Best Used Trucks to Buy

Pickup trucks have grown in popularity thanks to their capability and versatility. After all, they account for the top three most popular new and used vehicles in America. Once regarded as strictly work vehicles, modern-day pickup trucks have evolved to become functional family haulers thanks to improvements in comfort and safety. From full-size haulers to the emerging lineup of compact pickup trucks, there are a number of pickup trucks to choose from based on your driving and cargo-carrying needs.

To help used car shoppers find the best used pickup trucks, iSeeCars analyzed over 12 million vehicle listings and from them narrowed down the Best Used Pickup Trucks. The winners are the pickups that are the longest-lasting, hold their value the best, and have the highest average safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Both mid-size and full-size trucks are included in our best used truck list.

Best Used Midsize Trucks

Here are the best used pickup trucks to buy in the midsize category: 

1. Honda Ridgeline

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The best used midsize pickup truck is the Honda Ridgeline. Honda’s lone pickup truck has a unique unibody design that gives it the ride quality and comfort of an SUV with the function of a pickup truck. It also offers better fuel efficiency than standard body-on-frame pickup trucks thanks to its V6 engine that gets 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, which is above average fuel economy for the pickup truck class. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. However, it isn’t as rugged as its body-on-frame counterparts and doesn’t tow or haul as much as a result. Along with providing superior cargo space and comfort, the Ridgeline also has the first-of-its-kind dual-action tailgate, which can be lowered like a standard tailgate or opened like a door for easy loading.

2. Toyota Tacoma

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The Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup ranks second. The Tacoma comes in many configurations and offers a comfortable ride that is suitable for a daily driver with the capability to haul heavy loads up to 6,800 pounds. It also offers two engine choices including a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, while a more potent V6 is available on higher trims. The Tacoma also has class-leading off-road capability for those who drive on rugged terrain when equipped with the TRD pro trim.

3. Nissan Frontier

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The Nissan Frontier compact pickup ranks third and is one of the most affordable compact pickups in its class. The Frontier comes standard with a four-cylinder engine, and a more powerful V6 also available. The Frontier provides capable handling and a comfortable ride. It can tow up to 6,500 pounds and has available features including dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, leather seats, heated seats and navigation. The Frontier doesn’t offer as many advanced features as its rivals, but is a good option for drivers who want a no-frills capable hauler. 

4. GMC Canyon

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The GMC Canyon ranks fourth. Redesigned for the 2015 model year after a two year hiatus, the Canyon can tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped with its 305 horsepower V6 engine. The Canyon comes standard with a 200 horsepower four-cylinder base engine that is among the most efficient in the class. The Canyon adds features such as a touch-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto beginning with the 2019 model. 

5. Chevrolet Colorado

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The Chevy Colorado compact pickup ranks fifth. The Colorado, which is a more affordable version of the fourth-ranked Canyon, is praised for its smooth ride and powerful engine choices. Just like the Canyon, it was redesigned for the 2015 model year after a two year production hiatus. The Colorado’s base model comes with two seats and has a four-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Earlier versions before 2018 don’t offer many standard features, but the 2018 model added a standard 7-inch touch screen and an Active Tow system that assists in lining the truck up to a trailer. Higher trims add a rear seat and a more powerful V6 engine as well as premium features including a touchscreen infotainment system, heated seats, off-road-oriented shock absorbers, tow hooks, and fog lights.  

For more midsize pickups to choose from, refer to our list of the Best Midsize Pickup Trucks.

Best Used Full-Size Pickup Trucks

For light-duty pickup trucks that offer increased towing and hauling capabilities, these are the best used full-size pickups: