Even though mid-range pickup trucks can all carry much more than half a ton, they are classified as mid-range because they have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of less than 6,500 pounds.[1] Mid-range pickup trucks bridge the gap between family vehicle and works vehicle. Most are a good version of one while comfortably being able to act as the other. Features run from the most basic workhorse to luxury vehicles that are also great for off-roading.
1. 2022 Ford Maverick
Average starting price – $21,836
Ideal as a city-friendly fun family pickup rather than a heavy work truck, the Ford Maverick is the smallest and cheapest pickup on the market. Affordable, compact and fuel-efficient[2], its standard hybrid engine is estimated to deliver 30 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG in the city. Style-wise it’s a four-door crew cab body with seating for five and plenty of cubbyholes. The bed is highly customizable to suit any lifestyle. Included in all models are forward collision warning, pedestrian warning, brake assist and remote keyless entry. 3-year warranty.
2. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado
Average starting price – $25,702
A mid-size truck with a comfortable ride for four, the Colorado has powerful V6 and high-torque diesel engines that deliver 24 MPG on the highway and 17 MPG in the city. Sadly, its plasticky interior and minimal standard safety tech let it down but every model has the option of two or four-wheel drive. This truck has easy maneuverability and a comfortable ride, while some models offer off-road capability that outshines many 4×4 trucks. Included in all models are Apple CarPlay, infotainment system and Bluetooth. 3-year warranty.
3. 2022 Ford Ranger
Average starting price – $26,776
Best described as capable and functional, this solid midsize truck suffers from a dated interior and a bouncy ride but offers a nimble drive, quick acceleration and impressive fuel economy with 24 MPG on the highway and 20 MPG in the city. A four-seater, its strong points are its hauling and towing capability. All models include pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, brake assist and remote engine start. 3-year warranty.
4. 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Average starting price – $26,791
A great example of a part pickup truck part crossover, the Santa Cruz has a high output turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive that delivers 27 MPG on the highway and 21 MPG in the city. This adventure sports vehicle copes with urban and rural terrains equally well and comfortably seats five. Rech-loving drives will appreciate the large interface screens. All models include hill descent assist, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, brake assist and lane keep assist. 5-year warranty.
5. 2022 GMC Canyon
Average starting price – $28,024
A decently priced truck that offers some of the biggest range of configurations and features, including choice of engine and extended cab model.The Canyon is a good family choice as its comprehensive infotainment package is bang up-to-date. Delivering 25 MPG on the highway and 19 MPG in the city, it has an upscale interior and high tow rating. All models include power trunk/liftgate, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. 3-year warranty.
6. 2022 Toyota Tacoma
Average starting price – $28, 942
If durability and safety are your major concern, the Tacoma delivers. It is, however, not so impressive on fuel economy and mileage – 23 MPG on the highway and 20 MPG in the city. Another pickup that offers a diverse array of configurations, most models offer good off-road capability. Favoring function over form, the interior is not the most appealing. All models include pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and brake assist. 3-year warranty.
7. 2022 Ram 1500 Classic
Average starting price – $30,982
Designed more as a work vehicle than a family truck, the Ram 1500 is a three-seater. It doesn’t offer much configuration choice as some others but it delivers as a fully capable vehicle at the bigger end of mid-size trucks. Four-wheel drive is standard and the Ram 1500 has good off-road capabilities. The technology is not the most current but with 25 MPG on the highway and 17 MPG in the city, it makes a solid and reliable choice as a work vehicle. All models include fog lamps, brake assist and Bluetooth. 3-year warranty.
8. 2022 Nissan Frontier
Average starting price – $31,118
The Frontier delivers 310 horsepower which is unrivaled in mid-size pickup trucks. A four-seater, it has great family appeal thanks to its attractive body style, comfortable front seats, roomy back seats and large-screen infotainment system. Tech-loving drivers will appreciate the wide array of driver-assist safety tech(although most are optional extras).Fuel capacity is 245 MPG on the highway and 18 MPG in the city. All models include forward collision warning, pedestrian warning, brake assist and keyless ignition. 3-year warranty.
9. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD
Average starting price – $32,793
Not the best in fuel consumption with 20 MPG on the highway and 15 MPG in the city, the Silverado is a workhorse of a mid-size pickup truck that also works well as a casual off-roader thanks to the sophisticated turbocharged engine. The spacious cabin may feel comfortable but it is rather dated. Lacks on the infotainment front and the ride is somewhat bouncy. All models include brake assist, Bluetooth and start/stop system. 3-year warranty.
10. 2022 Ford F-150
Average starting price – $31,791
The current best-selling full-size truck has a wide range of configurations. The Ford F-150 boasts the highest payload and highest towing ratings of any full-size light-duty truck. A three-seater, the F-150 has multiple engine options excluding a diesel option but including a fuel-efficient hybrid and an electric version. Fuel figures estimate 22 MPG on the highway and 19 MPG in the city. All models include pedestrian warning, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and remote engine start, and a 3-year warranty.
References:
[1] https://www.motorbiscuit.com/are-full-size-pickup-trucks-actually-bigger-than-midsize-models/
[2] https://vegascash4cars.com/vegas-cash-4-cars-blog/what-is-fuel-efficiency-and-why-is-it-important/#:~:text=At%20its%20most%20fundamental%2C%20fuel,fuel%2Defficient%20the%20vehicle%20is.