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10 Attractive Mid-Size Pickup Trucks You Will Want To Own

Vukasin Herbez June 6, 2025

Choosing the right mid-size pickup truck means finding a balance between rugged capability, responsive performance, and everyday usability. In 2025, several models deliver muscular power, refined handling, and attractive styling without tipping into full-size territory. Whether you need a weekend adventurer or a reliable workhorse, these ten mid-size pickups excel in power delivery, towing capacity, and driver-focused comfort.

Below, we explore ten attractive mid-size trucks available today—each packing enough grunt to satisfy gearheads while retaining maneuverability for urban streets. Buckle up as we dive into ten standout mid-size pickups you can own right now, each boasting its unique blend of performance, poise, and practicality.

1. Ford Ranger

Ford Ranger (t6, P703) Wildtrak Img 7320 — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Ford Ranger mixes a bold, rugged exterior with engines that pack genuine punch. Under the hood, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder cranks out 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, delivering instant throttle response whether you’re towing a trailer or carving through off-road trails. With its off-road-focused Tremor package, the Ranger gains a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty skid plates—perfect for adventurous drivers who demand both traction and reliability.

Ford Ranger Raptor (p703) 1x7a6776 — Photo Credit: Wiki

On paved roads, its independent front suspension and refined chassis tuning allow for predictable handling and minimal body lean. Inside, driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist combine with an intuitive infotainment system to make every drive feel composed and controlled.

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2. Chevrolet Colorado

2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71, Front Left, 09 28 2024 — Photo Credit: Wiki

Chevrolet’s Colorado stands out with its variety of powertrains and nimble driving dynamics. The most popular option remains the 3.6-liter V6, generating 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque—enough to sprint from 0-60 mph in roughly 7 seconds, while offering a towing capacity up to 7,700 pounds. For diesel aficionados, the 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel yields 181 horsepower and a hefty 369 lb-ft of torque, perfect for low-end grunt on steep grades.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado Wt 4wd In Sterling Grey Metallic, Front Right, 08 19 2023 — Photo Credit: Wiki

Its well-tuned suspension delivers composed cornering, and off-road oriented ZR2 trims add Multimatic DSSV dampers and locking differentials for serious off-pavement capability. With premium materials in the cabin and a responsive eight-speed automatic, the Colorado blends performance with everyday refinement.

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3. Toyota Tacoma

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trd Sport Front View — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Toyota Tacoma remains the benchmark for reliability while delivering surprising athleticism. Its 3.5-liter V6 puts out 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque—enough to deliver brisk acceleration and strong towing confidence. Off-road-oriented TRD Pro models feature Fox internal bypass shocks, a lifted suspension, and front skid plates, making trail runs feel more like a conquest than a challenge.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trd Sport Rear View — Photo Credit: Wiki

Despite its truck stature, the Tacoma’s chassis tuning offers a composed ride over highway stretches, with minimal vibration and predictable steering feedback. Inside, thoughtful touches like hill-start assist and a user-friendly infotainment system enhance daily usability. No matter the terrain, the Tacoma’s combination of proven power and rugged engineering continues to win enthusiastic fans.

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4. Volkswagen Amarok

Volkswagen Amarok Mk2 1x7a0808 — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Amarok impresses with its Euro-inspired refinement and a muscular V6 under the hood. In its most potent Bi-Turbo 3.0-liter diesel configuration, it generates 255 horsepower and a hefty 413 lb-ft of torque, delivering robust low-end pull that’s ideal for heavy payloads and towing. Its eight-speed automatic transmission shifts swiftly, while permanent all-wheel drive and a locking rear differential grant confident traction in muddy fields or slick pavement.

On tarmac, the Amarok’s chassis feels poised: sharp steering feedback and a double-wishbone front suspension tame body roll and instill driver confidence. The cabin mirrors premium sedans, with soft-touch materials and supportive seats—blurring the line between truck and luxury vehicle.

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5. Ram 1500 Mid-Size (2026 Model)

Ram 1200 Dakota Looks Virtually Ready To Fight The Mid Size Pickup Establishment 6 — Photo Credit: Pinterest

Although Ram’s full-size 1500 steals headlines, the upcoming 2026 mid-size Ram will target buyers craving Hemi V8 vigor in a smaller package. Rumored to pack a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or an optional turbo diesel producing around 275 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, this new entrant promises nimble handling and ample towing capability. Preliminary teasers show an independent front suspension tuned for a balanced blend of comfort and control while hauling heavy loads.

