Less is More: 2021 Mid-Size Truck Market

The mid-size truck market has stepped up its game in recent years, proving smaller pickups can be just as capable, reliable, and stylish as their big brothers. True, today’s mid-sizers have the advantage of not actually being small. In fact, many boast near full-size proportions, with cabin room for five and competitive towing capacities.

The growth spurt seems to only add fuel to the fire, enticing customers with the prospect of a big truck in a little package – at a mid-size price point, to boot.

Sales of mid-size pickup trucks in the United States jumped 22% in 2019, driving market share of smaller trucks to a 13-year high. It’s difficult to get a good pulse on 2020, since COVID upended operations, but it’s clear the segment remains popular. Despite a pandemic and a higher price tag, the Toyota Tacoma still sold nearly 240,000 units to become the 10th best-selling vehicle in 2020.

Thanks to automakers’ growing interest in the segment, the 2021 mid-size truck market has some worthy contenders – seven, to be exact. So, if you’re thinking it might be a good time to take advantage of those historically low interest rates, here’s a helpful rundown.

Toyota Tacoma

If you’re gonna be a bear, be a grizzly, right? Despite growing competition in the mid-size segment, the indomitable Taco didn’t just outsell the competition in 2020 – it sold more than double its closest runner-up, the Ford Ranger. In fact, it sold more than the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and GMC Canyon combined. While mid-year sales were down, thanks to COVID, the Tacoma made up for lost time in Q4, posting sales 39% over the same period in 2019.

Not much changes for the 2021 model year, as the Tacoma received a considerable refresh for 2020. Existing power options carry over, consisting of a base 159-hp 2.7L four-cylinder and an optional 278-hp 3.5L V-6. However, dual climate zone controls are now standard on all V-6 powered models, and TRD Sport/Off-Road models gain an upgraded infotainment system with premium connected services.

Most notably, is the addition of two new special editions, bringing consumer power-of-choice to a grand total of 33 possible configurations.

Trail Special Edition

Based on the high-value SR5 trim level and aimed at outdoorsy-types, the new Toyota Trail Special Edition emphasizes “extra storage, convenience, standout styling, and value,” according to the automaker.

The 2021 Tacoma Trail is available with 2WD or 4WD, and rolls on dark gray 16-inch TRD Off-Road wheels with Goodyear Kevlar-reinforced All-Terrain tires.

Other features include: all-weather floor mats and black upholstery with tan stitching for a cushy interior that can stand up to outdoor elements; black exterior badging and the grille from the Tacoma Limited for a custom touch; and a 120-volt power outlet and lockable, insulated storage bin in the truck bed for added versatility.

Nightshade Special Edition

Build on the luxurious Limited grade model, the Nightshade Tacoma prioritizes the blacked-out aesthetic that seems to be growing among consumers. The model wears Dark Smoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a darkened-chrome grille insert design, a full slate of exterior black trim, and black leather-trim seating. Similar to the Trail Edition, no performance or powertrain alterations have been made, but consumers can choose between 2WD or 4WD.

With those cosmetic touches, it’s a wonder anyone would choose a paint color other than Midnight Black Metallic. However, Toyota also offers Magnetic Gray Metallic and the enigmatically-sounding Windchill Pearl.

Ford Ranger

Now in its second year of sales, the Ford Ranger is quickly becoming the #2 mid-size pickup in America. A surprising accomplishment, since Ford actually recycled a Ranger design it had been selling in foreign markets for roughly a decade, rather than create an all-new truck. That said, the old-but-new mid-sizer still offers solid value and capability in an attractive package.

Similar to the Tacoma, the Ranger’s biggest addition for 2021 comes via two special editions. We had hoped for a V-8 or V-6 engine upgrade, but our cries continue to go unheard. The 2021 Ranger carries over the same 270-hp 2.3L four-cylinder.

STX Special Edition Package

Available only on the XL trim level, the STX Special Edition Package includes 18-inch black wheels, a SYNC 3 infotainment center, an eight-inch center touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other upgrades include dual-zone climate control, silver-painted interior accents, and privacy glass with a rear window defroster.

Coming in at $995, the STX Special Edition Package serves mostly to keep the Ranger looking fresh before its big 2022 redesign.

Tremor Off-Road Package

More interesting is the entrance of a Ford Ranger Tremor to the 2021 mid-size truck market. Available on mid XLT and high Lariat trims, the new Tremor package features a lifted suspension with off-road tuned FOX 2.0 monotube dampers and rear piggyback reservoirs, specially-tuned front coilover and rear leaf springs, and 32-inch Continental General Grabber all-terrain tires.

Other rugged amenities include: a frame-mounted steel front bash plate and underbody skid plates, rear locking differential, Terrain Management System with four distinct drive modes and Trail Control, two new recovery hooks in rear, new hoop steps, and a six-switch auxiliary power pack to manage accessories including winches, light bars and air compressors. Package pricing is $4,290 MSRP.

