MIDSIZE PICKUPS: BEST VALUES AFTER TRUMP BUMP

MIDSIZE PICKUPS:

BEST VALUES AFTER TRUMP BUMP

Color me surprised.

Soaring prices, poor fuel economy, and questionable build quality are taking the bloom off America’s love affair with big pickups. 

Last year, for the first time in 48 years, the No. 1-selling vehicle here was not the Ford F-150 but the Toyota RAV4, reflecting a trend among older buyers to right-size what is in their garage. 

Those seeking a smart balance between full-size capability, nimbler handling, and lower monthly costs are gravitating toward midsize trucks. This segment saw a 49.1% increase in the first quarter of 2025.

As tariff-driven higher prices settle on the auto industry, my recommendation to those customers would be to buy Japanese.

Really?

In the past three years, Ford, General Motors, and even Toyota invested heavily in bringing modernized Rangers, Chevy Colorados, GMC Canyons, and Toyota Tacomas to market. 

The Ford, GM, and Toyota models feature smaller-displacement, turbocharged engines, which provide better fuel economy. Because manufacturers know that 80% of pickups are air-hauling passenger vehicles, they cater to Americans’ love of luxury and gee-whiz technology with long lists of options.

As it has for all this century, Toyota continues to dominate the segment with the Tacoma, but the two GM nameplates and Ford Ranger have also seen sharp sales increases.

However, those wanting to limit the monthly nut may be wise to turn to two models that saw slight sales decreases in the first quarter. The Alabama-built Honda Ridgeline and Mississippi-built Nissan Frontier are less susceptible to the new taxes and, frankly, have more reliable engines.

The unibody Ridgeline rests on the same platform as the Honda Accord and is not “trucky” enough for many buyers. In truth, it is all the truck needed by anyone who does not put on a tool belt or hook up a utility trailer every morning.

Tariffs hit

To be clear, no one can confidently say where this is going. Calculating the net effect of auto pricing under the administration’s new tariffs – given complex rules in existing trade agreements and near-daily changes from Washington – is like trying to predict the exact path of a feather in a hurricane while simultaneously mapping every gust of wind.

Vehicles assembled outside the U.S. borders face a 25% tariff, and those assembled in the U.S. will face smaller tariffs on imported parts. Vehicles can avoid tariffs if at least 85% of components are from North America. Only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 meet that standard.

We will not join the experts forecasting Armageddon or deliverance for manufacturers or consumers once all this shakes out. Price increase estimates range from $2,000 to $12,000, hardly a stable delta.

However, at the end of April, there were strong indicators that prices were up. One is the national mean days’ supply of available inventory, which has dropped from more than 100 days two months ago to less than 60, mainly because impending tariffs have accelerated purchasing decisions. Anything below 60 days is a sellers’ market.

In the meantime, dealers are betting that soaring new-car prices will increase demand for pre-owned vehicles and have begun building up used inventory. That has sharply boosted wholesale and retail values.

In midsize pickups, the Frontier and Ridgeline come closest to being the most American-made. The percentage of imported parts varies by content options, but here is where things stand for 2025 models.

1. Ford Ranger

• Factory Location: Wayne, Michigan
• U.S./Canadian Parts Content: Approximately 46% 

2. Chevrolet Colorado 

• Factory Location: Wentzville, Missouri
• U.S./Canadian Parts Content: Approximately 51% 

3. Toyota Tacoma

• Factory Location: Guanajuato, Mexico 
• U.S./Canadian Parts Content: Approximately 35% 

4. Honda Ridgeline

• Factory Location: Lincoln, Alabama
• U.S./Canadian Parts Content: Approximately 75% 

5. Nissan Frontier

• Factory location: Canton, Mississippi
• U.S./Canadian Parts Content: Approximately 55%

Manufacturers are scrambling to increase domestic parts content, but supply chains are complex structures guided by long-term, international relationships and capital strategies. 

Still, the Ridgeline and Frontier are in a position to minimize or absorb tariffs. After recent clean-sheet redesigns, their rivals are more technologically advanced, but sometimes old ways are best. The Honda, Nissan, and some Ford Rangers are the only midsize pickups still powered by V6 engines.

The J35 3.5-L series has been a staple of Honda and Acura models since 2006. Nissan’s 3.8-L is the latest version of the VQ series, dating back to 1998. If you can find a mechanic with dreadful things to say about either powerplant, I will buy you a milkshake.

Among the four-bangers, the 2.4-L Tacoma is the only one dialed in nicely. The Ford and GM versions sound buzzy, vibrate at idle, and hunt gears under load—all reasons to suspect long-term reliability. 

On the other hand, Toyota continued developing an engine that first appeared in the Lexus NX350 in 2022. Innovative features improve fuel efficiency, power output, and durability. A dual injection system, for example, reduces carbon buildup, one of the most critical issues found in direct injection engines and the primary cause of multiple recalls. Just ask Hyundai and Kia.

