Top 10 Mid-Size Pickup Trucks 2021 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

For the 2021 model year, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is our Best Overall mid-size pickup at a Starting MSRP of $34,565, thanks to its bulletproof reliability reputation, capable off-road hardware, strong resale, and a 278-hp V6 that tows up to 6,800 lb. Our Best Value pick is the 2021 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab at a Starting MSRP of $28,070, which undercuts nearly every rival while delivering a stout 310-hp V6 and roughly 6,700 lb of towing — the most horsepower-per-dollar in the segment for 2021.

Across the class, the Chevrolet Colorado earns the towing crown (up to 7,700 lb with the Duramax diesel), the Jeep Gladiator owns the open-air off-road niche, and the Honda Ridgeline wins on everyday ride comfort. Read on for all ten 2021 picks, real specs, and a decision tree.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six factors, drawing on published figures and road tests from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, TFLtruck, U.S. News, the EPA, and the IIHS:

• Capability and towing — 20%: max tow rating, payload, axle options.
• Off-road and versatility — 20%: 4WD hardware, lockers, ground clearance, bed utility.
• Powertrain and efficiency — 20%: horsepower, torque, transmission, EPA MPG.
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%: long-term dependability, resale, maintenance.
• Interior and tech — 10%: infotainment, materials, driver-assist features.
• Price-to-performance — 10%: what the MSRP buys versus rivals.

Every spec below is sourced to the 2021 model year specifically, so it stays distinct from later guides.

1. Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $34,565 | Best for: buyers who want trail capability and class-leading resale

The 2021 Tacoma TRD Off-Road pairs Toyota's 3.5-liter V6 making 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed automatic (or 6-speed manual) and part-time 4WD. Properly equipped, it tows up to 6,800 lb and the V6 earns an EPA rating around 18 city / 22 highway MPG.

The off-road kit adds a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Bilstein shocks, with bed lengths of 5.0 ft or 6.1 ft. Standard Toyota Safety Sense P brings forward-collision warning and lane-departure alert, and the Tacoma's legendary resale value props up ownership economics.

Pros:

• Best resale value in the segment and a deep reliability track record.
• Genuine trail hardware — rear locker, Crawl Control, skid plates.
• 6,800 lb max tow with the V6, strong for the class.
• Huge accessory and aftermarket ecosystem.

Cons:

• Cramped seating position and a low-mounted seat bottom.
• Aging infotainment and middling V6 fuel economy.

Verdict: the most well-rounded mid-size truck of 2021 — capable, durable, and easy to resell.

2. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

Starting MSRP: $42,995 | Best for: serious desert and rock-crawl off-roaders

The 2021 Colorado ZR2 is the most hardcore factory mid-sizer short of a Raptor. It runs a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque (a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel with 186 hp and a massive 369 lb-ft is optional), an 8-speed automatic, and 4WD.

The standout is its front and rear electronic locking differentials plus class-exclusive Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, with a widened track and 2-inch lift. Towing tops out at 5,000 lb in ZR2 trim, payload near 1,100 lb, EPA around 16 city / 18 highway MPG on the V6, and bed length of 5.2 ft.

Pros:

• Dual electronic lockers standard — rare at any price.
• Multimatic DSSV dampers soak up whoops and ruts.
• Diesel option unlocks 369 lb-ft of low-end grunt.
• Widened stance and skid plates ready out of the box.

Cons:

• Towing drops to 5,000 lb versus 7,700 lb in lesser Colorados.
• Pricey and thirsty with the gas V6.

Verdict: the off-road benchmark of the 2021 mid-size class for buyers who actually wheel.

3. Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

Starting MSRP: $44,910 | Best for: open-air adventurers who want a removable top

The 2021 Gladiator Rubicon is the only mid-size truck with a removable roof and doors and a fold-down windshield. Its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic and 4WD. The Rubicon adds front and rear lockers, an electronic sway-bar disconnect, and 33-inch tires.

