Consumer Reports least reliable midsize trucks for 2026

Looking over the information behind the paywall combined with our expertise, we have put together the Consumer Reports least reliable midsize trucks list for the 2026 models.

In order to determine predictive reliability for a specific truck, Consumer Reports looks at not only the data for that specific model but also how the brand itself has been faring. Every year, Consumer Reports sends out surveys to its members, and in its 2025 surveys received responses on 300,000 vehicles.

The survey asks members a number of questions about reliability, including any problems a vehicle has had in the last 12 months. A typical vehicle has 200 to 300 samples for each model year, and if Consumer Reports has a small sample size on a specific vehicle, it will use brand history and the reliability of similar models that may share major components.

So, predictive reliability looks at historical data as well as current model feedback from owners to make a prediction about how the current model year will fare.

Below we’ve ranked the trucks from least reliable to most reliable.

2026 Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon

Bringing up the rear we have the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon twins, which share the same low score. These trucks are built in the same plant and share a lot of the same components. The biggest dings for this duo come from powertrain and brakes. Last year, it was build quality and in-car electronics.

The in-car electronics sees a big switch from awful to great. This is directly related to an over-the-air update in July, 2025 fixing a lot of issues with the infotainment system.

Build quality also went from worst to improved.

The scores show GM has been working on improving their trucks, but still has some work to do.

2026 Jeep Gladiator

The 2026 Jeep Gladiator scores are based on prior year’s rankings with no new scores in the past two years unfortunately. It remains below average according to Consumer Reports with steering being the big culprit and this has likely improved after a recall fixed the steering issues owners were having.

Jeep’s midsize truck has been out for years now and hasn’t seen many large scale changes besides a minor refresh of the cabin to incorporate the latest Jeep Wrangler design changes.

With Consumer Reports often celebrating older models for being more reliable than newer models, we’d expect the 2026 model score to be higher if it was actually scored.

2026 Ford Ranger

Last year, the 2025 most reliable midsize truck ranked by Consumer Reports was the Ford Ranger.

This year? Not so much.

In fact, there’s really no reason for it with the overall score being below average and not one area Consumer Reports finding to be below average when breaking out the score. Could it be the many recalls impacting the midsize truck?

As we previously reported, no, recalls don’t affect overall rankings according to Consumer Reports.

What gives? Other trucks got better.

As for our own experience, we can say our long-term review truck, the 2024 Ford Range Lariat, it has had recalls and rattles inside the cabin. These have been pretty annoying issues with the pickup.

2026 Honda Ridgeline

A perennial favorite for Consumer Reports, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline scored well for all areas of predicted reliability except for build quality where it was inexplicability below average.

The unibody pickup truck has been on sale in its current form for years with only small changes to bring a more off-road focused model to market.

It has a naturally aspirated V6 engine as well that many fans love without a turbocharger or hybrid setup although this engine has had some issues including an engine failure recall.

2026 Nissan Frontier

The 2026 Nissan Frontier keeps improving with age in terms of reliability and gets above average scores overall. This truck also offers a naturally aspirated V6 engine like the Ridgeline and a lower price point than the Toyota Tacoma with similar off-road capability.

It received a 2026 mid-cycle refresh recently with some changes to the exterior and interior appearance and a partnership with Roush.

Overall, the Nissan Frontier is one of the top mid-size trucks on the market and is once again seen as a great alternative to the segment leading Toyota Tacoma.

2026 Toyota Tacoma

Back on top again, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma regains the top spot on the Consumer Reports mid-size reliability list and has top scores in every category.

The new model came out in 2024 and was immediately dinged for, well, being new. It had to prove itself in the eyes of Consumer Reports and now after 2 model years, it is back on top. This is a category it has long dominated.

This new Tacoma comes in either a turbocharged gasoline engine or a hybrid with a variety of trims aimed at a variety of consumers from everyday drivers, weekend off-roaders to extreme desert racers.

It also fixes a lot of issues that prior generations had with driver-seating position, lackluster powertrains, improved off-road gear, improved mpg, etc… They addressed all the issues and kept a manual transmission.

While the Tacoma typically has the highest MSRP out of its rivals, maybe you do get what you pay for?

What do you think of the list? Does it look right to you?