Other trucks

GMC Canyon

MSRP: $21,880 The GMC Canyon shares too much with its down-market twin, the Chevrolet Colorado, to be deemed upscale. Extended and crew cabs and five- and six-foot beds offer decent passenger and cargo room. A 2.5-liter four pairs with a six-speed manual or automatic for 191 lb-ft of torque. The optional 2.8-liter turbo-diesel (369 lb-ft) and 3.6-liter V-6 with an eight-speed automatic (275 lb-ft) are ideal for heavy lifting. If you want a premium mid-size truck, go for the pricey but deluxe Denali trim.

Honda Ridgeline

MSRP: $30,605 The Ridgeline’s roomy cabin, ample storage, smooth ride, and innovative touches make its rivals seem outdated — and helped it earn a 2017 10Best award. Its 3.5-liter V-6 makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic; the all-wheel-drive model has a towing capacity of 5000 lb. In our highway-fuel-economy test, the all-wheel-drive version got 28 mpg. An optional bed extender offers extra cargo space; available bed-mounted speakers enhance tailgating festivities.

Nissan Frontier

MSRP: $19,365 The Frontier is the durable workhorse of the mid-size pickup stable. Along with extendedand crew-cab body styles, it’s available with rear- or four-wheel drive and multiple powertrains. A standard 152-hp inline-four pairs with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic; a 261-hp V-6 makes 281 lb-ft of torque and mates to the same automatic or a six-speed manual. The Frontier is available with off-road add-ons such as bigger tires and upgraded shocks on the Desert Runner and Pro-4X trims.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

MSRP: $29,580 Modern pickups are amenity-packed multitasking machines, and the Silverado is no exception. The ride is smooth and the cabin quiet, but handling and braking are only average. A 4.3-liter V-6 with 305 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic is standard; optional V-8s are a 5.3-liter with 383 lb-ft and a 6.2-liter with 460 lb-ft, an eight-speed automatic (optional with the 5.3), and 12,500 pounds of towing capacity. An all-new Silverado debuts for 2019.