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

1. Toyota Tacoma

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma ranks first because its full redesign on the TNGA-F platform delivers the most complete blend of capability, efficiency, and long-term value in the class. The standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes up to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, while the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid jumps to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft.

This truck is for buyers who want one vehicle to handle daily driving, towing, and off-road trails for over a decade. It trades away some ride comfort on lower trims compared to unibody rivals like the Honda Ridgeline, and loaded TRD Pro trims exceed $60,000. Against the Chevrolet Colorado below it, the Tacoma gives up 1,200 lb of max towing but wins on projected resale value, standard safety tech, and the hybrid's class-leading torque.

2. Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado ranks second because it leads the mid-size class with a 7,700-lb maximum tow rating and a punchy turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that produces up to 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque in TurboMax guise. The ZR2 off-road trim adds front and rear locking differentials and Multimatic DSSV dampers while still towing 6,000 lb. The cabin includes an 11.3-inch touchscreen and standard active-safety features.

This truck suits buyers who prioritize towing and trail capability over long-term resale or fuel economy. It trades away efficiency, with the ZR2 returning about 17 mpg combined, and its interior quality trails the GMC Canyon below it. Compared to the Toyota Tacoma at rank one, the Colorado offers more towing capacity and a lower entry price but lacks a hybrid option and has a weaker projected resale value. It is the capability champion for work-first buyers.

3. Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger ranks third because its 2024 redesign brings F-150-inspired styling and a robust standard powertrain, with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. An available twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 adds serious muscle, and every trim boasts a 7,500-lb tow rating. The cabin features a 12.4-inch digital cluster and an available 12-inch portrait touchscreen, lifting tech above the Colorado. Starting MSRP is $34,265.

This truck is for drivers who want full-size truck attitude and a tech-forward cabin in a smaller package. It trades away a lower entry price and the off-road hardware of the Colorado ZR2, and it missed an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2024.

4. GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon ranks fourth because it pairs the Colorado's excellent bones with a more upscale interior and a standard high-output engine. Every 2024 Canyon ships with the TurboMax 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, eliminating any base-engine compromise. It matches the class-leading 7,700-lb tow rating and offers a 1,684-lb payload.

This truck is for buyers who want Colorado capability with a more refined daily environment. It trades away the lower price of its Chevrolet sibling and offers no fuel-economy advantage, with combined figures in the high teens to low 20s. Compared to the Ford Ranger at rank three, the Canyon delivers more standard torque and a higher max tow rating, but it starts about $2,000 higher and has a smaller dealer network in some regions.

5. Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier ranks fifth because it offers the only naturally aspirated V6 in the segment, a proven 3.8-liter unit producing 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic. This simplicity translates to strong, lag-free performance and a reliable track record at a starting MSRP of $31,000. Max towing is 6,640 lb with a 1,620-lb payload, and the PRO-4X trim adds Bilstein dampers and a rear locker for off-road duty.

This truck is for value-minded buyers who prefer a traditional V6 over turbocharged four-cylinders and plan to keep their truck for many years. It trades away modern interior tech and fuel efficiency, with a dated cabin and the lowest combined mpg among the top five.

6. Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline ranks sixth because its unibody construction delivers the best on-road ride and handling in the mid-size class, making it the most comfortable daily driver. A 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic. The clever 5.3-foot bed includes a lockable in-bed trunk and a dual-action tailgate, adding real utility.

This truck is for families who want car-like comfort, standard AWD, and a spacious crew cab for daily duty. It trades away the lowest tow rating in the group and any low-range transfer case for serious off-roading. Compared to the Nissan Frontier at rank five, the Ridgeline offers a far superior ride, more standard safety tech, and a more versatile bed, but it costs over $9,000 more and tows 1,640 lb less.

7. Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator ranks seventh because it is the only convertible, doors-off pickup on the market, offering unmatched open-air off-road character. Its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a standard 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic. Properly equipped Sport trims tow up to 7,700 lb with a 1,725-lb payload, while Rubicon and Mojave trims trade towing for lockers, a disconnecting sway bar, and big tires.

This truck is for trail-first buyers who want a bed and a genuine rock-crawler straight from the factory. It trades away ride comfort and highway refinement, with a firm, trucky ride and significant wind noise. Compared to the Honda Ridgeline at rank six, the Gladiator offers far superior off-road capability and a higher tow rating on Sport trims, but it is less comfortable, less efficient, and starts at a similar price with a more basic interior.

8. Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz ranks eighth because it offers the lowest starting price of any AWD-capable truck on this list at $26,650, making it an accessible gateway into pickup ownership. Its car-based unibody platform, shared with the Tucson, delivers crossover-like ride comfort and easy parking. 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.

