Find a Great Deal in the Used Mid-Size Pickup Market

There are few vehicles quite as versatile as a great used mid-size truck. Large enough to carry out all the expected truck duties like towing, hauling, and off-roading, but small enough to post some respectable MPG (miles per gallon) stats and not be a nuisance in less spacious city driving conditions. Mid-size pickups truly represent the best of both worlds. Drivers seem to agree, with the mid-size segment on the rise and posting it’s highest market share in 13 years. 2019 was a particularly hot year for mid-size pickups, with sales in the segment rising by 22 percent. Many pickups on the market come in the form of used trucks for sale.

The name mid-size itself is almost a misnomer, as today’s pickups keep getting larger, and we’re not just talking dimensions. The introduction of new drivetrain technology has been a boom for the mid-size segment, which is able to squeeze more and more power out of smaller blocks all the time, throwing the door wide open for a new breed of pickups that don’t ask drivers to sacrifice power in the name of price. Used pickups represent an even better value, offering deep discounts on vehicles that have seen a couple of years on the road and putting even the most decadent trim options within reach of the average driver. Let’s take a look at some of the best values in today’s used mid-size pickup market, and see just how far your dollar can stretch when you leave the late models options behind.

2019 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger, a model that had been dormant since 2011, burst back onto the scene in 2019. Ford retooled the pickup during the hiatus, transforming it from a compact to a mid-size truck in response to changing consumer demands and producing an instant class leader in the process. The Ranger slots nicely between the larger F-150 and compact Maverick in the Ford truck lineup, rounding out an already impressive slate of offerings from the brand.

Assembled in the U.S. at Ford’s Michigan assembly plant, the Ranger is offered as either a 2+2 door SuperCab with a six-foot bed, or 4-door SuperCrew with a 5-foot bed. While the pickup currently has one wheelbase and powertrain on offer, this is easily forgiven as the powertrain offered is nothing short of fantastic. Ford bucked the trend of endlessly customizable pickups with the Ranger, giving drivers a narrower list of options but making all the right decisions where it counts.

The pickup features a turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This unorthodox setup has become increasingly popular as of late, but kudos to Ford for taking the risk and leading the trend with the reintroduction of the Ranger. The turbo setup allows the Ranger to offer ample power that’s both responsive and smooth, with the 2.3-liter engine churning out some 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Ample might be putting it mildly, in fact, as the four-cylinder engine actually offers more torque and a notably more responsive ride than many of the competitor’s V6 options. The EcoBoost engine also means superior gas mileage, with the Ranger posting impressive scores of 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, putting the competition to shame. The powertrain also gives the pickup a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds which, again, makes it an instant leader in its class.

The Ranger’s interior takes a backseat to its performance — at least on the base XL model, but that’s not to say there aren’t a few highlights. All models with the XLT and Lariat trims include Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 safety system—a full slate of automated safety features that range from lane keep alert, blindspot information system with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a backup camera, and automatic emergency braking. The Ranger’s smaller-than-average display screens and functional interior might be a sticking point for some drivers, but for our money, if you’re going to focus on improving tech in one specific area, safety is the way to go. The feedback has been positive so far, with the IHHS giving the Ranger it’s highest rating in five of the six crash tests conducted.

With a smaller frame, fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, and responsive handling, the Ranger is much more at home on city streets than wide open plains, aimed at the same segment as many of today’s popular crossover SUVs but offering a step up in terms of cargo space and ruggedness. That’s not to say you can’t have a little fun in it—with the FX4 Off-Road package, the pickup gets some massive Hankook all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and a host of other off-road goodies, allowing the Ranger to hold its own no matter the terrain.

2018 Nissan Frontier

Nissan’s entry into the mid-size category is notable for its exceptional value. With the Frontier, the automaker has produced a hardy, reliable truck with an impressively low price tag. This low price, combined with the Frontier’s bevy of work-ready features, makes the pickup a great choice for contractors or businesses looking to upgrade their fleet with a reliable truck that won’t break the bottom line.

