Seven Used Midsize Truck Options That Are Great for Salt Lake City Drivers

September 27th, 2024 by

A blue 2022 Chevy Colorado Z71 is shown from the front at an angle.

Salt Lake City ranks as one of the most beautiful places in America, and one of the best ways to get around is in a midsize pickup truck. These models are smaller than full-size models, making them more maneuverable, easier to park, and more fuel-efficient. All of these factors are why you see so many midsize trucks on the road today. If you’re looking for used trucks for sale near Salt Lake City, we suggest visiting our team here at Riverton Chevrolet, located conveniently in South Jordan and home to a wide range of pre-owned midsize trucks to explore.

Shopping used gives you a bigger selection than if you buy one new, as there is more of an abundance of pre-owned options to consider. It also gives you great value, as investing in a used truck will enable you to bypass the initial depreciation that comes with buying a new one. At Riverton Chevrolet, we look forward to helping Salt Lake City drivers find the right used midsize pickup truck. We have a large selection featuring all of the top brands and models. Come in today and see why your next truck should be a used midsize pickup from us. For now, let’s take a look at some great midsized used truck options to consider.

#1 – Chevy Colorado

The Colorado remains one of the most versatile midsize pickup trucks on the market. For example, Chevy offers the Colorado with plenty of trim level choices, including the off-road ready ZR2. Until 2023, Chevy offered the Colorado with two different cab sizes, two choices of payload beds, and three different engine options. However, starting in 2023, the Colorado began to come with a standard crew cab and a 5.2′ bed. So, buying a used Colorado allows you to get one with the features that are no longer offered. This includes an extended cab, which is slightly smaller than the crew cab, and a longer payload bed. 

You can also find three different engines instead of the now standard 2.7-liter turbo I-4. For example, the 2022 Colorado featured a choice of a 2.5-liter I-4, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel. As a result, you get more options on a used Colorado, letting you decide whether you want one to commute to work or for doing light work around town.

#2 – GMC Canyon

Built on the same platform as the Colorado, the GMC Canyon mirrors many of the same features as the Chevy. This includes cab styles, payload bed sizes, and engine options. However, buying a used GMC Canyon will give you a truck that is a little more rugged, with trims that include the Elevation, AT4, and Denali. Of these, the AT4 is the one to choose if you love off-roading. On the other end of the trim spectrum, if you love to surround yourself with luxurious features and appointments, we suggest checking out the opulent Denali trim.

A blue 2019 Ford Ranger is shown from the front at an angle after leaving a dealer that has used trucks for sale near Salt Lake City.

#3 – Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger has an interesting story. Ford discontinued the model for eight years starting in 2011 and then brought it back as a more rugged and capable model in 2019. In fact, a used Ford Ranger may be your best option if you are looking for a truck to tow trailers and haul heavy loads. This is because the 2019 Ranger was introduced with a class-leading 7,500-lb maximum trailering rating and 1,860 lbs of payload bed capacity. 

Like most midsize pickups, a used Ranger will come with 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrains, so you can decide which one works best for you. Opting for a 4X2 provides you with the maximum towing and hauling capability, while a 4X4 will come in handy when you get hit with inclement weather. One thing to keep in mind is that Ford followed other brands by making the SuperCrew standard on the Ranger after the 2023 model year. So, if you want a smaller SuperCab (Ford’s name for an extended cab), you will have to opt for a used Ranger.

#4 – Toyota Tacoma

Another very versatile used pickup truck to consider is the Toyota Tacoma. In fact, Toyota always offers this truck with many different trim levels, so you can choose one that has the features you want at an affordable price. For example, the 2020 Tacoma has six different trim levels, including the TRD Off-Road. This is a specialized model that is great for off-roading or camping near the breathtaking Big Cottonwood Canyon. Designed in conjunction with Toyota Racing Design (TRD), a used Tacoma TRD Off-Road will give you a midsize pickup built for performance that can handle the rigors of the trail. 

A used Tacoma will come with two different cab styles. The Access Cab is basically an extended cab, while the Double Cab is a crew cab. Toyota discontinued the Access Cab on the Tacoma after the 2023 model year, so the only way to find one is to buy a used Tacoma.

#5 – Honda Ridgeline

Honda is one of the only brands that makes a midsize pickup truck but doesn’t offer any full-size models. Ford has the Ranger and the F-150, while Chevy has the Silverado 1500 and Colorado, GMC the Sierra and the Canyon, and Toyota has the Tundra and the Tacoma. Nevertheless, by focusing solely on one truck model, Honda delivers a very capable midsize pickup in the Ridgeline. 

Unlike most of the other models, the Ridgeline has always had a standard crew cab. This is why buying a used Ridgeline is a great option if you are looking to use your truck for going out with friends or family. Honda also made all-wheel drive standard on the Ridgeline starting in 2021, so it should have better on-road traction than models with 4X4 or 4X2 drivetrains. This is why a used Ridgeline is ideal for a shopping trip to City Creek Center or taking the kids for an informative day at the Natural History Museum of Utah.

#6 – Nissan Frontier

The smaller sibling of the Titan and Titan XD pickup trucks is the Nissan Frontier. This is the only midsize pickup truck that is still offered with different cab style choices. These are a crew cab and a king cab, which is Nissan’s name for an extended cab style. When choosing a used Frontier, you not only can choose between the two cab styles but also get the option of a 5′ bed and a 6.1′ bed, so you have plenty of options.

One thing that sets a used Frontier apart from other used midsize trucks is its standard engine. The Frontier features a 3.8-liter V6 with a 9-speed transmission. This provides you with some very impressive capabilities. For example, the 2022 Frontier is capable of towing up to 6,720 lbs and carrying 1,710 lbs in its payload bed. Like a used Ford Ranger, the used Nissan Frontier is a good option for drivers looking to use their midsize pickups for work.

A red 2023 Nissan Frontier is shown towing a camper.

#7 – Jeep Gladiator

The newest member on the list of used midsize truck options is the Jeep Gladiator. Introduced in 2020, the Gladiator is the return of a model that Jeep offered in the 60s and 70s. This truck comes with a standard crew cab with a styling that makes it look like a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a short payload bed. It also has a standard 4X4 drivetrain with an off-road suspension. Buying a used Gladiator gives you a midsize truck with solid work capabilities that can also take you on some fun adventures around the Great Salt Lake.

One of the most interesting things about the Jeep Gladiator is its removable doors and convertible roof. Offering the choice of a hard or soft top, you can easily open up the Gladiator to the great outdoors. This is a nice feature to have on your midsize pickup during warm weather in Salt Lake City.

A Variety of Rugged Midsize Pickups to Consider When Shopping Used

As you can see, you have seven different options when choosing a used midsize truck. Each model has something to offer, with many providing off-road enthusiasts with at least one trim designed for this purpose. This lets you decide on the right model for you with the features you desire. Stop in today and drive home with your next used midsize pickup truck!