Top 10 Mid-Size Pickup Trucks 2022 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2022 model year, the Toyota Tacoma is our Best Overall mid-size pickup at a Starting MSRP of $26,700, thanks to its bulletproof reliability reputation, deep trim range, off-road-ready TRD lineup, and the strongest resale value in the class. Our Best Value pick is the all-new Ford Maverick, a unibody compact pickup that opens at a Starting MSRP of $19,995 with a standard hybrid powertrain rated up to 42 mpg city.

Between those two bookends sits one of the deepest, most varied truck classes of the decade: rugged body-on-frame haulers, refined unibody commuters, and two genuinely new nameplates. The Tacoma wins on the total ownership package, while the Maverick redefines what a cheap, efficient truck can be.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each 2022 mid-size pickup across six categories, drawing real specs and ratings from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), TFLtruck, U.S. News, the IIHS, and EPA fuel-economy data.

• Capability and towing — 20%: max tow rating, payload, and real-world hauling.
• Off-road and versatility — 20%: 4WD systems, ground clearance, bed utility, and trim breadth.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 20%: horsepower, torque, and EPA combined mpg.
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%: brand dependability data and projected resale.
• Interior and tech — 10%: infotainment, materials, and driver-assist features.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: what each dollar of MSRP actually buys.

Scores reflect the 2022 model year specifically, so figures here stay distinct from later-generation guides.

1. Toyota Tacoma 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $26,700 | Best for: Buyers who want maximum resale, proven durability, and serious trail credibility.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma pairs a standard 159-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder with an available 278-hp 3.5-liter V6 making 265 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed automatic or manual. Properly equipped, it tows up to 6,800 lb and carries a payload near 1,685 lb, with EPA economy around 19 city / 24 highway mpg on the V6 4WD.

Available in RWD or 4WD, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro add a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control over five- or six-foot beds. Toyota Safety Sense P (adaptive cruise, lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking) is standard across the line.

Pros:

• Best-in-class resale value and a long reliability track record.
• Deep off-road trim ladder from TRD Sport up to TRD Pro.
• Choice of two beds and three cabs for real configurability.
• Strong V6 towing at up to 6,800 lb.

Cons:

• Aging cabin with a low seating position and modest rear-seat room.
• Mediocre fuel economy versus newer unibody rivals.

Verdict: The Tacoma is not the most modern truck here, but its blend of capability, durability, and resale makes it the safest all-around buy in 2022.

2. Ford Maverick 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $19,995 | Best for: Budget shoppers and city dwellers who want truck utility with car efficiency.

The all-new 2022 Ford Maverick is a unibody compact pickup with a standard 191-hp 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder making 155 lb-ft of torque, EPA-rated at an astonishing 42 city / 33 highway / 37 combined mpg in front-drive form. An optional 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo unlocks AWD and a max tow rating of 4,000 lb with the tow package; the hybrid tows 2,000 lb.

Payload reaches about 1,500 lb in its 4.5-foot Flexbed, which has integrated slots for DIY dividers. The standard 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen and available Co-Pilot360 safety suite round out a remarkably cheap, useful package.

Pros:

• Standard hybrid returning up to 42 mpg city — unmatched in any pickup.
• Sub-$20,000 starting price, the lowest of any 2022 truck.
• Clever Flexbed with DIY tie-down and divider slots.
• Easy-driving unibody that parks like a sedan.

Cons:

• Modest tow and payload limits versus body-on-frame trucks.
• Basic interior materials at the base trim.

Verdict: Nothing else in 2022 delivers this much practicality and efficiency for the money — an easy Best Value crown.

3. Honda Ridgeline

Starting MSRP: $38,240 | Best for: Families who prioritize ride comfort, cargo cleverness, and on-road manners.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline uses a single 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 with 262 lb-ft of torque, a nine-speed automatic, and standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive (no RWD offered). The unibody layout tows up to 5,000 lb and rides far smoother than any body-on-frame rival, with EPA figures around 18 city / 24 highway mpg.

