Shopping for a Used Midsize Truck? Here Are Our Top Three Picks Plus Some Bonus Options

It’s easy to see why full-size trucks often steal the spotlight, with their larger footprints and impressive towing and payload capacities. Yet, their midsize counterparts are hidden gems and a must for those who want a versatile and responsive truck with an excellent work ethic and feature-rich packaging. Who isn’t looking for that in their search for “used trucks for sale near me?”

The midsize truck segment is steadily growing, with models from Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and Jeep enticing drivers. That allure is even stronger on the used lot, where these midsize marvels offer more for your money, stretching your budget and putting your hard-earned dollars to work. Here are a few excellent midsize trucks that promise as much and can effortlessly transition from your weekday commute to your weekend warrior.

#1 – Chevy Colorado

The Colorado has been a staple in the Chevy lineup since 2003, when the American automaker introduced the S-10’s replacement. Although the Colorado debuted as a compact truck, Chevrolet expanded its footprint with its second-generation debut in 2011. Officially part of the midsize class, the Colorado made a lasting impression for its customization, engaging driving demeanor, and feature-rich packaging. Today, late second-generation and early third-generation models, which debuted in 2023, are popular finds on the used lot. Why?

Late second-generation models like the 2020 Colorado are enticing for several reasons, starting with many special edition packages like the Z71 Midnight and RST that add to an already impressive trim family. The 2020, 2021, and 2022 Colorado trucks are also the last to offer a short or long bed, with Chevrolet making the 5.2′ bed standard with the third-generation Colorado in 2023. The 2023 and newer models also see an impressive tech upgrade with the 11.3-inch standard display, which replaces the 7-inch or 8-inch display found in the second generation.

The Colorado’s performance remains steady throughout the second and third generations. The truck offers a class-leading towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, with the 2.8L Duramax turbo diesel providing that capability until 2022. By 2023, the Colorado’s 7,700-pound towing maximum isn’t diesel-based but comes from the 2.7L TurboMax turbocharged inline-four. The third-generation Colorado also introduces a streamlined powertrain lineup, replacing the V6 engines with turbocharged inline-fours that produce anywhere from 237 to 310 hp and 260 to 430 lb-ft of torque.

Key Points to Consider:

• The 2022 Colorado is the last model to offer the Duramax diesel.
• Colorado models built since 2023 have a standard 5.2′ bed that offers 41.9 cu.ft. of space with a maximum payload of 1,684 pounds.
• Special Edition Trims are limited to the 2020 Colorado, allowing for the most customization with options like the Redline, Custom, and Trail Runner.

#2 – Ford Ranger

The Ranger is a classic midsize truck that embodies the Built Ford Tough slogan. Reintroduced to Ford’s North American lineup in 2019, the Ranger has earned its place in the spotlight as a midsize road warrior with a potent heartbeat, a spirited driving demeanor, and a penchant for life on and off the pavement. These characteristics give the Ranger undeniable appeal on the used lot, especially 2020 or newer models.

From 2020 to 2023, the Ranger’s powertrain lineup was limited to a turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost inline-four that makes 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The output gives the Ranger its potency, with the truck boasting a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a maximum payload of up to 1,905 pounds. However, the story changes with the 2024 Ranger, as Ford adds a pair of V6 engines to the lineup. The 2.7L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 makes 315 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0L turbocharged EcoBoost V6 delivers 405 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque to the performance-tuned Raptor.

Beyond the Ranger’s performance, you’ll find it’s tech-savvy and well-equipped. The truck features Ford’s intuitive SYNC infotainment system with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also enjoy driver-assist technologies like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and a class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage.

Key Points to Consider:

• The Ranger’s payload capacity increased from 1,860 pounds to 1,905 pounds in 2021, which is a consideration if you plan to use the bed to tackle weekend projects or haul equipment.
• Expect to spend more to satiate your need for speed with the Ranger Raptor, which joined the lineup in 2024.
• The 2023 Ranger is the last to offer a choice of bed lengths (5.1′ and 6.1′).

#3 – Toyota Tacoma

Affectionately dubbed “the Taco,” the Toyota Tacoma is renowned for its reliability and competency on and off the pavement. These characteristics make the Tacoma a popular find on the used lot, where the Toyota holds its value incredibly well. Because of this, you’ll often find a wide range of options, from third-generation models built from 2016 to 2023 to newer fourth-gen models.

The Tacoma’s performance remains steady across 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, thanks to a two-engine lineup. The standard 2.7L inline-four produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque for a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and a 1,685-pound payload. For more impressive performance, shop for the Tacoma with a 3.5L V6 under the hood. The bigger engine makes 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, pushing its maximum towing capacity to 6,800 pounds. It’s also available with a six-speed manual transmission, a rarity in the segment.

The Tacoma’s diverse trim family is a large part of its appeal, with Toyota catering to a broad demographic of drivers. Entry-level trims like the SR and SR5 are budget-friendly, while the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro are off-road-oriented and offer three distinct packages that appeal to various skill levels and interests off the pavement. Other trims, like the Limited, blend the Tacoma’s capability with premium comforts throughout the cabin for a more refined experience.

Key Points to Consider:

• Tacoma models built between 2020 and 2023 have a 7-inch or 8-inch center touchscreen, while 2024 and newer models have an 8-inch or 14-inch display.
• Toyota expanded the Tacoma’s powertrain lineup in 2024, adding its i-FORCE turbocharged inline-four.
• The 2024 Tacoma Hybrid is the most powerful in the family, delivering up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of near-instant torque.

Bonus Options: Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator

The Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma are the three best-selling trucks in the midsize segment. The automakers have an outstanding reputation for building reliable and capable trucks, but what about your other options? Honda and Jeep also have a place in the segment, with the Ridgeline and Gladiator offering two unique experiences in the driver’s seat.

Honda defies convention with the Ridgeline’s unibody platform, making it handle more like an SUV without compromising its open-bed design. The balance is perfect, especially for loyal Honda fans. Fortunately, the Ridgeline isn’t a slouch when it’s time to work, with 2020 and newer models powered by a 3.5L V6 that makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a 1,580-pound payload.

For adventurers looking for an open-air experience, the Jeep Gladiator is the ticket. The Gladiator is the only truck in the segment with a removable roof and doors, making it easy to enjoy the open-air freedom and still take advantage of the truck’s capabilities on and off the pavement. That capability is guaranteed with the Gladiator relying on one of Jeep’s renowned four-wheel drive systems and an award-winning Pentastar V6 engine that makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With a towing capacity of 7,650 pounds, the Gladiator is more than ready to work and offers a diverse trim family that ensures there’s a Jeep truck for every style and need.

Posted in Used Trucks for Sale Near Me | No Comments »