Top 10 Mid-Size Pickup Trucks 2023 — Best Overall + Best Value

How We Ranked the Top 10

Every truck below was scored against six weighted criteria, then ordered by total score. Rankings draw from published manufacturer specifications and independent testing.

• Capability & towing — 20%: Maximum tow rating, payload, and how trucks behave under load.
• Off-road & versatility — 20%: 4WD hardware, ground clearance, dedicated off-road trims, and bed flexibility.
• Powertrain & efficiency — 20%: Horsepower, torque, transmission quality, and EPA fuel economy.
• Reliability & ownership cost — 20%: Brand track record, projected resale, and running costs.
• Interior & tech — 10%: Cabin quality, infotainment, and driver-assistance features.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: What you actually get per dollar of MSRP.

Sources informing these rankings include Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, TFLtruck, the IIHS, and EPA fuel-economy data, cross-checked against each automaker's official 2023 specification sheets.

1. Chevrolet Colorado 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: Approximately $30,695 | Best for: Buyers who want one truck that does everything well

The fully redesigned 2023 Colorado replaces the old V6 and four-cylinder choices with a single turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder offered in three tunes: 237 hp / 260 lb-ft on Work Truck and LT, a 310-hp / 391-lb-ft Turbo Plus on Z71 and Trail Boss, and a High-Output version making 310 hp and 430 lb-ft in the ZR2. Maximum towing climbs to 7,700 pounds with the uprated engine, and every 2023 Colorado ships as a crew cab with a 5-foot-2 short bed and an eight-speed automatic. 4WD is available across the range, the ZR2 adds locking front and rear differentials, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay anchors the cabin.

Pros:

• Three power levels from one efficient turbo engine cover every buyer.
• 430 lb-ft of torque in ZR2 trim.
• Genuinely capable off-road hardware with factory lockers.
• Modern interior and standard short-bed crew-cab practicality.

Cons:

• No V6 or diesel for buyers who want six-cylinder smoothness.
• EPA economy trails the unibody rivals.

Verdict: The most well-rounded mid-size truck of 2023 and our clear overall winner.

2. Toyota Tacoma

Starting MSRP: Approximately $27,250 | Best for: Buyers chasing legendary resale and trail credibility

In its final year before a full redesign, the 2023 Tacoma rides on a proven body-on-frame platform with a 3.5-liter V6 making 278 hp and 265 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic or available manual. It tows up to 6,800 pounds in 2WD Access Cab form, carries up to 1,685 pounds of payload, and returns roughly 19/24 mpg in RWD trim. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro variants add crawl control, locking rear differential, and 4WD hardware. Cabin tech feels dated next to the new Colorado, but Toyota's reputation for durability and class-leading resale keeps demand strong.

Pros:

• Unmatched resale value and reliability reputation.
• Deep off-road trim ladder topped by the TRD Pro.
• Available manual transmission for purists.

Cons:

• Aging interior and infotainment.
• Tight rear-seat room in the crew cab.

Verdict: The resale and reliability champion, even in its swan-song year.

3. GMC Canyon

Starting MSRP: Approximately $38,395 | Best for: Buyers wanting the Colorado's bones in a richer package

The 2023 Canyon shares its all-new platform with the Colorado but sells exclusively in crew-cab short-bed form with the 310-hp / 430-lb-ft version of the 2.7-liter turbo standard across the board. It tows up to 7,700 pounds with the ProGrade Trailering System and comes with off-road-leaning suspension and an eight-speed automatic. The standard 11.3-inch touchscreen, upmarket trims like AT4 and the rock-crawling AT4X, and a more premium cabin justify the higher entry price. 4WD is standard or available depending on trim, and the AT4X adds front and rear locking differentials plus Multimatic dampers.

Pros:

• Standard high-output 430 lb-ft turbo across the lineup.
• More premium cabin than the mechanically identical Colorado.
• AT4X delivers serious off-road hardware.

Cons:

• Higher starting price than the Colorado.
• Only one cab and bed configuration.

Verdict: The upscale, off-road-flavored take on GM's excellent new platform.

4. Ford Ranger

Starting MSRP: Approximately $27,400 | Best for: Buyers who prioritize towing and highway efficiency

The 2023 Ranger soldiers on in its final year before the 2024 redesign with a single 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making 270 hp and 310 lb-ft, paired to a 10-speed automatic. With the Trailer Tow Package it pulls up to 7,500 pounds, near the top of the class, while still returning an EPA-estimated 21/26 mpg. Available in SuperCab and SuperCrew with RWD or 4WD, the Ranger offers an FX4 Off-Road Package and the Tremor off-road package. Co-Pilot360 driver aids and a vertically oriented touchscreen round out a competent package.

Pros:

• Strong 7,500-pound tow rating and 310 lb-ft of torque.
• Class-leading highway fuel economy for a body-on-frame truck.
• 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly under load.

Cons:

• Interior trails newer rivals on materials and screen size.
• Firm ride when unladen.

Verdict: A towing-and-MPG standout in the last year of the old-platform Ranger.

5. Jeep Gladiator

Starting MSRP: Approximately $37,375 | Best for: Off-roaders who want a removable-top, open-air truck

Nothing else in the class matches the Gladiator's party trick: a removable roof and doors plus a fold-down windshield on a body-on-frame pickup. The standard 3.6-liter V6 makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft, with an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel good for 442 lb-ft. Towing tops out at 7,700 pounds with the gas V6, payload reaches 1,710 pounds, and 4WD with low range is standard on every trim. The Rubicon adds 33-inch tires, front and rear lockers, and a disconnecting sway bar.

Pros:

• Standard 4WD and removable top/doors unique in the segment.
• Rubicon's off-road hardware is best in class.
• Available diesel with 442 lb-ft of torque.

Cons:

• Pricey, and the ride is trucky on pavement.
• Fuel economy lags the four-cylinder rivals.

Verdict: The unrivaled choice for hardcore, open-air off-roading.

6. Nissan Frontier

Starting MSRP: Approximately $29,570 | Best for: Buyers wanting strong V6 value and simplicity

The 2023 Frontier keeps things straightforward with one engine: a 3.8-liter V6 making 310 hp and 281 lb-ft through a nine-speed automatic. That output is among the strongest naturally aspirated figures in the class, and the Frontier tows up to 6,720 pounds with a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds. EPA estimates land near 18/24 mpg for 4x2 and 17/22 mpg for 4x4 models. The PRO-4X trim adds Bilstein shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, and skid plates.

Pros:

• Standard 310-hp V6 with no engine upgrades to chase.
• Capable PRO-4X off-road trim with a locking rear diff.
• Strong value against pricier rivals.

Cons:

• Nine-speed automatic can feel busy.
• Interior space trails the segment leaders.

Verdict: A simple, powerful, value-driven V6 truck with real off-road chops.

7. Honda Ridgeline

Starting MSRP: Approximately $38,800 | Best for: Buyers who value ride comfort and clever utility over rock-crawling

The Ridgeline takes a different path with a unibody chassis and standard all-wheel drive, delivering the smoothest on-road manners in the class. Its 3.5-liter V6 makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft, tows 5,000 pounds, and carries up to 1,583 pounds of payload while returning 18/24 mpg. The genius is in the details: a dual-action tailgate, a lockable in-bed trunk, and a flat-folding rear seat.

Pros:

• Carlike ride and handling thanks to the unibody platform.
• In-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate add real utility.
• Standard AWD and a roomy crew cab.

Cons:

• Lowest tow rating among the larger trucks here.
• No low-range or serious off-road hardware.

Verdict: The comfort-and-utility pick for buyers who rarely leave pavement.

8. Hyundai Santa Cruz

Starting MSRP: Approximately $25,215 | Best for: Style-conscious buyers wanting a small, quick, car-based hauler

The Santa Cruz shares its unibody platform with the Tucson and behaves more like a lifted hatchback than a truck. The base 2.5-liter four makes 191 hp, while the turbocharged 2.5-liter jumps to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft through a quick eight-speed dual-clutch. With available HTRAC all-wheel drive, the turbo tows up to 5,000 pounds; non-turbo models are rated at 3,500. EPA economy reaches 22/26 mpg on the base engine. A lockable in-bed storage tub, expressive styling, and a modern cabin with available dual 10.25-inch screens make it the segment's freshest design statement.

Pros:

• Quick, torque-rich turbo with a 281-hp punch.
• Sharp styling and modern interior tech.
• Clever in-bed lockable storage.

Cons:

• Short bed limits hauling versatility.
• Dual-clutch can feel hesitant at low speeds.

Verdict: The fun, fashionable small truck for buyers who want car comfort plus a bed.

9. Ford Maverick 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: Approximately $21,490 | Best for: Budget buyers who want a fuel-sipping daily with a bed

No 2023 truck stretches a dollar further. The Maverick comes standard as a hybrid, pairing a 2.5-liter four with electric assist for 191 hp and an EPA-rated 40 mpg city / 33 highway. An available 2.0-liter EcoBoost bumps output to 250 hp, adds all-wheel drive, and raises towing to 4,000 pounds with the 4K Tow Package. Built on a unibody crossover platform, the Maverick seats five, offers the clever Flexbed cargo system, and tops out under $28,000 even in loaded Lariat trim.

Pros:

• Standard hybrid rated at 40 mpg city — unmatched in any truck.
• Lowest entry price of any pickup sold in America.
• Flexbed system adds cargo versatility.

Cons:

• Hybrid is front-drive only and tows just 2,000 pounds.
• Compact bed and modest payload limit heavy work.

Verdict: The runaway value champion and the easiest truck here to recommend on price.

10. Chevrolet Colorado WT (Work-Focused Buyers)

Starting MSRP: Approximately $30,695 | Best for: Fleet and work buyers who want capability without frills

For buyers focused purely on getting a job done, the stripped Colorado Work Truck deserves its own mention. It pairs the base 237-hp / 260-lb-ft tune of the 2.7-liter turbo with a 3,500-pound base tow rating that climbs to 7,700 pounds when optioned with the Turbo Plus engine, plus durable vinyl or cloth surfaces and an 11.3-inch screen that keeps modern connectivity. 4WD is available, and the crew-cab body means a usable rear seat for crews.

Pros:

• Modern turbo platform at a work-truck price.
• Up to 7,700-pound towing when properly optioned.
• Big standard touchscreen even in base trim.

Cons:

• Spartan interior materials.
• Base engine output is modest until upgraded.

Verdict: A no-nonsense way into GM's class-leading new platform.

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

What to Look For When Buying a Mid-Size Truck

• Cab and bed configuration: Crew cabs maximize passenger room but shorten the bed; decide whether you carry people or cargo more often.
• Real towing math: Published maximums require specific packages and configurations. Match the rating to the trim you actually buy, plus tongue weight and payload.
• Unibody versus body-on-frame: Unibody trucks (Maverick, Ridgeline, Santa Cruz) ride better and sip less fuel; body-on-frame trucks handle abuse and heavy towing better.
• Off-road hardware that counts: Locking differentials, low-range gearing, and skid plates matter far more than a lift or aggressive tires.
• Total ownership cost: Resale, insurance, and fuel often outweigh sticker price over five years; the Tacoma's resale and the Maverick's MPG are real money.
• Safety tech: Confirm automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and IIHS crash scores on the specific trim.

FAQ

Which 2023 mid-size truck tows the most? The Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Jeep Gladiator all top out at 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, with the Ford Ranger close behind at 7,500.

What is the most fuel-efficient mid-size or compact pickup for 2023? The Ford Maverick Hybrid leads every truck by a wide margin at an EPA-estimated 40 mpg city, thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain and unibody platform.

Is the redesigned 2023 Colorado better than the Toyota Tacoma? For overall capability, towing, and modern tech, the new Colorado edges ahead. The Tacoma still wins on resale value and a longer off-road reputation, making it the safer long-term-value buy.

Should I buy a unibody truck like the Ridgeline or Santa Cruz? If you rarely tow heavy loads or go off-road, yes — unibody trucks ride better and return stronger fuel economy. If you tow over 5,000 pounds or crawl trails, choose a body-on-frame truck instead.

Which 2023 truck is best for serious off-roading? The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and the Colorado/Canyon ZR2/AT4X trims offer the most capable factory hardware, including locking differentials and long-travel suspension.

What is the cheapest 2023 pickup truck? The Ford Maverick starts at approximately $21,490, the lowest entry price of any new pickup sold in the United States for 2023.

Bottom Line

The 2023 mid-size class is the strongest it has ever been. The redesigned Chevrolet Colorado wins overall by combining a flexible turbo engine, 7,700 pounds of towing, real off-road hardware, and a modern cabin at a starting price around $30,695. The Ford Maverick is the value champion at approximately $21,490 with a standard hybrid and 40 mpg city that no rival can touch. Around those poles, the Tacoma rewards resale-minded buyers, the Gladiator owns the trail, the Ranger balances towing and MPG, and the Ridgeline and Santa Cruz deliver carlike comfort.

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Sources

1. Edmunds — 2023 Chevrolet Colorado review, specs, and MSRP: https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/colorado/2023/
2. GM Authority — 2023 Chevrolet Colorado info and specifications: https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/chevrolet/colorado/2023-chevrolet-colorado/
3. Edmunds — 2023 GMC Canyon review and ratings: https://www.edmunds.com/gmc/canyon/2023/
4. Kelley Blue Book — 2023 Toyota Tacoma pricing and reviews: https://www.kbb.com/toyota/tacoma/2023/
5. Cars.com — 2023 Nissan Frontier specs, prices, and MPG: https://www.cars.com/research/nissan-frontier-2023/
6. U.S. News — 2023 Jeep Gladiator review and pricing: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/jeep/gladiator/2023
7. Honda News — 2023 Honda Ridgeline specifications and features: https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/release-d8e7e3d744b0a8d7736d6e20aa032327-2023-honda-ridgeline-specifications-features
8. Hyundai News — 2023 Santa Cruz product specifications: https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/50306-2023SantaCruzProductSpecifications20220630.pdf
9. Kelley Blue Book — 2023 Ford Maverick price, value, and ratings: https://www.kbb.com/ford/maverick/2023/
10. The Ranger Station — Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost specifications: https://www.therangerstation.com/ranger-tech/ford-ranger-2-3l-ecoboost-specifications/