Max towing reaches 4,000 lb in Rubicon spec (up to 7,650 lb on lighter Sport trims), payload around 1,160 lb, EPA roughly 17 city / 22 highway MPG automatic, and a single 5.0 ft bed.

Pros:

• Removable doors, roof, and folding windshield — unmatched in the class.
• Sway-bar disconnect plus dual lockers for extreme articulation.
• Strongest off-road reputation of any factory truck here.
• Manual transmission still available.

Cons:

• Floaty on-highway manners and wandering steering.
• Rubicon's tow rating drops to 4,000 lb.

Verdict: the off-road icon — buy it for the lifestyle and the trail, not the spreadsheet.

4. Honda Ridgeline RTL-E

Starting MSRP: $42,420 | Best for: families wanting car-like comfort and a clever bed

Refreshed for 2021 with bolder styling and standard AWD, the Ridgeline RTL-E uses a unibody platform that drives like a crossover. Its 3.5-liter V6 delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It tows up to 5,000 lb, carries roughly 1,580 lb of payload, and posts the segment's best gas EPA numbers near 18 city / 24 highway MPG.

The signature In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate add real utility, and the 5.3 ft composite bed resists dents. Honda Sensing safety tech is standard.

Pros:

• Best on-road ride and handling in the 2021 class.
• In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate — genuinely useful.
• Standard AWD and Honda Sensing across the lineup.
• Highest payload here at around 1,580 lb.

Cons:

• Unibody build limits hardcore off-roading.
• No low-range transfer case or locking differential.

Verdict: the comfort and utility champion for buyers who rarely leave pavement.

5. Ford Ranger XLT

Starting MSRP: $29,310 | Best for: towing-focused buyers who want torque and MPG together

The 2021 Ranger XLT punches above its weight with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 270 horsepower and a class-leading 310 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic in RWD or 4WD. It tows a best-in-class 7,500 lb, carries up to 1,860 lb of payload, and earns EPA estimates around 20 city / 24 highway MPG in 4WD.

Bed length is 5.0 ft on SuperCrew or 6.0 ft on SuperCab. The available FX4 and dealer-installed Tremor packages add off-road chops, and Co-Pilot360 safety tech is widely available.

Pros:

• Best-in-class 7,500 lb towing for 2021.
• 310 lb-ft of torque from the turbo four.
• Strong fuel economy for a truck that tows this much.
• Tremor and FX4 packages for off-road duty.

Cons:

• Firm ride and a dated, plasticky cabin.
• Only one engine choice.

Verdict: the tow-and-go pick — big torque and efficiency in one tidy package.

6. Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Starting MSRP: $44,325 | Best for: desert-running enthusiasts who want a turnkey trophy truck

The range-topping 2021 Tacoma TRD Pro keeps the 3.5-liter V6 at 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque but adds 2.5-inch FOX internal-bypass shocks, a 1-inch front lift, TRD-tuned springs, a cat-back exhaust, and a multi-terrain camera system. It runs 4WD with a rear locker, tows up to 6,400 lb, and posts EPA figures near 18 city / 22 highway MPG.

The distinctive TRD Pro styling, sequential LED headlights, and standard Crawl Control make it the most trail-ready Tacoma straight off the lot.

Pros:

• FOX internal-bypass shocks tuned for high-speed desert running.
• Multi-terrain camera and Crawl Control standard.
• Same Toyota resale and durability as the rest of the lineup.
• Unmistakable TRD Pro presence.

Cons:

• Expensive for its size and modest payload.
• Same cramped driving position as cheaper Tacomas.

Verdict: the premium off-road Tacoma — costly, but a proven, turnkey performer.

7. GMC Canyon AT4

Starting MSRP: $40,800 | Best for: buyers wanting off-road gear with an upscale interior

The 2021 Canyon AT4 is GMC's refined take on the Colorado, blending off-road equipment with nicer materials. It comes standard with the 3.6-liter V6 rated at 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed automatic in 4WD, with the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel (186 hp / 369 lb-ft) optional.

