The mid-size truck segment has evolved dramatically, offering buyers a range of options that rival their full-size counterparts in features and capabilities. Just a few years ago, many mid-size trucks felt outdated, sacrificing more than just size compared to larger models. Today, every truck in this category has been redesigned or completely new within the last couple of years, creating an intensely competitive market.
Adding to the excitement is a brand-new entrant from a fresh automaker, further enriching the choices available. However, with more excellent trucks on the market, making the right buying decision can become challenging. That’s where we come in – to help you navigate the options and determine which mid-size truck perfectly fits your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key specifications of each mid-size truck, highlighting the leaders in crucial categories. We’ll also provide a rundown of the ever-expanding lineup of off-road focused special editions, ensuring you’re well-informed to make the best choice.
2024 Midsize Truck Quick Spec Comparison
For those needing a rapid overview or just the essential details, we’ve compiled a cheat sheet with critical metrics for each truck. Performance figures for extreme off-road models are listed separately at the end for easy comparison.
| Vehicle | Chevrolet Colorado/ GMC Canyon | Ford Ranger | Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster | Jeep Gladiator | Nissan Frontier | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower (HP) | ||||||
| Max HP | 310 | 315 | 281 | 285 | 310 | 326 |
| Lowest HP | 237 | 270 | 228 | |||
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | ||||||
| Max Torque | 390 | 400 | 331 | 260 | 281 | 465 |
| Lowest Torque | 259 | 310 | 243 | |||
| Performance Metrics | ||||||
| Payload Max | 1,720 lbs. | 1,805 lbs. | 1,889 lbs. | 1,710 lbs. | 1,610 lbs. | 1,710 lbs. |
| Towing Max | 7,700 lbs. | 7,500 lbs. | 7,716 lbs. | 7,700 lbs. | 6,720 lbs. | 6,500 lbs. |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 20/25 | 21/25 | 14/14 | 17/22 | 18/24 | 22/24 |
| Dimensions & Off-Road | ||||||
| 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° |
| Price & Top Off-Road Trim | ||||||
| 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 Off-Road Specs | ||||||
| Horsepower | 310 | 405 | 281 | 285 | 310 | 326 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 430 | 430 | 331 | 260 | 281 | 465 |
| Ride Height | 12.2″ | 10.7″ | 10.5″ | 11.1″ | 9.8″ | 12.2″ |
| Approach Angle (deg.) | 38.2° | 33° | 36.2° | 43.3° | 32.3° | 33.8° |
| Departure Angle (deg.) | 26° | 24.2° | 22.6° | 26° | 19.6° | 25.7° |
| Tire Height | 35″ | 33″ | 31.6″ | 33″ | 31.7″ | 33″ |
Horsepower and Engine Options
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid boasts 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, leading the mid-size truck segment in power.
While horsepower might not be the defining factor for all truck buyers, it’s certainly a specification that sparks conversation and pride. Let’s examine the engine outputs of these 2024 mid-size trucks, starting with the power leaders.
Interestingly, the truck with the ‘weakest’ base engine also boasts the most potent powertrain overall. The redesigned Toyota Tacoma for 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 engine choices (excluding the high-performance Raptor model): a 2.3L four-cylinder and a 2.7L V6, both turbocharged. The 2.3L produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.7L V6 delivers 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet.
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon share engine options, featuring two variations of a 2.7L turbo-four. These engines produce 237 horsepower (259 pound-feet of torque) and 310 horsepower (390 pound-feet), respectively. Notably, all three of these manufacturers reserve even more powerful engines for their dedicated off-road trims, which we will explore later.
The Jeep Gladiator, previously unique in offering a diesel engine in this segment, has discontinued that option for this year. Currently, it relies solely on a 3.6L V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While Jeep has announced the upcoming Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid system, it’s not expected until 2025.
A unique offering from Jeep remains the manual gearbox available with the Gladiator, and Toyota will also offer one with its turbo-four Tacoma. Otherwise, all other trucks in this comparison are equipped with automatic transmissions.
A newcomer to the segment, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, marks the first new mid-size truck entry in several years. Inspired by the classic Land Rover Defender, the Quartermaster features a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine sourced from BMW, generating 281 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Nissan simplifies its Frontier lineup with a single engine choice: a 3.8L V6 producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. This strategy ensures that most Frontier models come with substantial power without requiring upgrades for enhanced performance.
