For Those Daily Commutes
Midsize trucks hit the sweet spot between capability and everyday usability. They’re easier to park than full-size pickups but still deliver solid towing, hauling, and off-road ability. Here’s a ranking of the 25 best midsize trucks for daily driving, according to industry experts.
#25 – Mahindra Scorpio Getaway
This Indian-built truck runs a 2.2L turbo-diesel with 120 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. It’s simple and rugged, but slower on highways compared to others. For daily driving, it’s dependable, affordable, and good for rural buyers who need practicality more than outright speed or luxury.
#24 – Great Wall Cannon (GWM Ute)
The Cannon’s 2.0L turbo-diesel makes 161 hp and 295 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Comfortable seats and a surprisingly well-equipped interior make it a practical commuter option. While it’s not the fastest or most refined, it balances value with usability in daily driving.
NEW GWM Cannon Ute (inc. 0-100 & off-road) review: Bargain of the century?, CarExpert
#23 – Renault Alaskan
Sharing DNA with the Nissan Navara, the Alaskan uses a 2.3L twin-turbo diesel producing up to 190 hp and 332 lb-ft. A 7-speed automatic and car-like suspension make it smoother than many rivals. It’s comfortable for everyday errands, though limited availability keeps it from ranking higher.
#22 – Isuzu D-Max
A 3.0L diesel with 187 hp and 332 lb-ft powers the D-Max, known for toughness. Inside, it’s modernized with decent infotainment and driver assists. On city streets, it feels surprisingly refined, though it’s still tuned with utility in mind, making it better suited for practical daily use.
Matti Blume, Wikimedia Commons
#21 – Volkswagen Amarok (First Gen)
The Amarok’s 3.0L V6 TDI pushes 221 hp and 406 lb-ft with an 8-speed auto. Comfortable ride quality and sharp steering make it more car-like than some rivals. Daily drivers enjoy its balance of work capability and highway composure, though reliability perceptions drop it a few spots.
#20 – Mazda BT-50
Sharing its underpinnings with the Isuzu D-Max, the BT-50 runs a 3.0L diesel making 187 hp and 332 lb-ft. Mazda’s styling and better interior design give it an edge in daily driving. It’s smoother and more stylish, appealing to drivers who want a practical truck that feels modern.
Rudolf Stricker, Wikimedia Commons
#19 – Mitsubishi Triton (L200)
Powered by a 2.4L turbo-diesel producing 181 hp and 317 lb-ft, the Triton balances fuel efficiency with daily comfort. Its smaller dimensions make city parking less stressful than larger rivals. Light steering and updated infotainment make it a solid choice for those who value convenience in daily use.
#18 – Tata Xenon
The Xenon features a 2.2L diesel with around 138 hp and 236 lb-ft. It’s ruggedly simple and affordable, appealing to cost-conscious buyers. On the road, it’s not the most refined, but its durability and practical size help it slot into everyday life in growing markets.
No machine-readable author provided. Luc106 assumed (based on copyright claims)., Wikimedia Commons
#17 – Fiat Fullback
Built on Mitsubishi Triton bones, the Fullback runs a 2.4L diesel with 180 hp and 317 lb-ft. It feels familiar, with easy drivability and supportive seats. While not groundbreaking, it’s competent for everyday errands, blending European branding with Japanese reliability in a balanced midsize package.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
#16 – Chevrolet S10
Available mainly in South America, the Chevy S10 uses a 2.8L turbo-diesel with 200 hp and 369 lb-ft. It’s smooth on pavement, with solid infotainment tech for daily life. Affordable service costs and Chevrolet’s broad dealer network help it appeal to everyday truck buyers.
#15 – Ford Courier (Brazil)
This compact pickup offers a 1.6L four-cylinder with about 100 hp. While modest in power, its nimble size makes city commuting and parking easy. It’s practical for light-duty hauling and budget-conscious buyers who still want truck utility in an urban-friendly footprint.
#14 – Toyota Hilux
The Hilux is legendary for reliability. The 2.8L turbo-diesel generates 201 hp and 369 lb-ft, paired with a 6-speed automatic. For daily use, it offers bulletproof dependability, decent comfort, and solid infotainment. Its tougher ride holds it back compared to softer rivals, but durability remains its calling card.
