I love my F-150, but the appeal of a mid-size truck keeps growing. For fuel economy and finding parking in tight urban areas, mid-size pickups clearly outperform full-size trucks. For many DIYers, they offer nearly the same cargo capacity and towing ability while being easier to live with day to day.
Living in the city, my short-bed SuperCrew is often too large for parking spaces. Although I’ve gotten good at parallel parking, a smaller truck would open up many more options and simplify daily driving.
The current Chevy Colorado (and its sibling, the GMC Canyon) has reinvigorated this truck segment with updated styling and strong performance, qualities that were missing from many mid-size models for years.
Even without major redesigns, trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier continue to sell well, particularly in places like Southern California where long commutes and an active outdoor lifestyle make mid-size pickups a practical choice.
Whether or not you surf, kayak, or mountain bike, DIYers need space to haul materials from Home Depot or Lowe’s. From plywood and 2x4s to appliances and carpet, a mid-size truck can handle most home improvement loads comfortably.
I used to own a Ford Ranger, which was very practical but a bit tight on space. Today’s mid-size trucks don’t feel like compact cars; with an extended cab you get the passenger versatility of an SUV plus even greater options for hauling and towing.
I’m not ready to give up my quarter-ton pickup just yet, but I’m increasingly convinced that mid-size trucks are an excellent choice for DIYers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a capable, fuel-efficient, and more city-friendly vehicle.