2024 Nissan Frontier King Cab

The Chevrolet Colorado and its GMC Canyon twin received thorough overhauls for the 2023 model year. These included fresh looks, new turbo four-cylinder powertrains and more advanced infotainment tech. A 7,700-pound tow rating — about 1,000 pounds more than the Frontier's max capacity — remains consistent, though, and helps keep the Colorado/Canyon near the top of the midsize truck rankings. The GM twins and Frontier are pretty evenly matched on power, although the Colorado delivers more low-end punch thanks to its turbo engine.

The Ford Ranger is fully redesigned for 2024, with much-needed updates that should make it a strong midsize pickup contender. A new V6 engine delivers a hearty 315 hp, there's more advanced infotainment, and new chassis and suspension settings promise a more comfortable and controlled ride. We haven't driven one yet, but the slate of upgrades alone sounds like enough to vault the Ranger in front of the Frontier.

Like the Ranger, the Tacoma undergoes a thorough transformation for 2024. While the Frontier recently had the edge on the last-generation Tacoma — smoother ride, more responsive transmission, better brakes — the forthcoming Tacoma is likely to resume its standing as one of today's top midsize pickups. Suspension updates, a switch to more powerful, efficient turbo engines, and even a hybrid option promise to make the Tacoma less of a daily-driven compromise. And the Toyota's towing capacity will be similar to the Frontier's.