Hey guys! Ever wondered what the best midsize pickup truck options were back in 2020? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into that topic! The midsize truck market in 2020 was a seriously competitive arena, with a bunch of awesome trucks vying for the top spot. Choosing the right one back then meant balancing things like price, performance, fuel economy, and of course, how cool the truck looked. Whether you were hauling stuff, hitting the trails, or just cruising around town, there was a truck out there perfectly suited for the job. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and check out some of the top contenders that defined the midsize pickup truck scene in 2020. This was a pivotal year, marking changes, updates and new trends. So grab a coffee (or a beer, no judgement here!), and let's explore which trucks truly shined.

Toyota Tacoma: The Undisputed King?

Alright, let's kick things off with a truck that's almost synonymous with the midsize pickup category: the Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma has long been a favorite, and for good reason! In 2020, it continued to dominate the market with its reputation for reliability and resale value. Seriously, these things just last forever! The Tacoma offered a variety of trims and configurations. It meant that you could customize the truck to match exactly what you needed. Whether you were looking for a basic work truck or a rugged off-road machine, the Tacoma had you covered.

One of the biggest draws was the Tacoma's TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models. These versions came equipped with serious off-road gear, like upgraded suspension, locking rear differentials, and crawl control. This made them absolute beasts on the trails. If you were into weekend adventures or serious overlanding, these were the trucks to have. It really stood out compared to other midsize pickup trucks in 2020. The Tacoma's engine options included a punchy 3.5-liter V6 and a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder, giving you a choice between power and economy. The interior was functional and well-built, with user-friendly tech and a comfortable driving experience. While it wasn't the flashiest truck on the market, the Tacoma's focus on practicality and dependability made it a top choice for a huge number of people, who were looking for a truck that would get the job done without any fuss. The Tacoma was definitely a frontrunner, but it wasn't the only awesome truck in the game!

Strengths of the Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma stood out for its legendary reliability. Its resale value was always top-notch and a testament to its durability. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models offered serious off-road capability. The truck also offered a wide range of trims and configurations to suit different needs and budgets.

Weaknesses of the Toyota Tacoma

Some might say that its interior design wasn't the most modern, and its fuel economy wasn't the best in class. The ride quality could be a bit rough on some trims, too.

Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon: The GM Contenders

Next up, we've got the Chevrolet Colorado and its corporate cousin, the GMC Canyon. These trucks shared a lot of the same DNA, but each had its own distinct personality. The Colorado was a solid all-rounder, offering a good balance of capability, comfort, and affordability. The Canyon was a bit more upscale, with a focus on luxury and premium features. Both trucks provided a choice of engines, including a peppy four-cylinder, a powerful V6, and a fuel-efficient diesel. This gave buyers plenty of options to tailor the truck to their specific needs. The Colorado and Canyon had a more modern interior design compared to the Tacoma, with user-friendly infotainment systems and comfortable seats. They also offered a smooth and composed ride, making them a great choice for daily driving. Both trucks came with a range of trims, from basic work trucks to off-road-focused models like the Colorado ZR2.

The ZR2 was a standout, featuring a lifted suspension, locking differentials, and other off-road goodies that made it a serious contender on the trails. The 2020 models saw updates to both the interior and exterior, providing a fresh look and feel. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon were strong contenders in the midsize pickup truck arena, offering a compelling blend of features, performance, and value. They gave buyers a great alternative to the Tacoma, with a slightly different focus on comfort and technology. It really was one of the best midsize pickup trucks of 2020.

Strengths of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon

Both the Colorado and Canyon offered a good balance of features, performance, and value. The Canyon offered more upscale features and a premium feel. The ZR2 trim provided serious off-road capability. They offered a range of engine options, including a fuel-efficient diesel.

Weaknesses of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon

The interior design, while modern, could feel a bit less durable than some competitors. Some might say that the reliability wasn't quite on par with the Toyota Tacoma.

Ford Ranger: The Return of a Legend

Ford brought back the Ranger for the 2019 model year. By 2020, it had become a strong player in the midsize pickup truck market. The Ranger packed a punch with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which offered a surprising amount of power and fuel efficiency. It had a modern and well-equipped interior, with user-friendly technology and comfortable seats. The Ranger struck a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. It was great for daily driving, but also capable enough to handle some light off-roading adventures. The Ranger offered a range of trims, including the off-road-focused FX4 model, which provided added capability and rugged styling. Ford also introduced the Tremor off-road package for the 2021 model year. This provided even more off-road capability, making the Ranger an even more attractive option for adventure seekers.

The Ranger quickly gained popularity with its combination of performance, practicality, and value. It gave buyers a compelling alternative to the established players in the midsize truck segment. The Ranger was a welcome addition to the market. The Ranger proved that the midsize pickup truck market was thriving, and that there was a place for a truck that offered both performance and value. The Ranger's return was a successful one, and it quickly became a fan favorite. It was a truck that was ready for anything, whether you were commuting to work or exploring the great outdoors. With its powerful engine, comfortable interior, and off-road capabilities, the Ranger was a serious contender, really showcasing why it was considered by many as the best midsize pickup truck of 2020. It's a truck that has made a name for itself since its return.

Strengths of the Ford Ranger

The Ranger packed a punch with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The interior was modern and well-equipped, with user-friendly technology and comfortable seats. It offered a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Weaknesses of the Ford Ranger

The Ranger's off-road capabilities weren't quite as impressive as the Tacoma's TRD Pro or the Colorado ZR2. Some might have preferred a V6 engine option.

Honda Ridgeline: The Unconventional Contender

Now, let's talk about the Honda Ridgeline. This truck took a different approach, with a unibody construction instead of the traditional body-on-frame design. This gave it a smoother ride and better handling than its competitors. The Ridgeline was known for its innovative features, like the in-bed trunk, which provided extra storage space, and the dual-action tailgate. The Ridgeline's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It was a great choice for those who valued comfort and practicality over raw off-road capability. It was powered by a V6 engine. This provided ample power for daily driving and towing. The Ridgeline wasn't the truck to choose if you were looking for extreme off-road adventures, but it was a great option for those who prioritized comfort, versatility, and everyday usability.

The Ridgeline offered a unique take on the midsize pickup truck formula, appealing to a different type of buyer. It was a good option for people who wanted a truck that was comfortable and easy to live with. Its focus on comfort and practicality made it a great choice for those who used their truck for work or play, but didn't need extreme off-road capability. The Ridgeline's innovative features and comfortable interior made it a standout in the midsize truck market. The Ridgeline was the black sheep in the group, but it was a sheep you could count on. Its popularity and the amount of sales, made it one of the best midsize pickup trucks of 2020.

Strengths of the Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline offered a smooth ride and car-like handling. It came with innovative features, like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate. The interior was comfortable and well-appointed. It provided great everyday usability.

Weaknesses of the Honda Ridgeline

Its off-road capability wasn't as strong as its competitors. The styling wasn't for everyone. It might be seen as a less