Here Are the Top Six Used Midsize Trucks You Should Check Out
There are some amazing used midsize trucks available that can provide you with lots of functionality, utility, and convenience while also being extremely affordable. But which pre-owned model should you go with? Before you start scheduling test drives, we have a list of six midsize trucks worth checking out if you're looking for some of the top used trucks for sale. From those geared toward great fuel economy and comfort to those designed around off-road performance and rugged utility, there is something for nearly every type of truck shopper.
#1 - Toyota Tacoma
As the top-selling truck in the midsize segment, the Toyota Tacoma is a great all-around pick for anyone shopping used. The third-generation Tacoma was produced from 2016 to 2023, with later models featuring a max towing capacity of 6,800 lbs and a max payload of 1,685 lbs. You have multiple powertrains to choose from, including a rugged 3.5L V6 with a six-speed manual transmission, so you get a good range across the entire model lineup throughout the third generation. Plus, the Tacoma is built to support off-road adventures with available four-wheel drive and its performance-tuned TRD trims.
Unlike some other midsize trucks, you have two different bed sizes to choose from, with a five-foot short bed and a six-foot standard bed option. Two different infotainment screen sizes were available for the third generation: a seven-inch touchscreen and an eight-inch touchscreen. So you have a lot of options when it comes to a used Tacoma, whether you want it for commuting, for work, for family, for school, for recreation, or just as a daily driver. If you're shopping through our selection of high-quality used trucks for sale, the Toyota Tacoma makes sense to have at the top of your shopping list.
#2 - Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is such a sleek little pickup truck. It's only been around for two generations, but the unique features that it comes packed with make it well worth the investment for those looking for an excellent used pickup that is focused on utility and convenience. For instance, one of the key features of the Ridgeline is that it not only comes with a 5.3-foot box with 33.9 cu.ft. of cargo capacity, but it also comes with a trunk in the bed that provides an additional 7.3 cu.ft. of cargo volume for storing items. Plus, the Ridgeline features a side-swinging tailgate, which makes it super useful for loading cargo and accessing the cargo box efficiently.
The Ridgeline comes with 5,000 lbs worth of towing capacity, and you can store up to 1,583 lbs worth of cargo in the bed, making it highly useful for all sorts of work-related needs or recreational activities. A varied trim lineup and a robust infotainment suite make the Ridgeline worthwhile for those looking for a used truck that has good performance and modern cabin features. Plus, with the Honda Sensing suite, you have a lot of added driver assists and safety aids to help prevent accidents on the road.
#3 - Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator's return to the market in 2020 as a rugged, midsize pickup truck has made it quite popular among those who like the Wrangler but want the added versatility of a pickup truck. This makes the Gladiator a great choice for those shopping for used trucks that are designed for rugged off-roading with enough space and interior features to make for an equally compelling daily driver. Every Gladiator features a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed that supports up to 35.5 cu.ft. of cargo volume for storing your items.
The Gladiator has some good payload and towing capacity, with up to 7,700 lbs worth of towing and up to 1,725 lbs worth of payload. The infotainment setup will vary greatly depending on the model year and trim. If you opt for an older and lower-trim Gladiator, you will have a small five-inch or seven-inch display. However, higher trims come with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and the 2024 refresh made a massive 12.3-inch screen standard. The other interior features follow a similar pattern, ranging from bare-bones to incredibly plush, depending on the vehicle. However, the real highlight of the Gladiator is its off-road capabilities, thanks to the standard 4x4 drivetrain and the off-road-tuned suspension. If you are shopping for an awesome off-road midsize pickup truck, a pre-owned Gladiator may be the way to go.
#4 - Chevy Colorado
The Chevy Colorado makes for the perfect all-around used midsize pickup truck for several reasons. Chevy has expertly refined the ride, performance, and feature set of the Silverado's little brother, with the Colorado entering its third generation for the 2023 model year. It has moderate fuel economy and a good set of powertrain options for everything from light utility work to off-road adventures to daily driving. This includes V6 and turbo-diesel options for the second-generation Colorado and a powerful 2.7L turbocharged engine for the third generation.
You can enjoy up to 7,700 lbs worth of towing capacity from both the second and third-generation models. Combine that with a payload rating of up to 1,684 lbs, and you have a truck that can be used for a wide range of different tasks. The second generation offers both short and long beds, while the third generation has a standard crew cab and an impressive infotainment suite featuring an 11.3-inch HD touchscreen. While the newer model years focus more on off-road trims, you can still find second and third-generation examples of the Colorado that are perfect for general-purpose use, making it both affordable and useful for all types of used truck shoppers.
#5 - Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger has been around since 1983, with an off-and-on again production run in North America. It most recently returned for a fourth generation in 2019 and has just been redesigned for a fifth generation for 2024. Now that it's back, it has managed to make waves as an affordable, midsize, entry-level pickup truck. It’s perfect for those looking for something that has a ton of utility, great infotainment, plenty of safety, lots of performance, and an overall great design.
The fourth and fifth-generation Rangers offer a lot of usability for midsize truck shoppers, especially if you're looking for a truck that has high-end towing capabilities at up to 7,500 lbs and good payload capacity at 1,905 lbs. The large infotainment screens on the fifth-generation Ranger models mean that when shopping for a used truck, you have either a 10-inch HD touchscreen on the lower-end trims or a 12-inch touchscreen on the upper-grade trims. So, no matter what, you have a very robust set of technology and utility features at your fingertips.
#6 - GMC Canyon
If the Chevy Colorado just isn't luxurious enough for you, and you want a used midsize truck that offers you amazing versatility with a lot of added comfort and convenience features, then the Canyon is your truck. The Canyon's three generations have seen a number of improvements over time, with the most recent generation arriving in 2023. If you opt to shop for a used third-generation Canyon, you're getting a gorgeous truck with an amazing set of performance features and interior conveniences. It's easy to find a used Canyon that combines the kind of rugged utility you would want from a midsize truck while also providing you with some amazing interior luxury elements.
Unlike the Colorado, where the focus in recent years has been around its off-road capabilities, the Canyon has trims like the Denali that focus more on its luxury elements. There isn't a direct counterpart to the Denali available for the Colorado, so if you're looking specifically for a used midsize luxury truck, then the GMC Canyon fits the bill. Like the Colorado, the newer generation comes with a large HD touchscreen and a short cargo box, so that's also something to consider as you shop through our selection of used midsize pickup trucks.