TOP RELIABILITY PICKS: RANKING AMERICA'S MIDSIZE PICKUP TRUCKS
Mid-size trucks are the lifeblood of America. Whether hauling equipment to and from a job site, working fields, or simply being able to carry all your camping gear around, trucks are the transport of choice. The segment is constantly changing and evolving, and it's in a great space right now.
If you’re someone who drives or wants to own and drive a truck, then you know that reliability is key. Between all the heavy lifting and the brawny engines under the hood, trucks aren’t the cheapest cars to own. That’s why having peace of mind and knowing that you’re getting something reliable can make all the difference.
With all these things in mind, we’ve taken a look at all the new, mid-size trucks on the market today and uncovered which ones are most reliable. We present what these trucks cost to own and maintain, how likely they are to need major repairs, and what kind of power you’ll find under the hood.
In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information about vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like iSeeCars, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models based on least reliable to most reliable.
10 Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks In 2024
A long and reliable life is key for buying a second-hand pickup truck, here are the top 10 most reliable used pickup trucks of 2024.2024 Jeep Gladiator
Reliability Score: Not Yet Tested
For those of you who love the off-road prowess that Jeep puts into its Wrangler, the Gladiator offers similar capabilities and a truck bed to boot. It may not be as suited to suburban roads as some of the other mid-sized pickups on this list, but it certainly does have an air of fun to it.
Reliability
While iSeeCars has not yet rated the Gladiator for its reliability, there are still tons of sources we can turn to in order to get an idea of how sturdy the Jeep pickup is. Consumer Reports gives the 2024 Gladiator a 40 out of 100 for predicted reliability. CarEdge also claims that there is a 35.84% chance that it will need a major repair in its first ten years of ownership. It is also much more expensive to maintain than the average pickup.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $617.60 (CarEdge)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $11,803 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Gladiator Year To Buy Used: 2020
Performance
| Engine | 3.6-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 285 HP |
| Torque | 260 LB-FT |
| Driveline | 4WD |
| Towing Capacity | 4500 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1159 lbs |
(Source: Jeep)
The 2024 Gladiator's V-6 powertrain is a little outdated and the ever-loved diesel variant is gone. This means that it isn't able to tow or carry as much as some of the other mid-sized pickup trucks out there. This isn't the ideology behind the Gladiator pickup truck. While its standard 5.5-inch bed means that it can do most things that any other pickup can, it can also seamlessly hit the trails without any effort whatsoever. Its long list of off-roading equipment and its unrivaled approach and departure angles mean that there really isn't anything out there like the Gladiator.
20 Ways The Ford Bronco Has An Edge Over The Jeep Wrangler
While the Wrangler has dominated the off-road enthusiast space for decades, here's how Ford's resurrection of the Bronco poses as its biggest threat2024 GMC Canyon
Reliability Score: 8.3/10
The GMC Canyon is the mechanical twin of the Chevrolet Colorado. The GMC Canyon utilizes a lot of the equipment offered on its full-size Sierra to get the most out of its smaller stature. It does this excellently and is an incredibly sturdy and capable truck.
Reliability
GMC’s midsize Canyon does pretty well as far as reliability is concerned. It scores 8.3 out of 100 for reliability on iSeeCars. CarEdge, however, claims that the Canyon is 26.25% likely to need a major repair in its first ten years of ownership. This is worse than most other popular pickups. On the flip side, the Canyon is $1,543 cheaper to maintain in its first ten years than other popular pickups.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $465.60 (CarEdge)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,778 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Canyon Year To Buy Used: 2015
Performance
| Engine | 2.7-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 310 HP |
| Torque | 430 LB-FT |
| Driveline | RWD or 4WD |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,600 lbs |
(Source: GMC)
Just as the Gladiator lost its diesel powertrain, so did the Canyon. The Duramax is no longer an option, leaving the 2.7-liter inline-four the only engine available on the Canyon. Despite this, it manages to put out more power than a lot of the other mid-sized trucks on the market. Depending on the trim you choose, your Canyon can either be had in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. There is no choice for a manual transmission on the 2024 Canyon. Its towing capacity is also pretty impressive considering it only packs a four-cylinder. Its off-road variant also has the chops to take on just about any foreign mid-size pickup.
GMC has updated the interior of the Canyon to bring it into the 21st Century. This means tons of features like underbody cameras, a head-up display as well as climate control. The 11.3-inch infotainment screen is also a nice thing to see, with every modern amenity that you could expect.
The Best GMC Pickup Trucks, Ranked On Reliability And Towing Capacity
If you're in the market for a trusty pickup from GMC that can haul, here are some of the most capable and dependable models out there.2024 Chevrolet Colorado
Reliability Score: 8.3/10
The Chevy Colorado is a tool that has been crafted to function just as well on the road as it does off-road. While the Canyon and the Colorado are twins, each of them has their own caveats that affect performance, your choice of customization, and reliability. Chevrolet has added their own flair to the mid-size truck to make it a unique choice.
