Full Size vs Mid Size Truck – Best Types of Pickup Trucks

Size remains the most notable difference between a midsize and full-size pickup, as their names suggest. What that size does changes between make, model, and trim. In some cases, you get more power, greater towing capacity, and roomier cabins. Pricing, fuel economy, and payload change with size as well. Still, choosing a full-size vs. a midsize pickup doesn’t mean you must sacrifice a great deal in any department.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between midsize and full-size Chevy and GMC trucks. If you’re looking for a new pickup for work or play in the Youngstown, OH, area, this information will help you decide which truck works best for you.

Midsize Truck Power

You can comfortably pursue a midsize truck if you need power and performance. Engine options abound in this segment, offering you customizable solutions to suit your driving needs. You’ll find turbocharged four-cylinder engines along with V-6 engines that put out over 300 horsepower with plenty of torque for towing and hauling. In addition, most manufacturers offer a turbo-diesel engine option that delivers excellent efficiency while still pumping out over 350 pound-feet of torque.

For drivers interested in fuel economy from a midsize truck, you still have plenty of engine options. For instance, Chevrolet and GMC offer a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine for the Colorado and Canyon models. This engine puts out 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque and delivers an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in city and 25 mpg on highway.

Off-road enthusiasts can find fun in a midsize truck. Manufacturers offer most trim levels in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, plus an off-road-equipped trim. These packages include larger wheels wrapped in aggressive all-terrain tires, off-road suspension upgrades, and selectable drive modes.

Midsize Truck Comfort and Convenience

Many people mistakenly believe you sacrifice cabin comfort in a midsize truck. However, over the last decade, manufacturers have offered their midsize trucks with extended cab and crew cab configurations, putting them on the same level as many full-size truck cabins.

An extended cab offers two small rear doors and a back seat bench. Opting for a crew cab makes more sense if you carry adult passengers in the rear. A crew cab uses four full-sized doors and a larger overall cabin that provides additional legroom for rear passengers.

Options for upgraded leather or synthetic materials instead of cloth add more comfort to midsize trucks. Most midsize trucks come with the latest in-vehicle tech to keep you and your passengers connected, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Touch screens have turned into standard features along with basic driver-assist systems. Towing packages add more value with features like trailer back-up assist, hitch guidance systems, and added camera angles.

As you shop for a midsize truck, you can find trims with some or all of these features included or available as options. GMC does a great job of packaging these features in Canyon’s Denali trim. This premium midsize truck delivers plenty of comfort with heated and ventilated seats in perforated leather upholstery.

Full-Size Truck Power

A full-size truck offers more power than a midsize pickup. Full-size pickups have longer wheelbases, stronger frames, and bigger engines. These larger proportions allow full-size pickups to do more on and off the road. A full-size truck makes the most sense if you need a truck for serious work or extreme off-road adventuring.

Truck manufacturers offer up to eight engines throughout their lineups, giving truck buyers significant power options. Most full-size trucks come standard with a V-6 engine in lower trim levels or perhaps a turbocharged four-cylinder. However, when you look at the upper trim levels, you’ll begin to see an array of V-8 engines, all with serious power output.

It isn’t uncommon to see a full-size pickup top 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Most truck brands offer a turbo-diesel engine that raises the bar on towing capacity. Towing capacities and towing features grow as you move up the full-size trim levels.

Gas-powered full-size pickups routinely top 10,000 pounds in towing capacity. For example, a Chevy Silverado 1500 equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine pumps out 420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque, and tows up to 13,300 pounds. Opting for a turbo-diesel powertrain delivers exceptional fuel economy while still providing around 10,000 pounds in towing capacity.

Now, manufacturers include towing systems such as trailer sway control and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage as standard features on the upper trims and make them available on lower trims as a package option. These towing systems include your hitch guidance system, up to 15 camera angles, trailer backup assist system, and multiple wiring connections. If you tow equipment regularly, a full-size pickup makes the most sense.

In addition, full-size pickups offer off-road packages that appeal to the outdoor adventurer. These packages add wheels up to 33 inches in size with all-terrain tires, factory-installed lifts, specialized off-road shocks and suspension systems, tow hooks, and winch provisions.

Full-Size Truck Comfort and Convenience

Today more than ever, truck owners want the comfort and convenience features usually reserved for premium cars. Manufacturers responded by including signature interiors featuring leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and even heated rear-outboard seats. Some special edition and top-tier trims even add massaging functionality.

Storage systems have evolved in recent years to include in-floor and under-seat storage bins. In addition, truck beds now come with storage compartments that utilize the space above the wheel wells. These compartments come with clever features such as 120-volt power outlets to run appliances and tools. Some compartments have a drain hole so they can double as an ice chest.

Large touch-screen displays power all your in-vehicle tech, and Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto allow for hands-free calls, texts, music streaming, and more using simple, intuitive voice commands. Head-up displays project critical driving data to the windshield, and driver-assist technologies include the latest early warning and intervention systems. Some systems even allow for hands-free driving.

Knowing how you plan on using your new truck will help you decide which size truck you need. Often, the decision comes down to towing and hauling capacities, so we recommend a thorough examination of your payload and towing requirements before you begin shopping.

At Cochran Chevrolet, we know the vital role your truck plays in your work and home life. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of Chevy Colorado and Silverado pickups. We invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by for a test drive.