Every year, our Car Confections Team gets behind the wheels of hundreds of cars, from every size and price point, to make reviews for the channel. Today, we will be sharing our Best Midsize Trucks for 2025, of which we have spent extensive time with. We have hand-crafted segment specific scores, to help tailor them for each unique buyer. For an in-depth video about each, be sure to check out each linked video, as well as our full rankings at the bottom of this article!
Scoring Criteria
From reading thousands of comments our viewers have left on our channel; we developed a list of the most important categories for shoppers looking for a Compact or Midsize Truck.
We have spent countless hours testing out each of these models, driving them over all types of terrain, testing the technology, sampling the space, and living with them. We then took the time to craft these rankings based off our experience into the following criteria categories.
#9: Ford Maverick
When Ford first launched the Maverick just a few years ago, the automotive world was very glad to see the compact truck being born once again. And now, the Maverick has been refreshed for this year, upping the technology and capability of this small option. For its strong points, the Maverick rides very smoothly on its unibody platform and has by far the best efficiency with the hybrid engine. And though not as cheap as it used to be, the Maverick can still be had fully loaded under $45k. While this Maverick has many things going for it, this Escape-based platform just lacks the size and capability to rank any higher in this rugged class.
#8: Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is also a newer entrant to this segment, currently serving as Stellantis’ only midsize truck offering in the US. The Gladiator was also refreshed for 2025, offering more tech and standard features than ever. As Jeeps have always been known for, the Gladiator scores high marks in terms of off-road capability and towing, offering top-of-class numbers. However, the Gladiator is one of the more expensive options on the list, really tanking in terms of value and still lacking in overall features.
#7: Nissan Frontier
Perhaps a bit of an underdog in this segment, the Nissan Frontier is now one of two N/A V6, body-on-frame options on the market. Following its lower ranking competitors, the Frontier was also refreshed for 2025, which helped up its technology and standard features offering. The Frontier is also one of the most value-oriented options, offering high levels of capability almost fully loaded under $45k. While Nissan has done well updating the Frontier, it is still in need of better overall luxury and a more usable rear seat.
#6: Hyundai Santa Cruz
The other Compact Truck playing in this segment is the also refreshed Hyundai Santa Cruz. Perhaps the least “truck-looking” in the pack, the Santa Cruz is a unique but still rugged option to consider. The Santa Cruz is best for those looking for more occasional truck use, as its prime strengths focus on cabin comfort, technology, and providing great ride quality on its unibody platform. And while this option does offer more utility than the crossover it’s based on, the Santa Cruz still lacks general capability, towing/payload, and a larger bed to score any higher.
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#5: Honda Ridgeline
The only unibody midsize truck offering at the moment, the Honda Ridgeline never fails to stir controversy among those who believe a truck is only defined by being body-on-frame. Nevertheless, the Ridgeline offers quite a few perks among other midsize trucks without sacrificing usability like a compact truck. The Ridgeline is the highest-ranking option on the list with a N/A V6, which provides a “no frills” driving experience. Additionally, the Honda is rock solid overall and even offers some unique features like a third zone of climate, heated rear seats, and a unique side-opening tailgate. However, the Ridgeline does miss out on overall capability and cabin tech to score any higher.
#4: Ford Ranger
A long-lasting nameplate in this segment, the Ford Ranger has grown up quite a bit over the past few decades, and not just in overall size. Recently coming off a redesign, the Ranger is sporting a new cabin with loads of interior tech and overall comfort. Additionally, the Ranger is the most capable with our $60,000 price cap for this segment, as a V6 (2.7 Turbo or 3.0 Turbo) is available on most every model, making it unique among the top competitors. While the ranger offers many options without breaking the bank, we wish Ford would do more to restore their reliability reputation.
#3: GMC Canyon
General Motors performed a massive overhaul of their midsize trucks in 2023, which is why the top three is comprised of two GM options. The first of the two is the all-new GMC Canyon, which is the more premium version of the bunch. As expected, the Canyon has one of the nicest cabins in the class, spoiling all models with premium cabin materials and standard technology. Additionally, the Canyon offers strong capability, especially on an AT4 model, but only with a Turbo Four-Cylinder under the hood, lacking V6 refinement. Finally, the Canyon can get very pricey compared to most in this countdown, which is why is brother, the Colorado, beats it this year.
#2: Chevy Colorado
Though not as plush as the GMC Canyon, the new Chevy Colorado is just as strong as a truck option to consider in this segment. Sharing many elements with the Canyon, the Colorado has a tech-filled cabin with lots of capability, and some of the best towing/payload in the class. Most variants can be had for under $45k, which is something both the 3rd and 1st place offerings can’t offer. On the flip side, we also wish Chevy would add in a V6 option once again to give buyers a more traditional powertrain experience.
#1: Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has long been one of the best-selling midsize trucks, so it makes sense why it has the highest score in this countdown! Despite the redesign for 2024, which took away some elements like the V6, Toyota sure knows how to make the Tacoma a well-rounded offering for all buyers. Even though this is the most expensive truck on this list, most trims are compensated with a ride range of features, capability, and comfort. And while time will tell on the 2.4L Turbo I-4, Toyota is still known for maintaining a very high level of resale and reliability. Overall, the Tacoma still serves as the best, well-rounded option among Small and Midsize trucks, offering a choice for most any buyer.
Scoring Chart
We understand that buyers value different categories, which is why the chart below is a great tool to check out! This chart allows you to sort this competitive segment by category, to help choose your personal winner. If top tier reliability is your most important trait, then this tool can help you find the best!
| POWERTRAIN | DRIVE EXPERIENCE | OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY | BED FEATURES | TOWING/PAYLOAD | CREATURE COMFORTS | CABIN TECHNOLOGY | REAR SEATS | RELIABILITY | VALUE | TOTAL (out of 50) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tacoma | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 41 |
| Chevy Colorado | 3.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 39.5 |
| GMC Canyon | 4 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 39 |
| Ford Ranger | 4.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2 | 3.5 | 35.5 |
| Honda Ridgeline | 3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 35.5 |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 2.5 | 5 | 35 |
| Nissan Frontier | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 4 | 34 |
| Jeep Gladiator | 3 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 31 |
| Ford Maverick | 2 | 4.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2 | 2 | 3.5 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 30 |
Close Calls for a Highly Competitive segment!
As you can see, the point values over these categories create many close calls, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. As far as our personal picks, Drew and Josh lean towards the GMC Canyon, and Mason would choose the tried-and-true Toyota Tacoma. However, if we were searching for a budget option, the Ford Maverick would be our overall pick.
Thank you for checking out our expert picks for the Best Midsize Trucks of 2025! Let us know in the comments which one you would choose and be sure to check out the associated video, as well as our individual reviews for each vehicle. We hope this helps in your journey to purchase a new vehicle!
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