Because of their maneuverability, compactness, gas mileage, and ability to haul lots of cargo, mid-size pickup trucks have grown massively in popularity in recent years. They are also nice to look at, with sleek new lines, rugged engineering, classy truck wheels, and heavy duty truck tires that operate well on and off-road.
According to a recent report, midsize trucks offer almost all of the utility of a full-sized pickup but in a “slightly smaller,” easier to drive and park, model. Since you’re more likely to see them hauling weekend camping equipment, or artwork, or the kid’s supplies for their college dorm room, they are often referred to as “lifestyle” trucks.
With their four-wheel drive capability, you can enjoy these rugged compact trucks off-road. They are also energy efficient with turbocharged gas engine, diesel engines, and more recently, hybrid engines (look for a fully electric model soon).
But these trucks are as rugged as their big brothers and sisters, some of them able to tow 7,000 pounds or more. That places them very close to the full-size pickup truck class.
This midsize segment of the pickup truck industry is said to be attracting the attention of everyday people. With new models like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the popular Ford Maverick, the midsize marketplace if most definitely expanding. More choices are out there, but at present, the Toyota Tacoma remains the most popular over the likes of the Chevy Colorado and the old Ford Ranger.
Here are some of the best midsize pickup trucks for you to consider if you’ve got your sights on purchasing one in 2022.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier
Boasting a redesigned 310-hp, V6 powertrain, the new Nissan Frontier also sports an updated face with a rugged, bulky body, stylish wheels, and classic pickup truck styling inside and out.
With its “refreshed cab” the new Nissan Frontier is said to be a quieter ride. Something you couldn’t experience with earlier models.
The 2022 Ford Ranger
While the Ford Ranger is said to have a choppy ride similar to that of a Jeep Wrangler, it also sports powerful towing ability. That’s because it comes equipped with a standard, very powerful but fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine.
The 2022 Ranger is said to equal the towing capacity of the GMC canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado. It’s four-cylinder engine has been engineered with EcoBoost, which is said to be one of its better qualities next to its rugged styling.
It should be noted that most mid-sized trucks utilize a six-cylinder engine, but the Ranger’s turbocharged four-cylinder is easily able to keep up.
Look for the brand new Tremor model which is designed for off-road fun. It comes with “For Performance powerpacks” and boosted suspension and engine design for handling rough terrain.
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma
While Motortrend Magazine states that the 2022 Toyota Tacoma isn’t exactly it’s favorite mid-size truck of the year due to its rough ride and some engine refinement needs, it remains the classic mid-sized pickup truck. It’s also the most popular.
In a word, nothing beats Tacoma’s reliability which is what keeps it at the top of the mid-size truck food chain. It’s rugged good looks, safety equipment, and what’s referred to as a “hardcore TRD Pro variant” which is engineered to give you an exceptional off-road ride, the Tacoma can’t be beat.
You can also still get the Tacoma with a manual transmission on the TRD-Off Road model. Proof, the manual tranny is not yet dead.
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator
If you’re a Jeep Wrangler owner or a Jeep lifestyle driver in general, you’ve probably found yourself salivating whenever you happen to spot the new 2022 Jeep Gladiator. This new Jeep pickup is said to bring a “fresh perspective” on the pickup while focusing on off-road capabilities. Thus, it’s resemblance to the Jeep Wrangler.
But in all honesty, the old Jeep CJ also offered a pickup model decades ago, which means the Gladiator isn’t necessarily a brand new Jeep invention.
Like the Wrangler (and the CJ of old), the doors and the roof can be removed. It also performs outstandingly well off-road with its exceptional traction and axle articulation over rock beds and uneven terrain.
Like most Jeeps, its towing capacity is up there with the best mid-size and even some full-size pickup trucks. It is however, expensive when compared to some pickups. But for some Jeep enthusiasts, it’s 3.0-liter diesel V-6 is worth the extra cost, since it brings more torque and much better fuel economy than your garden variety V-6 engine. It does 28 mpg on the highway which is the EPA standard.