Its standout features are an in-bed trunk and a dual-action tailgate, plus a flat-floor five-foot bed. Honda Sensing — adaptive cruise, lane keeping, collision mitigation braking — is standard, and the cabin borrows SUV-grade comfort.

Pros:

• Best ride quality and handling in the class.
• Lockable in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate.
• Standard AWD and Honda Sensing safety suite.
• Spacious, SUV-like crew cab.

Cons:

• No low-range 4WD or serious off-road hardware.
• One engine choice and a relatively high entry price.

Verdict: The most comfortable, family-friendly truck of 2022, if you can live without true off-road gear.

4. Jeep Gladiator

Starting MSRP: $36,790 | Best for: Off-road purists who want a convertible truck that conquers trails.

The 2022 Jeep Gladiator offers a 285-hp 3.6-liter V6 (260 lb-ft) or a 260-hp 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with a massive 442 lb-ft of torque. The gas V6 tows up to 7,650 lb with the Max Tow package and carries up to 1,700 lb of payload. Every Gladiator is 4WD, and the Rubicon adds locking differentials, a disconnecting sway bar, and 33-inch tires.

It is the only mid-size pickup with removable doors, a folding windshield, and a removable roof, atop a five-foot steel bed.

Pros:

• Class-leading off-road hardware on Rubicon trims.
• Removable doors, roof, and folding windshield.
• Strong 7,650-lb max tow rating with the gas V6.
• Torque-rich EcoDiesel option at 442 lb-ft.

Cons:

• Firm, trail-tuned ride and wandering on-highway feel.
• Pricey once you add the desirable Rubicon gear.

Verdict: Unmatched as an open-air trail machine, the Gladiator trades daily refinement for genuine rock-crawling ability.

5. Chevrolet Colorado

Starting MSRP: $25,900 | Best for: Shoppers who want strong towing and an available diesel at a fair price.

The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado spans a 200-hp 2.5-liter four, a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 with 275 lb-ft, and a 181-hp 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel delivering 369 lb-ft of torque. The V6 tows up to 7,000 lb, while the diesel leads the segment at 7,700 lb. Offered in RWD or 4WD with extended- or crew-cab bodies and five- or six-foot beds, it pairs a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen with available wireless smartphone integration.

Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are available.

Pros:

• Class-best diesel tow rating of 7,700 lb.
• Punchy 308-hp V6 for the money.
• Three engines and multiple bed lengths.
• Sharp price-to-capability ratio.

Cons:

• Dated interior and limited standard safety tech.
• Diesel option carries a steep upcharge.

Verdict: A capable, value-minded hauler whose diesel makes it the towing champ of the class.

6. GMC Canyon

Starting MSRP: $27,200 | Best for: Buyers who want Colorado capability with upscale AT4 styling.

The 2022 GMC Canyon shares its platform and powertrains with the Colorado: a 200-hp 2.5-liter four, a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 (275 lb-ft), and the 181-hp 2.8-liter Duramax diesel with 369 lb-ft. Tow ratings reach 7,000 lb on the V6 and 7,700 lb on the diesel.

The off-road AT4 trim is 4WD-only and adds a locking rear differential, hill descent control, and an Autotrac transfer case. GMC dresses the cabin in nicer materials than the Chevy, with available leather and a 7- or 8-inch infotainment screen.

Pros:

• Premium AT4 trim with real off-road hardware.
• Same strong diesel torque of 369 lb-ft as the Colorado.
• Up to 7,700-lb diesel towing.
• Nicer interior trim than its Chevrolet twin.

Cons:

• Commands a price premium over the Colorado.
• Aging platform and modest standard tech.

Verdict: Essentially a dressier Colorado, the Canyon AT4 is the pick if you want a bit more polish with your capability.