Indeed, from bumper to bumper, the new Tacoma, introduced in 2024, is the best-engineered and assembled midsize pickup. Its chief drawback is price. A stripped-down version starts at $33,000 with delivery. The cheapest 4WD version starts at $41,000. A top-of-the-line TRD Pro is a technological tour de force selling for nearly $66,000—before a 25% tariff.

The Frontier, on the other hand, costs from $33,000 to $48,000 and, through the end of May, comes with up to $6,000 in cash incentives and 5.4% financing.

Old vs new

The Frontier targets buyers prioritizing a straightforward, proven powertrain and truck design, often appealing to those seeking value and robust capability without excessive complexity. It fits well with those seeking a work truck or a capable vehicle for outdoor activities.

The recently redesigned Tacoma aims for a broader appeal, incorporating modern technology, diverse powertrain options including a hybrid, and a range of configurations designed for daily utility and serious off-road enthusiasts. Its audience includes technology-oriented buyers, those prioritizing off-road prowess, and Toyota’s reputation for longevity.

Cabin

Cabin design and materials in both trucks prioritize durability. The Frontier’s interior presents a more traditional truck layout. The assembly feels solid, focusing on functionality. Passenger comfort is adequate for a midsize truck, though rear-seat space can be snug in the Crew Cab, particularly concerning knee room. Interior storage includes typical door pockets and a center console bin.

The Tacoma features a more contemporary layout and improved material quality in higher trims. Assembly is tight. Front-seat comfort receives positive remarks, while rear-seat space, specifically knee room, shows improvement over the previous generation and offers a competitive amount relative to the Frontier. Interior storage options are practical, including helpful console organization and door cubbies.

Both trucks feature digital displays, though the size and sophistication vary by trim. The Frontier offers an available 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Charge ports, including USB-A and USB-C, are available. Unique technology in the Frontier includes an available around-view monitor system.

The Tacoma incorporates larger standard and available touchscreens, including an 8-inch or a substantial 14-inch display. Its digital gauge cluster options are more advanced. Numerous charge ports, including USB-C, are present.

The Tacoma offers unique technology, like an available IsoDynamic performance seat and a more comprehensive suite of off-road cameras and displays.

Powertrains

The 2025 Nissan Frontier utilizes a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Its towing capacity reaches a maximum of around 6,640 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma offers more powertrain diversity. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, offering varying output depending on the transmission (eight-speed automatic or available six-speed manual). The standard engine with the automatic transmission produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. 

A more powerful i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain, combining the turbocharged 2.4-liter with an electric motor, delivers 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma’s maximum towing capacity can reach up to 6,500 pounds with specific configurations.

EPA estimated fuel economy figures vary by powertrain and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD). The Frontier V6 gets 18-20 mpg combined. The base Tacoma 2.4L gasoline engine typically rates around 19-21 mpg combined, varying by transmission and drivetrain. EPA estimates for the Tacoma i-Force MAX hybrid are slightly higher.

Ride and Handling

Ride and handling characteristics differentiate the two trucks. The Frontier employs a traditional body-on-frame chassis with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. 

This setup provides a robust foundation for truck duties. Handling feels predictable, prioritizing stability over agility. The ride quality is comfortable for a truck, though rough surfaces can induce some jounce.

The Tacoma also uses a body-on-frame chassis, but its recent redesign incorporated significant updates, including a new coil-spring rear suspension on most models. This contributes to a more refined ride. Handling feels more composed, with less body roll than its predecessor.

Both trucks offer off-road-focused trims. The Frontier PRO-4X features Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and an electronic locking rear differential, enhancing capability on challenging terrain. 

The Tacoma TRD Off-Road trims offer advanced off-road technology, including multi-terrain select, crawl control, advanced suspension systems (like Fox or ARB shocks, depending on trim), and improved articulation aided by the coil-spring rear suspension.

The Tacoma benefits from its newer platform and available electronic aids designed specifically for off-road navigation and control. Its coil-spring rear suspension on many trims offers a more compliant ride and potentially better articulation off-road than the Frontier’s standard leaf springs.

The Frontier, however, provides a proven, capable platform for off-road enthusiasts, particularly in the PRO-4X trim, relying on mechanical robustness and effective basic electronic assists. The choice between them often depends on the intended use and, of course, customer preference.

Safety

Both trucks offer standard and optional driver-assist technologies. The Frontier includes standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking. 

Available features include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Frontier cannot provide lane-keep assistance because it has old-school hydraulic power steering, not electronic.

The Tacoma comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a comprehensive suite with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist. Higher trims offer additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front/rear parking assist with automatic braking. 

Reliability

Like its powertrain, the Frontier utilizes established components. Toyota has a formidable reputation for reliability, and we saw nothing to indicate the new Tacoma will blemish that.