There’s no doubt that pickup trucks are tough, versatile vehicles, able to be driven on the pavement and taken off-road whenever you wish. Even better, there is quite a number to choose from, making it easier for you to pick one that matches your needs.
If you want a pickup but don’t want the full capability of a full-sized truck, you can pick one from the mid-size ones. Mid-sizers are a compelling alternative to full-size ones thanks to their capability, appeal and maneuverability. You can use them to tow and haul stuff, transport passengers and still hit the trail on your time off. Additionally, they have low starting prices, making them easy on your pocket.
At Dixie 4 Wheel Drive, we’ve seen and worked on a wide range of pickups and here, in no particular order, is a list of our 5 favorite ones (we used the 2018 models for this comparison):
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Toyota Tacoma
If you’re looking for an adventure-ready rig, then the trusty Taco truck will get the job done. This truck is a great choice for those looking to go as far off the beaten track as possible. You can pick from one of two engine choices- the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or the 3.5-liter V6 depending on how much power you want your rig to have.
This truck is hugely popular thanks to its high payload capacity (it can tow up to 6800 pounds) as well as its high resale value. Additionally, it has great aftermarket parts support so you can switch up the suspension or upgrade other parts as you wish. The only downside to this truck is the rather bland interior but with a few truck modifications, we can build you the cabin of your dreams.
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Chevrolet Colorado
This purpose-built truck from GM has a well-earned off-road cred. The Chevrolet Colorado not only has a smart interior but it’s also a comfortable daily driver so you’ll have no problems driving on the highway. The F1 inspired DSSV dampers and the impressive lineup of compelling engines make this a top choice for any avid off-roader.
The engine choices include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 3.6-liter V6 and a mouthwatering 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for those who prefer their trucks with more oomph. The diesel option ramps up this truck’s towing capacity to a maximum of 7,700 pounds, making it powerful both on and off-road.
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GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is almost a twin of the Chevrolet Colorado. Both trucks come with the same engine choices including the appealing turbodiesel option. The Canyon is a fuel-efficient truck that offers a smooth ride over most surfaces and a nice assortment of tech features. It has an upscale cabin with a high-quality interior. This coupled with sporty handling even over rough surfaces is sure to impress those who value comfort with their dune-jumping. To further sweeten the deal, this truck has a reasonable price tag for its class so you can purchase one without breaking the bank.
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Nissan Frontier
If you’re in the market for a basic, cost-effective truck with none of the bells and whistles offered by the other mid-sized trucks, then the Nissan Frontier is for you. Despite receiving only a few minor changes over the years, this truck still remains a fan favorite. The cabin materials and overall interior have a dated feeling to them and the dashboard display can seem uninspiring if you’re used to flashier trucks. Many reviews have also remarked that this truck has a subpar fuel economy and lower towing capacity than other trucks in this class. However, we can help you build a custom truck that suits your taste and preferences so the drab interior shouldn’t deter you.
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Honda Ridgeline
Don’t let the soft-looking styling fool you into thinking that the Honda Ridgeline is anything less than a capable rig. This truck is one of the most appealing, comfortable and quietest mid-sized trucks in our list. Under the hood, there’s a 3.5-liter V6 engine with respectable fuel efficiency and decent power. It also offers several unique features for those who want something extra for their trucks.
It comes with a watertight storage trunk in the bed as well as a two-way tailgate that can open up and down or sideways for easier loading and off-loading. There’s also the option of adding an in-bed stereo system to blast your favorite tunes as you drive. The only downside to this vehicle, other than the price tag, is the lower off-road capability. The Ridgeline comes equipped with an all-wheel-drive system that just isn’t as capable or as powerful as its competitors when crawling over rocks or driving down rough terrain. The AWD also drops this truck’s towing capacity to 5000 pounds.
Let Us Build Your Dream Pickup
No matter what kind of truck you own, we at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive have the skills, tools and experience to help you create the custom truck build that you want and deserve. We stock a wide range of aftermarket mods and upgrades so you can pick the parts you want for your rig. Our 4X4 specialists will not only work on your truck but will also be available to answer any questions you have plus advice you on what’s suitable for your vehicle. We can also handle all your repair and maintenance needs.
For all these and more, pay us a visit at either of our shops in Moab or St. George Utah. We’ll be happy to serve you.
