For years, the Toyota Tacoma dominated as the most reliable mid-size truck available. However, its reign recently ended once the new generation launched in 2024. Now, the most dependable truck is the Ford Ranger. 

What is the most reliable mid-size truck? 

Drum roll, please! The most reliable mid-size truck is currently the 2025 Ford Ranger. According to U.S.News, the Ranger has a reliability rating of 87 out of 100. 

This score is extremely high. It’s actually the second most reliable truck available. It’s only being outranked by the 2025 Ram 1500, which has a score of 89. 

Any score between 70 and 80 is considered to be average. Rankings between 81 and 90 are above average, and scores between 91 and 100 are best. 

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma lags behind with an average score of 79, but that’s still good. The 2024 model also earned a 79, so it doesn’t have measurable improvements, yet. 

However, the 2023 Tacoma had an 83. The 2023 Ranger earned an 87, so it has remained steady for a while. 

These scores are based on feedback from actual, unbiased owners. A survey is sent out, allowing drivers to report any issues they may have faced from transmission problems, electrical issues, paint chipping, engine failure, and more. 

The newest generation of the Ranger launched months before the new Tacoma emerged. However, things have been a bit smoother for the Ford Ranger. 

The current Tacoma launched with a few issues. For example, it faced a recall due to a potential rear-axle shaft defect that could cause a loss of control. Also, some drivers are finding that they need to have their transmissions replaced. 

While the Ranger has a few recalls due to a fuel leak and a missing front upper control arm ball joint nut, they aren’t as serious as the Tacoma’s transmission issues. Toyota hasn’t issued a recall for the problem.