Reliability
Despite the Canyon and the Colorado being so similar, with both of them scoring 8.3/10 for reliability according to iSeeCars, there are some differences. For instance, CarEdge claims that the Colorado is only $411 cheaper to maintain than the average pickup, meaning it's more expensive to maintain than the Canyon. It also has a 29.99% chance of needing a major repair in the first ten years, according to CarEdge, which is worse than other popular pickups.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $599 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,910 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Colorado Year To Buy Used: 2015/2016
Performance
| Engine | 2.7-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four | 2.7-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 237 HP | 310 HP |
| Torque | 260 LB-FT | 430 LB-FT |
| Driveline | RWD or 4WD | RWD or 4WD |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,600 lbs | 1,600 lbs |
(Source: Chevrolet)
Just like the GMC Canyon, diesel is no longer a choice on the Chevrolet Colorado. Instead, you will only find a 2.7-liter inline-four. However, where in the Canyon you only have access to the high output version, some Colorados come with a reduced 237 horsepower. Regardless of trim, you can opt for the more powerful engine, but it will cost you extra. This does mean, though, that the Colorado has a much lower starting price than the Canyon, making it a little bit more accessible.
Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Off-Road Equipment And Specs Explained
Coming in just behind the top-spec ZR2, here's what off-road equipment you get with the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71, as well as its performance specs.2024 Ford Ranger
Reliability Score: 8.9/100
The most reliable American-made mid-size pickup on our list is the Ford Ranger. This will come as little surprise to most as Ford has been absolutely dominating the pickup market for a couple of years now. It was also redesigned for the 2024 model year with a bold new look inspired by its big brother, the F-150.
Reliability
The 2024 Ford Ranger scores the highest for reliability when it comes to iSeeCars’ list. CarEdge, however, claims that if you buy a Ranger there is a 30.63% chance that it will need a repair costing more than $500 in its first ten years. The Ford Ranger is also the most expensive car on this list to repair and maintain. While it is considered to be more reliable, your increased maintenance bills are something that you'll have to weigh up.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $615 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $10,045 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Ranger Year To Buy Used: 1999
Performance
| Engine | 2.3-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four | 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 270 HP | 315 HP |
| Torque | 310 LB-FT | 400 LB-FT |
| Driveline | RWD or 4WD | RWD or 4WD |
| Towing Capacity | 7,500 lbs | 7,500 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,805 lbs | 1,805 lbs |
(Source: Ford)
While foreign markets still get to enjoy the diesel V-6, in the U.S. it has been completely removed from the lineup. Instead, you have the choice between an inline-four or a brand-new twin-turbocharged V-6. What is interesting is that Ford claims, that regardless of which powertrain you choose, the max towing capacity of the 2024 Ranger stays at 7,500 pounds. You can opt for rear- or all-wheel drive, with the latter having the better effect on towing and payload performance. Regardless of what you go for, you'll get a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Here's How Much A Fully Loaded 2024 Ford Maverick Costs
If you want the fanciest way to own a Ford Maverick, then you'd be surprised you won't even reach the average transaction price for a new car in 2024.2024 Honda Ridgeline
Reliability Score: 9.2/100
From Japanese automaker Honda, the Ridgeline may not be the most powerful mid-size truck that you can buy but it certainly is one of the easiest to live with. It shares much of its underpinnings with the Honda Odyssey, a van, which means its on-road manners are one of the best in this segment.
Reliability
The Ridgeline scores pretty well in terms of reliability according to iSeeCars, earning a 9.2 out of 10. CarEdge claims that the Honda Ridgeline costs $2,058 less to maintain in its first ten years than other popular pickup trucks. It also has a 24.23% chance of needing a major repair in this timeframe, which is respectable.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $502 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,263 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Ridgeline Year To Buy Used: 2006
Performance
| Engine | 3.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 280 HP |
| Torque | 262 LB-FT |
| Driveline | AWD |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,583 lbs |
(Source: Honda)
Honda’s Ridgeline enjoys a much more traditional powertrain than a lot of the other pickups on this list. Instead of a turbocharged inline-four, it has a sturdy V-6. No matter what trim of the Ridgeline you go for, you’ll net yourself all-wheel drive, which is definitely a bonus. The main downside to the Ridgeline is its lower max towing than its rivals. That said, 5,000 pounds is likely to be enough for most people. The biggest upside is the fact that it feels more like a car to drive than any other car on this list, making everyday commutes much more comfortable.
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability Score: 9.2/100
Toyota is a manufacturer that has been around since what feels like the dawn of time. One of their biggest claims to fame is their stalwart reliability. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the Toyota Tacoma tops our list in terms of reliability.
Reliability
The Japanese automaker does it again and Toyota’s Tacoma is the most reliable car on our list. On top of that, it is also the cheapest to maintain by a country mile. CarEdge claims that the Tacoma costs $3,901 less than the average pickup truck to maintain in its first ten years. RepairPal reaffirms this with it having the lowest average yearly maintenance of our picks.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $478 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Tacoma Year To Buy Used: 2006
Performance
| Engine | 2.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four | 2.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 228 HP | 278 HP |
| Torque | 243 LB-FT | 317 LB-FT |
| Driveline | RWD or AWD | RWD or AWD |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | 6400 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | 1,685 lbs |
(Source: Toyota)
The Toyota Tacoma features a single turbocharged inline-four but with two different power outputs. The weaker one is only found in the entry-level SR model, but every other Taco truck in the lineup gets the 278-horsepower variant. You can have your Tacoma in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with your choice of either an automatic or manual transmission.
The Tacoma was redesigned for the 2024 year and Toyota has done a brilliant job. If you’re in the market for a mid-size pickup truck, this is looking like the best value for money at the moment.
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