Ranking the Best Midsize Pickup Trucks for 2025
The truck market is mostly about pickups but a lot of people are starting to think that bigger is not always the best choice. Big trucks can do a lot of things. They are also expensive and use a lot of fuel which is not what most people need for everyday driving. For people who want a truck that’s practical without being too much midsize trucks are a better option.
There are a lot of midsize trucks out there now. Companies are making trucks that have a balance of power, comfort and technology and they are not too big or too expensive. If you need a truck that can tow things or if you want something that’s comfortable to drive every day or if you like to drive off-road there is a midsize truck that is just right for you.
We used the MotorTrend Ultimate Car Ranking to make a list of the midsize pickup trucks for 2025. We started with the ones that’re not as highly rated and went all the way to the top one. Each midsize pickup truck, on the list has its good points and its own style.
1. 2025 Nissan Frontier (MT Score 7.3/10)
The 2025 Nissan Frontier might be at the bottom of this list. That doesn’t mean it’s not a great truck. One thing that really stands out about the Frontier is its look, which lots of people still love. The design is strong and muscular making it look confident on the road among newer trucks. If you like old-school designs the Hardbody Edition is a choice. It looks really unique compared to other trucks. This classic style connects the Frontier to Nissans pickup trucks but it still looks modern. So the Frontier still looks great next to newer trucks.
Key Limitations:
- The Frontier has a rugged and traditional truck look
- The Hardbody Edition has a retro-inspired design
- It can tow and do work reliably
- The ride and handling feel a bit old
- It doesn’t get as good of gas mileage as some trucks
The Frontier is a truck for doing traditional truck things. It can tow things. Carry heavy loads without any problems, which makes it great for people who need a truck for work. The truck has a frame and is built well so people feel safe when they are hauling stuff or towing trailers. If you want a truck for work or for doing things around the house the Frontier is a good choice because it is strong and durable. It is also simple which means it is easy to fix and reliable.
When you compare the Frontier to other new trucks it does not feel as modern. The way it rides and handles is old fashioned. It is hard to turn in tight spaces. This makes it difficult to drive in cities. The Frontier also does not have some of the safety features that other trucks have, like emergency braking. The engine is big. It does not get very good gas mileage, which is a problem for people who drive their truck every day. The Frontier is not as good as trucks when it comes to saving money on gas so it might not be the best choice, for people who drive a lot.
2. 2025 Jeep Gladiator (MT Score 7.5/10)
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is really something in the midsize pickup segment. It is not like trucks that are only about work. The Jeep Gladiator is about adventure and being free outdoors. You can take the doors. Roof off which is really cool. This makes the Jeep Gladiator feel like a fun off-road vehicle than a boring work truck. If you like to drive on trails go to the beach or explore terrain the Jeep Gladiator is a lot of fun. It is one of the trucks that can give you this kind of excitement.
Adventure-Focused Truck Characteristics:
- It is a pickup with removable panels
- The Jeep Gladiator is made for people who love adventure
- It is really good at driving on off-road trails
- The ride can be rough on roads
- The V6 engine uses fuel than you might expect
The Jeep Gladiator is all about having fun and going on adventures. It does not just focus on being practical. The Jeep Gladiator comes in colors and has a rugged look that makes it stand out. It is really good at driving off-road the Mojave version. This version has suspension and parts that make it perfect for driving on rough terrain. The Jeep Gladiator can handle environments that other trucks might struggle with.
The Jeep Gladiator is not perfect. The ride can be rough on roads and it can be noisy on the highway because of the removable roof and doors. Some older models had problems with towing. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is okay. It uses more fuel than some people like. Maybe the new plug-in hybrid 4xe version that is coming in 2025 will help with this. With its flaws the Jeep Gladiator is still one of the most fun trucks you can drive. The Jeep Gladiator is a choice if you want a truck that is all, about adventure and having fun.
3. 2025 Toyota Tacoma (MT Score 8/10)
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is a truck that a lot of people love. People who own a Toyota Tacoma really care about their truck. The new 2025 Toyota Tacoma is different from the one. It has engineering that makes it better. Toyota wanted to make the Toyota Tacoma better at performing and stronger. They also wanted to keep the look that people like about the Toyota Tacoma. This way the Toyota Tacoma can compete with trucks that have new technology and are fast.
Key Improvements in the New Toyota Tacoma:
- The Toyota Tacoma is built on the TNGA-F platform
- It has a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine
- You can get a power assistance option
- There is a six-speed manual transmission available
- There is a special off-road Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter trim
The new TNGA-F platform is a big deal. It is also used in big Toyota trucks and SUVs. This platform makes the Toyota Tacoma stronger and better at riding on roads. It also helps the Toyota Tacoma do off-road. The Toyota Tacoma feels more capable and nicer than the ones.
The Toyota Tacoma has an engine. It is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. You can get it in power levels. If you get a trim Toyota Tacoma it comes with hybrid assistance. This makes the Toyota Tacoma more powerful and efficient. You can still get a six-speed transmission if you want. Toyota still cares about people who like to drive off-road. They have a Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter trim. It comes with equipment for serious off-road driving. The Toyota Tacoma is not the best at carrying people in the seat. It is also not the smoothest, on the road. It is a tough and capable truck. The Toyota Tacoma is still a choice.
