The mid-size truck market is booming, offering buyers more choices and better features than ever before. Gone are the days of these trucks feeling like smaller, less capable versions of their full-size counterparts. Today, every truck in this segment has been redesigned or completely new within the last couple of years, creating intense competition and exciting options for consumers.
Even a completely new manufacturer has entered the fray, adding another compelling choice to the mix. However, with so many excellent trucks available, making the right buying decision can be challenging. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you navigate the choices and determine which mid-size truck best fits your needs.
Below, we dive into a detailed comparison of the top mid-size trucks, highlighting the leaders in key specifications and exploring the ever-expanding world of off-road focused models.
2024 Mid-Size Truck Spec Showdown: Quick Comparison
Need a snapshot of the key stats? We’ve compiled a quick reference guide with the essential metrics for each truck. For those interested in extreme off-roading, we’ve also included a comparison of the top-tier off-road trims at the end of this table.
| Vehicle | 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 |
| Extreme HP | 310 | 405 | 281 | 285 | 310 | 326 |
| Extreme Torque (lb.-ft.) | 430 | 430 | 331 | 260 | 281 | 465 |
| Extreme Ride Height (in.) | 12.2″ | 10.7″ | 10.5″ | 11.1″ | 9.8″ | 12.2″ |
| Extreme Approach (deg.) | 38.2° | 33° | 36.2° | 43.3° | 32.3° | 33.8° |
| Extreme Departure (deg.) | 26° | 24.2° | 22.6° | 26° | 19.6° | 25.7° |
| Extreme Tire Height | 35″ | 33″ | 31.6″ | 33″ | 31.7″ | 33″ |
Horsepower Head-to-Head: Who Brings the Power?
Image: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, boasting impressive horsepower and torque figures in the mid-size truck segment.
While horsepower isn’t the only metric that matters in a truck, it’s definitely a bragging right and a key factor for many buyers. Let’s see how these mid-size contenders stack up in terms of power.
Interestingly, the truck with the “weakest” base engine actually tops the horsepower chart overall. The Toyota Tacoma 2024 starts with a 2.4L turbo-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque in its SR trim. However, most buyers will likely opt for the upgraded 278-horsepower (317 pound-feet of torque) version of this engine, or the class-leading 326-horsepower and 465 pound-feet i-Force Max hybrid powertrain.
Ford’s Ranger offers two turbocharged engine choices (excluding the Raptor model): a 2.3L four-cylinder delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a more potent 2.7L V6 producing 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet.
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon share engine options, both utilizing versions of a 2.7L turbo-four. The base version outputs 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, while the higher-output variant cranks out 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet. All three of these trucks (Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado/Canyon) have even more powerful engines reserved for their respective off-road trims, which we’ll explore later.
The Jeep Gladiator, once a diesel-engine option holder, now solely relies on a 3.6L V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While Jeep has announced a 4xe plug-in hybrid system for the Gladiator, it’s not expected until 2025. A unique feature of the Gladiator is the continued availability of a manual gearbox, a rarity in the pickup truck market, which Toyota will also offer with its turbo-four Tacoma. Otherwise, all these midsize pickups primarily feature automatic transmissions.
A newcomer to the segment, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, brings a different flavor to the competition. Inspired by classic Land Rover Defenders, this truck features a BMW-sourced 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine generating 281 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Simplifying its lineup, Nissan Frontier offers a single engine choice: a 3.8L V6 producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This strategy ensures that most Frontier models offer robust power without needing to opt for higher trim levels.
Towing and Payload Prowess: Getting the Job Done
Image: The 2023 Nissan Frontier demonstrating its towing capabilities, a crucial factor for mid-size truck buyers.
The horsepower figures translate directly into real-world capability, especially when it comes to towing and hauling. These are crucial factors for truck owners who need their vehicle for work or weekend adventures.
Towing and payload capacities are highly dependent on truck configuration. Crew cabs and higher trim levels generally have slightly reduced capacities compared to extended cabs and base trims.
The Nissan Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds in its King Cab configuration, while Crew Cab models offer slightly less at 6,570 or 6,470 pounds for 4×4 versions. The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster takes the lead in towing, boasting a maximum capacity of 7,716 pounds.
The 2024 Ford Ranger is rated to tow up to 7,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD models. The Toyota Tacoma can tow 6,500 pounds with its turbo-four engine, or 6,000 pounds with the hybrid powertrain.
GM’s twins, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, offer varying towing capacities. The base 237-horsepower engine limits towing to 3,500 pounds, but the upgraded 310-horsepower version can handle up to 7,700 pounds. The Jeep Gladiator matches this figure, also reaching 7,700 pounds of towing capacity in certain configurations. However, it’s essential to check specific specs, as incorrect configurations can significantly reduce towing capacity down to as low as 4,000 pounds.
