10 Best Used Midsize Trucks on a $20,000 Budget (2024)

If you’re in the market for a used pickup truck, you’ve probably noticed that full-size pickups are not only monstrously capable but also very expensive, even several years down the road. Worse, for most folks, a modern full-size pickup is overkill — more size and capability than they need, less efficiency than they want. That’s where midsize pickup trucks come in. Sized correctly for modern suburban or even urban use, the trucks on this list might not be able to tow your house right off its foundations, but they’re more than ready for the weekend run to the home improvement store, an off-road adventure, or hauling the toys to the lake — all without breaking the bank.

Here are 10 of the best midsize pickups you’ll find on a $20,000 budget.

1. 2015 Chevrolet Colorado

It might not be a full-size pickup, but unless you have some serious toys, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado‘s maximum tow rating of 7,000 pounds will be plenty. Available in a range of cab types and bed lengths, the Colorado that best fits our budget will likely be a crew cab model in the midlevel LT trim equipped with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and either the economical 4-cylinder (up to 26 mpg on the highway) or the more potent 305-horsepower V6. See 2015 Chevrolet Colorado models for sale

2. 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

A bit of an oddball mashup of an SUV and a pickup truck, the 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was ahead of its time in many ways. Even today, these trucks command a premium thanks to their rugged body-on-frame construction and combination of a sensibly sized bed and body with an available V8 engine and 4WD. Our budget won’t quite score the very top models, but it will afford the Sport Trac Limited with the V6 engine and RWD. See 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac models for sale

3. 2011 Ford Ranger

On the small side of midsize, the 2011Ford Ranger is one of the most popular compact pickups on earth, and for good reason. It’s affordable, economical in some trims, or highly capable off-road in other guises. For our money, the nicely equipped Ranger XLT with the V6 engine should be within reach, with your choice of RWD or 4-wheel drive (4WD). See 2011 Ford Ranger models for sale

4. 2015 GMC Canyon

A near twin to the Colorado, the 2015 GMC Canyon is equally capable, practical, and as good a value. Choosing between the Colorado and the Canyon mostly comes down to aesthetic preference and what’s available in your area. Like the Colorado, the best Canyon likely to fit our budget is a crew cab V6-powered RWD model in the midrange SLE trim. See 2015 GMC Canyon models for sale

5. 2013 Honda Ridgeline

If you need a pickup bed but don’t want most of the other traits of a traditional pickup truck, the 2013 Honda Ridgeline is a great choice. Nimbler and more comfortable to ride in with car-like handling and maneuverability, the Ridgeline’s unibody construction makes it more like a modern crossover in construction. It can still tow up to 5,000 pounds and comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The top-tier Ridgeline RTL should be available for less than $20,000. See 2013 Honda Ridgeline models for sale

6. 2009 Hummer H3T

With a brawny image and lots of midsize-truck capability, the 2009 Hummer H3T doesn’t look like it’s based on the same underpinnings as the Colorado and Canyon, but it is. That translates to solid capability on- and off-road, although towing capacity tops at 4,500 pounds for the H3T. The available V8 is just out of reach on our budget, but the 239-hp 5-cylinder should make for a solid weekend companion whether you’re hitting the trails or mulching the garden. See 2009 Hummer H3T models for sale

7. 2016 Nissan Frontier

Rugged off-road ability, a comfortable cabin, and the ability to tow up to 6,500 pounds make the 2016 Nissan Frontier a great choice for anyone needing a used midsize pickup. High-speed desert off-roading fans will love the Desert Runner model, with RWD and Bilstein shocks and off-road wheels. Those who stick to the ‘burbs may prefer the Frontier SV’s combination of features and ability. Either way, both are within reach. See 2016 Nissan Frontier models for sale

8. 2011 Ram Dakota

While it’s not a full-size pickup, the 2011 Ram Dakota is on the more capable end of the midsize range. It has an available 302-hp V8 engine, 4WD, and a spacious bed. As a bonus, because the Dakota is a bit older, you’ll likely find even well-equipped models like the V8 4WD Dakota TRX or Laramie within our $20,000 budget. See 2011 Ram Dakota models for sale

9. 2012 Suzuki Equator

Like the Chevy and GMC twins, the 2012 Suzuki Equator results from a collaboration with Nissan, making it nearly identical to the Frontier. Because Suzuki ended U.S. car sales in 2012, the Equator pickups you’ll find on the market are at least that old, making them even more affordable. That’s even true when equipped with essentially the same V6 engine and 4WD system available in the Frontier described above. See 2012 Suzuki Equator models for sale

10. 2012 Toyota Tacoma

A legend of the midsize pickup segment, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma blends right-sized pickup ability with off-road capability and massive aftermarket support base thanks to its popularity. No matter what you’re looking to do with a midsize pickup truck, you can buy or build a Tacoma that will do it. The Tacoma PreRunner with RWD and a V6 engine is a great fit for our money. You can find well-equipped and more economical 4-cylinder models on our budget, too. See 2012 Toyota Tacoma models for sale