Crossroads Automotive Of Corinth GMC

CarBravo
Call 662-664-7258 Directions
Blog / Used Trucks for Sale

Five Used Midsize Trucks You Need to Test Drive

· 6 min read
White 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 kicking up dust

Midsize trucks are quickly gaining popularity among drivers who want a rugged and versatile vehicle but do not need the incredible towing and hauling capabilities of a full-size truck. That’s not to say these smaller pickups are weak––in fact, many modern midsize models have towing and payload ratings that match those of full-size trucks from not that long ago. However, they are easier to handle on narrow roads, burn less gasoline, and are considerably more affordable, especially when you are looking at used trucks for sale. Whether you want a daily commuter that can pick up a load of lumber from the hardware store or an off-road adventurer to hit the trails on the weekend, a midsize truck can be the perfect option.

Here at Crossroads GMC, we have a large selection of used trucks on our lot, including plenty of affordably-priced midsize pickups. Although we are a Chevy and GMC dealer, we see used models from every brand pass through our inventory, from the Toyota Tacoma to the Jeep Gladiator. That means no matter what you are looking for, there is a good chance that we can help you find it. Even if we don’t have a particular vehicle in our current online inventory, it’s worth contacting us to see what we can do. In order to give you a headstart on your used truck shopping journey, here are five used midsize trucks that are worth a test drive and why you might want to consider them.

#1 – Chevy Colorado

As a Chevy dealer, it probably comes as no surprise that our favorite midsize pickup is the Chevy Colorado. The second-generation Colorado hit the streets in 2015 and was produced until 2022, making it a solid choice for anyone shopping for a used truck. One of the big selling points of the Colorado is that it offers a 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine in addition to its base 2.5L four-cylinder and available 3.6L V6. This engine provides 369 lb-ft of torque and is rated for 33 MPG on the highway in the 2020 Colorado. You won’t find many diesel options for the other midsize used trucks for sale, so if you are looking for exceptional torque and fuel economy, the Colorado should be at the top of your list.

The other big draw of the Colorado is its incredible off-road options. The Z71 trim is the basic off-road variant, adding upgraded suspension, an automatic locking rear differential, hill descent control, and front recovery hooks. With these features, you’ll have no problem tackling dirt roads on fishing or hunting trips. However, if you want to take your off-roading to the next level there is the Colorado ZR2. Introduced for the 2017 model year, the ZR2 has a wider stance, front and rear locking differentials, and exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers to provide an unbeatable ride on backwoods trails. In 2019, the ZR2 was further upgraded with the optional Bison Package, which adds skid plates, rock rails, steel bumpers, and more.

A red 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 is shown from the front at an angle after leaving a dealer that has used trucks for sale.

#2 – GMC Canyon

If you like the looks of the Chevy Colorado, you may also want to consider a used GMC Canyon. These two midsize trucks share the same basic platform and engine options but have a few differences that tailor them to different types of buyers. Like the Colorado, the second-generation Canyon was produced from 2015 to 2022. However, while the Colorado leaned into its off-road performance with the ZR2, the Canyon aimed to provide a more sophisticated ride with a higher level of styling and luxury. This culminated in the debut of the luxurious Canyon Denali in 2017.

Like every member of the GMC Denali family, the Canyon Denali stands out with its massive bright chrome grille, 20-inch machined alloy wheels, and other chrome accents. Inside the standard crew cab, the Canyon Denali is filled with standard luxury features from automatic climate control to an eight-inch infotainment display with built-in navigation. While these features might be nothing special in a new truck, you won’t find them in many six-year-old used trucks, making the Canyon a high-value option for any driver seeking luxury at an affordable price.

#3 – Toyota Tacoma

While Chevy and GMC are our favorite brands, no list of midsize pickup trucks would be complete without including the legendarily reliable Toyota Tacoma. Unlike many of the models on this list, the Tacoma has been around for a long time. Although the Tacoma name was officially introduced in 1995 for the American-market model, Toyota has been building its family of small pickups since 1968. The highest-value used models tend to be from the third generation, which ran from 2016 to 2023, but a used second-generation Tacoma can also be a great purchase since these trucks are known for their longevity.

The third-generation Tacoma offers two engine options: a base 2.7L four-cylinder with 159 hp and an available 3.5L V6 with 278 hp. One of the attractions of the Tacoma is that it offers a manual transmission option. The 2.7L engine can be found with a five-speed manual up through the 2017 model year, and the 3.6L V6 was available with a six-speed manual throughout the entire production run. Toyota also offers several off-road variants of the Tacoma, including the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, making it a favorite of adventurous drivers.

A white 2021 Toyota Tacoma off-roading

#4 – Nissan Frontier

While it’s not as popular as the Toyota Tacoma, another Japanese midsize truck worth mentioning is the Nissan Frontier. The second-generation Frontier was sold without any major changes from 2005 until 2021, which contributed to its lack of popularity when new, but makes it a great value option if you are shopping used. The truck did receive a styling update in 2009, so we would suggest starting there when you are looking at used models. For most of the second generation, the Frontier was offered with the choice of either a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 152 hp or a 4.0L V6 with 261 hp, and both engines could be optioned with either a manual transmission (five-speed for the 2.5L and six-speed for the 4.0L) or a five-speed automatic.

However, the Frontier saw some major powertrain upgrades for the 2020 model year. All of the old engine and transmission options were dropped in favor of a brand-new 3.8L V6 producing 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, making the Frontier the most powerful model in the midsize segment. The new engine was paired with an equally-new nine-speed automatic transmission for enhanced performance and efficiency. This is the same powertrain you will find in the brand-new Frontier, which makes used models from 2020 to 2022 a particularly high-value buy if you don’t need the latest styling and tech features.

#5 – Jeep Gladiator

The final truck on our list is the Jeep Gladiator. This model was introduced in 2020, so you won’t be able to find budget-priced older used models, but it offers a truly unique experience. Based on the iconic Jeep Wrangler, the Gladiator has a boxy design with a removable roof and doors. It also comes standard with 4×4 and solid axles, making it the most off-road-ready used truck you can buy. Every Gladiator model is Trail Rated, but for maximum performance look for the Rubicon or Mojave trims. The Rubicon is designed for technical rock crawling with front and rear locking differentials, an ultra-low crawl ratio, and disconnecting front sway bar. The Mojave is intended for high-speed desert running with reinforced suspension, wider track, and added ground clearance. But whichever model you choose, the Gladiator is sure to impress on the trail.

Posted in:

Recommended Posts

Aug 28, 2026

Features That Help Make the 2026 Escalade So Remarkable

Sep 15, 2025

Our Favorite Family-Focused SUVs on the Pre-Owned Market

A white 2026 GMC Acadia parked on a driveway.
May 11, 2026

Size Up Your Driving Life: the 2026 GMC Acadia vs 2026 GMC Terrain

If you're shopping for an SUV around Tupelo, there's a good chance you've come across both the GMC Acadia and the GMC Terrain. At first glance, they seem pretty similar—both offer modern styling, solid technology, and the kind of versatility you expect from a GMC SUV. more But once you start digging a little deeper, it becomes clear they're built for two very different types of drivers. So if you're currently searching for a GMC Acadia for sale near Tupelo, this comparison isn't necessarily just about specs—it's about figuring out which SUV actually fits your day-to-day life. Size Matters More Than You Think Around Tupelo One of the biggest differences between the Acadia and Terrain is something you'll notice immediately: size. The Terrain sits in the compact SUV category, which makes it easier to maneuver and ideal for drivers who don't need a ton of space. The Acadia, on the other hand, is a midsize SUV with three rows of seating—and that extra size changes how you use it. Around Tupelo, you're not just dealing with tight parking lots or short city drives. There's a lot of in-between—commutes, weekend plans, trips out of town, and everything that comes with daily life in a smaller city. That's where the Acadia starts to make more sense. With more room to work with, you're not constantly thinking about space—you just live your life. Whether it's groceries, luggage, or you just like having a little extra breathing room, the Acadia gives you the flexibility the Terrain simply can't match. And that's really the key difference. The Terrain works well if you want something smaller and more contained. The Acadia works better if you want something that can handle more without feeling like you're pushing its limits. Interior Space & Comfort for Daily Life That size difference we spoke about really shows itself once you step inside the cabin. The Acadia offers seating for up to eight passengers, which immediately puts it in a different category when it comes to versatility. Whether you've got family, friends, or just want the option to bring more people along when needed, having that third row changes how useful your SUV can be. Even when you're not using every seat, the extra space makes a difference. There's more room to stretch out, more flexibility for passengers, and an overall sense that the vehicle isn't cramped. Of course, cargo space is a large draw, too, with the 2026 Acadia offering at least 23 cu.ft. of space when every seat is in use. Not only are you getting more cargo space than any sedan, but you're also traveling with up to eight people, which no sedan—or even compact SUV—can help you with. Folding down the 2026 Acadia's third row may reduce that passenger capacity, but it has a stark effect on cargo space, more than doubling the available amount to 57.3 cu.ft. Folding the second row, while virtually removing any possibility of traveling with passengers, increases cargo space to an impressive 97.5 cu.ft. The Terrain, by comparison, sticks to a two-row setup. For some drivers, that's completely fine—especially if you're mostly driving solo or with one passenger. But if your situation changes, or if you occasionally need more space, it can start to feel limiting. Real Life Application Think about real-life use. Carpooling, road trips, family outings—these are the moments where the Acadia really stands out. You're not trying to make space work; you already have it. The 2026 Terrain's 29.8 cu.ft. of cargo space is respectable with all seats in place, and it expands to 63.5 cu.ft. with the second row folded. But the Acadia gives you 57.3 cu.ft. with its third row folded alone, meaning with five passenger capacity, you're working with roughly 92% more cargo room. However, it's not all about numbers—comfort also plays a role here. With more room throughout the cabin, the Acadia tends to feel more relaxed over longer drives. Passengers aren't competing for space, and everything feels a bit more open and accommodating. For many buyers, that alone is enough to justify stepping up. There's Nothing Quite Like the Right Size At the end of the day, this decision comes down to how you live and what you expect from your SUV. The Terrain makes sense if you want something smaller, easier to maneuver, and built for lighter day-to-day use—in that regard, it's a solid option for drivers who don't need extra space and prefer a more compact feel. The Acadia, on the other hand, is the right size for many and is built for pure flexibility. If you need room for passengers, want something that handles longer drives more comfortably, or simply don't want to outgrow your vehicle in a year or two, the Acadia is the stronger choice. It gives you more to work with from the start, which makes it easier to adapt as your needs change. For many drivers near Tupelo, that added versatility ends up being the deciding factor.

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields