F-150.

Cons:

• Starts higher than most rivals here.
• Missed an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2024.

Verdict: The most truck-like driving experience short of a full-size pickup.

4. GMC Canyon

Starting MSRP: $36,300 | Best for: buyers who want Colorado capability with upscale trim.

The Canyon shares the Colorado's bones but goes one-engine-only: every 2024 Canyon ships with the TurboMax 2.7-liter four making 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. That standard output means strong, uniform performance, a 7,700-lb maximum tow rating, and 1,684 lb of payload.

Economy mirrors the Colorado in the high-teens to low-20s combined, and the 5-foot bed rides on RWD or 4WD. The AT4 and range-topping AT4X add off-road hardware, while the cabin leans more premium than the Chevy's.

Pros:

• Standard 310-hp TurboMax engine on every trim — no base-engine compromise.
• 7,700-lb max towing matches the class leader.
• More upscale interior materials than the Colorado.

Cons:

• Higher entry price than the mechanically similar Colorado.

Verdict: The premium take on Chevy's capable mid-size formula.

5. Nissan Frontier

Starting MSRP: $31,000 | Best for: value-minded buyers who still want a V6.

The Frontier is the lone naturally aspirated V6 holdout, and that simplicity is its charm. A 3.8-liter V6 produces 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic in RWD or 4WD. Max towing is 6,640 lb with up to 1,620 lb of payload, EPA economy lands near 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined, and buyers pick a 4.9-foot or 6.1-foot bed.

The off-road PRO-4X adds Bilstein dampers and a rear locker. It is older underneath than the Tacoma but proven and affordable.

Pros:

• Strong, smooth 310-hp V6 with no turbo lag.
• Aggressive pricing for a six-cylinder truck.
• Simple, durable mechanicals with a known track record.

Cons:

• Dated interior and tech versus newer rivals.
• Trails the leaders on fuel economy.

Verdict: The best buy for anyone who prefers a big naturally aspirated six.

6. Honda Ridgeline

Starting MSRP: $40,145 | Best for: families wanting car-like comfort and a clever bed.

The Ridgeline is the class's unibody outlier, and it leans into that. A 3.5-liter V6 delivers 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic and standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive. Towing tops out at 5,000 lb with up to 1,583 lb of payload, EPA economy runs about 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined, and the single 5.3-foot bed hides a lockable in-bed trunk and a dual-action tailgate.

Ride quality and on-road manners are the best in the segment, and Honda Sensing is standard.

Pros:

• Car-like ride and handling no body-on-frame rival can match.
• Standard AWD plus a clever lockable in-bed trunk.
• Spacious, comfortable crew cab for daily family duty.

Cons:

• Lowest tow rating in the group at 5,000 lb.
• No low-range transfer case for serious off-roading.

Verdict: The everyday-comfort champion if you rarely tow heavy or rock-crawl.

7. Jeep Gladiator

Starting MSRP: $39,995 | Best for: open-air, trail-first buyers who still need a bed.

Nothing else in the class removes its doors and roof. The Gladiator's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque through a standard 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic, all in 4WD. Properly equipped Sport trims tow up to 7,700 lb with 1,725 lb of payload in the 5-foot bed, while the trail-focused Rubicon and Mojave trade some towing (around 4,500 lb) for lockers, a disconnecting sway bar, and big tires.

EPA economy is roughly 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined.

Pros:

• Only convertible, doors-off pickup on the market.
• Up to 7,700-lb towing on Sport trims.
• Rubicon hardware makes it a factory rock-crawler.

Cons:

• Firm, trucky ride and wind noise on the highway.
• Pricey once you climb into Rubicon territory.

Verdict: Unbeatable for off-road character and open-air fun.

8. Hyundai Santa Cruz

Starting MSRP: $26,650 | Best for: crossover drivers who want occasional truck utility.

The Santa Cruz is a car-based pickup built on the Tucson's unibody platform. The base 2.5-liter four makes 191 hp, while the available turbocharged 2.5-liter jumps to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive. Turbo models tow up to 5,000 lb, the 4-foot composite bed includes a lockable underbed storage bin, and EPA economy sits around 22 to 23 mpg combined.

A clean cabin, standard active safety, and SUV-like driving manners make it the easiest truck here to live with daily.

Pros:

• Lowest starting price of any AWD-capable truck on this list.
• 281-hp turbo engine is genuinely quick.
• Crossover ride and easy parking footprint.

Cons:

• Smallest bed in the segment at four feet.
• Not built for heavy hauling or off-road work.

Verdict: The gateway truck for buyers stepping out of a compact SUV.

9. Ford Maverick 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $23,400 | Best for: budget buyers who want a hybrid and a usable bed.

The Maverick redefined affordable trucks, and for 2024 it remains the segment's value benchmark. The standard 2.5-liter hybrid makes a combined 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque while returning an EPA-rated 42 city / 33 highway / 37 combined mpg; an available turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft for buyers wanting more pull.

Towing reaches 2,000 lb (hybrid) or up to 4,000 lb (EcoBoost with the tow package), payload is 1,500 lb, and the 4.5-foot Flexbed is packed with clever tie-downs and slots.

