Pickup trucks have surged in popularity in the American market, evolving from basic work vehicles to comfortable and feature-rich daily drivers. For those needing more capability than a compact truck but desiring better maneuverability than a full-size model, midsize pickup trucks hit the sweet spot. If you’re in the market for a reliable midsize truck in 2024, understanding their dependability is crucial. This expert review ranks the best midsize trucks of 2024 based on J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Scores, recall data, and NHTSA complaint rates, providing you with a data-driven guide to make the best choice.
We’ve compiled data from trusted sources like J.D. Power, NHTSA, and manufacturer sales figures to bring you this comprehensive ranking. Keep in mind that for newer models without a J.D. Power score, rankings are based on available recall and complaint data. Reliability data is current as of publication and subject to change. Let’s dive into the rankings, starting with the models that require a bit more caution and moving towards the most dependable options in the 2024 midsize truck segment.
8. Rivian R1T
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
- No. of Recalls: 10
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 1.64
The all-electric Rivian R1T is a futuristic and innovative entry into the pickup market, launched in 2022. As a newer model, the Rivian R1T lacks a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating, placing it at the lower end of our ranking. Contributing to this position is a relatively high rate of NHTSA complaints, primarily concerning the forward collision avoidance system, airbags, and steering. While Rivian has recently updated the R1T, aiming to improve its standing for the 2025 model year, the current data suggests potential reliability concerns.
Rivian R1T dashboard with steering wheel and digital displays
The Rivian R1T has also faced a significant number of recalls – ten since its inception, with three affecting the 2024 model year. These recalls range from a missing airbag warning label to improperly aimed headlights and potential side curtain airbag deployment issues. While none are classified as urgent, the sheer number of recalls for a relatively new vehicle is noteworthy for potential buyers concerned about long-term reliability.
It’s worth noting that despite the reliability concerns, Rivian as a brand has received high customer satisfaction scores in J.D. Power’s APEAL survey. This indicates that while there might be quality and reliability issues, owners are generally satisfied with other aspects of the vehicle, such as performance and design. However, for buyers prioritizing proven reliability, the Rivian R1T might represent a higher risk compared to more established models.
7. GMC Canyon
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
- No. of Recalls: 3
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.87
The GMC Canyon, sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Colorado, is in its third generation since 2022. Like the Colorado, the 2024 GMC Canyon does not have a J.D. Power reliability rating. However, with fewer NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles compared to the Rivian R1T, it ranks slightly higher. The majority of complaints reported for the GMC Canyon relate to exterior lighting and electrical system issues.
The current generation GMC Canyon has had three recalls, with one impacting the 2024 model year. This recall addresses an improperly installed fuel pump, which could increase fire risk – an issue also affecting the Chevrolet Colorado. While this fuel pump recall is not classified as urgent, it’s a factor to consider for potential owners.
New vehicle generations often experience initial teething problems, and the GMC Canyon is no exception. Historically, reliability tends to improve in subsequent model years after the initial launch. For buyers considering the GMC Canyon, it might be prudent to weigh the potential for early-generation issues against the truck’s features and capabilities.
6. Chevrolet Colorado
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
- No. of Recalls: 4
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.58
The Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon’s sibling, is also in its third generation, launched in 2022. The 2024 Colorado, like the Canyon, lacks a J.D. Power score. Interestingly, the previous Colorado generation (pre-2022) had a stronger J.D. Power reliability rating than the older GMC Canyon. The current Colorado shows a lower rate of NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles than the Canyon, securing it a slightly better position in this ranking. Reported complaints mainly concern electrical problems and the forward collision avoidance system.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison front view on off-road terrain
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado has two recalls. One, similar to the Canyon, is for the fuel pump issue. The second recall involves some vehicles being fitted with incorrect tires. Neither of these recalls is considered urgent. While the Chevrolet Colorado shows slightly fewer complaints than the GMC Canyon, both models are relatively new generations and may still be working through initial production issues. Buyers interested in the Colorado should be aware of these factors and monitor for any emerging reliability trends.
5. Honda Ridgeline
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 80
- No. of Recalls: 18
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 2.77
The Honda Ridgeline is the most mature model on this list, with its current generation dating back to 2017. It boasts a solid J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 80, and previous model years in this generation also generally score well. However, the Honda Ridgeline has accumulated a high number of NHTSA complaints over the years, leading to a high complaint rate per 1,000 vehicles sold.