This truck is for crossover drivers who want occasional truck utility without sacrificing daily driving manners or fuel economy. It trades away the smallest bed in the segment at four feet and is not built for heavy hauling or off-road work. Compared to the Jeep Gladiator at rank seven, the Santa Cruz is far more efficient, comfortable, and affordable, but it cannot match the Gladiator's towing, off-road capability, or open-air fun.

9. Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick ranks ninth overall but is our Best Value pick because it redefines affordable truck ownership with a starting MSRP of just $23,400. Its standard hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 191 hp and an EPA-rated 42 city / 33 highway / 37 combined mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient truck on the market. The available turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque for those needing more pull.

This truck is for budget-conscious buyers who want a usable bed and exceptional fuel economy without a high price tag. It trades away the highest tow ratings and off-road hardware of its body-on-frame rivals. Compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz at rank eight, the Maverick is more affordable, more efficient, and offers a more practical bed, but it has a less refined interior and did not earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2024.

10. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison

The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison ranks tenth because it is the most extreme factory-built off-road mid-size truck, developed in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles. It runs the TurboMax 2.7-liter engine at 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with front and rear locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV jounce-control dampers, AEV skid plates, and 35-inch tires. Towing is 6,000 lb, and payload is reduced for the off-road gear.

This truck is for hardcore overlanders who want a turnkey trail rig straight from the dealer lot. It trades away fuel economy, on-road comfort, and a reasonable price for unmatched factory capability. Compared to the Ford Maverick at rank nine, the ZR2 Bison offers vastly superior off-road performance and towing, but it costs more than double the Maverick's base price and returns less than half the fuel economy.

How we ranked these

We ranked the 2024 mid-size pickups by weighting six criteria: capability and towing (20%), off-road and versatility (20%), powertrain and efficiency (20%), reliability and ownership cost (20%), interior and tech (10%), and price-to-performance (10%). Data came from published road tests by Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, KBB, TFLtruck, IIHS, and EPA, cross-checked against manufacturer specs. All prices are 2024 starting MSRP excluding destination.

We deliberately ignored subjective brand loyalty, marketing hype, and peak horsepower figures, which often mislead buyers. We also excluded dealer markups, regional incentives, and used-market fluctuations because they vary wildly and don't reflect the truck's intrinsic value. Instead, we focused on verifiable, repeatable metrics like tow ratings, payload, fuel economy, safety scores, and projected resale, ensuring the rankings remain useful for a broad audience regardless of local market conditions.

What to look for

What actually matters is matching the truck to your real-world usage: tow frequency, off-road needs, daily commute, and budget. Check the specific trim's tow rating—4WD and off-road packages often reduce capacity. Decide between unibody comfort (Ridgeline, Maverick) and body-on-frame capability (Tacoma, Colorado). Consider total cost of ownership: resale, insurance, fuel. Test-drive for ride, visibility, and bed access, not just specs.

The biggest mistake buyers make is chasing the highest tow rating or horsepower without considering how they'll actually use the truck. Most owners rarely tow near the max, yet they pay for capability they never use. Another common error is ignoring the cab/bed trade-off—crew cabs eat into bed length. Also, many overlook the hybrid's long-term fuel savings or the resale value difference, which can outweigh a lower sticker price.

Related questions

What is the best mid-size pickup truck for 2024?

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is the best overall mid-size pickup, thanks to its fully redesigned TNGA-F platform, available 326-hp hybrid, IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, and class-leading resale value. It starts at $31,500 and offers up to 6,500 lb towing and 1,709 lb payload, making it the most complete package.

What is the best value mid-size pickup truck in 2024?

The 2024 Ford Maverick is the best value, starting at $23,400. It's the only truck with a standard hybrid, delivering 42 mpg city and 37 combined. It still hauls 1,500 lb of payload and offers a clever Flexbed, making it the most affordable and efficient option in the segment.

Which 2024 mid-size truck has the highest towing capacity?

The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon lead with a 7,700-lb maximum tow rating, followed closely by the Ford Ranger at 7,500 lb and the Jeep Gladiator Sport at 7,700 lb. However, note that 4WD and off-road trims often reduce towing, so check the specific configuration.

What is the most fuel-efficient mid-size pickup for 2024?

The Ford Maverick hybrid is the efficiency champion, with EPA ratings of 42 city / 33 highway / 37 combined mpg. Among body-on-frame trucks, the Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX hybrid offers the best economy, around 23 mpg combined, while still delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Are unibody trucks like the Maverick and Ridgeline real trucks?

Yes, unibody trucks like the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline are legitimate pickups. They offer real payload (1,500 lb in Maverick, up to 1,583 lb in Ridgeline) and useful towing (up to 4,000 lb and 5,000 lb respectively). They trade some maximum capability for a smoother ride, better fuel economy, and more car-like handling.

