Midsize pickup trucks are often the perfect blend of utility and maneuverability, providing drivers with the capability to haul and tow without sacrificing maneuverability or fuel economy. But when it comes to safety, what is the best midsize pickup truck?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) lists the six safest midsize pickup trucks for 2020: the Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier. All of these models come standard with a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The IIHS also tested each vehicle’s crashworthiness by crunching them into a barrier at 35 mph.
The Toyota Tacoma was rated “Good” in all six crash tests conducted by the IIHS. It is also equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of advanced driver-assistance systems which includes adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. In addition to its excellent crash test scores, the Tacoma has an impressive cargo capacity of up to 1,620 pounds.
The Honda Ridgeline also earned “Good” ratings in all six crash tests and comes standard with Honda Sensing safety suite which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist system and adaptive cruise control. The Ridgeline also has an impressive cargo capacity of up to 1,547 pounds.
The Ford Ranger was rated “Good” in four out of the six crash tests conducted by the IIHS. It comes standard with Pre-Collision Assist system which includes automatic emergency braking and blind spot information system. The Ranger also has a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds.
Conclusion:
When it comes to safety features and performance in a midsize pickup truck, all six vehicles tested by the IIHS received “Good” ratings in their respective crash tests. However, when looking for maximum cargo capacity, one should consider the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger as they have higher payload capacities than their competitors. Ultimately it is up to each driver to decide which truck best suits their needs.
