Canadians buy pickup trucks for different reasons. Some haul tools around job sites. Some drop off kids at school and pull a boat to a lake on weekends. Some even serve as luxury vehicles with the option to leave paved roads behind.
If you’re in the market for such a vehicle, alphabetically, we’ve listed every new midsize pickup truck available in Canada.
2022 Chevrolet Colorado - Base MSRP: $29,248* CAD
There’s a redesigned Colorado on the way for the 2023 model year, but the 2022 version remains on sale in Canada for now. In a relatively traditional-yet-competitive segment, the current Colorado remains a top choice. It strikes a satisfying balance between an old-school pickup and a modern truck. It’s a truck that drives like a modern SUV without sacrificing capability. The Chevrolet is one of the most well-rounded options in this segment, with strong capabilities, a fairly roomy interior in the crew cab models, and road-friendly driving comfort. Another thing we love about the Colorado is that you can truly make it your own before it even leaves the dealership, thanks to a wide variety of trim levels, option packages, and engine choices.
2023 Ford Ranger - Base MSRP: $36,295 CAD
The Ranger does most things a midsize pickup truck has to do quite well. It’s strong and capable, relatively good on gas, and offers a nice choice of variants. In this particular arena, the Ranger is a decent contender. It’s also well-equipped. The inevitable downside is that the 2023 Ranger will probably be the last of this generation. A fifth generation is expected for the 2024 model year. This might be confusing since the current Ranger has only been on sale since 2019. But that’s when Ford brought it into Canada after many years of not having a midsize pickup offering. The same model has been sold in other parts of the world since 2011.
2022 GMC Canyon - Base MSRP: $31,348 CAD
Like its Chevy Colorado corporate cousin, GMC’s redesigned 2023 Canyon is on the way. But for now, 2022 models are still available. Mechanically identical to the more common Chevy, the Canyon offers something a little different in midsize pickup trucks with its distinct personality. This is thanks to its comfortable, SUV-like ride quality and impressive capabilities, especially from the available Duramax diesel engine that can tow up to 7,700 pounds (3,493 kilograms) and achieves highway fuel economy of up to 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The Canyon has a premium look and feel, especially in the range-topping Denali trim, and the rugged AT4 trim makes the GMC a competent off-roader and has a rugged aesthetic that looks good on and off the street.
2023 Honda Ridgeline - Base MSRP: $47,435 CAD
The Ridgeline is a midsize pickup with a twist. It’s based on an SUV, which enhances refinement. Sharing a foundation with the previous generation Honda Pilot, the 2023 Ridgeline pickup has a unibody (or one-piece) construction. Most rivals employ the time-honoured body-on-frame approach. That’s great for towing and rugged off-road antics, but not so good every day when there’s the school run and/or the commute to tackle. The bed isn’t tremendously large, but it can hold camping or ski gear. As such, the Ridgeline has its special appeal with a pleasant SUV-like driving experience. The fact that Honda makes it brings long-term ownership reassurance to the decision-making.
2023 Jeep Gladiator- Base MSRP: $52,295 CAD
The Gladiator is a midsize pickup capable of serious off-road, open-air adventures, even in the lowest trim. Other midsize trucks have specialized off-road variants, but none have that glorious Jeep heritage and expertise. Based on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited SUV, the Gladiator oozes those qualities, with four-wheel drive as standard, plus advantageous approach and departure angles. The Gladiator has the traditional body-on-frame construction, signifying something more rugged than refined. Great for towing, though. A new Capability package is offered with the High Altitude sub-trim based on the Overland, bringing a steel front bumper strong enough to house a winch, steel rock rails, and a front-facing off-road camera.
2023 Nissan Frontier - Base MSRP: $40,998 CAD
The Frontier is an excellent midsize truck for drivers looking for a rugged workhorse with modern features at an affordable price. For years, the Nissan was an also-ran in this highly competitive class of midsize pickup trucks. Fresh on the heels of a 2022 redesign, the only engine choice is a V6 matched to an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The King Cab has two small rear seats that can flip up to make extra cargo room. The Crew Cab has roomier seating for up to five people, making it the more family-friendly of the two body choices. Truck buyers looking for a good off-roader should consider the rugged PRO-4X trim with Bilstein shocks, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential.
2022 Toyota Tacoma - Base MSRP: $40,350 CAD
The Tacoma continues its success story as one of the most popular choices in its class. It’s tough, well-built, and retains its value better than any rival. The permutations of two cab styles, two bed lengths, two transmissions, and various trim levels (including three TRD trims) result in plenty of choices for buyers. And that’s before all the Toyota aftermarket products made for the community of off-roaders who have embraced this truck because of its extra abilities beyond the pavement. Having debuted for 2016, this generation of Tacoma is due for replacement, possibly next year. But the 2023 model still has all the strengths that appeal to many buyers.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices as of January 1, 2023.