Payload and Towing: Truck Utility
The 2023 Nissan Frontier offers a towing capacity of up to 6,720 pounds, making it a capable mid-size truck for hauling.
The power figures we just discussed aren’t solely for bragging rights; they translate directly into the practical capabilities of towing and hauling. Let’s examine how these mid-size trucks perform in these crucial utility metrics.
Towing and payload capacities are highly dependent on the specific configuration of your truck. Typically, crew cab models and higher trim levels offer reduced capacities compared to extended cab versions.
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 the segment in towing, boasting a maximum capacity of 7,716 pounds.
The 2024 Ford Ranger is capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. The Toyota Tacoma offers a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds with its turbo-four engine, and slightly less at 6,000 pounds with the hybrid powertrain.
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins offer varying towing capacities depending on the engine. The 237-horsepower engine limits towing to 3,500 pounds, while the 310-horsepower version boosts capacity to an impressive 7,700 pounds. The Jeep Gladiator matches this top figure, with properly equipped gas models also capable of towing 7,700 pounds. However, it’s crucial to check specific configurations, as lower grades can drop the towing capacity significantly to as low as 4,000 pounds.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster excels in payload capacity, offering the best-in-class rating for a mid-size truck.
Regarding payload, the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado lead with a maximum capacity of 1,720 pounds. The Ford Ranger is close behind, managing 1,711 pounds in 4×4 form and up to 1,805 pounds with 2WD. The Jeep Gladiator can handle up to 1,710 pounds, but similar to towing, this figure can decrease significantly to as low as 1,075 pounds in certain configurations.
The Nissan Frontier has a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds with a 4×2 King Cab, and 1,440 pounds for the best 4×4 configuration.
Once again, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster stands out with a class-leading payload capacity of 1,889 pounds.
The new Toyota Tacoma can manage up to 1,705 pounds of payload and tow 6,400 pounds with its 2.4L turbo engine. The base Tacoma 2.4L model is rated for 1,230 pounds of payload, while Hybrid Max Tacomas range between 1,420 and 1,710 pounds depending on configuration.
Fuel Efficiency: Considerations at the Pump
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited Hybrid prioritizes fuel economy, offering a hybrid option in the mid-size truck segment.
While fuel economy might not be the primary concern for truck owners, it remains an important factor. Let’s compare the fuel efficiency of these mid-size trucks, including the first hybrid option in the segment, offered by the Toyota Tacoma.
The Nissan Frontier is EPA-rated at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for 4×4 models. The Colorado and Canyon are expected to achieve around 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The 4×2 Nissan Frontier improves slightly to 18/24 mpg, and the 4×2 GM twins reach 20/25 mpg. A gas-powered Gladiator is rated at 17/22 mpg with the automatic transmission (16/23 mpg for the manual).
The Ford Ranger, with its 2.3L engine, achieves 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for 4×2 models, and 20/24 mpg for 4×4 models. The 2.7L V6 Ranger, 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 models and 19/24 mpg for 4×4 automatics. The manual 4×4 version is slightly less efficient at 18/23 mpg. The Hybrid Max Tacoma models offer the best fuel economy in the segment, achieving an estimated 22 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Due to its robust build, boxy shape, and off-road focused design, the Quartermaster is the least fuel-efficient in this comparison. The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster consumes fuel at a rate of 14 miles per gallon, both in the city and on the highway.
Standard Ride Height and Off-Road Angles for Base Models
The 2024 Ford Ranger showcases capable off-road geometry even in its standard configurations, appealing to adventurous mid-size truck buyers.
Off-road capability is a significant consideration for many mid-size pickup buyers, even beyond the dedicated off-road trims. These trucks often prove more agile than their full-size counterparts due to their smaller dimensions and lighter weight. Let’s compare their standard off-road specifications.
It’s important to note that figures for dedicated off-road trims (like Raptor, ZR2, etc.) with significantly enhanced capabilities are excluded from this section. These extreme off-road models will be discussed separately.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma offers a maximum ground clearance of 9.5 inches, along with a 35.7-degree approach angle, 23.5-degree breakover angle, and 25.7-degree departure angle. It comes standard with 245/70R17 tires, with larger 265/65 and 275/70R18 tires available as options. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims are equipped with even taller 33-inch Goodyear Territory tires.