Properly configured, the Canyon tows up to 7,700 lb with the V6, payload around 1,500 lb, and the diesel returns EPA figures near 19 city / 24 highway MPG. The AT4 adds a hill descent control, off-road suspension, and red recovery hooks, with 5.2 ft or 6.2 ft beds.

Pros:

• Up to 7,700 lb towing with the V6 — among the best here.
• Diesel option for torque and highway MPG.
• Nicer cabin than the equivalent Colorado.
• AT4 off-road suspension and skid plates.

Cons:

• Costs more than a comparable Colorado for similar hardware.
• Infotainment and active-safety tech feel a step behind.

Verdict: the premium-feeling Colorado — strong towing wrapped in a plusher package.

8. Chevrolet Colorado Z71

Starting MSRP: $36,295 | Best for: value-minded shoppers wanting V6 towing and trail-ready gear

The 2021 Colorado Z71 hits a sweet spot below the ZR2, pairing the 3.6-liter V6 (308 horsepower, 275 lb-ft of torque) and 8-speed automatic with 4WD, an automatic locking rear differential, hill descent control, and an off-road suspension. It tows up to 7,000 lb, carries roughly 1,400 lb of payload, and the V6 earns EPA estimates near 17 city / 24 highway MPG.

Bed lengths are 5.2 ft or 6.2 ft, and the available 2.8-liter Duramax diesel lifts max towing to 7,700 lb with 369 lb-ft of torque.

Pros:

• Up to 7,700 lb towing with the available diesel.
• Automatic locking rear diff and Z71 off-road suspension.
• More trim and engine choices than most rivals.
• Strong value versus the pricier ZR2 and Canyon AT4.

Cons:

• Cabin plastics and seat comfort trail the leaders.
• Some active-safety features cost extra.

Verdict: the value-conscious capability pick — real towing and trail gear without the ZR2 premium.

9. Nissan Frontier SV King Cab 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $28,070 | Best for: shoppers chasing the most horsepower per dollar

The 2021 Frontier SV is the final year of the old-generation truck — but it received a modern 3.8-liter V6 good for a class-leading 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, backed by a 9-speed automatic in RWD or 4WD. Despite its bargain price, it tows up to 6,720 lb, with bed lengths of 6.1 ft (King Cab) or 5.0 ft (Crew Cab).

EPA estimates land near 18 city / 24 highway MPG. The cabin is dated, but the powertrain is brand-new and the price undercuts every rival here.

Pros:

• Most horsepower in the class at 310 hp for the lowest price.
• Up to 6,720 lb towing despite a sub-$30k starting point.
• Brand-new 9-speed and V6 in a proven body.
• Outstanding price-to-performance.

Cons:

• Old-generation interior with minimal tech.
• Few modern driver-assist features.

Verdict: the runaway value of 2021 — modern power and towing at a clearance price.

10. Toyota Tacoma SR5

Starting MSRP: $27,940 | Best for: entry buyers who want Toyota durability on a budget

The 2021 Tacoma SR5 is the volume Tacoma and the most affordable way into the badge with the good engine. Buyers can choose the base 2.7-liter four (159 hp / 180 lb-ft) or, more sensibly, the 3.5-liter V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, in RWD or 4WD with a 6-speed automatic.

V6 trucks tow up to 6,800 lb, with 5.0 ft or 6.1 ft beds and EPA estimates near 18 city / 22 highway MPG. Standard Toyota Safety Sense P and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto round it out.

Pros:

• Cheapest path to Tacoma resale and reliability.
• 6,800 lb tow rating with the optional V6.
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense P and smartphone integration.
• Wide cab, bed, and drivetrain configurations.

Cons:

• Base four-cylinder is underpowered for towing.
• Interior space and ride trail newer rivals.

Verdict: the budget Toyota play — get the V6 and you have a durable workhorse for years.