Image: The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, showcasing its robust design and impressive payload capabilities in the mid-size truck market.
In terms of payload, the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado lead the pack, capable of hauling up to 1,720 pounds. The Ford Ranger manages 1,711 pounds in 4×4 guise, increasing to 1,805 pounds with 2WD. The Jeep Gladiator can handle up to 1,710 pounds, but similar to towing, this figure can drop significantly to 1,075 pounds depending on configuration.
The Nissan Frontier has a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds for the 4×2 King Cab, with the 4×4 version topping out at 1,440 pounds.
Once again, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster stands out, boasting a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,889 pounds.
The redesigned Toyota Tacoma can handle up to 1,705 pounds of payload and tow 6,400 pounds with its 2.4L turbo engine. The base Tacoma 2.4L model offers a payload of 1,230 pounds, while Hybrid Max Tacomas range from 1,420 to 1,710 pounds of payload capacity.
Fuel Efficiency Face-Off: Miles Per Gallon Matters
Image: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited Hybrid, highlighting the increasing focus on fuel efficiency in the mid-size truck segment.
While not the primary concern for all truck buyers, fuel economy is an increasingly important factor. The 2024 mid-size truck segment includes the first-ever hybrid powertrain in this class, available with the Toyota Tacoma, signaling a shift towards improved fuel efficiency.
The Nissan Frontier achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for 4×4 models. The Colorado and Canyon are slightly better at 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The 4×2 Nissan Frontier improves to 18/24 mpg, and the 4×2 GM trucks reach 20/25 mpg. The gasoline Jeep Gladiator is rated at 17/22 mpg with the automatic transmission (16/23 mpg for the manual).
The Ford Ranger leads the non-hybrid pack, achieving 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, available only in 4×4, is rated at 19/23 mpg.
Toyota’s 2.4L turbo Tacoma is estimated at 20/26 mpg for 4×2 and 19/24 mpg for a 4×4 automatic, with 18/23 mpg for the six-speed manual 4×4. The Hybrid Max Tacoma models excel with an estimated 22 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, with its robust build and off-road focus, prioritizes capability over fuel efficiency. It consumes fuel at a rate of 14 miles per gallon in both city and highway driving.
Off-Road Prowess: Ground Clearance and Angles
Image: The 2024 Ford Ranger, showcasing its off-road design and capabilities in the competitive mid-size truck market.
Off-road capability is a significant draw for many mid-size truck buyers. These trucks are often more agile and capable off-road than their larger siblings due to their smaller size and lighter weight. Let’s see how they compare in standard off-road metrics.
Note: Figures in this section exclude dedicated extreme off-road trims (like Raptor, ZR2, etc.). We’ll cover those king-of-the-hill models separately in the next section.
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. It comes with tire sizes starting at 245/70R17, with larger options available. TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims get even more aggressive 33-inch Goodyear Territory tires.
Nissan Frontier also provides up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, although some trims have slightly less at 8.6 inches. Its approach angle peaks at 32.3 degrees, departure at 23 degrees, and breakover angle at 20.6 degrees. All trims feature 265-wide tires with varying sidewall series depending on wheel size.
Image: The Jeep Gladiator Mojave, designed for high-speed desert running and showcasing impressive off-road angles.
The Ford Ranger offers up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance, with 4×2 models slightly lower 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 depending on the 17 or 18-inch wheel options.
Colorado and Canyon 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. They offer a range of tire options from all-season to all-terrain, in various sizes and wheel diameters.
Gladiator Sport and Overland trims boast 10 inches of ground clearance, with impressive approach angles of 40.8 degrees, departure angles of 25 degrees, and a breakover angle of 18.4 degrees. Sport trim gets 245/75R17 all-terrain tires, while Overland upgrades to 255/70R18. Rubicon and Mojave trims are detailed in the extreme off-road section.
The Grenadier Quartermaster leads in standard ground clearance with 10.5 inches and a 36.2-degree approach angle. However, its longer bed results in a lower departure angle of 22.6 degrees compared to the Grenadier SUV. It comes standard with 265/70R17 tires, with optional 31.6-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires with the Rough Pack.
Price Point: Entry Costs and Luxury Levels
Image: The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, one of the most affordable options in the 2024 mid-size truck comparison.
Price is always a key consideration. The mid-size truck market offers a wide range of price points, from budget-friendly work trucks to near-luxury models.
The most affordable entry point is the Chevrolet Colorado, starting at $29,500 for a WT (Work Truck) 4×2 model. 4×4 versions begin at $32,500, with the top-spec Z71 starting at $39,900.
The Nissan Frontier is closely priced, starting at $30,510 for a King Cab 4×2. Adding 4×4 starts at $33,710, and a Crew Cab SV model is priced from $37,610.
