Just how hot is the mid-size Truck market? Well, it’s so hot that even Hyundai is hard at work developing a mid-size pickup. Already, there are seven entries in this highly competitive class. Most have been around a while, but two new trucks recently entered the ring: all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator, which is based on the exceedingly popular Jeep Wrangler, and the 2020 Ford Ranger, which debuted a year ago and will share its chassis with the coming 2021 Ford Bronco.
Few vehicles were as highly anticipated over the last year as the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The brand’s first pickup since 1992 has won the North American Truck of the Year award and quickly became a sensation. Demand outstripped supply, causing some overeager buyers to pay an extra $10,000 to jump to the front of the line. Jeep dealers weren’t complaining. Gladiatormania has leveled off, however. It’s still a very popular truck, but there’s no longer a need to pay a king’s ransom to get your hands on one. And that’s good news for anyone looking to buy Jeep’s new pickup. Let's take a closer look at the 2020 Gladiator and see how it stacks up against its rivals.
2020 Jeep Gladiator
The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator shares much of its design and components with the Wrangler Unlimited, and as a result, it’s packed with Jeep’s legendary off-road capability, as well as high levels of practicality and comfort. Unlike its competitors, which offer two-wheel drive models, every Gladiator comes equipped with four-wheel drive, while the Rubicon and Mojave models feature the most extreme off-road hardware in the class. Every Gladiator is also a crew cab with a 5-foot bed and class-leading rear legroom. The only engine offered is a strong 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Buyers can choose between a standard six-speed manual or an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission.
Six trim levels are available and pricing starts right around $35,000, including a $1,495 destination charge. That’s high for this class, as most of its competitors start below $30,000. Prices also climb rapidly through the range and top out with the Rubicon, which has a base price just over $45,000. That’s a bit more than the Rubicon’s rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, but the Jeep is the most capable off-road. A manual-folding soft-top roof is standard on all models. For better weather protection and security, an optional removable hardtop costs $1,195.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Unlike the Jeep Gladiator, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado is available with three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, an impressive 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-hp Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel. It’s also offered in three body styles, including one with a longer bed than the Jeep. With the 200-hp 2.5-liter, the Colorado can tow a maximum of just 3,500 lbs, but that number jumps to 7,000 with the 308-hp V6. With the four-cylinder diesel, which produces 369 lb-ft of torque, it can pull 7700 lbs — that’s 50 lbs more than the Jeep’s maximum.
The Colorado offers two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, while two of its trim levels are tuned for off-roading: the Z71 with 4x4 and the most capable ZR2, which has front and rear locking differentials and special shocks. The ZR2 is very competent off-road and competes well with the Gladiator Mojave and Rubicon models, which cost more. Prices start below $22,500 for a 2WD extended cab Colorado with the four-cylinder engine.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Unlike the Jeep Gladiator, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado is available with three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, an impressive 3.6-liter V6, and a 181-hp Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel. It’s also offered in three body styles, including one with a longer bed than the Jeep. With the 200-hp 2.5-liter, the Colorado can tow a maximum of just 3,500 lbs, but that number jumps to 7,000 with the 308-hp V6. With the four-cylinder diesel, which produces 369 lb-ft of torque, it can pull 7700 lbs — that’s 50 lbs more than the Jeep’s maximum.
The Colorado offers two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, while two of its trim levels are tuned for off-roading: the Z71 with 4x4 and the most capable ZR2, which has front and rear locking differentials and special shocks. The ZR2 is very competent off-road and competes well with the Gladiator Mojave and Rubicon models, which cost more. Prices start below $22,500 for a 2WD extended cab Colorado with the four-cylinder engine.
2020 GMC Canyon
GMC and Chevy are both part of the General Motors, so GMC’s smallest pickup is mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Colorado. The two trucks share just about everything but their exterior design. They’re not only exactly the same size, but they also use the same chassis, suspensions, engines, and transmissions.
The Canyon is available with the same three engines as the Chevy: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder. And like the Colorado, it tows the most — 7,700 lbs — when equipped with the 181-horsepower diesel, which costs about $5,000 extra. The Canyon is quickest with the 308-hp V6, however, hitting 60 mph in about 8 seconds, which matches the acceleration of the Gladiator. The Canyon with the most off-road chops is the All-Terrain, which shares components and specs with the Colorado ZR2. The Denali model is among the more chromed-up and luxurious trucks in this class. It rides smoother than the Jeep.
2020 GMC Canyon
GMC and Chevy are both part of the General Motors, so GMC’s smallest pickup is mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Colorado. The two trucks share just about everything but their exterior design. They’re not only exactly the same size, but they also use the same chassis, suspensions, engines, and transmissions.
The Canyon is available with the same three engines as the Chevy: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder. And like the Colorado, it tows the most — 7,700 lbs — when equipped with the 181-horsepower diesel, which costs about $5,000 extra. The Canyon is quickest with the 308-hp V6, however, hitting 60 mph in about 8 seconds, which matches the acceleration of the Gladiator. The Canyon with the most off-road chops is the All-Terrain, which shares components and specs with the Colorado ZR2. The Denali model is among the more chromed-up and luxurious trucks in this class. It rides smoother than the Jeep.
2020 Ford Ranger
Ford’s smallest pickup was all-new last year and it brings a sophisticated powertrain to the class. Every Ranger model is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s rated to produce 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with the same 10-speed automatic as the larger F-150 and has the most gear ratios in this class. Chevy and GMC also use this same transmission in their larger pickups but don’t offer it in the Colorado or Canyon.
That smooth and responsive powertrain gives the Ranger impressive capability. It’s one of the quickest trucks in this class, out accelerating the Gladiator to 60 mph by about a second, and every Ranger model including 2WD and 4WD trucks have a maximum tow rating of 7,500 lbs. That’s just 150 lbs less than the Jeep, only 200 lbs less than GM’s diesels, and 1,500 lbs more than the V6-powered Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. It’s also considerably more than the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma can pull. Two body styles are offered, and unlike Jeep, Ford does offer the Ranger with a longer 6-foot bed. Prices start right around $25,500.
2020 Ford Ranger
Ford’s smallest pickup was all-new last year and it brings a sophisticated powertrain to the class. Every Ranger model is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s rated to produce 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with the same 10-speed automatic as the larger F-150 and has the most gear ratios in this class. Chevy and GMC also use this same transmission in their larger pickups but don’t offer it in the Colorado or Canyon.
That smooth and responsive powertrain gives the Ranger impressive capability. It’s one of the quickest trucks in this class, out accelerating the Gladiator to 60 mph by about a second, and every Ranger model including 2WD and 4WD trucks have a maximum tow rating of 7,500 lbs. That’s just 150 lbs less than the Jeep, only 200 lbs less than GM’s diesels, and 1,500 lbs more than the V6-powered Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. It’s also considerably more than the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma can pull. Two body styles are offered, and unlike Jeep, Ford does offer the Ranger with a longer 6-foot bed. Prices start right around $25,500.
2020 Honda Ridgeline
Honda’s only pickup is now in its second generation, and it remains unique in this class. The Ridgeline is the only pickup sold in the United States that doesn’t use a conventional ladder-type frame; instead, it’s built like a crossover. In fact, it shares much of its chassis with the Honda Pilot so it has the only independent rear suspension in this class. The result is the smoothest ride of the bunch.
Only available as a crew-cab configuration with four full-size doors, the Ridgeline also shares its 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic with the Pilot, resulting in class-leading acceleration. It blows the doors off the Jeep Gladiator and the other trucks in this class. Two-wheel drive models can only pull 3,500 lbs, however, and with all-wheel drive, which cost an extra $2,240, it’s maxed out at 5,000 lbs. That’s the lowest maximum tow rating in the class. The Ridgeline isn’t really equipped for off-roading either, but it does drives like a luxury car. Prices start at about $35,000.
2020 Honda Ridgeline
Honda’s only pickup is now in its second generation, and it remains unique in this class. The Ridgeline is the only pickup sold in the United States that doesn’t use a conventional ladder-type frame; instead, it’s built like a crossover. In fact, it shares much of its chassis with the Honda Pilot so it has the only independent rear suspension in this class. The result is the smoothest ride of the bunch.