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

What to Look For When Buying a Mid-Size Truck

• Cab and bed combination: confirm the cab style (extended versus crew) and bed length pairing actually exists on the trim you want — many trucks lock you into one layout.
• Engine choice drives everything: a V6 or turbo four dramatically changes towing, payload, and resale; budget fours are fine for light duty only.
• Real towing versus brochure towing: published maximums often require a specific cab, axle, and trailering package — verify the build sheet.
• 4WD hardware tier: a part-time 4WD system with a rear locker is far more capable than basic AWD if you go off pavement.
• Payload before towing: tongue weight eats into payload; check the door-jamb sticker, not just the headline tow rating.
• Resale and reliability: Toyota and Honda historically hold value best, which lowers true cost of ownership.

One thing that matters less than marketing implies: peak horsepower figures. For a mid-size truck, usable low-end torque, the tow rating, and payload determine how it performs hauling and towing far more than a big headline hp number — the Frontier's 310 hp, for example, doesn't make it tow more than a 270-hp Ranger.

FAQ

Which 2021 mid-size truck tows the most? The Chevrolet Colorado and mechanically related GMC Canyon top the class at up to 7,700 lb with the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel. The Ford Ranger leads gas-only trucks at 7,500 lb.

What is the best value 2021 mid-size pickup? The 2021 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab at about $28,070 offers the most horsepower (310) and roughly 6,720 lb of towing for the lowest price, making it our Best Value pick.

Are mid-size trucks good for off-roading in 2021? Yes. The Colorado ZR2, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, and Tacoma TRD Pro all ship with factory lockers, upgraded dampers, and skid plates ready for serious trails.

Which 2021 mid-size truck is the most reliable? The Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline have the strongest dependability and resale reputations, which is why the Tacoma TRD Off-Road earns our Best Overall nod.

What MPG do 2021 mid-size trucks get? Most land around 18 to 24 highway MPG. The unibody Honda Ridgeline leads gas trucks near 24 highway, and the Duramax diesel Colorado and Canyon also reach roughly 24 highway with far more torque.

Should I buy gas or diesel in a 2021 Colorado or Canyon? Choose the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel if you tow heavy regularly — it adds 369 lb-ft of torque and lifts towing to 7,700 lb. Stick with the gas V6 if you prioritize lower upfront cost and stronger acceleration.

Bottom Line

The 2021 mid-size truck class is the deepest it has been in years, and the right pick depends on how you use it. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road ($34,565) earns Best Overall for blending real trail capability, proven durability, and the best resale in the segment. The Nissan Frontier SV ($28,070) takes Best Value with class-leading horsepower and strong towing at a clearance price.

If towing rules your decision, the Ranger, Colorado, and Canyon lead; if you live off-road, the ZR2, Gladiator Rubicon, and TRD Pro are the sharpest tools; and if comfort matters most, the Honda Ridgeline is in a class of its own. Match the truck to the job and any of these ten will serve for the long haul.

Sources

• Edmunds — 2021 Toyota Tacoma Review and Features & Specs: https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tacoma/2021/review/
• U.S. News — 2021 Toyota Tacoma Review, Pricing & Specs: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/toyota/tacoma/2021
• Edmunds — 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Trims and Specs: https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/colorado/2021/trims/
• Edmunds — 2021 GMC Canyon Specs & Features: https://www.edmunds.com/gmc/canyon/2021/features-specs/
• Edmunds — 2021 Ford Ranger Specs & Features: https://www.edmunds.com/ford/ranger/2021/features-specs/
• Edmunds — 2021 Jeep Gladiator Review & Ratings: https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/gladiator/2021/review/
• U.S. News — 2021 Honda Ridgeline Review, Pricing & Pictures: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/ridgeline/2021
• Edmunds — 2021 Nissan Frontier King Cab Specs & Features: https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/frontier/2021/king-cab/features-specs/
• Kelley Blue Book — 2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Pro Pricing: https://www.kbb.com/toyota/tacoma-double-cab/2021/trd-pro/
• Cars.com — 2021 GMC Canyon Specs, Prices, MPG & Reviews: https://www.cars.com/research/gmc-canyon-2021/
• EPA Fuel Economy — 2021 mid-size pickup ratings: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/

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