Top Five Midsize Trucks That Fit in the Garage

The midsize truck segment has exploded in popularity during the last decade as the demand for fuel-efficient pickups increases. Not only do they save you money at the pump, but they’re also traditionally cheaper to purchase and easier to drive in traffic congested urban areas. Here’s a list of the top five midsize trucks that can not only squeeze into the tight parking spaces at the grocery store, but also fit perfectly in your home garage.

2020 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is the top midsize truck if you’re looking for off-road capability. In ZR2 trim, the Colorado transforms into a miniature Ford Raptor competitor with its factory-installed lift, Multimatic DSSV shocks, and front and rear locking differentials.

The Colorado also provides best-in-class fuel economy and exceptional towing capability when paired with the available 2.8L turbo-diesel engine. Rated at 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, the Duramax-equipped Colorado can yield up to 19-mpg city/28-mpg highway and tow up to 7,700 pounds.

·  Extended Cab length (6’2” box)- 212.7 inches   

·  Crew Cab length (5’2” box)- 212.7 inches

·  Crew Cab length (6’2” box)- 224.9 inches

2020 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is perhaps the best overall midsize truck on the market offering a one-size fits all approach. Sure, there are different trim levels offering different levels of luxury and features, but you don’t have to sacrifice diminished towing capabilities like you would if you opt for the Colorado ZR2—or subpar acceleration in a Duramax-equipped Colorado. Both are great trucks for their respective needs (unparalleled off-road performance in the ZR2 and class-leading fuel-efficiency and max towing capabilities in the Duramax), but they are not the well-rounded performer the Ford Ranger is.

With its 270-horsepower, 310-lb-ft of torque 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, the Ranger delivers an impressive 21-mpg city and 26-mpg highway fuel economy rating and a 7,500-pound max towing capacity when properly equipped.

·  SuperCab length (6’0” bed)- 210.8 inches

·  SuperCrew length (5’0” bed)- 210.8 inches

2020 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma has been the best selling midsize truck for more than a decade, and it’s no surprise why. The Tacoma offers uncompromised reliability from its tried-and-true 3.5L V6 with respectable fuel-efficiency figures (up to 18-mpg city/23 mpg highway) and adequate power to tow and haul with its 6,800-pound max rating.

In TRD Pro guise, the Tacoma rivals the Colorado ZR2 as the best off-road performer in the segment. Fitted with aggressive skid plates, FOX Internal Bypass shocks and a host of functional off-road equipment, you’ll soon discover that the Tacoma TRD Pro knows no boundaries. 

·  Access Cab Length (6-foot bed)- 212.3 inches

·  Double Cab Length (5-foot bed)- 212.3 inches

·  Double Cab Length (6-foot bed)- 225.5 inches

2020 Honda Ridgeline

Next to the diesel-powered Chevy Colorado, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline offers the next best fuel-efficiency in its class. With up to an EPA-estimated 19-mpg city and 26-mpg highway, the Ridgeline delivers sedan-like fuel efficiency with the increased capability of pickup trucks that buyers demand.

As the only midsize truck to ride on a unibody chassis, the Ridgeline also delivers sharper handling and a smoother ride than its competitors.

·  Double Cab length (5’4” bed)- 210.0 inches

Nissan Frontier

Similar to the Ford Ranger, the 2020 Nissan Frontier is a surprising all-around performer that many buyers overlook when shopping midsize pickups. With a powerful 310-horsepower 3.8L V6 engine, max towing capacity of 6,720 pounds and fuel economy ratings of up to 18-mpg city and 24-mpg highway, the 2020 Frontier can do it all.

The midsize Nissan features a full-length, fully boxed ladder frame that supports a 1460-pound max payload capacity, making it an ideal choice for hauling heavy loads. The 2020 Frontier is available in 4×4 with an electronic locking rear-differential—resulting in confidence-inspiring off-road performance.

·  King Cab length (6’1” bed)- 205.5 inches

·  Crew Cab length (5’0” bed)- 205.5 inches

·  Crew Cab Long Bed length (6’1” bed)- 219.4 inches

Interested in learning more about the best trucks on the market? Check out our list of the top five used trucks that last the longest.