2020 Jeep Gladiator Goes First Overall in 2019 Midsize Pickup Draft

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is the first overall pick in our first annual midsize pickup draft. 

With its unique combination of style and capability, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator has just enough arguments to nudge ahead of the redesigned Ford Ranger in our first annual midsize pickup draft.

We looked at a variety of factors in coming up with our selections, but it ultimately boils down to a ranking of our favorite mid-sized pickups. If you’re in the market for a small truck this is the place to start.

1st Pick: 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator has more towing capacity than any mid-sized truck on this list, but it goes first overall because of its unique DNA and personality. No other model in this draft comes close to matching the Gladiator’s charm. Essentially a Jeep Wrangler with a bed, it’s cool factor is through the roof. It’s also the only mid-sized truck that doubles as a convertible.

Read our 2020 Jeep Gladiator review.

2nd Pick: 2019 Ford Ranger

We understand if you don’t or can’t wait for a Gladiator. The Jeep hasn’t even arrived yet and already there’s a lineup. The 2019 Ford Ranger is no consolation prize. It’s fuel-efficient EcoBoost four-cylinder can tow more than any other midsize truck save for the Gladiator and even there the difference isn’t huge.

Read our 2019 Ford Ranger Review.

3rd Pick: 2019 Toyota Tacoma

There’s a brand-new 2020 Toyota Tacoma on the way but for now we have to judge based on the 2019 model which is still a top-notch truck even if it’s been on the market for a few years. It has the nicest interior of any mid-sized pickup and the TRD version is a blast. We take it 3rd overall because of its age, but we won’t look down on anyone who opts for the Tacoma.

4th Pick: 2019 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline isn’t as rugged as the other trucks in this draft, but it has most of them beat when it comes to daily-driving comfort. It also offers some exclusive and nifty storage spaces and convenience features.

5th Pick: 2019 GMC Canyon

We can credit the GMC Canyon and its Chevrolet Colorado brother for reviving the mid-sized pickup segment. The three models picked ahead of it have it beat when it comes to capability, but the GMC Canyon does offer a diesel engine which none of the trucks above have (for now). The GMC Canyon Denali is expensive, but it’s the most luxurious mid-sized pickup you can buy.

6th Pick: 2019 Chevrolet Colorado

We put the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado after the GMC Canyon because we prefer the GMC’s look, but that’s completely subjective. They are the same truck with the same powertrain options and the diesel engine remains a segment exclusive for the moment.

7th Pick: 2019 Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is too old to hang with the other models in this draft. You can probably get a good deal on one, however, so you may want to look into it if you want a “work truck” and nothing else, but that’s about it until Nissan redesigns the Frontier next year.