Think retractable bed covers are only for full-size, fancy-trims? Think again. Roll-n-Lock offers rugged, versatile, and secure truck bed cover options for your new Ford Ranger, as well as a variety of other contenders in the 2021 mid-size truck market. Whether you’re headed to the office or the Outback, ensure your cargo stays safe with the most advanced tonneau covers made.

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon

While combined sales (121,428) of the Colorado and Canyon technically outperformed Ford (101,486), it was by a narrow margin. In fact, Chevy’s sales fell 21.3% to 96,238 units, placing the brand in third place. GMC, on the other hand, saw Canyon sales fall 23.3% to a paltry 25,190 units, placing it in dead last.

Both models were reintroduced to the North American market in 2015 after taking a hiatus from the mid-size landscape. And, similar to the Ranger, both returned as models that were already being sold in other countries. In summary, both are longing for a redesign. Instead, we’re getting a mild, mid-cycle refresh.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado

While most changes are reserved for the ZR2 performance model, there are a few noteworthy updates across the Colorado lineup for 2021.

First, Chevy ditched the base model. This means the Work Truck trim now becomes the entry point for shoppers, translating to a significant price increase of about $4,000 — on top of an already-planned $500 bump. Despite the higher price tag, the Colorado still remains one of the more affordable options in the segment.

Second, all remaining trim levels get a little facelift, as well as embossed “Chevrolet” tailgates. Standard 17-inch wheels are new too, and provide the 2021 Colorado with a more imposing stance.

Fun Fact: The Chevy Colorado offers an optional diesel engine, which is rare for a mid-size truck.

All of the ZR2’s rugged features carry over, including a standard 3.6L V-6 engine with best-in-class horsepower, segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSV position-sensitive dampers, standard front and rear electronic locking differentials, a 2-inch suspension lift, 3.5-inch wider track, off-road rocker protection, cast iron control arms, Autotrac transfer case, and multiple skid plates.

Joining the list are new, standard red tow hooks and three new exterior colors: Bright Blue Metallic, Sand Dune Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat.

2021 GMC Canyon

Underneath that posh exterior, lies the soul of an adventure vehicle – or so GMC tells us. True, with respectable towing abilities and a robust V-6, the GMC Canyon is capable of getting some mud on the tires. Better yet, it does so with your comfort in mind, “offering a premium experience that doesn’t compromise on capability,” per the automaker.

In an attempt to kick that luxury off-road experience up a notch, GMC revealed two new trims for the 2021 GMC Canyon and a few updates to its top-tier Denali.

Canyon AT4

Replacing the All Terrain variant in the former lineup, is the all-new AT4 off-road-ready trim level.

Meant for adventure, the AT4 boasts some impressive standard equipment, including a 308-hp 3.6L V-6 engine, off-road tuned suspension, four-wheel drive, transfer case skid plate, automatic locking rear differential, and Advanced Hill Descent Control.

Bold styling ensures you don’t mistake this for a Chevy, accented by dark chrome finishes, a new black chrome grille and grille surround, and plenty of AT4 badging. Rounding out the look are 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires fitted to 17-inch aluminum wheels and, like the ZR2 Colorado, some red recovery hooks. The interior shares a true-to-GMC vibe, with plenty of leather-appointed seating featuring AT4 embroidery on the head restraints and Kalahari stitching.

Canyon Elevation

Like its Colorado stablemate, the Canyon sees a revamped trim level structure for 2021. Although, instead of deleting a trim, GMC is employing a new naming convention. So, SL-SLE-SLT-Denali becomes Elevation Standard-Elevation-AT4-Denali.

Elevation Standard and Elevation trims aim to bring “the versatility and capability needed for embarking on that next outdoor adventure,” says GMC. What that means exactly is anybody’s guess. Details on what makes these trims special remains a little vague, though we do know they both wear 18-inch black painted aluminum wheels, a new grille treatment, and a new lower bumper treatment.

Canyon Denali

While not a huge upgrade, it is worth mentioning that GMC dialed up the Denali for 2021. Outside, a style bump features updated Denali-exclusive chrome grille, body-color front and rear bumpers, LED fog lamps, and the addition of a new trim-exclusive color: Hunter Metallic. Inside is more leather, more wood, and more advanced technology.

Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator entered the mid-size truck market with a bang, tantalizing rock crawlers and mall trawlers alike. With solid axles, standard 4WD, a locking front differential, 33-inch tires, great approach and departure angles, and the ability to blow off the roof, doors, and fold down the windshield, the Gladiator is largely for Wrangler enthusiasts in search of a truck bed.

While not a ton has changed from its inaugural year, there are some noteworthy additions for the 2021 model.

