In recent times the midsize pickup market has seen significant growth, although still a fairly small segment when compared to the full-size truck market in the US it provides a neat stepping stone for first time truck buyers and value oriented customers.
All over the world, more and more people have shifted toward midsize trucks, they are the ultimate compromise vehicle and more often than not see to all our needs. While most people don’t actually need the hauling power of the bigger trucks, the lack of refinement that usually let them down is more or less a thing of the past. Whether you're looking for an SUV with truck bed flexibility for the weekend, or a work truck that can still do school runs there is truly something for everyone.
When it comes to a one size fits all kind of solution, nothing can match a midsize truck for dynamic flexibility, here are the best of 2020.
10 GMC Canyon
GM certainly came out swinging in 2020, the more premium option out of all the midsize pickups has to be the Canyon.
It offers just a little bit more comfort than its rivals, it does cost a little more too though, and for that reason would be last on our list, the diesel, in particular, seems like a good option but comes in at a good $5000 more than the V6.
9 Honda Ridgeline
If you want a refined SUV with a truck bed look no further, the Honda is by far the most refined, and even the cheaper model comes with more standard features than the aforementioned Canyon.
It is the least workmanlike, with a fully independent suspension it won’t haul anything more than an ATV or a couple of dirt bikes. It is also by far the least useful off-road, so if your adventures require some of that then forget about the Honda.
8 Nissan Frontier
If the Ridgeline is the most refined the Frontier finds itself at the opposite side of that spectrum. It is also the oldest model on the list and is on its way out, but if you want an affordable back to basics truck this should be at the top of your list.
It won’t necessarily be the most comfortable as a daily driver, but it will be a dependable workhorse able to take any form of punishment you throw at it.
7 Toyota Tacoma
For so many years, it was the king of the hill in this segment, although many would argue it is still one of the best options the competition has improved and it has stayed much the same.
It also hasn’t set the world alight in terms of reliability, something it was pretty much certain to be the best at just a few short years ago, it is now nowhere near the top of that chart.
6 Jeep Gladiator
In many ways, the Jeep is a specialty item in a store full of all-rounders. Although it certainly can do the school run and haul basic items around, this is a true adventure vehicle.
If your priority is weekend or even long-term off-grid adventuring the Gladiator is well worth the premium they're asking for the truck, if not, you would hard pressed-not to look at something more affordable.
5 Chevrolet Colorado
If you want something that can tow and haul, the diesel Colorado might be the best option for you. It is also by far the most fuel-efficient and does everything else perfectly well.
It lacks a few options here and there, much like its Canyon sister. If you are going for the diesel, bear in mind refinement shouldn’t be one of your priorities.
4 Ford Ranger
If you want to go straight to the Swiss army knife then look no further than the Ranger. It might not be top of anything, but it is very good at everything.
It will haul pretty much any road-legal load during the week then take you pretty much anywhere at the weekend, the engine options in the US-spec truck are also arguably better than the rest of the world too.
3 Outside North America: VW Amarok
For the rest of the world, one of the better trucks comes from the manufacturer that brought you Dieselgate. The big V6 is one of the most powerful diesels money can buy at 428 pound-feet of torque (even if a little environmentally unfriendly) and gets better mileage than the most economical trucks in North America.
It is worth mentioning though that 2021 will be its final year of production, VW has reached an agreement to use the Ranger platform from 2022 and will be selling that under the Amarok name in some countries as early as next year.
2 Outside North America: Isuzu D-Max
By far the best truck the rest of the world gets and North America doesn’t, Isuzu has always been the leaders in new diesel technology and their latest trucks boast solid torque and economy figures.
Much like the Frontier, they lack a bit in terms of refinement, and it isn’t much to look at if we're honest.
1 Outside North America: Mitsubishi Triton
With looks that certainly make a statement, we not entirely sure what sort of statement though.
It gets a more advanced 2.4-liter diesel that is more efficient than the outgoing version, but lacks overall quality in other departments. North America need not bother with this one considering there are much better options already available.