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2015 Midsize Challenge: Overview
The Ultimate Midsize Pickup Truck Showdown
In the competitive world of midsize pickup trucks, four formidable contenders continue to dominate the market: the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. This comprehensive comparison examines these trucks head-to-head, evaluating everything from raw performance to everyday practicality.
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Why Midsize Pickups Matter
Midsize trucks offer the perfect balance between full-size capability and compact maneuverability. With improved fuel efficiency over their larger counterparts and more utility than most SUVs, these trucks appeal to:
- Outdoor enthusiasts needing off-road capability
- Urban dwellers requiring parking-friendly dimensions
- Tradespeople seeking payload capacity without excessive size
- Adventure seekers looking for versatile vehicles
- Families wanting utility without sacrificing comfort
Our Testing Methodology
To ensure fair and comprehensive results, we subjected each truck to rigorous testing at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Arizona. Our evaluation included:
Performance Testing
Acceleration (0-60 mph), braking distance, and engine output measured at Arizona Dyno Chip
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Off-Road Evaluation
Assessed at the Lucas Oil off-road course, testing suspension performance and 4-Low range capability
Real-World Driving
Urban and highway routes to measure fuel economy and daily drivability
Subjective Scoring
Judges evaluated seating comfort, technology, visibility, and overall value
The Contenders
2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71
The Colorado represents Chevrolet's re-entry into the midsize truck market after a brief hiatus. Our test model came equipped with:
- 3.6L direct-injection V-6 engine (305 hp, 269 lb-ft torque)
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Z71 off-road package with auto-locking differential
- Premium audio and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Spray-in bedliner and trailering package
With a final price of $36,710, the Colorado positioned itself as a value-packed option with modern features.
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2015 GMC Canyon SLT
As Chevrolet's more premium counterpart, the GMC Canyon shared much of the Colorado's mechanical components but added upscale touches:
- Same 3.6L V-6 powertrain as Colorado
- SLT trim with chrome accents and Onyx Black paint
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Bose premium audio system
- 8-inch navigation system and collision alert
Priced at $40,465, the Canyon offered luxury features uncommon in the midsize segment.
2015 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
The Frontier has maintained largely the same design for years, but the PRO-4X trim enhances its off-road credentials:
- 4.0L V-6 engine (261 hp, 281 lb-ft torque)
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- PRO-4X Luxury Package with leather seats
- Electric sliding moonroof and roof rack
- Off-road tuned suspension
At $35,680, the Frontier presented a more affordable option, though with an aging design.
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2015 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
As the segment sales leader, the Tacoma TRD Pro added serious off-road hardware:
- 4.0L V-6 engine (236 hp, 266 lb-ft torque)
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks
- TRD skid plate and upgraded suspension
- Distinctive TRD Pro styling elements
Priced at $39,579, the Tacoma commanded a premium for its reputation and off-road upgrades.
Performance Comparison
Acceleration (0-60 mph)
Chevrolet Colorado: 7.3 seconds
GMC Canyon: 7.4 seconds
Nissan Frontier: 7.8 seconds
Toyota Tacoma: 8.2 seconds
Braking (60-0 mph)
GMC Canyon: 127 feet
Chevrolet Colorado: 129 feet
Toyota Tacoma: 132 feet
Nissan Frontier: 135 feet
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Fuel Economy (Observed)
Chevrolet Colorado: 19.8 mpg combined
GMC Canyon: 19.5 mpg combined
Toyota Tacoma: 18.1 mpg combined
Nissan Frontier: 17.3 mpg combined
Off-Road Capability
Our off-road testing at the Lucas Oil course revealed significant differences in how each truck handled challenging terrain:
Chevrolet Colorado Z71
The Colorado's electronic locking differential and tuned suspension provided confident traction. The torquey V-6 engine helped in technical sections, though approach angles were slightly compromised by the front bumper design.
GMC Canyon SLT
While not specifically an off-road package, the Canyon's shared platform with the Colorado meant competent performance. The lack of an aggressive tire option limited ultimate traction compared to the Z71.
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Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
The Frontier's suspension tuning shone in off-camber situations. The PRO-4X package's Bilstein shocks absorbed impacts well, though the older chassis design showed its age in articulation tests.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The TRD Pro lived up to its billing with the best suspension travel and damping. The remote-reservoir shocks prevented fade during extended rough terrain driving, making it the clear off-road winner.
Interior and Technology
Seating Comfort
GMC Canyon: 9/10 - Premium materials and excellent support
Chevrolet Colorado: 8/10 - Comfortable but slightly firmer cushions
Toyota Tacoma: 7/10 - Supportive but dated design
Nissan Frontier: 6/10 - Least comfortable with basic materials
Technology Features
GMC Canyon: 9/10 - Advanced infotainment with navigation and Wi-Fi
Chevrolet Colorado: 8/10 - Similar to Canyon but missing some premium features
Toyota Tacoma: 6/10 - Outdated interface but functional
Nissan Frontier: 5/10 - Clearly behind competitors in tech
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Value Proposition
When considering price versus features and capability, our value assessment broke down as follows:
- Chevrolet Colorado: Best overall value with modern features at a competitive price
- GMC Canyon: Premium option for buyers wanting luxury in a midsize package
- Nissan Frontier: Budget-friendly choice but compromises on refinement
- Toyota Tacoma: Commanded a price premium for reputation and resale value
Final Rankings
1. Chevrolet Colorado Z71
Overall Winner
The Colorado struck the best balance between performance, comfort, and value. Its modern design and efficient V-6 engine set it apart from older competitors.
2. GMC Canyon SLT
A close second, the Canyon offered nearly identical mechanicals with more upscale appointments. The higher price kept it from the top spot.
3. Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
The TRD Pro's off-road prowess was unmatched, but its aging platform and lower fuel economy hurt its overall ranking.
4. Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
While capable and affordable, the Frontier's dated design and poor fuel efficiency placed it last in this competitive field.
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Final Thoughts
The midsize truck segment offers compelling options for different buyers. The Chevrolet Colorado emerges as our top pick for its well-rounded capabilities, while the GMC Canyon serves buyers wanting premium features. The Toyota Tacoma remains the off-road specialist, and the Nissan Frontier provides basic truck utility at a lower price point.
With new generations of the Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline on the horizon, this competitive landscape will continue to evolve. For now, these four trucks represent the best choices in the midsize pickup segment, each with distinct strengths catering to different buyer priorities.
Motorveroben
Last Updated On Jul, 03-2025