The midsize truck segment has evolved dramatically, offering buyers more choices and capabilities than ever before. Gone are the days of these trucks being mere shadows of their full-size counterparts. Today, every model in this class is recently updated, injecting fresh competition into the market. With new entrants and enhanced existing models, selecting the ideal midsize truck can be challenging. But don’t worry, we’re here to provide a detailed Midsize Truck Comparison, helping you navigate the options and pinpoint the perfect truck to match your requirements.
Below, we delve into a spec-by-spec midsize truck comparison, highlighting the leaders in crucial categories. We’ll also explore the exciting and ever-expanding range of off-road-focused special editions available in the 2024 midsize truck market.
2024 Midsize American Trucks: Spec Sheet Breakdown
For a quick overview or essential specifications at a glance, this cheat sheet provides key performance metrics for each truck in our midsize truck comparison. Extreme off-road trim specifications are listed separately at the bottom for those seeking maximum capability.
| Feature | Chevrolet Colorado/ GMC Canyon | Ford Ranger | Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster | Jeep Gladiator | Nissan Frontier | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Horsepower | 310 | 315 | 281 | 285 | 310 | 326 |
| Lowest Horsepower | 237 | 270 | 228 | |||
| Max Torque (lb.-ft.) | 390 | 400 | 331 | 260 | 281 | 465 |
| Lowest Torque (lb.-ft.) | 259 | 310 | 243 | |||
| Payload Max (lbs) | 1,720 | 1,805 | 1,889 | 1,710 | 1,610 | 1,710 |
| Towing Max (lbs) | 7,700 | 7,500 | 7,716 | 7,700 | 6,720 | 6,500 |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20/25 | 21/25 | 14/14 | 17/22 | 18/24 | 22/24 |
| Ride Height (in.) | 9.3 | 10 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Approach Angle (deg.) | 30.2 | 40.8 | 36.2 | 30.5 | 32.3 | 35.7 |
| Departure Angle (deg.) | 25.8 | 25 | 22.6 | 22.4 | 23 | 25.7 |
| MSRP (base) | $29,500 | $32,720 | $86,900 | $37,895 | $30,510 | $31,500 |
| Extreme Off-Road Trim | ZR2 (Bison) / AT4X (AEV) | Raptor | Trialmaster | Rubicon | Pro-4X | TRD Pro |
| Horsepower (Extreme) | 310 | 405 | 281 | 285 | 310 | 326 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) (Extreme) | 430 | 430 | 331 | 260 | 281 | 465 |
| Ride Height (in.) (Extreme) | 12.2 | 10.7 | 10.5 | 11.1 | 9.8 | 12.2 |
| Approach Angle (deg.) (Extreme) | 38.2 | 33 | 36.2 | 43.3 | 32.3 | 33.8 |
| Departure Angle (deg.) (Extreme) | 26 | 24.2 | 22.6 | 26 | 19.6 | 25.7 |
| Tire Height (in.) (Extreme) | 35 | 33 | 31.6 | 33 | 31.7 | 33 |
Horsepower Showdown: Who Leads in Power?
Image: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, a powerful contender in the midsize truck comparison, boasts impressive horsepower and torque.
Horsepower, while not the sole determinant of truck capability, is undoubtedly a key factor for many buyers and a point of pride. Let’s examine how these midsize trucks stack up in terms of power.
Interestingly, the truck with the “weakest” base engine actually offers the most potent top-tier powertrain. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma starts with a 2.4L turbo-four producing 228 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque in its SR trim. However, most buyers will likely opt for the upgraded 278-horsepower (317 lb.-ft. of torque) version of this engine or the class-leading 326-horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. The Tacoma’s hybrid offering sets a new benchmark for power in the midsize segment.
Ford presents two engine choices for the Ranger (excluding the Raptor variant): a 2.3L four-cylinder and a 2.7L V6, both turbocharged. The 2.3L generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, while the V6 bumps that up to 315 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Ford effectively balances power and efficiency with these engine options.
Chevrolet’s Colorado and the GMC Canyon share engine options, featuring two iterations of a 2.7L turbo-four. The base version delivers 237 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque, while the higher-output variant produces 310 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. These GM trucks offer a solid power range for various needs, with even more robust engines reserved for their off-road trims.
