Full-size pickup trucks have their advantages, most notably are some impressive towing capacities compared to smaller vehicles. However, midsize pickup trucks are easier to drive and maneuver, especially in crowded parking lots. Additionally, any smaller truck is usually cheaper than its larger counterpart. 

Still, finding a pickup truck that satisfies practical needs and price range is hard. Ideally, you also want a truck that can do its job without excessive maintenance. According to Kelley Blue Book, here are a few of the best midsize ones you can buy for 2023.

1. Toyota Tacoma Access Cab is one of the best midsize trucks

The Toyota Tacoma’s Access Cab is the smaller cab option, seating up to four riders. It has four doors, though Kelley Blue Book says the rear half-doors aren’t very wide. While the back row might be too tight for some adult riders, this cab option provides the most optimal towing conditions. 

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab is exclusively available with a 6-foot-2-in bed that can hold up to 1,525 lbs. That’s assuming your truck has an RWD drivetrain, the towing package equipped, and the optional V6 engine. 

You can tow up to 3,500 lbs with the base engine, which produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine is more capable and gives the Tacoma better acceleration, capable of 278 and 265 lb-ft of torque. Under the proper specifications, it can tow 6,800 lbs.

Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, though the TRD Pro model has a standard six-speed manual. The manual gearbox is programmed with selectable drive modes to go over various terrain without hassle. 

The Tacoma TRD Pro also has a standard locking rear differential, an off-roading suspension, 4WD, Bilstein shocks, and more adventuring equipment. One of Kelley Blue Book’s favorite features is the multi-terrain camera system.

As long as your Toyota Tacoma has AWD, it can be optioned with the manual transmission. This gearbox has subpar fuel economy estimates, as low as 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The standard four-cylinder engine with the automatic transmission earns 20 in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. 

2. Toyota Tacoma Double Cab is another great midsize truck

Kelley Blue Book also liked the Double Cab version of the Toyota Tacoma because it can seat five riders. Backseat passengers get almost 33 inches of legroom and enjoy easier access thanks to full-size rear doors. The Double Cab is also available with a 5-ft cargo box. 

The Tacoma’s bed is quite functional, with tie-down cleats and hidden storage compartments. Neither cab has a lot of interior storage options, but Kelley Blue Book says the interior quality is acceptable overall. The seats are available in either fabric or synthetic leather upholstery, and the front passengers can have heated seats.

A 7-in infotainment screen is standard inside both cabs, equipped with smartphone integration and Amazon Alexa support. Well-equipped models also feature fun extras like a JBL audio system and navigation. Kelley Blue Book appreciated that even the base truck has several ADAS features.

3. Ford Ranger SuperCab is one of the best midsize trucks

The Ford Ranger’s SuperCab is smaller, but it’s also the only way you’ll get the bigger cargo box size. It’s 6 ft long and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,905 lbs. The Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs.

Every Ford Ranger is powered by a 270-hp turbo-four and paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The base trim has a tiny 3.5-inch infotainment display with no support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Fortunately, smartphone integration and an 8-inch touchscreen are standard on the XLT trim. 

The Tremor package gives you off-road cruise control and nearly 10 in ground clearance. The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger have starting prices in the $27,000 range, making them two of the most affordable in the segment. Paired with their attractive options and good reliability scores, it’s hard to go wrong buying either.