Expect available four-wheel drive with low-range gearing and selectable drive modes for off-road adventures. Inside, Ram’s signature Uconnect infotainment and premium touches—leather-trimmed seats and ambient lighting—position this mid-size truck as a lifestyle-oriented hauler with authentic performance DNA.

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6. Toyota Hilux

2018 Toyota Hilux Invincible X D 4d 4wd 2.4 Front — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Toyota Hilux, renowned globally for its bulletproof dependability, arrives in select markets as a competitor to North American mid-size pickups. A 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder offers 201 horsepower and a potent 369 lb-ft of torque, translating to effortless acceleration even when properly loaded. Its ladder-frame chassis and reinforced suspension absorb bumps and ruts with ease, making the Hilux a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts.

2018 Toyota Hilux (gun126r My19) Sr5 4x4 Double Cab (2018 10 19) 01 — Photo Credit: Wiki

On asphalt, the Hilux’s responsive steering and well-calibrated brakes lend a sense of confidence, complemented by Toyota’s suite of safety features like active cruise control and collision mitigation. Inside, the ergonomic layout and robust materials ensure that, whether tackling rocky trails or city highways, the Hilux delivers unwavering performance and resilience.

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7. Isuzu D-Max

Gims 2024, Le Grand Saconnex (gims0112) (cropped) — Photo Credit: Wiki

The D-Max pairs a robust diesel engine with a chassis built for work and weekend fun. Its 3.0-liter turbo-diesel generates 187 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, providing strong low-end grunt for towing trailers and launching from a standstill. Coupled to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic, the D-Max feels eager to lug payloads without sacrificing throttle response.

Pexels Photo 8438569 — Photo Credit: Pexels

On rough roads, the D-Max’s solid rear axle and well-damped leaf springs absorb harsh surfaces, yet the cabin remains composed thanks to additional NVH insulation. Available four-wheel-drive models include a low-range transfer case and locking rear differential for tackling mud and sand. The utilitarian interior features easy-to-clean surfaces and large grab handles, making the D-Max equally capable on job sites or off-road excursions.

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8. Nissan Frontier

The newly redesigned Nissan Frontier blends rugged heritage with modern performance upgrades. Its 3.8-liter V6 churns out 310 horsepower and a robust 281 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in the mid-six-second range when unladen. Paired with a nine-speed automatic, the Frontier delivers quick shifts and seamless power delivery, whether passing slower vehicles or towing heavy equipment.

Nissan Frontier (d41) Pro 4x 1x7a7196 — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Independent multilink rear suspension and double-pivot strut front end deliver composed handling at speed, while optional off-road packages add Bilstein shocks and a locking rear differential for increased terrain prowess. Inside, a driver-centric cockpit with a responsive touchscreen and advanced safety features—like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert—ensures every journey feels both exhilarating and secure.

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9. GMC Canyon

2023 Gmc Canyon At4, Front 8.26.23 — Photo Credit: Wiki

Functionally related to the Chevrolet Colorado but styled with GMC’s upscale touches, the Canyon stands out thanks to its refined demeanor and potent engine options. Its 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder provides 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque—numbers that rival many full-size V8 pickups. This engine’s instant low-end torque delivers brisk acceleration, while its active twin-scroll turbo eliminates lag, making highway merges effortless.

2018 Gmc Canyon Denali Swb 4 Door 3.6l Rear 5.19.19 — Photo Credit: Wiki

Premium Denali models add Multimatic DSSV dampers and a magnetic ride-control suspension for track-tuned handling and exceptional ride compliance. With a refined cabin featuring leather-appointed seats and a 12-inch infotainment display, the Canyon blends GMC’s luxury inclinations with muscular performance, proving that mid-size trucks can be both rugged and sophisticated.

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10. Jeep Gladiator

Jeep Gladiator (jt) Img 3988 — Photo Credit: Wiki

The Jeep Gladiator is essentially a Wrangler pickup, but its combination of off-road prowess and on-road power deserves a spot on this list. Its standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, enabling a lively driving feel on pavement while still providing a strong foundation for trail-bound builds. For the hardcore off-road crowd, the optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 yields 260 horsepower and a torquey 442 lb-ft, ensuring rock-crawling confidence and impressive low-rpm grunt.

Jeep Gladiator (jt) Rubicon In Red Topless And Doorless 3of6 — Photo Credit: Wiki

Solid axles front and rear, an adjustable suspension, and available 35-inch tires on Rubicon models ensure maximum articulation and traction in the roughest terrain. In town, the Gladiator’s steering feedback and manageable turning radius (for a truck) make city driving less intimidating.

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