The Jeep Gladiator, previously a diesel offering in this segment, now relies solely on a 3.6L V6 engine. This engine outputs 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. While Jeep recently announced a 4xe plug-in hybrid system for the Gladiator, it’s not expected until 2025. However, the Gladiator retains a unique feature in this class – the availability of a manual gearbox, shared only with the Toyota Tacoma among these competitors. All other models in this midsize truck comparison are automatic-equipped.
A fresh face in the midsize truck arena is the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster. This newcomer, inspired by the classic Land Rover Defender, employs a BMW-sourced 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. This powertrain produces 281 horsepower and 331 lb.-ft. of torque, channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Quartermaster aims for a blend of old-school ruggedness with modern engine technology.
Nissan simplifies its lineup with a single engine choice for the Nissan Frontier. The latest Frontier utilizes a 3.8L V6 delivering 310 horsepower and 281 lb.-ft. of torque. This single-engine strategy means most Frontiers deliver ample power without requiring higher trim levels, making strong performance readily accessible.
Horsepower Winner: Toyota Tacoma (Hybrid Max)
Payload and Towing: Getting the Job Done
Image: The 2023 Nissan Frontier demonstrates its towing capabilities, an important factor in any midsize truck comparison.
While horsepower is great for bragging rights, payload and towing capacity are crucial for truck owners who need to haul cargo and tow trailers. These figures are essential for evaluating a truck’s work capability.
Towing and payload ratings are highly configuration-dependent. Crew cabs and higher trim levels generally have reduced capacities compared to extended cabs and base models.
The Nissan Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds in its King Cab configuration. Crew Cab models offer slightly less, at 6,570 or 6,470 pounds for 4×4 versions. The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster leads in towing in this midsize truck comparison, boasting a maximum capacity of 7,716 pounds.
The 2024 Ford Ranger achieves up to 7,500 pounds of towing capacity for both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive models. The Toyota Tacoma can tow 6,500 pounds with its turbo-four engine or 6,000 pounds with the hybrid powertrain.
GM’s Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins offer varying towing capacities. With the 237-horsepower engine, towing is limited to 3,500 pounds, but with the 310-horsepower version, this jumps to 7,700 pounds. The Jeep Gladiator matches this higher figure, capable of towing 7,700 pounds in certain configurations. However, it’s crucial to check specific specs, as incorrect configurations can drastically reduce towing capacity to as low as 4,000 pounds.
Image: The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, showcasing its robust design and impressive payload capacity, a standout in this midsize truck comparison.
For payload, the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado lead with a maximum capacity of 1,720 pounds. The Ford Ranger manages 1,711 pounds in 4×4 guise and 1,805 pounds with two-wheel drive. The Jeep Gladiator tops out at 1,710 pounds, but similar to towing, payload can drop significantly to 1,075 pounds depending on configuration.
The Nissan Frontier offers a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds with a 4×2 King Cab, while 4×4 models offer a best of 1,440 pounds.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster again excels in payload, with a class-leading rating of 1,889 pounds, making it a top choice for hauling heavy loads.
The new Toyota Tacoma can handle up to 1,705 pounds of payload and tow 6,400 pounds with its 2.4L turbo engine. Lower-spec Tacoma 2.4L models manage 1,230 pounds of payload, while Hybrid Max Tacomas range from 1,420 to 1,710 pounds.
Payload Winner: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
Towing Winner: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
Fuel Efficiency at the Pump: Which Truck Saves You More?
Image: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited Hybrid, emphasizing fuel efficiency in the midsize truck comparison, blending power with economy.
Fuel economy is increasingly important for truck buyers. In this midsize truck comparison, we examine the MPG ratings, including the segment’s first hybrid offering from Toyota.
The Nissan Frontier achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for 4×4 models. The Colorado and Canyon are rated at 19/23 mpg. Two-wheel-drive Nissan Frontiers get 18/24 mpg, and 4×2 GM trucks achieve 20/25 mpg. A gas-powered Jeep Gladiator is rated at 17/22 mpg with the automatic transmission (16/23 mpg for the manual).
The Ford Ranger is rated at 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with 4×2 and the 2.3L engine, or 20/24 mpg with 4×4. The 2.7L engine is 4×4 only and rated at 19/23 mpg.
Toyota’s 2.4L turbo engine achieves an estimated 20/26 mpg for a 4×2 and 19/24 mpg for a 4×4 automatic, with 18/23 mpg for a six-speed manual 4×4. The Hybrid Max models deliver an impressive estimated 22 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, making it the fuel economy leader in this midsize truck comparison.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, with its robust build and traditional truck design, is the least fuel-efficient in this group. It consumes fuel at a rate of 14 mpg in both city and highway driving.