7. Nissan Frontier

Starting MSRP: $28,140 | Best for: Value seekers wanting a modern truck with a strong standard V6.

Fully redesigned for 2022, the Nissan Frontier drops its standard 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 (281 lb-ft of torque) into a tough body-on-frame chassis with a nine-speed automatic. It tows up to 6,720 lb, carries up to 1,610 lb of payload, and returns roughly 18 city / 24 highway mpg in RWD form.

Available in RWD or 4WD, the off-road PRO-4X adds Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. A 9-inch touchscreen and Nissan Safety Shield 360 — automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert — are available.

Pros:

• Standard 310-hp V6, the most powerful base engine here.
• Bold new styling inside and out.
• Capable PRO-4X off-road trim.
• Strong value for a fully redesigned truck.

Cons:

• Only one engine and one cab style at launch.
• Middling fuel economy from the big V6.

Verdict: A genuinely modern Frontier with class-leading base power makes a compelling, well-priced all-rounder.

8. Ford Ranger

Starting MSRP: $25,500 | Best for: Towing-focused buyers who want a strong turbo and high max tow.

The 2022 Ford Ranger runs a single 270-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four making 310 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic. Despite its small displacement, it tows up to 7,500 lb with the trailer tow package and returns about 21 city / 26 highway mpg in RWD trim.

Offered in RWD or 4WD with SuperCab or SuperCrew bodies, the FX4 package adds skid plates, off-road tuning, and Trail Control. Ford Co-Pilot360 brings automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera as standard.

Pros:

• Torque-rich EcoBoost with a 7,500-lb max tow.
• Efficient turbo-four for its capability.
• Smooth 10-speed automatic.
• Available FX4 off-road package.

Cons:

• Firm ride and a cabin that trails newer rivals.
• Only one powertrain and a single bed length.

Verdict: A strong tower with an efficient turbo, the Ranger is the capability pick for buyers who haul often.

9. Hyundai Santa Cruz

Starting MSRP: $23,990 | Best for: Lifestyle buyers wanting a sporty, car-like truck with available turbo power.

The all-new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unibody pickup sharing its bones with the Tucson SUV. The base 191-hp 2.5-liter four (181 lb-ft) pairs with an eight-speed automatic; the optional 281-hp 2.5-liter turbo (311 lb-ft of torque) gets an eight-speed dual-clutch and standard AWD.

Turbo AWD models tow up to 5,000 lb, and the truck returns about 22 mpg combined in turbo form. Offered in FWD or AWD with a lockable 4.3-foot bed, it bundles Hyundai SmartSense — forward collision avoidance, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring — as standard.

Pros:

• Quick available turbo with 311 lb-ft of torque.
• Lowest entry price of any non-Maverick truck here.
• Car-like handling and an SUV-grade cabin.
• Standard active safety suite.

Cons:

• Smallest bed in the group at 4.3 feet.
• Turbo and AWD push the price up quickly.

Verdict: A stylish, easy-driving alternative for buyers who value pavement manners over rugged hauling.

10. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Starting MSRP: $42,600 | Best for: Hardcore off-roaders wanting a factory desert-and-rock runner.

The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the off-road flagship, available with the 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 (275 lb-ft) or the 181-hp 2.8-liter Duramax diesel at 369 lb-ft of torque. Both versions tow up to 5,000 lb. The ZR2 is 4WD-only and adds Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, a 2-inch lift, 3.5-inch wider track, and 31-inch tires for serious trail and high-speed desert duty.

Skid plates, rock sliders, and an 8-inch touchscreen complete the hardware.

Pros:

• Multimatic DSSV dampers for trail and desert use.
• Front and rear locking differentials standard.
• Available diesel torque of 369 lb-ft.
• Genuine factory off-road capability.

Cons:

• Highest price in this guide and a reduced 5,000-lb tow rating.
• Aggressive tires and lift hurt on-road quietness.