Nissan Frontier offers up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, although some trims have slightly less at 8.6 inches. Its approach angles reach a maximum of 32.3 degrees (all trims exceed 29 degrees), departure angles peak at 23 degrees (all above 21.9 degrees), and breakover angles reach 20.6 degrees (all over 19.2 degrees). All Frontier models are fitted with 265-wide tires and 70-series sidewalls on 16-inch wheels or 65-series on 17-inch wheels.
The Jeep Gladiator Mojave showcases impressive approach angles, highlighting its off-road prowess within the mid-size truck segment.
The Ford Ranger provides up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance, with 4×2 models slightly lower at 8.8 inches. The approach angle is 30.2 degrees, departure angle is 25.8 degrees, and breakover angle is 23 degrees. The 4×2 models are approximately one degree less in each angle. Tire sizes are 255-wide with 70-series sidewalls on 17-inch wheels and 65-series on optional 18-inch wheels.
Colorado and Canyon offer up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The maximum approach angle is 30.5 degrees, departure angle is 22.4 degrees, and breakover angle is 21 degrees. Lower trim levels come with 255/65R17 tires, while higher-spec trims get 265/70R17s. 265/65R18 tires are also available, as are 275/50R22 all-season tires and 275/60R20 all-terrain tires.
Sport and Overland trims of the Gladiator offer a generous 10 inches of ground clearance, along with a 40.8-degree approach angle, 18.4-degree breakover angle, and 25-degree departure angle. Sport trim includes 245/75R17 all-terrain tires, while the Overland trim upgrades to 255/70R18. Rubicon and Mojave trims are discussed in the extreme off-road section.
The Grenadier Quartermaster boasts 10.5 inches of ground clearance and a 36.2-degree approach angle. Due to its longer bed, the departure angle is lower than the Grenadier SUV at 22.6 degrees. The Quartermaster’s smallest tire size is 265/70R17, with 31.6-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires available with the Rough Pack.
Pricing: The Cost of Entry
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offers a competitive starting price, making it an accessible option in the mid-size truck market.
The Chevrolet Colorado is the most budget-friendly among these new mid-size trucks. A WT (Work Truck) 4×2 model starts at $29,500. The 4×4 version begins at $32,500, while a top-spec Z71 trim starts at $39,900.
The Nissan Frontier is similarly priced, with a King Cab 4×2 starting at $30,510 before destination charges. Adding 4×4 starts at $33,710, and a Crew Cab SV model is priced from $37,610.
The Toyota Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $31,500 for a basic SR 4×2. Upgrading to 4×4 adds approximately $3,200. A Limited-spec Tacoma can reach $52,100.
The latest Ford Ranger starts at $32,720, and $36,365 for a 4×4 model. A 4×4 Lariat trim starts at $47,165.
GMC positions the Canyon pickup slightly higher, with entry-level trims removed. The base 4×2 Elevation starts at $36,900. For 4×4, pricing begins at $40,200, and the top-tier Denali trim starts at $51,000.
The Jeep Gladiator starts at $37,895 for a base Sport 4×4 trim. With the High Altitude luxury trim discontinued, the top trim (before off-road models like Mojave and Rubicon) is the Willys, priced at $44,995.
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster stands out as the premium-priced option. Aimed at a more upscale market, it starts at $86,900.
Extreme Off-Road Midsize Trucks: Pushing the Limits
Each manufacturer in this comparison offers specialized mid-size models engineered for extreme off-road adventures. The enhanced capabilities of these trucks set them apart significantly from the standard models, justifying a dedicated section. Unless explicitly mentioned, the specifications for these off-road focused models are not included in the previous sections.
Ranger Raptor: Ford’s Off-Road Beast
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor represents the pinnacle of off-road performance in the Ranger lineup, engineered for extreme terrains.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is the ultimate iteration of the Ranger, built for high-speed off-roading. It’s powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. It features Fox Live Valve 2.5-inch shocks at each corner, 33-inch BFG KO3 tires, and robust steel skid plates protecting the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank.
The Ranger Raptor boasts 10.7 inches of ground clearance, a 33-degree approach angle, and breakover and departure angles of 26.4 and 24.2 degrees, respectively. Maximum payload is 1,411 pounds, and maximum towing capacity is 5,510 pounds.
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon & Mojave: Rock Crawling and Desert Running Kings
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is specifically designed for rock crawling, featuring specialized off-road components and impressive articulation.