Only available as a crew-cab configuration with four full-size doors, the Ridgeline also shares its 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic with the Pilot, resulting in class-leading acceleration. It blows the doors off the Jeep Gladiator and the other trucks in this class. Two-wheel drive models can only pull 3,500 lbs, however, and with all-wheel drive, which cost an extra $2,240, it’s maxed out at 5,000 lbs. That’s the lowest maximum tow rating in the class. The Ridgeline isn’t really equipped for off-roading either, but it does drives like a luxury car. Prices start at about $35,000.
2020 Nissan Frontier
After many years of engineering stagnation, the Nissan Frontier gets some worthwhile changes for 2020. The truck's 152-horsepower four-cylinder and 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 are history, replaced by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injection 3.8-liter V6. That’s the most horsepower in the class. Its 281 lb-ft of torque is also quite strong. That’s more than you get in the Gladiator.
The Frontier’s antiquated five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions have also been replaced. There’s a new nine-speed automatic in both 2WD or 4WD models. The Nissan’s dated chassis is unchanged, however, so its max tow rating is still low for the class at 6,700 lbs. That’s about 1,000 lbs less than the Gladiator. The Frontier is still offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Prices start around $25,000.
2020 Nissan Frontier
After many years of engineering stagnation, the Nissan Frontier gets some worthwhile changes for 2020. The truck's 152-horsepower four-cylinder and 261-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 are history, replaced by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injection 3.8-liter V6. That’s the most horsepower in the class. Its 281 lb-ft of torque is also quite strong. That’s more than you get in the Gladiator.
The Frontier’s antiquated five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions have also been replaced. There’s a new nine-speed automatic in both 2WD or 4WD models. The Nissan’s dated chassis is unchanged, however, so its max tow rating is still low for the class at 6,700 lbs. That’s about 1,000 lbs less than the Gladiator. The Frontier is still offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Prices start around $25,000.
2020 Toyota Tacoma
Known as the Taco by its disciples, the Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling mid-size truck. And it has been for a long time. Offered in a wide range of body styles and trim levels, the Tacoma outsells every other truck here by a wide margin. But the Tacoma isn’t perfect. Its standard 159 horsepower four-cylinder is weak and most models rely on a six-speed automatic transmission, which is about as modern as a fax machine. A six-speed manual is also available.
The Toyota is far more likeable and capable with the available 3.5-liter V6, which makes 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. That’s about the same output as the V6 in the Gladiator, although the Jeep’s eight-speed automatic transmission is far superior. With its V6 the Taco can tow between 6,400 and 6,800 lbs depending on the truck's configuration, which is about mid-pack in this class. Its interior is likable, but some find its driving position to be a bit odd and uncomfortable. Several TRD models offer the most off-road capability, with the TRD Pro offering the highest performance, though unlike the Gladiator Rubicon, it does not offer a locking front differential or disconnectable front sway bar.
2020 Toyota Tacoma
Known as the Taco by its disciples, the Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling mid-size truck. And it has been for a long time. Offered in a wide range of body styles and trim levels, the Tacoma outsells every other truck here by a wide margin. But the Tacoma isn’t perfect. Its standard 159 horsepower four-cylinder is weak and most models rely on a six-speed automatic transmission, which is about as modern as a fax machine. A six-speed manual is also available.
The Toyota is far more likeable and capable with the available 3.5-liter V6, which makes 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. That’s about the same output as the V6 in the Gladiator, although the Jeep’s eight-speed automatic transmission is far superior. With its V6 the Taco can tow between 6,400 and 6,800 lbs depending on the truck's configuration, which is about mid-pack in this class. Its interior is likable, but some find its driving position to be a bit odd and uncomfortable. Several TRD models offer the most off-road capability, with the TRD Pro offering the highest performance, though unlike the Gladiator Rubicon, it does not offer a locking front differential or disconnectable front sway bar.
What about fuel economy?
When it comes to fuel economy the Jeep Gladiator sits about mid-pack in this class with EPA ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Stick with the standard manual transmission and those ratings change to 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Other trucks with their standard four-cylinder engines are more fuel-efficient, but not as much as you may think. And with its available V6, the Toyota Tacoma is rated at 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, while a four-wheel drive V6-powered Chevy Colorado is rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The turbocharged Ford Ranger is rated higher at 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, thanks in part to its 10-speed transmission. The Honda Ridgeline is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. Buyers looking for this highest mileage and longest fuel range in this class might want to check out the Chevy with the optional turbodiesel, which is rated at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