Pros:

• Lowest price and best fuel economy of any truck here.
• Standard hybrid returns 42 mpg city.
• Flexbed and roomy crew cab punch well above the price.

Cons:

• Modest hybrid tow rating of 2,000 lb.
• Did not earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2024.

Verdict: The smartest dollar-for-dollar truck of 2024 — and our Best Value.

10. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison

Starting MSRP: $48,895 | Best for: hardcore overlanders who want a factory-built rig.

Revived for 2024, the ZR2 Bison is the most extreme Colorado, built in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles. It runs the TurboMax 2.7-liter at 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, adds front and rear locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV jounce-control dampers, AEV skid plates, and 35-inch tires on 4WD.

Towing is 6,000 lb, payload is reduced for the off-road gear, and EPA economy dips to about 16 mpg combined with the 5-foot bed. It is expensive and thirsty, but nothing in the class arrives trail-ready like this from the factory.

Pros:

• Factory 35-inch tires, dual lockers, and AEV armor.
• 310-hp TurboMax engine with real low-end torque.
• Overland-ready straight off the dealer lot.

Cons:

• High price and poor fuel economy.
• Overkill for buyers who never leave pavement.

Verdict: The turnkey overlanding answer for serious off-roaders.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Mid-Size Truck

• Cab and bed combo: crew cabs steal bed length; decide whether you need rear-seat room or cargo room more.
• Real tow rating: check the specific trim, not the brochure headline — 4WD and off-road trims often tow less than 2WD work trims.
• Unibody vs body-on-frame: unibody trucks (Ridgeline, Santa Cruz, Maverick) ride better and sip less fuel; body-on-frame trucks tow and crawl harder.
• Hybrid math: the Tacoma i-FORCE MAX and Maverick hybrid cost more up front but pay back in torque or fuel savings depending on the truck.
• Safety ratings: confirm the exact body style's IIHS results, since crew-cab and extended-cab scores can differ.
• Total cost of ownership: resale, insurance, and fuel often matter more than the sticker; Toyota and Honda historically hold value best.

One note worth keeping in perspective: horsepower matters less than marketing implies for most owners. Torque, gearing, payload, and the cab/bed layout shape daily usefulness far more than a peak power figure, so test-drive for how the truck pulls and parks rather than chasing the biggest number on the window sticker.

FAQ

Which 2024 mid-size truck tows the most? The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon lead at a 7,700-lb maximum rating, with the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator Sport close behind at 7,500 lb and 7,700 lb respectively.

What is the most fuel-efficient mid-size pickup for 2024? The Ford Maverick hybrid, at an EPA-rated 42 city / 33 highway / 37 combined mpg, is far and away the efficiency leader; the Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX hybrid is the most efficient body-on-frame choice.

Is the Toyota Tacoma worth the extra money over a Frontier? For most buyers, yes — the redesigned Tacoma offers more power, a hybrid option, an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and stronger resale, though the Frontier's V6 and lower price make it a smart value alternative.

Which mid-size truck is best for off-roading in 2024? The Colorado ZR2 Bison and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon are the factory off-road standouts, both offering locking differentials, upgraded dampers, and aggressive tires straight from the dealer.

Are unibody trucks like the Maverick and Ridgeline real trucks? Yes — they carry real payload (1,500 lb in the Maverick, up to 1,583 lb in the Ridgeline) and tow useful loads; they simply trade some maximum capability for a smoother ride and better economy.

Which 2024 mid-size truck has the best resale value? The Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline historically post the strongest resale and reliability scores in the segment, which lowers true cost of ownership over time.

Bottom Line

The 2024 mid-size pickup field is the deepest it has ever been, and the right pick comes down to how you actually use a truck. The redesigned Toyota Tacoma earns Best Overall for blending power, a strong hybrid, safety, and unmatched resale into one package that will serve a buyer well for years.

The Ford Maverick takes Best Value by undercutting everything on price while delivering a 42-mpg hybrid and a genuinely useful bed. If towing and trail capability rule your list, the Colorado, Canyon, and Gladiator deliver; if daily comfort wins, the Ridgeline and Santa Cruz make the most sense.

Match the truck to your real-world towing, terrain, and budget, and any pick on this list will reward you.

Sources

• Toyota USA Newsroom — 2024 Toyota Tacoma specifications and pricing
• Cars.com — 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid specs, prices, and MPG
• IIHS — 2024 Toyota Tacoma crew cab Top Safety Pick rating
• Ford Authority — 2024 Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost output and pricing
• Edmunds — 2024 Ford Maverick prices, reviews, and specifications
• GreenCars — 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid road test and EPA economy
• Cars.com / Kelley Blue Book — 2024 Chevrolet Colorado specs, pricing, and ZR2 details
• CarBuzz / Edmunds — 2024 GMC Canyon TurboMax specs, towing, and MSRP
• Edmunds / CARHP — 2024 Nissan Frontier 3.8L V6 specs and towing
• Honda News / KBB — 2024 Honda Ridgeline specifications and AWD details
• U.S. News / HotCars — 2024 Jeep Gladiator engine, towing, and payload data
• The Car Connection / Cars.com — 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz turbo specs and pricing

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