The Toyota Tacoma is known as the king of midsize trucks – and for good reason. In 2024 alone, Toyota moved over 190,000 units. With its legendary reliability, off-road capability, and strong resale value, it’s easy to see why people love it. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. If you’re in the market for a midsize truck, it’s not a bad idea to check out the competition. Whether you need more towing power, a smoother ride, or a more luxurious cabin, there’s a truck that might suit you better than the Tacoma. Let’s take a look at same-class Tacoma alternatives.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger brings a powerful turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, cranking out 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It outperforms the Tacoma’s standard engine in torque, making it a great choice for towing. The Ranger also boasts a higher max towing capacity of 7,500 lbs, compared to the Tacoma’s 6,500 lbs. If you want turbocharged power and best-in-class towing, the Ranger is a strong contender.

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevy redesigned the Colorado with a 2.7-liter turbo-four engine, offering up to 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque in higher trims. The max towing capacity reaches 7,700 lbs, beating the Tacoma. It also has a more refined ride with an independent front suspension. If you want a truck that tows more and rides smoother, the Colorado wins.

GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon is the upscale twin of the Chevy Colorado. It shares the same powertrain but adds a more luxurious interior with better materials and tech. The Denali trim offers leather seats, an upgraded Bose sound system, and a bigger touchscreen than the Tacoma. If you want premium touches in a midsize truck, the Canyon is worth a look.

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier packs a 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower, giving it more power than the Tacoma’s V6. It also has a simpler, rugged design that sticks to old-school truck values. While the Tacoma’s rear seats are roomier, the Frontier has a more powerful base engine. If you want a no-nonsense, V6-powered truck, the Frontier is a solid alternative.

Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator is the only midsize truck with a removable roof and doors. It shares the Wrangler’s legendary off-road chops while offering a truck bed for added utility. The Gladiator’s max tow rating of 7,700 lbs beats the Tacoma. If you love off-roading and open-air driving, the Gladiator is the clear winner.

Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is the only unibody truck in this class. It drives more like an SUV, offering a smooth ride and a spacious interior. The in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate add unique practicality. The Ridgeline lacks Tacoma’s off-road ability, but if you want a comfortable daily driver with truck utility, it’s a smart choice.

The Toyota Tacoma may be the most popular midsize truck, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone. Whether you need more towing power, a smoother ride, or a truck that leans into luxury, there’s an alternative that fits the bill. The Ford Ranger offers turbocharged performance. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon bring high towing capacity and certain upscale features. The Nissan Frontier sticks to rugged simplicity, the Jeep Gladiator delivers unmatched off-road fun, and the Honda Ridgeline provides SUV-like comfort with truck versatility.