Midsize trucks are the smallest pickup truck class currently sold in the United States. We call them “midsize” because…well, no one wants to buy a “compact” truck.
Midsize trucks use less powerful engines than their full-size peers, and generally offer reduced towing capacity. But they are also nimbler and better-suited for recreational off-roading, which happens to be one of the most popular and profitable trends in the automotive market right now.
After abandoning the midsize market en masse earlier this decade due to poor sales, American manufacturers have jumped back in recently. Ford rejoined just this year with the Ranger, while FCA did so with the Jeep Gladiator. (Toyota, Nissan and Honda, meanwhile, have stuck around the market for years.) As a result, midsize trucks have become the hottest segment in the American automotive industry not involving the words “sport” or “utility.”
Midsize Truck Terminology
Aftermarket: Parts and accessories manufactured by a third party.
Body-on-frame: A traditional truck platform in which the body is mounted onto the chassis. This construction is heavier than unibody building used for cars, and perceived as more durable for off-roading.
Bro Truck: A truck that has been lifted and modified heavily with off-roading gear, for fashion rather than for function.
Crew Cab: A Full four-door cab with sedan-like interior room.
Extended Cab: A four-seater cab, but with smaller rear doors and a reduced back seat.
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. Parts and accessories produced by and for the manufacturer.
Payload: The amount of weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers and cargo.
Snorkel: A device that raises the air intake level to permit traveling through deep water. It performs the same function as a human snorkel. (Mostly, it just looks cool.)
Taco: Nickname for the Tacoma.
Towing Capacity: The amount of weight a vehicle can tow.
Unibody: This is the construction type used by crossovers and cars where the body and chassis are a singular unit. It allows the car to be lighter and improves on-road ride quality.
TRD: A.k.a. “Toyota Racing Development.” This is Toyota’s in-house tuning company. They do off-road tuning on the Tacoma. The “TRD Sport” is more of an appearance package, while the “TRD Off-Road” and “TRD Pro” have off-road upgrades.
Buying Guide
Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma is the benchmark for the midsize segment, in perception if not performance. With stellar off-road capability, sharp looks and Toyota build quality, the Tacoma is unfailingly popular with off-roaders, outdoors enthusiasts and many others who fall under the loose designation of “bro.” It’s the best-selling midsize truck by far, and it has the best resale value of any vehicle in the U.S.