Which 2024 mid-size truck is best for off-roading?

The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon are the top factory off-roaders. The ZR2 Bison comes with 35-inch tires, front and rear lockers, and AEV skid plates. The Gladiator Rubicon offers lockers, a disconnecting sway bar, and open-air capability. Both are trail-ready straight from the dealer.

What is the difference between the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon?

The GMC Canyon is the premium version of the Chevrolet Colorado. Both share the same platform and TurboMax 2.7-liter engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft), but the Canyon has a more upscale interior, unique styling, and a higher starting price ($36,300 vs $29,500). The Canyon also offers the AT4 and AT4X off-road trims.

Is the Honda Ridgeline a good family truck?

Yes, the Honda Ridgeline is excellent for families. Its unibody construction provides a car-like ride, and the cabin is spacious and comfortable. Standard AWD, a lockable in-bed trunk, and a dual-action tailgate add practicality. The main trade-offs are a lower 5,000-lb tow rating and no low-range transfer case for serious off-roading.

FAQ

Which 2024 mid-size truck tows the most?

The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon lead with a 7,700-lb maximum tow rating. The Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator Sport are close behind at 7,500 lb and 7,700 lb respectively. However, always check the specific trim and drivetrain, as 4WD and off-road packages often reduce the rating.

What is the most fuel-efficient mid-size pickup for 2024?

The Ford Maverick hybrid is the efficiency leader, with EPA ratings of 42 city / 33 highway / 37 combined mpg. Among body-on-frame trucks, the Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX hybrid offers the best economy, around 23 mpg combined, while still delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Toyota Tacoma worth the extra money over a Nissan Frontier?

For most buyers, yes. The redesigned Tacoma offers more power, a hybrid option, an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and stronger resale value. The Frontier, however, provides a proven 310-hp V6, simpler mechanics, and a lower starting price ($31,000), making it a smart value alternative for those who prefer a naturally aspirated engine.

Which mid-size truck is best for off-roading in 2024?

The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon are the top factory off-roaders. The ZR2 Bison features 35-inch tires, front and rear lockers, and AEV skid plates. The Gladiator Rubicon offers lockers, a disconnecting sway bar, and open-air driving. Both are trail-ready straight from the dealer.

Are unibody trucks like the Maverick and Ridgeline real trucks?

Yes, they are. The Ford Maverick carries up to 1,500 lb of payload and tows up to 4,000 lb with the EcoBoost. The Honda Ridgeline handles up to 1,583 lb and tows 5,000 lb. They offer a smoother ride and better fuel economy than body-on-frame trucks, making them ideal for daily driving and light-duty tasks.

Which 2024 mid-size truck has the best resale value?

The Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline historically have the strongest resale values in the segment. The Tacoma's reputation for reliability and the Ridgeline's unique features help them retain value better than rivals. This lowers the true cost of ownership over time, even if their initial prices are higher.

What is the difference between the Ford Ranger and the Ford Maverick?

The Ranger is a body-on-frame mid-size truck with a starting price of $34,265, offering up to 7,500 lb towing and a 5-foot bed. The Maverick is a unibody compact pickup starting at $23,400, with a standard hybrid and a 4.5-foot bed. The Ranger is more capable for towing and off-roading, while the Maverick is more efficient and affordable.

Is the Jeep Gladiator a good daily driver?

The Gladiator is a capable and fun truck, but it's not the best daily driver. Its body-on-frame design leads to a firm ride, wind noise, and lower fuel economy (around 19 mpg combined). However, if you value open-air driving and off-road capability, it's a unique choice. For comfort, consider the Ridgeline or Santa Cruz.

What is the Hyundai Santa Cruz best for?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is best for crossover drivers who want occasional truck utility. It offers a car-like ride, a 4-foot composite bed with a lockable storage bin, and up to 5,000 lb towing with the turbo engine. It's the easiest truck to live with daily, but it's not built for heavy hauling or serious off-roading.

What should I consider when buying a mid-size truck?

Consider your real-world needs: towing, payload, off-road use, daily commute, and budget. Check the specific trim's tow rating, as 4WD and off-road packages often reduce it. Decide between unibody (comfort, efficiency) and body-on-frame (capability). Also, factor in resale value, insurance, and fuel costs, not just the sticker price.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/tacoma
• https://www.motortrend.com/news/2024-chevrolet-colorado-zr2-bison-first-look-review/
• https://www.edmunds.com/ford/ranger/2025/
• https://www.kbb.com/toyota/tacoma/2024/
• https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota-tacoma-2024
• https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year=2024&make=Ford&model=Maverick
• https://www.chevrolet.com/trucks/previous-year/colorado
• https://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline
• https://www.jeep.com/gladiator.html
• https://www.hyundaicanada.com/en/showroom/2025/santa-cruz

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