Carlist

The Best 3 Mid-Sized Trucks On Sale In 2023

Peter Lyon

The midsize pickup truck segment is one of the most competitive in the industry, with a huge range of trucks on offer. This genre might not boast gutsy V8 engines, or cavernous cabins like full-sized trucks or deliver 10,000 lb plus towing capacity, but they suit the needs of a wide cross-section of consumers. In 2023, there are three trucks that stand out from the crowd: the Honda Ridgeline, the Jeep Gladiator, and the Toyota Tacoma.

1. Honda Ridgeline

Price: MSRP starts at $38,800

Employing some chunky looks, the Honda Ridgeline is the most unique truck in the segment. It just happens to be the only midsize pickup truck that’s built on a unibody platform, similar to a car or SUV. This gives it a more composed, smoother ride and sharper handling than its body-on-frame competitors. The Ridgeline also has a unique ‘dual-action’ tailgate that opens like a trunk, making it easier to load and unload cargo.

Honda’s popular truck comes in two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 generating 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 270 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, and both engines are married to relatively shift-shock-free a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also comes standard with Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system that delivers superb grip in all situations.

The Ridgeline is available in three trim levels: Sport, RTL, and Black Edition. The Sport trim is the base model and comes standard with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The RTL trim adds features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. The Black Edition trim adds unique exterior styling, black 18-inch wheels, and a black interior.

2. Jeep Gladiator

Price: MSRP starts at $38,775

The Jeep Gladiator is the most capable off-road truck in the segment. Based on the same platform as the Jeep Wrangler, it comes standard with four-wheel drive. The Gladiator also has a removable top and doors, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Gladiator is available with two engine options. The flagship model gets a 3.6-liter V6 developing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.0-liter diesel V6 is also on offer pumping out 260 hp and a beefy 442 lb-ft of torque, with both variants matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Gladiator is available in four trim levels: Sport, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave. The Sport trim is the base model and comes standard with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Overland trim adds features like leather-wrapped seats, heated front seats, and a power moonroof, while the Rubicon trim gets a locking front and rear differential, heavy-duty axles, and a disconnecting sway bar. The macho Mojave trim boasts a longer suspension travel, wider track, and 35-inch tires.

3. Toyota Tacoma

Price: MSRP starts at $28,250

As you’d expect, the Toyota Tacoma is the most reliable truck in the segment. On sale for over 20 years, this tough Toyota is known for its durability and longevity, offered in a variety of body styles, including a two-door regular cab, a four-door extended cab, and a four-door crew cab.

The Tacoma is available with two engine options. Massively undercutting the entry-price of its rivals by around $10,000, the base-trim Tacoma gets a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 159 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The flagship 3.5-liter V6 pumps out 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, with both engines paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Tacoma is available in four trim levels: SR, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The SR trim is the base model and comes standard with features including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The TRD Sport trim incorporates sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a black exterior grille, while the sportier TRD Off-Road trim employs a locking front differential, Bilstein shocks, and all-terrain tires. The Limited trim adds features like leather-wrapped seats, heated front seats, and a power moonroof.

CONCLUSION

This is a tough choice. Each truck has its merits, with very few demerits. Firstly, if you’re looking for the most cost-effective (read as “cheapest”!) and reliable truck, then the $28,000 Tacoma—offering 6,800 lbs of towing capacity—sticks out like a sore thumb. But then if you want a cool truck for the urban jungle, with the smoothest ride and best handling then the Ridgeline could be for you. And then again, if you’re an outdoorsy type leaning towards a heavy-duty off-roader with plenty of poke, then the Gladiator should sit in your driveway.

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