So, you’ve decided to buy a truck. Assuming you don’t need an HD truck, the decision usually comes down to whether you need a mid-size truck like the Toyota Tacoma or a light-duty full-size truck like the Ford F-150. Mid-size trucks are smaller, more affordable, and more fuel-efficient, but full-size trucks have more room and more towing ability. Let’s examine the details.

Mid-Size Trucks at a Glance

Mid-size trucks include models like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado. These trucks are smaller and more agile, which is usually better for city driving or narrow off-road trails. Since mid-size trucks are lighter and have less horsepower than full-size trucks, they’re also more fuel-efficient. The downside is that your towing capacity will be less than a full-size truck. Mid-size trucks are quite a bit less expensive in most cases than full-size trucks.

Full-Size Trucks at a Glance

Full-size trucks are represented by models like the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500. These trucks are larger and heavier than mid-size trucks, which translates to more cabin room but less fuel economy. Full-size trucks usually have multiple engine options to provide the power you need for towing and hauling. The price of a full-size truck is quite a bit more than a mid-size truck and rises quickly through trims. However, the increased capability typically justifies it.

Price and Power

When it comes to mid-size vs. full-size trucks, there are a few important considerations. The two top things to consider are price and towing ability. If you don’t need the towing ability of a full-size truck, it typically makes much more financial sense to get a mid-size truck instead. The primary purpose of full-size trucks is to tow or haul. That’s why they’re constructed bigger and stronger than mid-size trucks and offer more powerful engines. However, the extra equipment and bigger engines mean a higher price tag.

Cab Size and Bed Size

Usually, price and towing needs make the decision between the sizes pretty easy, but if you’re not sure what kind of towing ability you want or need and price isn’t an issue, then you may want to consider cab and bed sizes. Both mid-size and full-size trucks have crew cab layouts with four doors. However, for mid-size trucks, the crew cab layout may be optional, and the interior will generally be more cramped than a full-size truck. If your truck doubles as a family vehicle, you’ll appreciate the extra space of a full-size truck.

Many mid-size trucks come with only one bed length, but sometimes, the choice is between a standard 6.5-foot bed and a 5-foot bed. Full-size trucks might offer up to three choices in bed size, and they’re typically the only trucks that have a long-bed option, which can measure up to eight feet.

Bottom Line

When it comes to mid-size vs. full-size trucks, the top considerations are usually engine power for towing/hauling, price, cabin size, and bed size, in roughly that order. Full-size trucks are more powerful, have larger cabins and more bed options, but they also cost more. Mid-size trucks cost less and are more fuel-efficient, but their cabins are more cramped, and you won’t be towing a huge trailer anytime soon.