Fuel Economy Winner: Toyota Tacoma (Hybrid Max)
Ride Height and Off-Road Angles: Trail-Ready Capability
Image: The 2024 Ford Ranger, highlighting its off-road geometry and ride height, essential aspects of a midsize truck comparison.
Off-road capability is a significant consideration for many midsize truck buyers. These trucks often outperform their larger siblings off-road due to their smaller size and lighter weight. Let’s compare their standard off-road geometry.
Note that figures for dedicated extreme off-road trims (like Raptor, ZR2, etc.) are excluded here and covered in a separate section below.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma offers up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, along with a 35.7-degree approach angle, 23.5-degree breakover angle, and 25.7-degree departure angle. Tire sizes start at 245/70R17, with larger options available. TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims upgrade to 33-inch Goodyear Territory tires.
Nissan Frontier provides up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, though some trims start at 8.6 inches. Approach angles reach 32.3 degrees, departure angles 23 degrees, and breakover angles up to 20.6 degrees. All trims use 265-wide tires with varying sidewall heights.
Image: The Jeep Gladiator Mojave, designed for desert running, showcases its off-road prowess in this midsize truck comparison.
The Ford Ranger offers up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance, with 4×2 models starting at 8.8 inches. Approach angle is 30.2 degrees, departure is 25.8 degrees, and breakover angle is 23 degrees. Tire sizes are 255-wide with varying sidewalls.
Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon both offer up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance. Maximum approach angle is 30.5 degrees, departure is 22.4 degrees, and breakover is 21 degrees. Tire options range from 17-inch to 22-inch wheels with varying tire types.
Sport and Overland trims of the Jeep Gladiator offer 10 inches of ground clearance, a 40.8-degree approach angle, 18.4-degree breakover angle, and 25-degree departure angle. Tire sizes start at 245/75R17 all-terrain tires, with larger options available on higher trims. Rubicon and Mojave trims are detailed in the extreme off-road section.
The Grenadier Quartermaster leads in standard ride height with 10.5 inches of clearance and a 36.2-degree approach angle. Its longer bed reduces the departure angle to 22.6 degrees compared to the Grenadier SUV. It offers 265/70R17 tires as standard, with 31.6-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires available with the Rough Pack.
Ride Height Winner: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
Approach Angle Winner: Jeep Gladiator (Sport/Overland)
Price Point: Entry Costs for Midsize Trucking
Image: The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, an affordable entry in the midsize truck comparison, balancing price with capability.
Price is a critical factor in any vehicle purchase. Let’s compare the starting MSRPs for these midsize trucks.
The most budget-friendly new truck in this midsize truck comparison is the Chevrolet Colorado. A WT (Work Truck) 4×2 starts at $29,500. The 4×4 version begins at $32,500, and the top-spec Z71 trim starts at $39,900.
The Nissan Frontier is closely priced, with a King Cab 4×2 starting at $30,510 before destination charges. Adding 4×4 starts from $33,710, and a Crew Cab SV is priced from $37,610.
The Toyota Tacoma starts at $31,500 for a basic SR 4×2. 4×4 adds $3,200 to the base price. A Limited-spec Tacoma reaches $52,100.
The latest Ford Ranger has a starting MSRP of $32,720, or $36,365 for a 4×4 model. A 4×4 Lariat trim starts at $47,165.
GMC positions the Canyon pickup slightly higher, dropping entry-level trims. It starts at $36,900 for a 4×2 Elevation. 4×4 models begin at $40,200, and the high-end Denali trim starts at $51,000.
Jeep’s Gladiator starts at $37,895 for a base Sport 4×4 trim. With the High Altitude trim discontinued, the top trim before off-road models is the $44,995 Willys.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is in a different price bracket, aimed at a more premium market segment. It starts at a significantly higher $86,900.
Price Winner (Lowest Base MSRP): Chevrolet Colorado
Extreme Off-Road Midsize Trucks: Pushing the Limits
For buyers seeking maximum off-road performance, each manufacturer offers specialized midsize models built for extreme terrain. These trucks feature significant upgrades that set them apart from the standard lineups.
Ranger Raptor
Image: The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, the pinnacle of off-road performance in the Ranger lineup, showcased in this midsize truck comparison.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is the ultimate Ranger variant. It boasts a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 405 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque. It features Fox Live Valve 2.5-inch shocks, 33-inch BFG KO3 tires, and steel skid plates protecting vital underbody components.
