Motor Trend Reviews 2025 Mid-size Pickups

Mid-size pickup trucks have made a comeback, with almost every model redesigned in the past few years. Full-size trucks still sell in much larger numbers, but as Motor Trend points out, many full-size truck owners paid for capability they will never actually use. Meanwhile, mid-size trucks are more efficient, easier to park, and leave more room around them in the garage. Motor Trend looked at the mid-size market and rated the trucks from 0-10 based on their priorities. Yours may differ, but, Alderman Automotive passes on their observations because it’s always helpful to hear what experts in the field have to say.

#7 Nissan Frontier

MT Score: 7.3 out of 10 

Motor Trend praised the truck for its good looks. Traditionalists may appreciate the simplicity of its standard non-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. Despite the fact that it comes with a 9-speed transmission, the publication considered the drivetrain to be out-of-date, with less performance and lower fuel economy than its turbocharged, 4-cylinder competition. A lack of standard driver assist technologies did not help its case.  

#6 Jeep Gladiator

MT Score: 7.5 out of 10 

The Gladiator easily ranked as the most fun in its category. Along with sharing the Wrangler’s off-road-focused platform and much of its bodywork, it also shares that model’s amusing ability to remove its doors and roof panels. But like the Wrangler, the Gladiator sacrifices road manners and refinement for its off-road capabilities. Its Pentastar 3.6-liter non-turbocharged V6 was part of Stellantis’ lineup long before the name Stellantis was even conceived, and it shows its age in a lack of refinement. There is no other truck like it of any size, and its off-road prowess is undeniable, but it falls short when it comes to simply being a truck. 

#5 Toyota Tacoma

MT Score: 8.0 out of 10 

The Tacoma is the clear leader in sales in this category, even when the previous design was well over a decade old. Its sales success has enabled Toyota to provide a wide range of models, including sport, luxury, off-road, and extreme off-road versions.  

All models feature a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, with upper trims adding Toyota’s hybrid system, which is tuned more for extra power than fuel efficiency. While the base model delivers 228 hp, most non-electrified versions produce 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. If you look closely, you’ll find a 6-speed manual option available on the base and sport models. The hybrid system increases power to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The new styling is subtler than the Tundra’s, but every surface still looks like a load-bearing structural element. This design approach carries over to the interior, which appears more rugged than refined. Comparisons show a smaller backseat in the largest cab and less refined road manners compared to competitors. Still, the Tacoma’s strong reputation makes it a model that appeals to nearly everyone’s taste and is likely to keep it as the sales leader. 

#4 Honda Ridgeline

MT Score: 8.1 out of 10 

The Ridgeline stands out as the clear outlier in this group, featuring unibody construction instead of a body-on-frame design. It shares the same platform as the Pilot, Odyssey, and other Honda and Acura crossovers, and even shares the Pilot’s dashboard. It will meet the needs of most pickup truck owners, especially if they don’t need to tow more than its 5,000-pound capacity. True to Honda’s style, it includes clever storage features inside and outside, like the “trunk” beneath the cargo bed and the side-swinging tailgate that makes access easier. The most popular configuration—a 4-door cab with a short cargo bed—is the only option for the Ridgeline.  

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that has powered larger Hondas and Acuras for what seems like forever, tuned to 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The AWD is suitable for off-pavement use and can handle most casual off-road tasks. The Trailsport offers improved capability in this area, but this isn’t the vehicle for destination off-roading. It performs best on the road, offering the good handling and comfortable ride expected from a Honda crossover. 

#3 GMC Canyon

MT Score: 8.4 out of 10 

Motor Trend describes the Canyon as “Almost like an extra trim level on top of the Chevy Colorado.” Both models were redesigned for the 2023 model year, and they share the same platform and most of the sheet metal from behind the front end. However, while the Colorado has the 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 in two states of tune, the Canyon only offers the most powerful one with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.  

Like the Ridgeline, the Canyon is only available with the four-door cab and short bed. While it shares the same dash design as the Colorado, the Canyon uses nicer materials for its finish. All of this comes at a higher price compared to the Colorado. Its 7,700-pound towing capacity is impressive, and the off-road-focused models are some of the best off-roaders you can buy that are still street legal.  

#2 Chevrolet Colorado 

MT Score: 8.4 out of 10 

The Colorado edges out its corporate sibling by offering more affordable models. Base models feature a 237-hp version of the same 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Upper models have the same 310-hp engine as the Canyon and share its 7,700-pound towing capacity. The only configuration is the 4-door cab with a short bed. Every Canyon off-road model has a corresponding Colorado version, including the AEV-equipped model Chevrolet calls Bison. The cabin isn’t spacious, but it offers more room than the Tacoma. Its bed is also two inches longer.  

#1 Ford Ranger 

MT Score: 8.6 out of 10 

The Ranger is Motor Trend’s top pick for the category. Redesigned for the 2024 model year, while other models either feature a turbo-4-cylinder or V6, the Ranger offers both options. The 2.3-liter turbo inline-4 is already quite powerful, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine upgrade matches the size of its GM competitors but includes two more cylinders and an additional twin-turbocharger, resulting in 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. However, its towing capacity is slightly lower than that of the GM models at 7,500 pounds.  

The cabin is slightly wider than the GM models, while rear legroom is marginally less by 0.1 inch. Conversely, the bed is about two inches shorter. For mainstream models, Motor Trend preferred the Ranger’s ride, handling, and V6 engine over the GM models. 

Unless you have very large towing or payload needs, all of these trucks can probably meet your pickup requirements. Before you automatically buy a full-size truck because it seems like the obvious choice, consider one of these mid-size trucks first, which are easily available in the Alderman Automotive inventory. Whether it’s the lower initial price, lower gas expenses, easier maneuvering in tight spaces, better off-road capability, or a combination of these factors, you might be glad you chose wisely.