Verdict: The most trail-capable Colorado, the ZR2 is a purpose-built off-roader for buyers who put dirt over daily comfort.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Mid-Size Truck

• Tow and payload ratings: confirm the trim and package you want actually hits the number you need; max ratings often require an extra tow package.
• Cab and bed combination: crew cabs trade bed length for back-seat room, so match the layout to your real cargo and passenger mix.
• Drivetrain: AWD unibody trucks ride best on pavement, while low-range 4WD body-on-frame rigs handle serious trails.
• Powertrain: turbo-fours and hybrids sip fuel, V6s and diesels pull hard — pick for how you actually drive.
• Total ownership cost: factor resale value, fuel economy, and brand reliability, not just the sticker price.
• Safety tech: check whether automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring are standard or optional on your trim.

One thing that matters less than marketing implies: peak horsepower. For most owners, usable low-end torque, a comfortable ride, and proven reliability shape daily satisfaction far more than a big headline power figure.

FAQ

What is the best mid-size truck for 2022 overall? The Toyota Tacoma earns our Best Overall pick for 2022 on the strength of its reliability, resale value, off-road trim breadth, and broad cab-and-bed configurability, even though its cabin is no longer the newest in the class.

Which 2022 mid-size pickup is the best value? The Ford Maverick is the clear value champion. It starts under $20,000, includes a standard hybrid powertrain rated up to 42 mpg city, and still offers a useful Flexbed and up to 4,000 lb of towing with the EcoBoost.

Which 2022 mid-size truck tows the most? The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon diesel lead the class at 7,700 lb, followed closely by the Jeep Gladiator at 7,650 lb and the Ford Ranger at 7,500 lb.

Are unibody trucks like the Maverick and Santa Cruz real trucks? Yes — they tow up to 4,000 to 5,000 lb and carry real payload, but they prioritize ride comfort and efficiency over the extreme towing and off-road durability of body-on-frame rivals.

Which 2022 mid-size pickup is best for off-roading? For hardcore trail use, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon lead with locking differentials and serious suspension, while the Tacoma TRD Pro and Frontier PRO-4X balance trail ability with daily usability.

Which 2022 mid-size truck gets the best fuel economy? The Ford Maverick Hybrid is far and away the efficiency leader at an EPA-rated 42 mpg city and 37 mpg combined, well beyond any V6 or diesel rival in the segment.

Bottom Line

The 2022 mid-size truck class is the most varied it has been in years. If you want one truck that does everything well and holds its value, the Toyota Tacoma is the safest Best Overall choice at a Starting MSRP of $26,700. If your priority is stretching every dollar, the Ford Maverick is the runaway Best Value at a Starting MSRP of $19,995 with hybrid efficiency no rival can touch.

From there, match the truck to the job: diesel Colorado or Canyon for towing, Gladiator or Colorado ZR2 for the trail, Ridgeline or Santa Cruz for comfort, and Frontier or Ranger for strong, modern all-rounders. Buy the configuration that fits your real-world use, and any of these ten will serve you well.

Sources

• Car and Driver — 2022 mid-size pickup reviews and specifications.
• MotorTrend — 2022 Toyota Tacoma, Ford Maverick, and Frontier coverage.
• Edmunds — 2022 Tacoma, Colorado, Canyon, and Ranger features and specs.
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — 2022 Ridgeline, Gladiator, and Santa Cruz pricing.
• U.S. News & World Report — 2022 mid-size truck performance and rankings.
• TFLtruck — 2022 truck towing and off-road testing.
• IIHS — 2022 mid-size pickup crash-test ratings.
• EPA fuel-economy ratings (fueleconomy.gov) — 2022 mid-size truck mpg data.
• Cars.com — 2022 Frontier, Ranger, and Santa Cruz specifications.
• Motor1 — 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 and Santa Cruz pricing coverage.

*Mid-size truck review — mid-size truck reviews, rating, best mid-size pickup 2022, and a review of the top compact truck picks for buyers.*