The Most Powerful Midsize Pickups In The USA

By Gary Gastelu |

Jan 20, 2025

Midsize performance pickups have become the new pony cars in the U.S. as brands introduce fun new models every year.

Many of the trucks feature advanced suspension systems designed for high-speed off-road driving and have powerful engines to go with them.

Here’s a look at the most potent small trucks on sale today:

FORD RANGER RAPTOR: 405 HP

The Ford Ranger Raptor rides on Fox Live Valve shocks that are ready for the rough stuff and powers through it with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 405 hp and 430 lb-ft.

TOYOTA TACOMA TRD PRO: 326 HP

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro features a hybrid powertrain, but it’s not just about efficiency. The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder-based setup sends 326 hp and 465 lb-ft to the wheels. Along with a set of adjustable dampers for the suspension it also has front seats equipped with their own shocks to soak up the big bumps.

CHEVROLET COLORADO ZR2/GMC CANYON AT4X: 310 HP

The TurboMax 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and GMC Canyon AT4X twins is rated at 310 hp and 430 lb-ft. The models also feature Multimatic’s DSSV shock absorbers that use spool valves to provide progressive levels of damping for high speed off-roading.

REVIEW: THE 2024 CHEVROLET COLORADO ZR2 BISON IS A LITTLE BEAST

NISSAN FRONTIER: 310 HP

The Nissan Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine available in a midsize truck at 310 hp, but its 281 lb-ft can’t match GM’s TurboMax.

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JEEP GLADIATOR: 285 HP

The Jeep Gladiator is only available with a 3.6-liter V8 that’s rated at 285 hp and 260 lb-ft. That includes the Mojave model, which is equipped with Fox jounce bumpers and internal bypass shock absorbers tuned to help it fly across its namesake locale.

RIVIAN R1T: 1,025

The electric Rivian R1T Quad Motor doesn’t technically have the most powerful motor, but the four that it does have combine for a class-leading 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft that can accelerate the midsize pickup to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.