The midsize truck market in America has never been all that big because when it comes to trucks, most buyers prefer the adage that bigger is better. And we can list out a whole lot of places where size truly does matter, but unless you are hauling half of the block behind, even midsize trucks can do everything and more than you’d expect only a full-size truck to do.
Midsize trucks are also niftier off-road and can take on traffic-filled cities and roads better. They are better priced and double up as family haulers as perfectly as full-sized pickups do. And yet, it’s the full-size pickup that sells way better.
But if you too are convinced that midsize trucks are all you need, especially because the money is tight and we have only one planet, then these are the best midsize trucks to get in 2021. The question is, which one strikes your fancy?
8 2021 Nissan Frontier: Dependable But Needs Botox
Yes, the Nissan Frontier is a bit old. In fact, it's positively doddering although a new model is slated for 2022. But the new V6 engine and the nine-speed AT slated for the new model were put in the 2020 model as a test run and the Frontier is continuing to sell this for 2021 also but as an abbreviated year.
There is enough power, and capability in it but it's not very comfortable and the insides are cheap. We’d put this at the end of the 2021 midsize truck list, better to wait for the 2022 model despite the great offers.
7 2021 GMC Canyon: Good But Outshined By Chevy
The GMC Canyon shares almost everything with its Chevy cousin, Colorado, except the aesthetics which is where you can make the choice. Basically, it's stockier than the sleeker Colorado although both the trucks offer the same powertrains.
It's dressier, with more masculinity, and has a diesel engine as well. There’s a new AT4 off-road model in town since 2020, and it boasts a decent cabin and powertrain variety. The problem is that Chevy has the same truck and the GMC lags in safety as well.
6 2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Brutish With Less Torque
The Chevy Colorado was almost the best midsize truck of 2020, but now the competition is outshining it a bit. For 2021, only mild changes have been brought, and it remains an excellent and affordable entry-level truck.
It’s a quiet and smooth drive and the ZR2 off-road model offers plenty of mud-slinging thrills. The tow rating is good, although if you do need to tow more than 7,700 pounds often, opt for the Silverado instead. The V6 is also not torquey enough and the interior is just meh.
5 2021 Toyota Tacoma: Rugged And Updated
The 2020 refresh for Toyota Tacoma got it up to par with the competing mid-size trucks in the US through its outdoorsy assets have always earned it many fans. It also offers the most amount of driver and safety-assist features in its class even if the cabin leaves more to be desired.
Fuel economy is poor and the Tacoma is lagging in tech and refinements, but it's so capable that it still is one favorite choice in midsize trucks. And when the Tacoma fails, there’s always the Tacoma TRD Pro to take on the worst terrains in.
4 2021 Jeep Gladiator: The New Familiar
The Jeep Gladiator is rather cat-like, it tends to land on its feet, or should we say wheels because this is a true off-road master, especially in the higher trims. But it cannot do what the Wrangler does, because of the longer length and truck overhang.
Based on the Wrangler, the USP of the Gladiator is that the doors and the roof come off. Towing capability is also top of the line despite the V6, and the new-for-2021 diesel version brings in better fuel economy as well. It is expensive though and despite being midsize, comes only in a four-door option.
3 2021 Ford Ranger:Â Powerful If Choppy Ride
The Ford Ranger looks cool and the four-cylinder turbocharged engine is rather powerful as well, with the added advantage of being fuel-efficient. If you want more power, there’s the Tremor off-road package as well, and the Ranger drives on a good transmission.
The styling is rather handsome as well, but the Ranger’s platform is the same old and the interiors are rather boring as well. The biggest disadvantage to this midsize truck is the fact that the ride is pretty choppy and can jar the bones.
2 2021 Honda Ridgeline: Way More Truck-Like Now
The 2021 update for the Honda Ridgeline looks very, very interesting, even if it still shares its platform with the Honda Pilot SUV, with a unibody and independent rear suspension. A strong engine and a smooth ride make it almost our first choice for 2021, but for the fact that it’s too soft to be taken off-road.
It has refined handling and a great interior and rides so buttery, you can almost forget you are in a midsize truck. Tow ratings are also a bit limited but it's still a very cool choice for 2021.
1 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave: Too Hot To Handle
The Jeep Gladiator boasts two top trims, one being the Rubicon, but of course, and the other being the Mojave. If the name sends you spiraling down a sandy imagination, you have it right. The Mojave is built to withstand heat and can do everything the Rubicon does (okay, almost everything), at double the speed.
The beefy suspension and the 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 can take on all the abuse you heap on it. And still, be a comfortable ride. And did we mention six-speed manual was an option? Sold!
Sources: TopSpeed, TheBrakeReport