The Ranger Raptor offers 10.7 inches of ground clearance, a 33-degree approach angle, and breakover and departure angles of 26.4 and 24.2 degrees, respectively. Max payload is 1,411 pounds, and max towing is 5,510 pounds.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon & Mojave
Image: The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, built for rock crawling, a key off-road model in this midsize truck comparison.
The Gladiator Rubicon features a two-speed transfer case with 4.0:1 low range, front and rear electronic locking differentials, a front sway bar disconnect, winch-capable bumpers, and 33-inch tires. It has 11.1 inches of ground clearance and approach, breakover, and departure angles of 43.3, 20.3, and 26 degrees, respectively.
The Gladiator Mojave is designed for high-speed desert running. It features Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks and Fox hydraulic jounce dampers, a locking rear differential, 33-inch tires, and 11.6 inches of ground clearance. The Mojave has a 44.7-degree approach angle, 20.9-degree breakover angle, and 26-degree departure angle.
Colorado ZR2 & Canyon AT4X
Image: The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X, a highly capable off-road variant, featured in this midsize truck comparison.
General Motors offers the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X as capable entry-level off-road models. They include Multimatic DSSV dampers with a 3-inch lift, 10.7 inches of ground clearance, and a 38.3-degree approach angle. Departure angle is 25.1 degrees, and breakover is 24.6 degrees.
These trucks have 33-inch tires, cast-iron control arms, locking front and rear differentials, underbody skid plates, and rocker panel protection. Their high-output 2.7L engine delivers 430 lb.-ft. of torque. Towing capacity is up to 6,000 pounds, and max payload is 1,151 pounds.
Image: The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, an even more extreme off-road version, pushing the boundaries in this midsize truck comparison.
For even greater off-road prowess, Chevrolet and GMC offer the ZR2 Bison and AT4X AEV, developed with American Expedition Vehicles. Both feature jounce control dampers from Multimatic, winch-capable bumpers, boron steel skid plates, and other AEV off-road protection parts.
Approach, departure, and breakover angles improve to 38.2, 26.9, and 26 degrees, respectively. Ground clearance increases to 12.2 inches. They also include a bed-mount spare tire carrier and standard 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires.
Frontier Pro-4X
Image: The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X, a capable off-road trim, offering a balance of features in this midsize truck comparison.
Nissan Frontier’s Pro-4X model offers substantial off-road upgrades, including an electronic locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and Bilstein off-road dampers.
The Frontier Pro-4X has 9.8 inches of ground clearance, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 32.3, 23.0, and 19.6 degrees, respectively. Towing capacity is 6,270 pounds, and payload capacity is 1,230 pounds.
Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster
Image: The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster, designed for long-distance off-roading, a unique entry in this midsize truck comparison.
The Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster is built for extended off-road journeys. It comes with 17-inch wheels, BFG KO2 all-terrain tires, front and rear differential locks, a raised air intake, and an auxiliary battery.
It also includes a cargo bed liner, utility rails, and an “exterior utility belt” for gear mounting. Off-road angles are the same as the standard Quartermaster.
Tacoma TRD Pro
Image: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Toyota’s top off-road trim, combining hybrid power with rugged capability in this midsize truck comparison.
The TRD Pro is Toyota Tacoma’s flagship off-road trim, exclusively paired with the hybrid powertrain. For 2024, it features 2.5-inch Fox QS3 internal-bypass shocks and forged aluminum control arms.
It includes a locking rear differential, front sway bar disconnect, and 33-inch Goodyear R/T tires. The TRD Pro offers up to 11 inches of ground clearance and approach, departure, and breakover angles of 33.8, 25.7, and 23.5 degrees, respectively.
Extreme Off-Road Models: Key Takeaways
For maximum horsepower in an extreme off-road midsize truck, the Ford Ranger Raptor leads with 405 horses. The Ranger Raptor and GM twins tie for torque at 430 lb.-ft. The Ineos Quartermaster Trialmaster has the least horsepower but offers substantial torque.
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and GMC Canyon AT4X AEV boast the tallest tires at 35 inches, resulting in the highest ground clearance of 12.2 inches. Jeep, Ford, and Toyota models use 33-inch tires. The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X has the least ground clearance among the extreme off-road trims.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon offers the best approach angle at 43.3 degrees, while the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison and GMC Canyon AT4X AEV have the best departure angles at 26.9 degrees.
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