What are the Best 2019 Midsize Trucks?
Smaller than a full-size truck, bigger than a crossover, the mid-size pickup market is growing rapidly. The best midsize truck 2019 has towing capacities and payloads almost as high as a full-size model but fits in the garage better and enjoys more fuel economy. Automakers are capitalizing on the demand by nearly doubling the number of units coming off the assembly lines. If you are in the market for a new pickup, here is a list of some of the best small trucks 2019 has to offer and their best features.
2019 Toyota Tacoma
Available in more than 30 configurations, the Toyota Tacoma can meet the needs and wish list of virtually everyone. Although it is aging and does not have some of the tech gadgets of other models, it has the power and stamina to keep up with the younger competitors. This truck is a strong competitor in the mid-size pickup category. Its chunky good looks get a lot of attention on the pavement, and it is an excellent choice for those who want to take off-road excursions.
The EPA combined rating is about 20 mpg, which makes fuel consumption in line with similarly sized trucks. Buyers have the option of an inline 4 or more robust 3.5-liter V-6, with the choice of manual or automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but depending on the trim choice, 4-wheel drive may be mandatory. The towing capacity is also substantial, rated for 6,800 pounds. While it is no match for full-sized trucks, it is respectable in this category.
The blunt front, tall grill, high stance, and sweeping headlights make it, unlike comparable trucks on the road. Big wheel-wells and flared fenders provide a rugged profile. Features such as sharp steering and a car-like dashboard styling set the Tacoma apart from the rest. The infotainment touch screen sits high, along with the switches and control knobs for easy access.
The low roofline and high floor combine for cabin space that is often a bit cramped, especially in the back seats. The lack of a driver’s height adjustment and legs-out driving position make it feel more like a sports car interior than a truck. For some, the significant amount of standard and optional safety gear can be more of a priority than headspace.
2019 GMC Canyon
Diverse power train options lead the pack on Chevy’s 2019 Canyon. Although it is a mid-sized truck, the 19-foot length is no midget. Depending on your choice for the cab, the bed is a short 5-foot-2 or a generous 6-foot-2. Engine options help customize the Canyon, from the standard 2.5-liter inline-4 and 3.6-liter V-6 to the turbodiesel 2.8-liter inline-4.
Diesel delivers up to 30 mpg and a towing capacity topping out at more than 7,500 pounds, making it an ideal choice for hauling your favorite toys, from the family quads to your boat or fifth-wheel. If you are heading to backcountry roads, the all-terrain package is a must.
This is the first re-design since 2015. Trim levels range from nearly utilitarian to luxurious with car-like options. The dashboard keeps the controls up high for easy control access. While the lower end of the range strives for simplicity, the high-end options offer impressive faux wood trim and leather upholstery.
The standard power seat, locks, and windows are in the SL. Once you step up to the SLE, the options become more diverse and plentiful, including a bigger infotainment screen with optional cloud-based navigation, alloy wheels, and heated seats. Rear parking sensors and a high-def rearview camera are just the beginning of the tech options.
2019 Nissan Frontier
If you love retro styling with impressive performance, the Nissan Frontier may be just what you’re looking for. Although fuel economy is a bit below others in this category, taking its gruff 4.0-liter V-6 option gives you enough torque power through virtually any weather and off-road situation. There is a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine available, but it lacks the style and strength of the V-6.
The front bumper curves inward for better approach angles on backcountry trails and fire roads. The ride is a bit busy and bouncy as a result of the short wheelbase, but it handles well on the pavement with firm steering and a controlled body lean. Most features, including power windows and locks, are optional upgrades, which can help you get a base model for a modest price.
The Pro-4X option with part-time four-wheel drive and locking rear differential was made for off-road performance. If you plan to tow, the V-6 is rated to 6,710 pounds, making it comparable to others on the list. The inline-4 can get you about 3,500 pounds. Base features are few, but with the upgrades, you can get tinted windows, alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and more.
2019 Honda Ridgeline
When you need a vehicle for everyday errands, but a crossover isn’t quite enough, check out the Honda Ridgeline. Regardless of whether you choose the front or all-wheel drive option, the engine is Honda’s 3.5liter V-6, with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy is in the 18 to 22 mpg range, which is similar to most trucks here. it uses the same underpinnings as the Pilot, which means it sits lower than others in the mid-size category. On the upside, the ride is smoother and more controlled than most trucks. The tradeoff is a lower towing capacity and fewer off-road capabilities.
