Looking for the perfect midsize truck for Arizona roads? Whether you’re tackling weekend adventures, navigating city streets, or hauling gear out to the desert, midsize pickups offer a blend of capability, comfort, and efficiency that’s hard to beat.
In this guide, we compare the best 2025 midsize pickup trucks in Phoenix metro — helping you make a smart, local choice for your next ride.
Phoenix drivers know: a pickup needs to handle blazing heat, occasional rough terrain, and everything in between. The best midsize trucks in Phoenix AZ offer the ideal mix of manageable size, strong towing, and advanced features.
This includes well-known names, such as Ford Rangers, Chevrolet Colorados, Toyota Tacomas, Honda Ridgelines, and GMC Canyons. It also includes the new compact trucks, Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. There are also fuel-saving models such as the Ford Maverick Hybrid and the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid.
The 2025 Chevy Colorado continues to lead the segment with tough performance and a refined ride. Its available off-road ZR2 trim is built for Arizona adventures, while a turbocharged engine delivers solid power and efficiency. With advanced driver-assist tech and a comfortable interior, it’s a favorite for work or play.
With excellent reviews by automotive critics, the Chevrolet Colorado is considered a good buy in every way. Its TurboMax powertrain is a new standard. Kelley Blue Book praises this truck for its “impressive capability” and “civilized ride.”
Why it’s great for Phoenix: Off-road capability for desert trails, practical size for city driving.
Find Chevrolet midsize trucks: Check out the Chevy Colorados at Earnhardt Chevrolet in Queen Creek.
Redesigned for 2025, the Ford Ranger brings new engine options and more advanced features. The Tremor off-road package is perfect for weekend getaways outside the Valley, and the Ranger’s towing and payload ratings keep it at the top of its class.
The Ford full size truck earns the #1 ranking at MotorTrend as well. They especially like the powertrain, handling, and ride quality. Car and Driver gives the #1 spot in its 2025 midsize truck comparison to the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Why it’s great for Phoenix: Versatile for both outdoor fun and daily commuting.
Find Ford midsize trucks: Check out the Ranger at Earnhardt Ford in Chandler or Rodeo Ford in Goodyear.
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline offers a smooth, car-like ride to match its SUV-like cabin. All-wheel drive is standard, making it a great pick for occasional mountain or lake trips. Best of all, it has flexible bed storage and in-cabin tech that you won’t find on rivals, such as the 2025 Nissan Frontier.
US News and World Report ranks the Ridgeline at #1 in Midsize Trucks in 2025. Like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Sierra, the Ridgeline is a Car and Driver Editors’ Choice.
Why it’s great for Phoenix: Comfort meets practicality, with enough capability for weekend escapes.
Find Honda trucks: You can find the Honda Ridgeline at your Earnhardt Honda dealer in Avondale.
A long-time Arizona favorite, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma returns with hybrid power and legendary durability. The TRD Pro is ready for rugged trails, and the Tacoma’s resale value is tough to match.
Kelley Blue Book ranks the Tacoma at #1 among best midsize trucks 2025. US News and World Report calls the Tacoma “the Best Midsize SUV for the Money” in 2025.
Car and Driver suggests that shoppers should “buy the Tacoma Hybrid for its power, not fuel savings.” Tacoma Hybrids generate a remarkable 326 horsepower.
Why it’s great for Phoenix: Perfect for off-roading, camping, and long desert drives.
Find Toyota Midsize Trucks: Find the Tacoma at your Earnhardt Toyota Dealership in Mesa.
Like the Wrangler with a truck bed, the Jeep Gladiator brings iconic styling and unbeatable off-road capability. Removable doors and roof mean open-air adventure, while the Gladiator still hauls and tows with the best.
In their midsize truck comparison, Motor Trend editors write that Gladiator shoppers “buy it because it’s awesome”. Car and Driver likes the way the Gladiator “brings the kind of capabilities and aftermarket support” that is only found on the Wrangler.
Why it’s great for Phoenix: Built for adventure seekers who crave Arizona’s great outdoors.
Find Jeep Trucks: You can find all the Gladiator’s exciting trim levels and color choices at Earnhardt CDJR (Queen Creek Jeep dealer) or Earnhardt CDJR (Gilbert Jeep dealer).
Upscale and rugged, the GMC Canyon gives you Denali luxury or AT4 off-road performance. It shares a platform with the Colorado but brings unique features and upscale touches. Compared to rivals like the Nissan Frontier, the Canyon cabin is packed with top quality materials and an SUV-like atmosphere.
US News and World Report rankings show the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado in a tie for #2 among the midsize truck class. The 2025 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is a new luxury midsize truck, but the GMC Canyon Denali is likely to continue its rule as the best in this category.
Why it’s great for Phoenix: Combines comfort, tech, and truck utility for busy lifestyles.
Find GMC Midsized Trucks: You can find the Canyon at Earnhardt Buick GMC in Mesa.
The Ford Maverick is the most affordable midsize truck on this list. Plus it offers a hybrid engine for maximum MPG. It’s smaller than the rest but fits perfectly in tight city spaces and still offers impressive utility.
With its hybrid powertrain, the Maverick has the best gas mileage of any truck on the market, other than electric ones. It is ranked #1 on the list of best pickup trucks under $35,000 at Car and Driver. With its turbo powertrain, the Maverick shows off just how Ford tough it has been built.
Why it’s great for Phoenix: Ideal for urban drivers who want versatility without sacrificing efficiency.
Find Ford Midsize Trucks: You’ll find this truck at Earnhardt Ford in Chandler or Earnhardt Rodeo Ford in Goodyear.
Blending crossover comfort with pickup practicality, the Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out with its unique style and smart features. It is geat for drivers who need a truck bed for gear but prioritize a smooth ride and modern tech.
The Hyundai compact truck is praised by Car and Driver for its sharp driving experience and comfy carlike cabin. It is also an Editors’ Choice for 2025.
Why it’s great for Phoenix: Perfect for active urban lifestyles and weekend trips.
Find Hyundai Midsize Truck: You can find these compact trucks in Phoenix metro in three locations: Earnhardt Hyundai Avondale, Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale, and Earnhardt Hyundai San Tan in Gilbert.
Prioritize Cooling & AC: Arizona summers demand top-notch air conditioning. Look for trucks with dual-zone automatic climate controls for our hot summers and moonroofs for our desert winters.
Consider Off-Road Packages: Many models offer off-road trims—ideal for Sedona, Prescott, or desert exploration. Ask the Earnhardt staff about their off-roading favorites.
Think Fuel Efficiency: If you commute in the Valley, hybrids and turbo engines can save you money. Ask your Earnhardt staff about new midsize trucks in Phoenix metro with the best gas mileage.
Test Drive Locally: The best way to choose? Visit a local dealership and get behind the wheel of a midsize or compact truck. Find a dealer.
Ready to find your perfect midsize truck? Explore our full lineup of new midsize pickup trucks in Phoenix. Compare trims and features and take a test drive.
If you are looking for used midsize pickups in Phoenix metro, Earnhardt Auto Centers has you covered with hundreds of choices. Plus we have the ability to track down a truck with the color or special features you want.
Questions? Our local experts are here to help you get the right truck at the best price. Contact us with inquiries about midsize trucks for sale in Phoenix AZ.
