Midsize trucks are an affordable alternative to full-size trucks, while still offering ample capability and off-road prowess. They can also be fuel-efficient and easier to park both on the street and in the garage. While there aren’t a huge number of models in this segment, there are several great choices.
Here are six of the best used midsize trucks you’ll find for less than $20,000.
1. 2013 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma continues to be the best-selling midsize pickup truck in America. On our budget, look for a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. This truck is very capable off-road, has excellent towing and payload capacity to get the job done, and has a decent ride around town. It has also received a lot of attention in the aftermarket world, so there are plenty of products out there for camping and off-roading, or for performance or style. Its excellent resale value and reputation for reliability also make the Tacoma a solid choice. See used 2013 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you
2. 2018 Nissan Frontier
One of the 2018 Nissan Frontier‘s biggest strengths is its relative simplicity. There are two cab styles, two engine choices, two bed lengths, and not a ton of frills. The Frontier is an unassuming truck that does the job, is capable off-road, and can tow up to 6,500 pounds when equipped with the available 4.0-liter V6 engine. There were relatively few significant mechanical changes between the 2005 and 2019 model years, so there are plenty of trucks to choose from and available parts. If you want to up your off-road game, there’s the 2-wheel-drive Desert Runner or the 4-wheel-drive PRO-4X, which adds an off-road-tuned heavy-duty suspension, Bilstein shocks, skidplates, an electronic locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires. See used 2018 Nissan Frontier models for sale near you
3. 2019 Ford Ranger
The first examples of the Ranger’s return to the U.S. market are just starting to get into the sub-$20,000 price range. We really like what the 2019 Ford Ranger offers, namely excellent payload and towing capacity, a potent turbocharged engine, and impressive connectivity and safety features. Keep in mind that examples you find at this price point will likely be high-mileage work trucks and/or the snug extended cab models, but that you can find this generation Ranger for less than $20,000 is impressive in itself. See used 2019 Ford Ranger models for sale near you
4. 2014 Honda Ridgeline
There was a 2-year gap between generations of the Ridgeline, so at this price point, you can choose from a wide range of 2014 models or a few 2017 models. We expect you’ll have an easier time finding a 2014 Honda Ridgeline for under $20,000. This isn’t a traditional truck, as it uses unibody construction, but it serves many of the same needs. It has an open truck bed and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. While it is a mild off-roader and all-wheel drive is optional, the Ridgeline offers SUV-like comfort, ride, and handling that no other truck can touch. There are also cool features like a hidden storage compartment under the bed and a tailgate that opens the traditional way or can swing open like a door. It is also known for its reliability. See used 2014 Honda Ridgeline models for sale near you
5. 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado marked the second year of the all-new generation that returned after a 2-year hiatus. It can tow up to 7,700 pounds, comes with a choice of extended or crew cabs, a 5- or 6-foot bed, and either rear- (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). This was also the first year a diesel option was offered, but in this price range, you’re more likely to find one of the two gas engines. The Colorado is more refined and more efficient than other body-on-frame trucks in this segment. We found several LT models in this price range. That trim level includes niceties like an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and cruise control. See used 2016 Chevrolet Colorado models for sale near you
6. 2016 GMC Canyon
Much like its Chevrolet brethren, the 2016 GMC Canyon is capable, rugged, and comes with a choice of cabs and bed lengths. It also was available with a diesel starting in 2016. Slightly more upscale, the Canyon’s biggest differences are in its sharp, squared-off styling and unique interior cues. While you can get the most towing capacity with the diesel engine, in this price range most of the trucks you find will either have the fuel-efficient base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, which is good for up to 27 mpg, or the 305-horsepower V6 — which allows for a 7,000-pound towing capacity yet still gets up to 25 mpg on the highway. We found several top-of-the-line SLE trims for under $20,000. See used 2016 GMC Canyon models for sale near you
6 Best Used Midsize Trucks Under $20,000
- 2013 Toyota Tacoma
- 2018 Nissan Frontier
- 2019 Ford Ranger
- 2014 Honda Ridgeline
- 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2016 GMC Canyon