The Gladiator Rubicon is equipped with a two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low range and electronic locking differentials at both axles. This model includes a front sway bar disconnect, winch-capable bumpers, and 33-inch tires. The Rubicon offers 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 tailored for high-speed desert running, contrasting with the Rubicon’s rock-crawling focus. It features Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks and Fox hydraulic jounce dampers. It also includes a locking rear differential and 33-inch tires, along with 11.6 inches of ground clearance. The Mojave offers an approach angle of 44.7 degrees, a breakover angle of 20.9 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees.
Colorado ZR2 & Canyon AT4X: GM’s Off-Road Duo
The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X is engineered for off-road adventures, offering advanced suspension and enhanced trail capabilities.
General Motors offers two highly capable off-road versions for both of its midsize trucks. The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X are equipped with Multimatic DSSV dampers and a 3-inch lift as starter models. They provide 10.7 inches of ground clearance and a 38.3-degree approach angle, thanks to unique clearance-cut front bumpers. The departure angle is 25.1 degrees and the breakover angle is 24.6 degrees.
These trucks feature 33-inch tires, cast-iron control arms, locking front and rear differentials, underbody skid plates, and rocker panel protection. Powered by a high-output 2.7L engine, they produce 430 pound-feet of torque, up from 390 in lower trims. They have a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,151 pounds.
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, enhanced with AEV components, represents an even more extreme level of off-road readiness in the mid-size truck category.
Chevrolet and GMC offer even more extreme off-road variants, developed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). These include the Chevrolet ZR2 Bison and the GMC AT4X AEV Edition. Both feature jounce control dampers from Multimatic, along with a winch-capable bumper, steel rear bumper, fender flares, boron steel skid plates, and additional AEV off-road protection components on top of the standard ZR2 and AT4X features.
Approach, departure, and breakover angles are further improved to 38.2, 26.9, and 26 degrees, respectively. Ground clearance increases to 12.2 inches. The AEV trucks also include a bed-mounted spare tire carrier to accommodate the standard 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires.
Unique interior and exterior detailing, such as embroidered headrests, complete the package. However, the added equipment results in slightly reduced maximum payload and towing capacities, down to 1,050 pounds and 5,500 pounds of trailer, respectively.
Frontier Pro-4X: Nissan’s Capable Off-Roader
The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X offers a balance of off-road upgrades and everyday usability, making it a versatile choice for adventure.
Nissan’s Frontier Pro-4X model, while not the most extreme, offers substantial off-road enhancements. These include an electronic locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and Bilstein off-road dampers.
Maximum ground clearance for the Frontier Pro-4X is 9.8 inches, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 32.3, 23.0, and 19.6 degrees, respectively. The Frontier Pro-4X can tow up to 6,270 pounds and haul 1,230 pounds.
Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster: Ineos’ Adventure-Ready Trim
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster is designed for long-distance expeditions, equipped with features for enduring challenging terrains.
The Grenadier Quartermaster Trialmaster, named for a durable motorcycle jacket suited for the Scottish Six Days Trial, is built for extended adventures.
The Trialmaster comes standard with 17-inch wheels and BFG KO2 all-terrain tires. It also includes front and rear differential locks, a raised air intake (snorkel), and an auxiliary battery.
The package is enhanced with a cargo bed liner and utility rails, along with Ineos’ “exterior utility belt,” which is a system of door and bed-mounted brackets for securing gear to the truck’s exterior. The off-road geometry remains the same as the standard Quartermaster.
Tacoma TRD Pro: Toyota’s Flagship Off-Road Model
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is Toyota’s premier off-road mid-size truck, offering a blend of hybrid power and advanced off-road technology.
TRD Pro is Toyota Tacoma’s top-tier off-road trim and is exclusively available with the hybrid powertrain. For 2024, it features 2.5-inch Fox QS3 internal-bypass shocks and forged aluminum control arms.
It also 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 horsepower from its 3.0L twin-turbo V6, tying the GM twins in torque at 430 pound-feet. The Ineos Quartermaster Trialmaster offers the least horsepower at 281, just below the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon/Mojave at 285, but the Ineos delivers significantly more torque.
The largest tires are equipped on the GMC Canyon AT4X AEV and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, both featuring 35-inch Goodyear Territory M/T tires. Jeep, Ford, and Toyota models all use 33-inch tires. The larger tires contribute to the best ground clearance, with the GM twins reaching 12.2 inches. The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X offers the least ground clearance among these extreme models at 9.7 inches.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and Mojave boast the best approach angle at 43.3 and 44.7 degrees respectively, while the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and GMC Canyon AT4X AEV offer the best departure angles at 26.9 degrees.
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