Shopping for a Toyota Tacoma? Consider These 3 Alternatives

Chevy, Ford and Honda offer their own compelling midsize pickup trucks

written by David Gluckman
edited by Greg Migliore
8/15/2026
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What's new: Toyota's Tacoma continues to be a popular midsize truck.
Why it matters: There are other pickups in this category worth considering as well.
Edmunds says: Check out options from Chevy, Ford and Honda before deciding on a Tacoma.

Some people know which midsize truck they're going to buy based on the emblem on the tailgate. Those who aren't locked into a brand have a lot of choices, including the Toyota Tacoma, which is the only midsize pickup to offer a hybrid powertrain. But there are other attractive options, and we think these picks from the top of our rankings are worth a look before you finalize the purchase decision.

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Ford Ranger

Price range (with destination): $35,245-$58,965
Edmunds Rating: 7.1 (out of 10)

The Ranger is our top-rated midsize pickup for a few reasons. First off, it has a more comfortable ride than its body-on-frame competitors, such as the Tacoma and the Chevy Colorado. Second, it's more comfortable than those trucks. Some buyers might also be drawn to the Ford's available V6 engine, the only one offered in this segment, but we recommend skipping it, as the performance bump isn't big. In Edmunds' testing, a V6 Ranger went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, just a half-second quicker than the less powerful four-cylinder model.

Another tip: Don't let the top of the price range scare you. That's the cost for the Ranger Raptor, a high-powered off-road special that has no real equal in the segment. It combines a more powerful V6 with plenty of off-road gear and interior upgrades. You probably also don't need that, but it's pretty great.

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Honda Ridgeline

Price range (with destination): $42,290-$49,390
Edmunds Rating: 6.7 (out of 10)

Honda has a different approach to the midsize pickup. Its Ridgeline uses a unibody structure like a car or a less hardcore SUV. This brings with it better road manners, easier maneuverability and an even smoother ride than the Ranger. You do sacrifice some towing capacity compared to the leaders of the pack, though the Honda's 5,000-pound limit is enough for many recreational toys and small campers. You're also not going to get as far off-road without a true four-wheel-drive system, but skipping gear like that helps the Ridgeline stay comfortable and focused on more urban environments — which, let's be honest, is where most trucks live out their lives.

The unibody design also allows for a spacious interior, with a big center console, plenty of smaller cubbies and standard storage under the rear seats. The Ridgeline's other trick is its two-way tailgate; it can flop down like on other trucks or swing to the side, allowing you easier access to the bed's contents. And there's a lockable compartment below the bed floor that's equipped with a drain so you can use it as a cooler. Tailgating, anyone?

Chevy Colorado

Price range (with destination): $34,495-$52,795
Edmunds Rating: 6.8 (out of 10)

Chevrolet's smallest pickup offers a pleasing blend of toughness and ease of use. The Colorado's rugged looks are backed up by solid performance and varying levels of off-road capability depending on trim and options. And it doesn't feel too trucky from behind the wheel, with a well-mannered transmission and easy steering. Inside, the Chevy has an intuitive infotainment system, plus a full set of physical controls for the climate system.

Every Colorado is powered by a 310-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With the right equipment, this Chevy can tow as much as 7,700 pounds, the most of any midsize truck. Its 1,833-pound payload rating is likewise class-leading. With these specs, the Colorado can handle jobs that once required a full-size pickup. Unlike those bigger trucks, there's a good chance the Colorado will fit in your garage.

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by David Gluckman

David has years of experience as a writer and editor for print and digital automotive publications, including Car and Driver and Road & Track. He can parallel-park a school bus, has a spreadsheet listing every vehicle he's ever tested, and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. When not searching for the perfect used car, he can be found sampling the latest gimmicky foodstuffs that America has to offer.

edited by Greg Migliore

Greg Migliore is an accomplished journalist with more than two decades covering the auto industry. He was the editor-in-chief of Autoblog for more than seven years and also served as the editorial director of AutoGuide. He's also been an editor at Automobile and Autoweek magazines. A widely quoted industry expert, he has contributed commentary to Autoline After Hours, NPR, Yahoo Finance and America on the Road. He's a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and the Yale Publishing Course. He is a member of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards jury. When not writing, editing or driving the latest new vehicles, Greg can be seen driving around in his extremely low-mileage 2006 Dodge Charger.

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