The Toyota Tacoma starts at $31,500 for a base SR 4×2, with 4×4 adding approximately $3,200. A top-of-the-line Limited trim reaches $52,100.
The Ford Ranger begins at $32,720, or $36,365 for 4×4. A 4×4 Lariat trim starts at $47,165.
GMC positions the Canyon slightly higher, with entry-level trims starting at $36,900 for a 4×2 Elevation. 4×4 models begin at $40,200, and the luxurious Denali trim starts at $51,000.
The Jeep Gladiator starts at $37,895 for a base Sport 4×4 trim. The top trim level (excluding off-road models) is the Willys, priced at $44,995.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster stands apart with a significantly higher starting price of $86,900, targeting a more premium market segment.
Extreme Off-Road Mid-Size Trucks: Conquering Any Terrain
For buyers seeking maximum off-road capability, each manufacturer offers specialized mid-size truck models designed for extreme adventures. These trucks elevate performance far beyond the standard lineups and deserve their own dedicated comparison.
Ford Ranger Raptor: The High-Speed Desert Runner
Image: The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, engineered for high-speed off-road performance and extreme terrain.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is the ultimate Ranger variant. It’s powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine producing 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It features Fox Live Valve 2.5-inch shocks, 33-inch BFG KO3 tires, and steel skid plates for underbody protection.
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: Rock Crawling and Desert Domination
Image: The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, built for serious rock crawling and challenging off-road environments.
The Gladiator Rubicon is built for rock crawling, featuring 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 impressive 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, Fox hydraulic jounce dampers, a locking rear differential, and 33-inch tires. It offers 11.6 inches of ground clearance and slightly different approach and breakover angles compared to the Rubicon, optimized for desert terrain.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 & GMC Canyon AT4X: Versatile Off-Road Warriors
Image: The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X, a highly capable and versatile off-road mid-size truck option.
General Motors offers two highly capable off-road versions of their mid-size trucks: the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X. These models feature Multimatic DSSV dampers with a 3-inch lift, providing 10.7 inches of ground clearance and a 38.3-degree approach angle due to unique front bumpers. Departure angle is 25.1 degrees and breakover angle is 24.6 degrees.
These trucks include 33-inch tires, cast-iron control arms, locking front and rear differentials, underbody skid plates, and rocker panel protection. They utilize a high-output 2.7L engine producing 430 pound-feet of torque and offer a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and a max payload of 1,151 pounds.
Image: The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, an even more extreme off-road version built for the toughest trails.
For even more extreme off-road performance, Chevrolet and GMC offer the ZR2 Bison and AT4X AEV editions, developed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). These models add jounce control dampers, winch-capable bumpers, steel rear bumpers, fender flares, boron steel skid plates, and other AEV off-road protection components.
Approach, departure, and breakover angles are further improved to 38.2, 26.9, and 26 degrees, respectively. Ground clearance increases to an impressive 12.2 inches. The AEV trucks also include a bed-mounted spare tire carrier and standard 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. Payload and towing are slightly reduced compared to the standard ZR2/AT4X.
Nissan Frontier Pro-4X: Trail-Ready and Value-Packed
Image: The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X, offering a balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort.
The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is a capable off-road model with upgrades including an electronic locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and Bilstein off-road dampers.
The Frontier Pro-4X offers 9.8 inches of ground clearance, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 32.3, 23.0, and 19.6 degrees, respectively. It can tow 6,270 pounds and haul 1,230 pounds.
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster: Adventure-Focused and Rugged
Image: The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster, built for long journeys and demanding off-road expeditions.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster is designed for serious adventure. It comes equipped with 17-inch wheels, BFG KO2 all-terrain tires, front and rear differential locks, a raised air intake, and an auxiliary battery.
The Trialmaster package also includes a cargo bed liner, utility rails, and an “exterior utility belt” for gear mounting. Off-road angles remain the same as the standard Quartermaster.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: The Hybrid Off-Road Leader
Image: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, the top-tier off-road trim combining hybrid power and rugged capability.
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, forged aluminum control arms, a locking rear differential, front sway bar disconnect, and 33-inch Goodyear R/T tires.
The Tacoma 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 Mid-Size Truck Summary: Top Performers
For sheer horsepower in the extreme off-road segment, the Ford Ranger Raptor takes the crown. However, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro boasts the highest torque figures. The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster brings up the rear in horsepower but offers significantly more torque than the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and Mojave.
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and GMC Canyon AT4X AEV lead in tire size and ground clearance, riding on 35-inch tires and offering 12.2 inches of ground clearance. The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X has the least ground clearance among the extreme off-road models.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and Mojave offer the best approach angles, while the Chevy and GMC twins excel in departure angles.
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