The Best Midsize Truck for 2023 Doesn’t Make Sense
If you’re looking for the best midsize truck for 2023, then you might be surprised to find an old familiar friend. The best midsize truck is actually the older Toyota Tacoma that’s about to be redesigned. How does the Toyota Tacoma stack up against the Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, and Chevy Colorado?
What is the best midsize truck in 2023?
The best midsize truck for 2023 is the Toyota Tacoma. We aren’t going by critic rankings that put the Honda Ridgeline in first place. Instead, we’re looking at sales figures to see what drivers actually want.
According to Ford Authority, the Tacoma started the year with a massive lead. In the first quarter of 2023, it moved 53,583 models. The 2023 Nissan Frontier came in second place and sold about 16,926 trucks.
So, the first-place option is ahead by about 36,657 units. The 2023 GMC Canyon is in last with a measly 5,016 sales. This freshly redesigned luxury truck can’t hold a candle to the rough-and-tumble Tacoma.
Figures have been updated for the second quarter of the year, and the Tacoma still has an insane lead even though the 2024 model made its debut. The Tacoma sold 116,845 models in the first half of the year and gained a 7% sales increase.
Will the Tacoma be redesigned in 2023?
No, the Toyota Tacoma will not be redesigned for 2023, but it made its debut for 2024. It corrects multiple issues by providing increased storage space, a more comfortable ride, and a new hybrid engine option.
The Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado, and GMC Canyon are each newer than the Tacoma. These trucks feature larger touchscreens, innovative storage solutions, beefy off-roading upgrades, and more power. But people don’t seem to care. It will be interesting to see how the 2024 Toyota Tacoma stacks up to the classic model.
It’s no surprise that 2023 Ford Ranger sales are tanking because inventory is dwindling to make way for the next generation. The Ranger is actually older than the Tacoma, and drivers might be waiting for the new model.
But why aren’t people passing on the current Tacoma? The new 2024 model might take a few months to get. Pricing information and the production dates haven’t been released.
If people are waiting for the new Tacoma to come out, they can depend on their current Tacoma to hold its value. It has a better depreciation rate than the Ford Ranger, making it feel like a safer investment.
However, the Tacoma is also a bit rough and bumpy. Alternatives like the Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Frontier are smoother, quieter, and offer more passenger space.
Is the best midsize truck reliable?
Yes, the best midsize truck for 2023 is reliable. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma earned a score of 8.5 out of 10 from iSeeCars, and the Honda Ridgeline got an 8.6. But according to J.D.Power, the Ridgeline has a score of 80 out of 100 while the Tacoma comes in with 83 out of 100.
Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while scores between 81 and 90 are above average. The average Tacoma model is expected to last 300,000 miles. The Ridgeline can also reach 300,000 miles, but there are more examples of Tacomas reaching 400,000 to 500,000 miles.
The secret to the best midsize truck could be longevity. The new Toyota Tacoma might not be as reliable as the current generation because it’s getting a new frame and engine. But the current engine is of the most reliable options ever. Also, the new Toyota Tundra isn’t as reliable as it used to be.
We will continue tracking trends to see if rivals can catch the Tacoma. But until then, it’s a durable, reliable, and value-packed truck that’s leading the charge despite aging.