EcoDiesel

Probably the most anticipated update is the availability of the 3.0L V-6 turbo-diesel variant. This is the same EcoDiesel power plant available for the 2020 Wrangler, as well as the one found in the RAM 1500 for a few years now. Packing 260 hp and a glorious 442 lb-ft. of torque, the EcoDiesel Gladiator offers bumped-up fuel economy, low-RPM prowess, and off-road chops. Not to mention, a respectable 6500-pound towing load alongside an impressive range of 500+ miles.

But it’ll cost ya’ll: The EcoDiesel is only available on Sport, Overland, and Rubicon trims and comes with a $6,000 price tag. (That’s $4,000 for the diesel itself and an additional $2,000 for the necessary eight-speed automatic transmission.)

New Trims

For 2021, Jeep adds three new Gladiator trims to the lineup: Willys, 80th Anniversary, and High Altitude.

The Gladiator Willys Edition builds upon the Sport trim, injecting a little style with a bevy of black exterior accents, including 17-inch black wheels, mud-terrain rubbers, and color-matched fender flares.

The commemorative 80th Anniversary trim includes 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, color-matched fender flares, gray exterior accents, and plenty of specific anniversary badging. Inside, you’ll find an 8.4-inch infotainment screen housing in-dash navigation, plus an upgraded Alpine audio system.

Lastly, the High Altitude Gladiator places a premium on luxury – something you might not expect in your rugged Jeep truck. Designed more for the on-road adventurer, the High Altitude features 20-inch wheels and leather-cladded everything. It ditches the black exterior trim in favor of full color-matched accents. And as far as tech is concerned, if Jeep offers it, it’s in the High Altitude.

Nissan Frontier

Virtually unchanged since its redesign over 15 years ago, the Nissan Frontier is actually the oldest vehicle available for purchase in the United States. Whether or not that kind of stodgy unwillingness to change appeals to you or not is a moot point. The Nissan Frontier will soon receive a whole new body and interior. Originally planned for the 2021 model year, the automaker announced in late January that its next-gen redesign will debut for 2022.

While Frontier sales were dismal in 2020, cratering by nearly 50%, the old mid-sizer still managed to outsell both the cushy GMC Canyon and oddball Honda Ridgeline. While 2021 will be a carryover model, the next-gen truck should help move the needle along, as we suspect many would-be shoppers are holding out for the new pickup.

2022 New Generation

In addition to the new 310-hp 3.8L V-6 and 9-speed automatic transmission introduced on the 2020 model, the 2022 Nissan Frontier gains some boxier proportions. Apparently, the mid-size bulking diet is standard now, as photos of the new Frontier show a significantly bigger rig with bulging hood and muscular styling. Inside, we see the Frontier borrows from its big brother, Titan, upgrading to comfier amenities and better tech.

An off-road-ready Pro-4X trim should be available, as well. Offering a little more than some competing off-road packages, the Pro-4X (on the 2020 model) features a locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road shocks, a beefier Dana rear axle, skid plates under the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank, and Hankook Dynapro AT-M all-terrain tires on 16-inch alloy wheels.

Honda Ridgeline

Loved by critics but dismissed by consumers, the Honda Ridgeline occupies an interesting space in the current mid-size truck market. While its peculiar styling has dramatically improved over the years, the unibody pickup has long struggled to capture shoppers’ imaginations – and likely for one reason. It lacks chutzpah.

Its 280-hp 3.5-L V-6 engine and Honda Pilot underpinnings ensure a comfortable ride. Its single configuration – crew-cab short-box – provides the right balance of cabin and cargo space. And the unique features, like a dual-action tailgate, in-bed trunk, and in-bed audio system, are certainly fun and user-friendly. Truthfully, it’s exactly what a mid-size truck should be: compact but roomy, capable but refined, all with a bed out back.

Unfortunately, American consumers want all those adventurous bells and whistles. Never mind the fact that the average mid-size truck consumer will never crawl rocks in Moab or tow a horse trailer, let alone in stock form.

2021 Design

For 2021, however, it appears Honda is bowing to peer pressure, as the Ridgeline receives a noticeably rugged redesign. A broader, taller grille complements a bulging hood and LED headlights, making for a boxier front fascia. Around back, a new bumper matches the twin exhaust pipes. New 18-inch wheels with more aggressive all-terrain tires complement the bolder styling.

As part of the company’s desire to shake off some of the family-friendly vibe from the Ridgeline, Honda also dropped Fred Savage as the voice of the brand. Replacing the Wonder Years wonder boy with John Cena strikes us as a bold move. Although, if you’re looking to “beef up” your vehicle portfolio, I suppose a professional wrestling brand ambassador is the way to go.

This new truck vibe comes with a new price. The 2021 Ridgeline jumps about $3,000, though Honda offsets the cost by outfitting every trim with standard all-wheel drive.