Midsize trucks have become an increasingly attractive option for consumers in the market for a new vehicle, offering a compelling alternative to the traditional full-size truck.
With a plethora of options available, potential buyers are faced with a variety of choices, each offering its own unique set of features and capabilities.
The automotive industry is currently experiencing a wave of innovation and redesign, with popular models such as the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma undergoing significant changes to enhance their appeal to consumers.
Additionally, the introduction of new features and capabilities in models like the Jeep Gladiator further adds to the excitement surrounding midsize trucks.
As a result, it is crucial for truck shoppers to stay informed about the latest developments in the midsize truck segment.
Edmunds experts have taken on the task of providing valuable insights and analysis to help consumers navigate the ever-evolving landscape of midsize trucks, offering valuable information on the most intriguing options for the year 2024.
With so much happening in the world of midsize trucks, staying informed is key for anyone considering a purchase in this segment.
Toyota has introduced a complete overhaul of its best-selling Tacoma for the 2024 model year, boasting a more muscular design and a revamped interior that includes a large optional center touchscreen.
The previous Tacoma’s underpowered base engine and optional V6 have been replaced by a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which comes in three different power outputs.
The highlight of this new engine is the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, which produces an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, as well as providing the best fuel economy of the Tacoma’s lineup.
The new Tacoma is still available with two or four doors and continues to emphasize off-road capability.
The upgrades to the Tacoma make it a formidable contender in the pickup truck market, offering powerful performance and a sleek design that is sure to impress.
Estimated starting MSRP: around $30,000
The Ford Ranger has historically struggled to compete with other midsize trucks due to its lackluster ride quality and uninspiring interior.
However, the 2024 redesign aims to change that perception. The new model boasts a more daring design and a modernized interior, signaling a shift towards a more competitive offering.
In addition to the previous 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Ford now offers an optional 315-horsepower turbocharged V6, as well as a powerful 405-horsepower V6 in the Ranger Raptor model.
This places the Ranger in a more competitive position within the midsize truck segment. Furthermore, Ford has incorporated advanced towing technology features from the F-150, such as a customizable blind-spot warning system for different trailer sizes and a Pro Trailer Back Assist feature to aid in reversing with a trailer.
With a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, the new Ranger is positioned as a robust and versatile option for consumers in the midsize truck market.
Overall, the 2024 Ford Ranger represents a significant improvement over its predecessor and is poised to make a strong impact in the midsize truck segment.
Starting MSRP: $34,160
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado has undergone a substantial redesign, resulting in a more robust appearance and a significantly enhanced interior.
The highlight of the interior is the large 11.3-inch center touchscreen, which boasts a new Google-based interface.
This interface not only provides a user-friendly experience, but also incorporates voice command features and seamless integration with other Google services.
Under the hood, the Colorado is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available in two states of tune: 237 horsepower and 310 horsepower.
The vehicle offers a range of trim levels, with three of the five being off-road-oriented, including the top-level ZR2.
The ZR2 is equipped with a host of advanced hardware, such as locking front and rear differentials, to maximize traction on challenging trails.
Additionally, the 2024 Bison Edition package is available, featuring massive 35-inch all-terrain tires. When properly equipped, the Colorado boasts an impressive maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
Overall, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offers a compelling blend of rugged capability and modern technology, making it a standout option in the midsize truck segment.
Starting MSRP: $30,695
The GMC Canyon is a premium option in the midsize truck segment, offering a more luxurious experience compared to its sibling, the Colorado.
Despite sharing similarities in design, body style, engines, and tech features, the Canyon sets itself apart with its higher starting price, which includes a more powerful 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned suspension in the base Elevation trim.
For those who are passionate about off-roading, the Canyon AT4X is a dedicated option that shares many upgrades with the Colorado ZR2 and can be further enhanced with the new 2024 AEV Edition, similar to the Colorado’s Bison Edition.
On the other hand, for those who prioritize luxury, the Denali trim offers exclusive leather upholstery and interior trim, a premium audio system, and a head-up display that projects essential vehicle information onto the windshield for easy viewing.
The GMC Canyon caters to a range of preferences, making it a versatile and attractive option in the midsize truck market.
Starting MSRP: $38,395
In the realm of midsize trucks, the landscape has been evolving with the introduction of updated models from various manufacturers.
Nissan’s 2022 Frontier, while having undergone minor updates since its launch, now takes a leap forward with the 2024 Hardbody Edition, paying tribute to the iconic Hardbody truck of the 1980s and ’90s.
This new iteration showcases retro-inspired three-spoke wheels adorned with all-terrain tires, alongside a plethora of black exterior trim, embodying a blend of nostalgia and modernity.
Meanwhile, the Jeep Gladiator, which made its debut in 2019, receives a series of enhancements for 2024, including a reimagined grille and a revamped dashboard featuring a standard 12.3-inch center touchscreen.
As these updates unfold, the latest lineup of midsize trucks emerges as potential contenders in the off-road domain, yet none can quite replicate the open-air experience offered by the Gladiator’s removable top.
Adding to the mix, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline introduces a new TrailSport variant, equipped with all-terrain tires, underbody skidplates, and a reengineered suspension, thereby elevating the truck’s off-road prowess.
Notably, the Ridgeline also embraces a larger center touchscreen, reflecting a commitment to enhancing both performance and technology across the model range.
With these advancements, the midsize truck segment is experiencing a revitalization, marked by a convergence of heritage-inspired design elements, cutting-edge technology, and an intensified focus on off-road capabilities.
Certainly, the automotive industry’s continuous evolution and innovation have significantly impacted the midsize truck segment, rendering it an increasingly compelling choice for discerning truck shoppers.
The ongoing developments, as highlighted by Edmunds, underscore the dynamic nature of this market, with various renowned models undergoing comprehensive redesigns and others being equipped with notable enhancements, thereby elevating the overall appeal and performance of these vehicles.
The infusion of advanced technology, upscale interiors, and potent engine configurations into midsize trucks reflects a concerted effort by automakers to cater to the evolving preferences and demands of consumers.
This strategic approach not only augments the overall driving experience but also underscores a commitment to providing a diverse array of features and capabilities, thereby ensuring that prospective buyers are presented with a wide spectrum of options to align with their individual needs and preferences.
In light of these developments, it is imperative for potential truck buyers to engage in thorough research to discern which specific model aligns most closely with their unique requirements and expectations.
This proactive approach will enable consumers to make informed decisions, ensuring that their chosen midsize truck not only meets but exceeds their expectations, thereby delivering an optimal blend of performance, comfort, and technological sophistication.
In essence, the evolving landscape within the midsize truck segment, as elucidated by Edmunds, underscores the necessity for prospective buyers to engage in comprehensive research, thereby empowering them to make discerning choices and ultimately select a model that seamlessly aligns with their individual preferences and requirements.
This strategic approach ensures that the investment in a midsize truck is not only fulfilling but also represents a harmonious fusion of technological innovation, interior refinement, and robust performance.