EurovisionNim, Wikimedia Commons
#13 – Nissan Navara
The Navara’s 2.3L twin-turbo diesel produces up to 187 hp and 332 lb-ft, with multi-link rear suspension giving it a smoother ride than competitors. Comfortable cabin, quiet cruising, and solid tech make it an everyday-friendly choice while still handling weekend adventures with ease.
#12 – Honda Ridgeline
Powered by a 3.5L V6 with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft, the Ridgeline shines for everyday drivers. Unibody construction delivers SUV-like handling, while a 9-speed automatic ensures smooth shifts. Its car-like ride and in-bed trunk make it one of the most practical midsize trucks for commuting.
User:McChizzle, Wikimedia Commons
#11 – Chevrolet Colorado
The 3.6L V6 makes 308 hp and 275 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic. With strong towing ability, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and responsive steering, the Colorado balances daily drivability with truck toughness. It’s versatile enough for commuting during the week and camping trips on weekends.
MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons
#10 – GMC Canyon
Sharing much with the Colorado, the Canyon brings premium finishes and a 2.7L turbo engine delivering 310 hp and 430 lb-ft. Smooth handling and quiet cabins make it daily-driver friendly. It’s aimed at buyers who want a midsize pickup that feels upscale without losing utility.
#9 – Renault Oroch
This compact pickup uses a 2.0L four-cylinder with 143 hp and 151 lb-ft. It’s small and city-friendly, fitting into tight spaces while offering just enough bed space for errands. While not built for heavy work, its simplicity and size make it a convenient urban daily driver.
#8 – Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz’s 2.5L turbo-four delivers 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch auto. It drives like a crossover, with agile handling, comfortable seats, and modern tech. Perfect for city commuting, it doubles as a light-duty pickup for lifestyle buyers who need versatility.
#7 – Jeep Gladiator
Using a 3.6L V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft, the Gladiator blends Wrangler personality with truck utility. While its off-road focus is clear, it’s also comfortable enough for daily use. The removable roof and doors make it unique, adding fun and adventure to everyday commutes.
Optimuspedia, Wikimedia Commons
#6 – SsangYong Musso
The Musso’s 2.2L diesel produces 202 hp and 325 lb-ft, paired with a 6-speed automatic. It features a comfortable interior, leather options, and SUV-like refinement. It doesn’t get as much spotlight, but for daily use it’s surprisingly polished, offering practicality at a competitive price point.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
#5 – Chevrolet Avalanche (Late Gen)
Equipped with a 5.3L V8 producing 320 hp and 335 lb-ft, the Avalanche offers SUV comfort and truck versatility. Its midgate design allows extra cargo space when needed. Smooth ride quality and spacious interiors made it a daily-driving favorite when in production, bridging the SUV-truck gap.
#4 – Volkswagen Amarok (Second Gen)
The newest Amarok, built on Ford Ranger bones, runs a 3.0L V6 diesel with 250 hp and 443 lb-ft. The cabin is SUV-like, with advanced driver aids and large infotainment screens. It feels premium, composed, and comfortable for daily driving while still offering full truck capability.
Alexander-93, Wikimedia Commons
#3 – Ford Ranger (New Gen)
With a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 pumping out 315 hp and 400 lb-ft, the Ranger delivers a strong blend of performance and refinement. Its modern cabin tech and quiet highway manners make it practical as a daily driver, while its chassis still supports towing and light off-road adventures.
Alexander-93, Wikimedia Commons
#2 – Toyota Tacoma (2024)
The latest Tacoma comes with a turbo 2.4L four-cylinder making 278 hp and 317 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed auto. It rides smoother than ever thanks to updated suspension tuning. With reliability, aftermarket support, and improved cabin refinement, it’s a top pick for truck fans commuting daily.
#1 – Honda Ridgeline (2024 Refresh)
The 2024 refresh of the Ridgeline tops this list. Its 3.5L V6 produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft, paired with a 9-speed auto. Comfortable ride, SUV-like handling, and clever in-bed storage make it the best midsize truck for daily life. It’s easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and practical.
Deathpallie325, Wikimedia Commons
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