4. 2025 Honda Ridgeline (MT Score 8.1/10)
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is really different from other midsize pickups. It does not have a body-on-frame construction like many other trucks. Instead the Honda Ridgeline uses a unibody structure, which’s similar to what you find in many crossover SUVs. This makes the Honda Ridgeline feel smoother and more comfortable when you are driving it every day. The people at Honda are not trying to make the Honda Ridgeline the best at towing heavy things. They are more focused on making it practical and comfortable for use. So the Honda Ridgeline is a choice for people who want a pickup truck but do not want to give up comfort and refinement.
Practical Honda Ridgeline Design Advantages:
- Unibody structure for smoother ride
- Innovative dual-action tailgate system
- Lockable in-bed storage trunk
- Smart cabin storage compartments
- Comfortable crossover-like driving experience
The Honda Ridgeline has a cool feature which is its dual-action tailgate. The dual-action tailgate on the Honda Ridgeline is an idea because it can open downwards like a normal truck or it can swing out like a door. The Honda Ridgeline also has a trunk under the bed with a lock and a drain plug. This is a place to store things that you do not want to keep in the open. The dual-action tailgate and the trunk on the Honda Ridgeline make it very useful for tasks and outdoor things.
Inside the Honda Ridgeline you will find lots of spaces to store things. The controls are easy to use. This makes the Honda Ridgeline very easy to use. The bed of the Honda Ridgeline is not very deep. It is easy to put things in it. The Honda Ridgeline is easier to load than those trucks. The best part about the Honda Ridgeline is how it feels when you drive it. The Honda Ridgeline drives smoothly. The suspension on the Honda Ridgeline is very comfortable. This makes the Honda Ridgeline feel nicer than trucks. Some people who really love trucks might still like the style trucks better. The Honda Ridgeline is perfect, for people who want a truck that is comfortable and can do lots of things.
5. 2025 GMC Canyon (MT Score 8.4/10)
The 2025 GMC Canyon is a choice in the midsize pickup market. It shares parts with the Chevrolet Colorado but GMC says it’s the more luxurious option. This truck is strong. Has a modern interior thats all about tech and comfort. If you want a pickup thats both powerful and fancy the Canyon is a pick.
Canyon Premium Features:
- It comes with a turbocharged engine as standard
- 310 horsepower and plenty of torque
- A smooth ride and stable on the highway
- A modern interior thats about tech
- The AT4X trim is great for off-road adventures
Every Canyon model has a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. This engine makes 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque which’s great for towing and hauling. The power is consistent across all trims so every Canyon feels confident on the highway. When carrying heavy loads.
The Canyon rides smoothly which is surprising for a truck. It stays stable on the highway. Handles corners well. Inside there are screens and modern controls that make it feel like a premium vehicle. The only downsides are space in the back seats and some interior materials that don’t feel as luxurious as you’d expect. Trims like the AT4X are great for, off-road driving making the Canyon a very versatile truck.
6. 2025 Chevrolet Colorado (MT Score 8.4/10)
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is a lot like the GMC Canyon. It is cheaper. This is great for people who want a truck without paying for a fancy brand name. The Colorado was named MotorTrends 2024 Truck of the Year. It is still really impressive. It has a mix of power, technology and value. The Colorado is good for people who drive every day and for people who like to go off-road.
Colorado Capability and Performance Highlights:
- Multiple turbocharged engine configurations
- Up to 310 horsepower output
- Maximum towing near 7,700 pounds
- Trail Boss and ZR2 off-road trims
- Strong balance of value and capability
The Colorado has the same 2.7-liter turbocharged engine as the GMC Canyon but it has different power options. The basic engine has 237 horsepower and the stronger one has 310 horsepower and can tow a lot. This means people can choose the engine that’s right for them.
The Colorado is great for people who like to go off-road. They can choose the Trail Boss or the ZR2, which have suspension systems for rough terrain. The inside of the Colorado can feel a little small for people in the back seat. It only comes as a crew cab with a bed so there are not many options. The Colorado is still a great truck because it has a lot of power, good technology and a good price. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is one of the trucks, in its class. The Chevrolet Colorado has a lot to offer including the Chevrolet Colorado Capability and performance which makes the Chevrolet Colorado a great choice.
7. 2025 Ford Ranger (MotorTrend Score 8.6)
The 2025 Ford Ranger is, at the top of the list. It does a job of giving you the things you need. The 2025 Ford Ranger has performance it is comfortable and it can do lots of things. This is because the 2025 Ford Ranger was redesigned in 2024. The 2025 Ford Ranger has engineering that makes it better. The 2025 Ford Ranger has engines it rides smoothly and the inside is nice. The 2025 Ford Ranger is a truck that can do many things.
Ranger Strengths and Performance Highlights:
- Turbocharged 2.3-liter base engine
- Powerful Raptor twin-turbo V6
- Excellent ride and handling balance
- Spacious modern interior design
- Strong all-around midsize truck capability
The regular Ford Ranger has a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine gives you reliable performance for driving every day. If you want something exciting the Ford Ranger Raptor is a good choice. The Ford Ranger Raptor has a 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine. This engine produces around 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Ranger Raptor is great for driving off-road and in the desert at speeds. The regular Ford Ranger is also very comfortable to drive. It has a ride and handles well.
Compared to trucks like the Toyota Tacoma the Ford Ranger is more refined and composed when you drive it every day. The inside of the Ford Ranger has technology and lots of space to sit. The materials used inside the Ford Ranger are also very nice. This makes the Ford Ranger very comfortable to drive. The Toyota Tacoma has some ways to store things inside but this is not enough to make it better, than the Ford Ranger. The Ford Ranger is a truck because it has a lot of power is very refined and can do many things. This makes the Ford Ranger one of the midsize trucks you can buy today.