The pickup has been named America’s Most Affordable Pickup by industry analyst Ward’s Auto, and it’s not tough to see why. The entry-level S trim on the 2018 Frontier cost just under $19,000 when it was introduced, somehow staying below the $20k mark while still checking off almost all the boxes we’d expect for a mid-size truck. For this price, you’ll get a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Those seeking a little more power will appreciate the upgrade to the 4.0-liter V6, which can pump out an impressive 261 horsepower. This option is the perfect choice for any driver seeking a pickup made for towing and hauling, as the V6-equipped Frontier can tow up to 6,710 pounds and haul loads up to 1,450 pounds. An available spray-on bed liner rounds out the pickup’s job site credentials, giving the cargo area a rugged coat that can stand up to the rigors of the work truck lifestyle. The larger engine pairs well with some of the Frontier’s upper trims to create a versatile off-road pickup complete with skids plates, hill descent control, and hill start assist, which keeps the truck from unexpectedly rolling down steep inclines. One unique feature is the pickup’s shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, allowing drivers to shift between multiple driving modes depending on conditions seamlessly.

The Frontier’s interior is generally a little more Spartan than some of the competition, but that’s to be expected at its price. That’s not to say the Frontier is any slouch in the technology department. Drivers will find many of the now-standard features they’d expect, like a 5.8-inch color touchscreen hosting the NissanConnect infotainment system, rear-view cameras, as well as some intriguing new inclusions such as auto-dimming rear-view mirrors. The Frontier comes in six different trims, which really run the gamut in terms of performance and features. Drivers seeking a little thrill with their ride might be intrigued by the PRO-4X model, including Bilstein high-pressure performance gas shocks, perfect for off-road fun, skid plates, and a limited-slip rear differential.

2019 Chevy Colorado

The Colorado is a great option for drivers seeking a used pickup that hits the sweet spot between fun and function. While the Base and WT trims offer great value and the LT is a great, well-rounded offering, Chevy has kept things interesting with a few off-road models towards the top of the lineup that will inject a little excitement into your drive. Engine offerings run the gamut, ranging from a 181 hp 2.8-liter turbo-diesel, a 200 hp four-cylinder option, and a powerful 308 hp, 3.6-liter V6, so those looking for a little more power have a wide range of trims to choose from.

The Z71 trim gives the Colorado a host of off-road-ready upgrades that’ll have the mid-size pickup feeling right at home when you leave the pavement behind. These Colorados feature some must-have off-road features, like upgraded shocks that go a long way in improving ride quality, a locking rear differential, and an underbody transfer case to protect vital components from unnecessary bumps and knocks, as well as recovery hooks should you find yourself stuck in a tough spot. Drivers towing or hauling large loads will appreciate the model’s Hill Descent Control, which allows them to set the desired speed when navigating down a steep incline. A high-capacity air cleaner will ensure the engine keeps gulping down fresh air, no matter how dusty the conditions might be.

The Z71 doesn’t ask drivers to sacrifice comfort and convenience in the name of off-road capability, offering a well-appointed interior packed with high-tech features and refined, even luxurious, styling. The Z71 offers all the features found on the LT, as well as a heated front seat and steering wheel, wireless device charging, Chevy’s Infotainment 3 Plus system, rear park assist, and high-definition rear camera. The trim is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, though we’d suggest opting for the latter if you plan to do any off-roading.

Those looking for an even better equipped off-road Colorado should check out the ZR2 trim. This top-of-the-line trim includes everything found on the Z71 but kicks it up a notch with the inclusion of 31-inch off-road tires, functional rock sliders, Multimatic DSSV position-sensitive shock absorbers, and aluminum alloy wheels. The suspension is also lifted by two inches, along with a track that’s been widened by 3.5-inches, and a high-approach angle front bumper, giving the ZR2 the ideal dimensions for lots of off-road fun. Note that the Colorado is also sold as the GMC Canyon, so keep an eye out for both models searching for your next favorite mid-size truck.

Take the Next Step in Finding the Perfect Truck

Interested in learning more about the Ford Ranger or just used mid-size trucks in general? You’ll find all the answers you’re looking for here at Depaula Ford. While we’re a Ford dealership by name, our used inventory is full of options from many of today’s leading manufacturers. A good truck is a good truck, no matter what’s on the nameplate, and we work hard to source some of the best, most reliable, used, and certified pre-owned pickups around. With new and used vehicles rolling onto the lot all the time, every trip to Depaula Ford is a unique experience with plenty of surprises in store, so stop in today to browse, discuss trade-ins, or just pick the brains of any one of our friendly, knowledgeable sales staff. When you’re ready to make a purchase, we make it easier than ever, with a finance team on staff to crunch the numbers that’ll help you get behind the wheel as soon as possible.