The most frequent complaints for the Honda Ridgeline involve the electrical system, lighting, forward collision avoidance system, and the rear-view camera. Notably, the rear-view camera is subject to a recall affecting the current model year due to potential image loss. 2023 Ridgeline models also have recalls for potential steering control and brake function loss.
Despite the high number of total recalls (18), it’s important to note that the majority of these occurred in earlier model years of this generation. The recall rate has decreased since 2021, suggesting that the 2024 Honda Ridgeline is likely a more reliable purchase than earlier models in this generation. While the high complaint rate is a factor to consider, the recent improvements and solid J.D. Power score indicate a reasonably dependable truck.
4. Toyota Tacoma
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 83
- No. of Recalls: 0
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.15
The Toyota Tacoma often tops reliability lists, and while the 2024 model is the first of a new generation, it continues this trend. It scores an impressive 83/100 in J.D. Power Quality and Reliability and has a very low rate of NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles. As a completely redesigned truck, the 2024 Tacoma is still relatively new to the market, and complaint and recall numbers might fluctuate as more data becomes available. However, currently, it lives up to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, even with a new platform and turbocharged powertrain options.
2024 Honda Ridgeline side view in a parking lot
Currently, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma has no recalls. The few complaints reported are mainly about transmission issues in low-mileage vehicles, with some owners reporting difficulty accessing gears. For new Tacoma owners or buyers, the transmission is something to monitor, but overall, the data suggests a safe and reliable ownership experience. The Toyota Tacoma is a strong contender for the Best Midsize Truck 2024 in terms of reliability, especially considering it’s a newly launched generation.
3. Nissan Frontier
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 84* (2023 rating)
- No. of Recalls: 9
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.63
The current Nissan Frontier generation, introduced in 2022, is the first model specifically for the American market, distinct from the Nissan Navara sold elsewhere. While the 2024 Nissan Frontier lacks a J.D. Power score, the 2023 model received a high rating of 84, suggesting strong reliability for the current generation. The NHTSA complaint rate is also reasonably low. Complaints primarily relate to the electrical system, driver assistance features (forward collision avoidance and cruise control), powertrain, and braking system.
The Nissan Frontier has nine recalls for this generation, with two affecting the 2024 model. These recalls concern improperly deploying airbags and potential steering loss due to ball joint separation. None of these recalls are classified as urgent. The Nissan Frontier, leveraging the strong 2023 J.D. Power score and moderate complaint rate, ranks as one of the more reliable midsize trucks in 2024.
2. Jeep Gladiator
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 87* (2023 rating)
- No. of Recalls: 13
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 1.70
The 2024 Jeep Gladiator doesn’t have a specific J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score, but the 2023 model scored an impressive 87. This, along with belonging to the same generation launched in 2020, strongly indicates the 2024 Gladiator’s likely reliability. The modern Gladiator marked Jeep’s return to the pickup truck market after a long hiatus, and it has generally been well-received.
The current 2024 Jeep Gladiator has no recalls or complaints reported yet. However, previous model years have accumulated 13 recalls, mostly related to airbag issues, malfunctioning rearview camera and reverse lights, fuel pump problems, and clutch overheating. None are urgent. The NHTSA complaint rate is moderately high, with common issues including transmission, steering, engine, and electrical problems.
Despite the recall history and complaint rate, the Jeep Gladiator’s high 2023 J.D. Power score and lack of issues reported for the 2024 model year place it high on this reliability ranking. Potential buyers should be aware of the past recalls but may find the 2024 model to be a dependable option.
1. Ford Ranger
- J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 87
- No. of Recalls: 0
- NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0
The 2024 Ford Ranger marks the beginning of its sixth generation and immediately earns a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability rating of 87, matching the previous generation’s final model year score. Remarkably, the 2024 Ford Ranger is the only truck on this list with zero recalls and zero NHTSA complaints reported. While some engine options are carried over, most components are new, and long-term reliability data is still developing for this generation in the US market.
However, this generation of Ford Ranger was launched overseas two years prior to its US release. This pre-launch period allowed Ford to address potential issues before it reached American customers, likely contributing to its strong initial reliability performance. With a top J.D. Power score and no reported recalls or complaints, the Ford Ranger emerges as the best midsize truck 2024 for reliability, making it a top choice for buyers prioritizing dependability.
Sources: J.D. Power, NHTSA, Manufacturers
