Best Midsize Trucks for Towing in 2024
The midsize truck market has completely reinvented itself for 2024. With full redesigns for the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado, buyers are no longer choosing between outdated platforms. However, if your primary goal is towing a boat, camper, or utility trailer, these trucks are not created equal. While they may look similar on paper, the real-world experience of pulling 5,000+ pounds reveals distinct winners and losers.
Here is the definitive ranking of the three major players based on towing capacity, engine torque, chassis stability, and trailering technology.
1. The Heavyweight Champion: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado
Max Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs Engine: 2.7L TurboMax High-Output Inline-4 Torque: 430 lb-ft
The 2024 Chevy Colorado takes the top spot because it combines the highest tow rating in the class with an engine purpose-built for torque. While some purists miss the V6, the 2.7L TurboMax engine produces significantly more torque than the previous generation’s V6 engine.
Why It Wins
The secret weapon here is the 430 lb-ft of torque. Towing isn’t just about the maximum weight you can legally pull; it is about how easy it feels to get that weight moving. The Colorado delivers this power low in the RPM range. This means you aren’t redlining the engine just to merge onto the highway with a Bass Tracker boat behind you.
Essential Equipment
To get the maximum 7,700-pound rating, you need the Advanced Trailering Package. This is available on the LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims. This package includes:
- An integrated trailer brake controller (crucial for loads over 3,000 lbs).
- The G80 auto-locking rear differential.
- The “Trailering App” built into the infotainment system, which allows you to create checklists and monitor trailer tire pressures.
It is worth noting that the base Work Truck (WT) trim has a lower standard output, so you must verify the specific engine tune before buying.
2. The Tech Leader: 2024 Ford Ranger
Max Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 or 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Torque: 310 lb-ft (2.3L) to 400 lb-ft (2.7L)
The all-new 2024 Ford Ranger takes a very close second place. While its maximum capacity is 200 pounds less than the Colorado, the difference is negligible for most owners. If you are towing 7,600 pounds, you should likely be in a full-size F-150 anyway. The Ranger shines by making the act of towing less stressful through superior technology.
The Technology Advantage
Ford migrated the towing tech from the F-Series down to the Ranger. The standout feature is Pro Trailer Backup Assist. This system allows you to steer the trailer while reversing using a simple knob on the dashboard rather than counter-steering with the steering wheel. For drivers who are not experts at backing a camper into a campsite, this feature is invaluable.
Engine Considerations
The standard 2.3L EcoBoost is a proven engine that handles 5,000-pound loads well. However, Ford is offering a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 later in the model year. If you plan on towing near the 7,500-pound limit regularly, waiting for the V6 option is smart. The extra displacement provides better thermal management and passing power on steep grades.
3. The Adventure Option: 2024 Toyota Tacoma
Max Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs Engine: i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Torque: 317 lb-ft (Standard) or 465 lb-ft (Hybrid)
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma places third in this specific ranking. In previous generations, the Tacoma could tow up to 6,800 pounds. For the 2024 redesign, Toyota actually lowered the maximum capacity to 6,500 pounds. While this is disappointing for spec-sheet comparisons, it reflects a shift in Toyota’s engineering philosophy.
Why The Rating Dropped
Toyota moved the Tacoma to the TNGA-F platform. Most trims now feature a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs instead of traditional leaf springs. Coil springs offer a much smoother ride and better off-road articulation, but they generally handle heavy tongue weight worse than leaf springs.
The Hybrid Power Paradox
You might assume the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, with its massive 465 lb-ft of torque, would be the towing king. However, the hybrid system adds significant curb weight to the truck itself. Because the truck is heavier, the remaining capacity for a trailer is actually often lower than the gas-only models.
The Tacoma is an incredible vehicle for off-roading and overlanding. Yet, if your primary weekend activity involves towing a dual-axle travel trailer, the Colorado and Ranger offer a safety margin that the Tacoma lacks.
Critical Comparison Factors
When choosing between these three, look beyond the sticker on the door jamb. Here are the specific elements that affect your daily drive.
Payload Limitations
Towing capacity grabs the headlines, but payload capacity is often the limiting factor. Payload includes the tongue weight of the trailer plus the driver, passengers, and cargo in the bed.
- Ranger: Offers a max payload of roughly 1,805 lbs.
- Colorado: Max payload sits around 1,684 lbs.
- Tacoma: Max payload is approximately 1,709 lbs.
If you have four adults in the cab and 600 pounds of tongue weight on the hitch, the Ranger gives you the most breathing room for camping gear in the bed.
Trailer Brake Controllers
Never buy a midsize truck for towing without an integrated trailer brake controller.
- Colorado & Ranger: Both offer factory-integrated controllers that are neatly located on the center console. They are easy to reach in an emergency.
- Tacoma: Toyota also offers a factory controller now, which is a major upgrade from the previous generation where dealers often installed clunky aftermarket units under the dash.
Stability and Sway
The Chevrolet Colorado feels the most planted under load. Its wheelbase is longer than the previous generation, and the front axle was moved forward. This geometry resists “the tail wagging the dog” when a large box trailer catches a crosswind. The Ranger is also very stable, utilizing its Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) to account for the length of the trailer, warning you if a car is in your blind spot before you change lanes.
Summary Verdict
If you need a dedicated tow vehicle in the midsize segment, buy the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The 2.7L TurboMax engine is a powerhouse, and the chassis handles weight with the most confidence.
If you want the easiest towing experience with helpful gadgets, buy the 2024 Ford Ranger. The backup assist and camera views make it novice-friendly.
If you tow light loads (under 4,000 lbs) like jet skis or a small utility trailer, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is perfectly capable, but it is no longer chasing the towing crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2024 Tacoma still use leaf springs? Some trims do. The base SR, SR5 XtraCab, and TRD PreRunner trims still utilize leaf springs in the rear. However, the higher trims like the TRD Off-Road and Limited use coil springs for better ride comfort.
Do I need premium fuel when towing with the TurboMax or EcoBoost engines? While these trucks will run on regular 87 octane, it is highly recommended to use premium (91 or 93 octane) when towing heavy loads. Turbocharged engines perform better and run cooler under stress with higher octane fuel.
Can the Ranger Raptor tow as much as the standard Ranger? No. The Ranger Raptor is optimized for high-speed desert running and has a softer suspension. Its towing capacity is limited to 5,510 pounds, significantly less than the standard Ranger’s 7,500 pounds.
What is the “Tongue Weight” rule of thumb? Tongue weight should be between 10% and 15% of your total trailer weight. For a 6,000-pound trailer, your tongue weight will be around 600 to 900 pounds. This weight counts against your truck’s payload capacity.