Best Midsize Trucks

Which Midsize Truck Is Best in 2025?

The midsize truck segment is booming right now—and for good reason. These versatile pickups offer the utility of a full-size truck in a more manageable, city-and-garage-friendly size. Whether you’re towing toys for a weekend at the lake or just hauling mulch across town, today’s midsize trucks deliver comfort, tech, and capability in equal measure.

But with so many solid options on the road—Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, Ford Maverick, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, and Hyundai Santa Cruz—how do you choose the right one?

Let’s break it down.

Toyota Tacoma (including Tacoma i-FORCE MAX Hybrid)

We’re not going to bury the lede here—the Toyota Tacoma is an icon for a reason. Completely redesigned for 2024, the 2025 Tacoma builds on its legendary durability with modern tech, improved ride quality, and more powertrain options than ever before.

• Gas or Hybrid: Choose between a turbocharged 2.4L engine or the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid (326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque).
• Off-Road Royalty: TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and the new Trailhunter trims deliver segment-leading off-road chops.
• Smart Tech: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, available 14” touchscreen, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard.

Why it’s a favorite: The Tacoma hits that perfect balance of daily comfort and off-the-grid readiness. With its hybrid option, it’s also the only truck in this group that blends serious off-road capability with impressive fuel efficiency.

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevy came out swinging with the latest Colorado. A bold redesign inside and out gives this truck a strong, aggressive look paired with solid performance from its 2.7L turbocharged engine.

• Trims for All Tastes: From base Work Truck to rugged ZR2 Bison, there’s a setup for every lifestyle.
• Performance: Up to 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque in the ZR2.
• Interior: Big tech upgrades—up to 11.3″ touchscreen with Google Built-In.

Where it shines: The Colorado is a capable all-rounder with surprisingly plush cabin options, but lacks a hybrid or electrified option for now.

GMC Canyon

Think of the Canyon as the Colorado’s more upscale sibling. It shares the same platform and engine but adds premium touches and a more refined interior.

• Luxury Feel: Denali trim brings upscale features like leather seating and Bose audio.
• Tech-Forward: 11-inch digital gauge cluster and advanced trailering systems.
• Performance: Same 2.7L turbo as the Colorado.

Best for: Buyers who want a strong-performing midsize truck with a little more comfort baked in.

Nissan Frontier

The Frontier remains a no-nonsense option for traditional truck buyers. While it doesn’t chase flashy tech, it delivers dependable power and rugged charm.

• Old School Meets New: Still one of the more “classic” trucks in the segment.
• V6 Power: 310-hp 3.8L V6 standard.
• Pro-4X Trim: Brings legitimate off-road capability.

Worth noting: No hybrid, no frills, but plenty of value—especially for budget-conscious buyers.

Ford Ranger

The Ranger has been completely reimagined for 2024, giving it more power, more refinement, and some serious off-road variants.

• Punchy Engine Options: Up to 315 hp, with a Ranger Raptor version offering a 405-hp twin-turbo V6.
• Updated Interior: Larger touchscreen, more driver assistance features.
• Trail-Ready: Tremor and Raptor trims bring serious off-road muscle.

Missing piece? No hybrid model (yet), and availability can vary depending on trim.

Ford Maverick (Hybrid & Gas)

The Maverick is a bit of a wildcard—it’s not body-on-frame like most of this list, but it absolutely earns a place in the conversation thanks to its value, efficiency, and practicality.

• Standard Hybrid: EPA-estimated 37 mpg city—best in the segment by far.
• Budget-Friendly: One of the lowest starting MSRPs in the market.
• Flexible Bed: Clever cargo solutions and accessories galore.

Ideal for: Urban truck shoppers who want utility without bulk.

Honda Ridgeline

Another unibody player, the Ridgeline blends SUV-like comfort with genuine utility. It’s often overlooked but makes a compelling case as a “lifestyle truck.”

• Smooth Ride: Drives more like a Pilot than a pickup.
• Standard AWD: Good for Minnesota winters.
• In-Bed Trunk: Still one of the cleverest features in the segment.

Downside: Less rugged, fewer customization options, and no hybrid offering.

Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator is the Wrangler’s adventurous cousin with a truck bed. It’s one of the few midsize pickups with removable doors and a folding windshield.

• Trail-Tested: True 4×4 capability with solid axles and off-road focus.
• Customization Heaven: Tons of aftermarket support and factory options.
• Diesel Option Gone: Now gas-only, and still no hybrid.

Great for: Hardcore off-roaders who want open-air fun and serious trail credibility.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz is part pickup, part crossover, and all personality. With slick styling and a surprisingly usable bed, it’s carving out a niche of its own.

• Unibody Design: Like the Maverick and Ridgeline, it’s more crossover than truck.
• Turbo Option Available: Up to 281 hp with AWD.
• Good for Daily Driving: Quiet, smooth, and easy to park.

But: Smaller bed and towing capacity make it less ideal for heavy-duty use.

So, Which Midsize Truck Is Best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but if you want the most well-rounded midsize truck on the market, it’s hard to argue against the Toyota Tacoma. With its fresh redesign, multiple trims, available hybrid powertrain, and Toyota’s bulletproof reliability, the Tacoma blends capability, efficiency, and tech in a way that few others do.

Looking for something off-road ready? Tacoma TRD Pro or Trailhunter.

Need a more efficient daily driver? Check out the Tacoma i-FORCE MAX Hybrid.

Just want something that’ll still be running in 15 years? That’s kind of the Tacoma’s thing.

Test Drive the 2025 Tacoma Today

At Walser Toyota in Bloomington, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of 2025 Tacoma models—including gas and hybrid options. Come see why it continues to be a top pick in the midsize truck segment.