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We ranked the best Mid-size trucks of 2022 based off of their towing capability, powertrains, technology, and options. Which one comes in at number one?
Ranking the Best Mid-Size Trucks of 2022
Mid-sized pickup trucks offer some of the utility a full-size truck can, just in a lighter duty form. While these mid-size offerings may not offer the same amount of towing or space as full-size pickup trucks can, they do make tighter maneuvers easier and can still help with day-to-day jobs. We took a look at every mid-size truck for 2022 and took into account their powertrains, interiors, options, and available technology to create a complete ranked list for you. Wondering if these 2022 mid-size trucks are right for you? Here’s what we found!
7. 2022 Ford Ranger
The Breakdown
That’s one potent four-cylinder
Ford nails it with the Tremor graphics
Love the 16″ steelies on XL models
Base trim lacks on tech features
Rest of the world is getting an all-new model
Ford’s full catalog of trailer tech not available
Stoked to see the incoming Ranger Raptor
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.4/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$26,795 - $34,885
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
21 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)
The 2022 Ford Ranger doesn’t change much over last year, only adding some bright Splash edition paint colors. Powering this truck is a 2.3L EcoBoost I4 making 270 horsepower paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Shoppers have the choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) or an available four-wheel drive (4WD) setup. While the lone engine may lack some grunt, it does allow the Ranger to tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. Inside is a utilitarian interior that lacks some modern refinement, but that’s good if you need a no frills work truck. The eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3 works well, but Ford has shown us their giant systems they could add in. Co-Pilot 360 is a great safety suite, but Ford only offers it as a package at the base trim level.
6. 2022 Nissan Frontier
The Breakdown
Markedly improved design
Shares a transmission with its full-size Titan sibling
Off-Road Mode makes trail navigation easier
Standard Trailer Sway Control
Less standard safety features than rivals
Heavy steering
Cramped back seat
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
$28,690 - $44,285
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
18 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
The previous generation of the Nissan Frontier had been utilizing the same platform since 2004, but Nissan has thankfully redesigned their truck for 2022. Under the hood of the new Frontier is a 3.8L V6 engine paired to a nine-speed automatic that sends power to the rear wheels or all four optionally. Towing maxes out at a lackluster 6,720 pounds, but Nissan has made strides to make this a better driver on and off the pavement. The 2022 Nissan Frontier also features a more modern exterior, a nicer interior, and a lot more modern technology like the nine-inch infotainment touchscreen. It unfortunately lacks standard driver-assistance tech and doesn’t offer much to separate it from the group.
5. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado
The Breakdown
A Colorado for all budgets and needs
Duramax adds major torque and fuel efficiency
Standard touchscreen infotainment display
ZR2 Bison models are wild
Driver-assist tech requires package purchase
A midsize truck for work, daily, or off-road
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
$26,790 - $44,190
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 30 Hwy (MPG)
The Chevrolet Colorado didn’t receive any major changes this year, but it did open up the Trail Boss package on the LT and Z71 trims. Chevrolet still provides RWD or 4WD for three engines in the Colorado – a 2.5L I4, 3.5L V6, and a 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel option. That diesel will allow the Colorado to tow up to 7,700 pounds of stuff when properly equipped. The base Work Truck Colorado is pretty spartan when it comes to the interior, though it can be optioned with some luxury equipment. Traveling up the trim ladder makes for a more inviting experience, but the quality of materials will still be lacking. A seven-inch infotainment system is found on the base trim, but all others received a slightly larger eight-inch unit. Driver assistance tech is underwhelming in the Colorado, with industry basic features only available through and additional package.
4. 2022 GMC Canyon
The Breakdown
Outstanding towing capacity
Great V6 engine
AT4 can really go off-road
Cheapish interior
Outdated or absent tech
Desirable options are very pricey
Could we get some advanced safety features, please?
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.8/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$27,995 - $42,295
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
20 City / 30 Hwy (MPG)
The 2022 GMC Canyon is the corporate cousin to the Colorado with some minor adjustments. All three of the same engines are available as well as RWD or 4WD drivetrains. Towing is also the same at a 7,700-pound max with the diesel. The interior is similar to the Chevrolet in terms of design and quality, with just a bit of added available luxury on the available Denali trim. Not much changes on the technology front in the Canyon, as it has the same eight-inch infotainment unit and only offers advanced safety features as package addons. Both these GM mid-size trucks need some updates and something to truly differentiate them aside from badges.
3. 2022 Toyota Tacoma
The Breakdown
More capable than ever
Great aggressive styling
Outstanding safety tech
Drowsy base engine
Small interior
Tall step-up height
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
$28,995 - $46,000
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
19 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is still one of the best mid-size truck options on today’s market. The Tacoma can be had with either a 2.7L I4 or a 3.5L V6 engine that’s paired to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. RWD is standard with 4WD optional. Towing isn’t a strong suit at a max of 6,800 pounds, but it’s one of the better options in this segment for going off-road. Inside is a nicely laid out interior that’s comfortable and functional. A seven-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on the base trim, but upgrading in trim level expands the system to eight inches in size. Toyota offers the most standard driver-assistance aids in the mid-size truck segment. Toyota further adds value to the Tacoma by offering complimentary maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles.
2. 2022 Honda Ridgeline
The Breakdown
Simple, one-size-fits-all powertrain
Tailgate party ready
Entire Honda Sensing suite is standard
Bronze HPD wheels dial up the style
Does not have Wi-Fi hotspot
Truck utility with daily drivability
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
$38,115 - $45,545
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
18 City / 24 Hwy (MPG)
Honda gave the Ridgeline a nice refresh last year and they’ve continued to build on it with their Honda Performance Development package that gives it a bit more of a rugged edge. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline offers just a single powertrain featuring a 3.6L V6 making 280 horsepower paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Towing is some of the worst in class at a max of 5,000 pounds, but it makes up for it with nifty cargo gimmicks like their under-bed locking trunk. As for the interior, it’s one of the nicer ones in this group quality materials, comfortable seats, and is laid out well to make a great mid-size truck for a small family. An eight-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard fare and the Honda Sensing suit of advanced driver assistances tech is standard across the lineup.
1. 2022 Jeep Gladiator
The Breakdown
You can paint your Gladiator in Snazzberry
A pickup with manual transmission!
Factory 33″ all-terrain tires are off-roady ready
Waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker
Heated seats aren’t standard on a $54K truck
4×4 capability meets truck utility
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.4/10
How Do We Score?
CarsForSale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$37,205 - $54,105
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
22 City / 27 Hwy (MPG)
The Gladiator is a relative newcomer here after only returning in 2020, but it’s done well to make its presence known. The 4WD 2022 Jeep Gladiator takes everything that makes the Wrangler great and tacks on a bed. It’s capable off-road and it has enough power to bring a camper with it into the wilderness. Under the hood is either a standard 3.6L V6 or a 3.0L diesel V6 engine and shoppers get the choice between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Towing maxes out at 7,650 pounds when properly equipped and the diesel engine generates some of the best fuel economy numbers of the mid-sized trucks. Gladiators feature an interior that’s made to get dirty, partly due to the removable doors and roof that lets the elements in. The available tech in this Jeep could benefit from some work, a seven-inch infotainment unit is standard with an 8.4-inch one available and the advanced safety features are on available as packages. Jeep does make a Gladiator purchase a bit more alluring though with its three years of complimentary maintenance for unlimited miles.
