Skip to main content

From towing a boat to hauling a trailer, chances are you bought your pickup for the utility that it offers. But to do all of those things? You’re not only going to need a strong pickup but a reliable one too. Fortunately, after analyzing over 11.8 million used cars sold in 2020, iSeeCars has determined which models are the most reliable midsize pickups. And among them? Are the Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma.

What is the most reliable midsize pickup truck?

Pictured is a Toyota Tacoma, one of the most reliable midsize pickups according to iSeeCars.
Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

If you’re shopping for a new midsize pickup, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. But if you’re shopping for the most reliable midsize pickup? iSeeCars recommends putting two options at the top of your list: the 2021 Honda Ridgeline and the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.

According to iSeeCars, after analyzing more than 11.8 million used cars sold in 2020, both models earned a pretty impressive reliability rating. While iSeeCars gave the 2021 Honda Ridgeline an 8.2 reliability rating, it gave the 2021 Toyota Tacoma an 8.0 reliability rating. For those on the hunt for a reliable midsize pickup, those ratings make for a winning recommendation.

But what is it that makes these midsize pickups so reliable? According to iSeeCars, it all comes down to how long these pickups last. iSeeCars reports that, on average, 1.9% of pickups sold in 2020 reached 200,000-miles. Approximately 3.4% of Honda Ridgeline models reached 200,000-miles. Meanwhile, 2.8% of Toyota Tacoma pickups were able to do the same.

How reliable is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?

Sure, according to iSeeCars, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is the most reliable midsize pickup. But is it really that reliable? As it turns out, it might be. In fact, iSeeCars isn’t the only one singing the 2021 Honda Ridgeline’s praises.

Head over to Consumer Reports, and you’ll find that this year’s Ridgeline has scored some pretty high marks. Consumer Reports gave it an 80 overall score. It also gave this year’s model an 83/100 score in road tests. And when it came to reliability? The organization awarded the 2021 Honda Ridgeline with a four out of five predicted reliability rating. 

RepairPal awarded the 2021 Honda Ridgeline with some impressive reliability ratings too. It gave this year’s model an above-average reliability rating, adding that it has lower than average ownership costs. The downside, however, is that when problems do arise, RepairPal reports they have a higher chance of being severe than with other models.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a reliable midsize pickup?

Here’s the thing, reliability is kind of a mixed bag for the Toyota Tacoma. Yes, iSeeCars did report that the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the second most reliable midsize pickup. But when it comes to Consumer Reports? It gave the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a three out of five predicted reliability rating. It also gave this year’s model a 51 overall score.

RepairPal, meanwhile, gave the 2021 Toyota Tacoma an above-average reliability rating. Similar to the Honda Ridgeline, RepairPal reports the Tacoma has lower than average ownership costs. And, while repairs tend to be more severe, they are uncommon for this reliable midsize pickup.

Related

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline Fails to Get Deserved Appreciation as the Best Pickup Truck of 2021