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Toyota Tacoma Reinforces Its Hold on the Mid-Size Pickup Market
Not surprisingly, Toyota Motor North America continues to lead the mid-size pickup segment. In its Q3 2025 sales report the automaker revealed dealers moved 204,464 mid-size trucks in the first nine months of the year — a hefty 61.2% increase versus the same period in 2024. The Tacoma remains the backbone of that performance.
i-FORCE MAX: Tacoma's electrified muscle
The Tacoma i-FORCE MAX accounted for 22,773 U.S. sales through Q3, helping fuel Toyota's strong year-to-date totals. Toyota's only electrified midsize offering pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four with a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated between the engine and an eight-speed automatic — a packaging choice aimed at improving response and torque delivery without compromising cargo or towing capability.
How the rest of the segment performed
General Motors also enjoyed solid mid-size pickup results. Chevrolet's Colorado posted 77,390 year-to-date sales, while the mechanically similar GMC Canyon recorded 27,878 deliveries — a 3.4% increase compared with Q1–Q3 2024.
Ford’s Ranger, which shares architecture with the Bronco, sold 15,301 units during the quarter (a modest 1.3% decline year-over-year for the quarter) but has surged overall for the year. Through Q3 Ford reports 48,278 Ranger sales — up an impressive 57.4% year-to-date.
Nissan’s long-running Frontier remains competitive, with 47,630 units sold YTD and 17,032 for the quarter. Jeep’s Gladiator — a 4WD-only offering — posted 38,513 year-to-date sales and 13,113 for the quarter, marking improvements of roughly 18% and 43%, respectively, versus last year.
American Honda’s Pilot-derived Ridgeline, unique in the segment for its standard all-wheel-drive layout and unibody construction, moved 37,385 units through September, a 13.2% rise year-to-date.
Segment snapshots and pricing highlights
Here are some notable retail prices and positioning points for 2025/2026 model-year midsize pickups:
- Toyota Tacoma SR (XtraCab, six-foot bed, RWD, eight-speed auto): $31,590
- Nissan Frontier (2026 suggested retail): $32,150
- Chevrolet Colorado (work trim, 2.7L turbo I4): $32,400
- Ford Ranger (base starting price): $33,350 — engine options include the 2.3L EcoBoost I4, 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and more potent turbo V6 options for performance trims
- Jeep Gladiator Sport 4WD (2025): $38,695
- GMC Canyon Elevation (RWD): $38,900
- Honda Ridgeline (base): $40,595 — the priciest mainstream midsizer, but well-equipped even at entry level
Note: Jeep canceled the planned Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid program amid weak demand for PHEV trucks, which influenced its product strategy for electrified pickups.
Market context and what it means for buyers
Toyota’s leadership in the mid-size truck market reflects a combination of pricing competitiveness, strong brand loyalty, and a well-rounded lineup that now includes an electrified take on the Tacoma. Buyers looking for capability and value continue to gravitate toward the Tacoma, while those seeking specialized capability or luxury options turn to offerings from Ford, GM, Jeep, and Honda.
Quote: "The mid-size truck market in 2025 is defined by choice — traditional gasoline efficiency, electrified boosts, and a range of prices that let shoppers pick capability over cost or vice versa," says an industry analyst.
Key takeaways:
- Tacoma leads in sales and value-for-money.
- Electrified pickups are present but still limited in demand.
- Pricing spans roughly $31,500 to $40,600, reflecting different philosophies (utility vs. refinement).
For shoppers, the decision comes down to intended use: daily commuting and family duty favor unibody or AWD options like the Ridgeline, while trail capability, towing, and aftermarket support keep body-on-frame models like Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado in high demand.
Source: autoevolution
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