The Toyota Tacoma is the best choice among mid-size pickups for forays into rugged terrain. The Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Honda Ridgeline are better for commuting and as an alternative to a car. The tight cabin and low-rent seats mean the Tacoma is not the most comfortable. But it’s hard to break one of these or wear it out, so if you’re a fishing guide in Montana or a dirt biker in the Southwest, the Tacoma is your truck.

Sam Moses contributed to this report, with Mitch McCullough reporting from New Jersey.