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2025 Subaru Impreza ReviewBest Mid-Size Trucks of 2021
We ranked the best mid-size trucks of 2021 based off of their towing capability, powertrains, technology, and options. Which one comes in at number one?
Ranking the Best Mid-Size Trucks of 2021
Mid-sized pickup trucks bring the idea of the full-size truck utility in a smaller, more manageable form. While they aren’t as powerful or large as their bigger siblings, mid-sized trucks can still get the lighter duty jobs done. We reviewed each mid-size truck and took into account their powertrain specs, available options, interiors, and technology to craft a complete mid-sized truck buying guide. Wondering what these mid-size trucks offer and where they rank? Here’s what we found!
4. 2021 Ford Ranger
The Breakdown
Inexpensive body-on-frame capability
Wi-Fi and Co-Pilot 360 available
Punchy turbocharged motor is standard
Easily shift 4-wheel high and low
Base can suffer from bargain bin interior
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.5/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$26,015 - $34,355
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
21 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)
The Ford Ranger has a history of being a formidable work truck, and it continues that trend for 2021. While it doesn’t have all the engine options its F-150 sibling does, the lone 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine found in the Ranger works out nicely to blend available power with decent fuel numbers. A 10-speed automatic is the only transmission option, but shoppers do have the choice between RWD or 4WD. The interior is pretty basic and the only infotainment system comes with an 8” touchscreen. Standard safety tech isn’t one of the Ranger’s strong suits. The Co-Pilot 360 safety suite is great, but it’s just an extra cost package and don’t expect it when looking at the base trim.
3. 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
The Breakdown
Big truck towing capacity
Dapper exterior styling
Great infotainment system
Disappointing safety features
Bland interior
Add a little more innovation GM
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.6/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$26,395 - $43,795
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 30 Hwy (MPG)
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has some of the best engines and options in the mid-size truck segment, but GM needs to refine the rest of this truck to climb the ranks. Under the hood is one of three available engines, including a diesel option. Paired to those engines is either a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic transmission and the Colorado can be had in RWD or 4WD form. Inside the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, it’s pretty basic no matter how you option it while the 8-inch infotainment system does an alright job handling entertainment duty. Standard safety features aren’t something Chevrolet touts for the Colorado, with most of the safety advancements for this mid-size truck being locked as option packages.
2. 2021 Toyota Tacoma
The Breakdown
All-business interior
Rugged exterior design
It has the ability to go anywhere
One of the most reliable trucks
Rear legroom is lacking
We want a more powerful engine
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.1/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$26,250 - $44,175
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
19 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
The Toyota Tacoma has been one of the most recommended mid-sized trucks since first coming on the scene in 1995. Toyota offers two engines in the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and they both get good fuel economy numbers. Along with the choice between RWD or 4WD, shoppers can choose between a 6-speed automatic or a more involved 6-speed manual transmission. The interior of the Tacoma is virtually unchanged since 2016, but that’s not a bad thing. The layout is functional, the seating is comfortable, and the biggest complaint is rear passenger room. The Tacoma’s infotainment system does an all-around decent job and Toyota also provides a great list of standard safety features. Toyota also adds in two years or 25,000 miles of scheduled maintenance service and 24-hour roadside assistance for unlimited miles.
1. 2021 Honda Ridgeline
The Breakdown
Great for inner city projects
Lots of unique cargo areas
Best on-road handling in class
Honda Sensing suite is great
Not really truck made for work
Some off-road additions would be cool
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.3/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$36,490 - $43,920
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
18 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
While this mid-size truck isn’t typically any truck shopper’s first choice, the Ridgeline makes a great case for itself. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline features a single engine in the form of a 3.6L V6 paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Honda provides a unique choice in drivetrains for the mid-size truck segment with either FWD or AWD. The interior of the Ridgeline isn’t flashy, but it features quality materials, a modern and functional design, and comfortable seats that will work great for long trips. Then there’s all the storage and bed gadgets like the under-bed locking “trunk” space. The Ridgeline’s 8-inch infotainment system works well and it benefits from the standard Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance and safety technologies.
