- The J.D. Power categories for this midsize truck review
- The best midsize truck in initial quality
- The best midsize truck in performance and appeal
There is a slew of incredible 2022 midsize truck models to consider. But before you make any purchasing decisions, you’ll likely turn to the online reviews from automotive critics, featuring first drives and overall opinions about which trucks are better, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, or Nissan.
One of the latest reviews ranks the 2022 midsize model trucks from a consumer advocate perspective. J.D. Power considered the data, involving quality, performance, and appeal, to officially rank and endorse their favorites. As informative as these rankings might be for you, the perfect truck is going to boil down to which you find most important—quality or appeal.
2022 Ford Maverick Lariat | The Ford Motor Company
The J.D. Power categories for this midsize truck review
Each midsize truck from 2022 is going to have its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And trying to sort them collectively is challenging. For this study, J.D. Power separated its evaluation process into two distinct lenses, quality, and appeal. From there, each pickup model was reviewed and assigned a rank within the particular categories.
When J.D. Power rates vehicles, it does so based on the tens of thousands of surveys it sends out to verified, new-vehicle owners. These surveys ask about likes and dislikes, best features, and worst problems.
From there, these opinions contribute to the millions of data points used to analyze each vehicle contender. For the truck segment, there is one clear victor in the annual Initial Quality Study and the Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study ranking appeal. And spoiler alert. It’s not the same truck in each category.
The best midsize truck in initial quality
If you’re one of those potential truck owners who value quality over anything else, you need to test drive the 2022 Ford Ranger. This midsize truck takes the cake in the J.D. Power study for being the “highest quality midsize truck” of the year.
Most 2022 Ford Ranger owners appreciated the selection of cab configurations and trims, including the extended cab and crew cab, along with XL, XLT, and Lariat trims. They also hailed the Tremor off-road package that brings more capability to the already impressive four-wheel drive.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is beefy enough, too, harnessing 270 horses and providing 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s 7,500 pounds of towing capacity and up to 1,905 pounds of payload chops.
New for 2022, Ford Ranger fans got the Orange Accent Edition of the Ranger Splash appearance package. The STX Special Edition introduced the new 17-inch all-black aluminum wheels, too. And for those of you looking for a vibrant color for your Ranger, Ford brought the Hot Pepper Red Metallic paint to the palette.
Other critics, including Edmunds, weren’t necessarily huge fans of this truck. But Ranger owners have spoken. It’s the best in quality.
The best midsize truck in performance and appeal
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If appeal draws you to your perfect pickup, then J.D. Power says you should be considering the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. It ranks as the most appealing, with its new model introduction last year.
You might notice the similarities with the Hyundai Tucson, and you’d be right. This midsize truck is based on that popular Hyundai compact crossover. Only this truck comes as a crew cab with a short cargo bed.
Consumers can select from four trims, with the top two equipping the midsize truck with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and AWD. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz may win the contest for most appealing in performance and overall style, but it’s quite capable, too. You’ll appreciate the 5,000 pounds of towing and 1,411 pounds of payload prowess.
What fans really love about the 2022 Santa Cruz is the SUV feel with the pickup sense. It’s appealing because it’s the best of both worlds with interior comforts, smart convenience features, and adventurous, off-pavement capability.
So, if you have your truck-loving heart set on a 2022 midsize or compact truck, consider the Ford Ranger or the Hyundai Santa Cruz. You’ll decide which is the best fit based on which characteristic is more important, quality or appeal.
Keyword: JD Power’s 2022 Midsize Truck Rankings: Which Is More Important to You – Quality or Appeal?