The interior is more refined than most trucks, resembling its crossover cousin. The soft-touch materials, easy to read controls, and wide instrument panel paired with ample storage areas and a spacious cabin make it more comfortable as well. Up front, the 10-way adjustable drivers’ seat and four-way passenger seat offer personalized comfort while rear passengers enjoy more space than its rivals. Top of the line features include Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio, fold up rear seats, keyless ignition, and intelligent traction management. Overall the Ridgeline is rugged on the outside and cushy on the inside.
2019 Chevy Colorado
With powerful engine choices, and a mid-range size, not only is this a comfortable daily ride, but it also has all-star off-road capabilities. From carpools to towing, the Chevy Colorado is the best small pickup truck for versatility. As with most mid-sized trucks, there is a base model with a 2.5-liter inline-4, which is adequate for tooling around town, but the V-6 is much more powerful and comes with a slick 8-speed automatic transmission.
If you are planning to haul regularly, the 2.8-liter turbodiesel has only 181 horsepower, but 369 pounds-per-foot of torque for reliable performance. The Trailering Equipment package is required to get the most towing bang for your buck. However, the trailer sway control is standard on all models. Add the optional AutoTrac system for handling any surface. The ZR2 has a wider stance, raised suspension, and 31-inch all terrain tires for a stable, dependable off-road machine.
The cab’s interior is spacious in the front with options for remote start, heated seats, a large touchscreen with navigation, moonroof, and Bose audio. Changes between the 2018 and 2019 models are minimal and include an HD backup camera, 7.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen, rear USB ports, and a 6-way power driver’s seat. The Colorado has forward-collision warnings and lane-assist available on the LT. There is also a variety of driver assistance equipment on the RTL-E and Black edition.
2019 Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger, missing in action since 2011, makes a statement in its 2019 return to the small to midsize truck arena. It has been updated and improved, with the latest tech, a fortified frame, and 1,860-pound haul capacity in the bed. Spacious enough for a family of four, yet more compact than an F-150, the Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup that tows, offers a wide range of options to haul, yet still leaves plenty of room in the garage.
The 2.3-liter turbo 4- and 10-speed automatic transmission has good fuel economy, and with 310 pounds-per-foot of torque, it’s rated to tow up to 7,500 pounds. Knob actuated, and part-time four-wheel drive is optional, with rear-wheel drive standard. The Terrain Management System offers multiple off-road settings, from snow and grass to gravel and adjusts ABS, traction control, and stability settings automatically.
The four-wheel drive models have 8.9 inches of clearance, while the two-wheel option has 8.4 inches. The FX 4 package gives you some off-road traction control and a crawl system for 1 mph to 20 mph towing speeds. The Ranger has a smoother ride and more car-like precision than many competitors for a less bouncy ride. Bluetooth, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, power windows, and locks, as well as a USB port, are standard. Premium packages give you the option for power mirrors, locking rear differential, cruise control, and keyless entry.
The touchscreen, satellite radio, and a few other tech gadgets are available for an additional fee on the XLT. What the Ford lacks in infotainment tech, it makes up for in safety gear. The automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is standard. An upgrade can get you blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control on any configuration you choose.
2019 Jeep Gladiator
The new Gladiator is Wrangler in the front and cargo-bed in the back. It picks up where the Comanche left off in the 1990s. This mid-year addition to the Jeep family just became available in April 2019. Whether you choose the low-frills, the fashionable or the eminently capable, each trim offers 3.6-liter V-6, 285-horsepower engine. It has trail-rated capabilities and undeniable Jeep character, with a dose of utility. Options are for a 6-speed manual with part-time four-wheel drive or the 8-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy is at the low end of the ratings, at 19 mpg, but when properly equipped, it can tow 7,650 pounds.
The wider grills slots improve engine cooling, while the high ground clearance and solid axles provide dependable off-road performance. This rig is meant for off-roading, and its performance echoes that by coming up a bit short on paved roads. For serious off-roaders, the Sport S has a higher suspension, wider axles, quick disconnect sway bars, 33-inch tires, and several other features.
While the features are sparse on the base models, packages offer options that border on lavish. Controls sit high on the dashboard and touchscreens are available in 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch. The wheel-base is longer than the Wrangler, which gives passengers more leg room. A cold-weather package adds heated front seats and steering wheel.
Safety gear is available in two optional packages. Buyers must purchase the first, which includes blind spot monitors, LED tail lights, and rear parking sensors to get the second with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
Experience the Chevy Difference
So far, 2019 has proven to be a competitive landscape when it comes to the best mid-sized trucks on the road. The only way to decide which one is right for you is to test drive the models themselves. Find your nearest Chevy dealership in the Phoenix area to experience the 2019 Chevy Colorado difference for yourself and see why it’s the best mid-size pickup in its class.
