Best Midsize Trucks With Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind-spot monitoring is an essential safety feature for trucks, as they have larger blind spots than smaller vehicles. While some trucks have this feature built-in, others can be fitted with aftermarket blind-spot monitoring systems. In 2021, 17 pickup trucks had blind-spot monitoring systems, including medium-size trucks like the Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, however, does not support blind spot monitoring with a trailer attached. The 2022 Nissan Frontier is another option that offers blind-spot monitoring while trailering.

The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize truck with blind spot monitoring

The Ridgeline's Blind Spot Information System (BSI) is designed to enhance driver awareness and give the driver additional information about conditions on both sides of the vehicle to increase driving confidence. The BSI includes a pair of sensors, one on each rear corner of the vehicle, which can detect a vehicle that may be positioned in an adjacent lane. An indicator located at the base of the Ridgeline's A-pillars then alerts the driver. If the BSI detects an object in an adjacent lane when the turn signal is on in that direction, the indicator flashes and an alert sounds to catch the driver's attention. The system covers an area on each side of the vehicle from each exterior mirror extending about 10 feet rearward and 11.5 feet out from the side of the vehicle.

The BSI is not a substitute for the driver's own visual assessment before changing lanes. The system may not detect all objects behind or to the side of the vehicle, and its accuracy will vary based on weather, object size, and speed. The driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions.

The Honda Ridgeline's BSI has received mixed reviews from owners. Some appreciate the added safety feature, while others have criticised it for not detecting vehicles early enough. Some Ridgeline owners have had to install concave mirrors on their side mirrors for added safety. Despite this, the Ridgeline's BSI can be a valuable tool for drivers, providing additional information about their surroundings and enhancing overall driving awareness.

The Toyota Tacoma has a 360-degree view monitor

The Toyota Tacoma is a medium-size pickup truck with great styling and features. One of its standout features is the available panoramic view monitor, which gives the driver a 360-degree view of their surroundings. This monitor is incredibly useful for manoeuvring, parking, and towing, as it allows the driver to easily check their immediate surroundings for potential obstacles.

The 360-degree view monitor is part of the Toyota Tacoma's next-generation Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system. With the MTM, drivers can easily toggle between front-, rear-, and side-camera views on the available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display. This provides drivers with unparalleled visibility and awareness of their surroundings, enhancing safety and making the Tacoma ideal for off-road adventures.

The Toyota Tacoma's 360-degree view monitor is especially useful when towing. While the Tacoma is already a capable tow vehicle, with a capacity of up to 6,800 pounds, the monitor system provides added peace of mind when hauling trailers or campers. The monitor ensures that drivers can not only see what's behind them but also get a full view of their surroundings, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and manoeuvre with a trailer attached.

It's important to note that while the Tacoma's Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) is designed to detect vehicles in the adjacent lanes, it does not currently support blind spot monitoring when a trailer is attached. This means that the BSM will not detect objects in the trailer's blind spot, only those in the vehicle's immediate vicinity. However, the 360-degree view monitor can provide a more comprehensive view of the surroundings, making it a valuable feature for those who frequently tow.

The Toyota Tacoma's 360-degree view monitor is just one of the many advanced features that make it a top choice for those seeking a midsize truck with excellent safety, performance, and off-road capabilities. With its powerful engine, off-road-ready suspension, and innovative technology, the Tacoma is a versatile and reliable vehicle for both city driving and off-road exploration.

The Jeep Gladiator has a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine

The Jeep Gladiator is a unique pickup truck with a range of features and capabilities. One of the standout features of the Gladiator is its available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine, which offers several benefits for truck owners.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine in the Jeep Gladiator delivers an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for towing and off-road capabilities. This torque output is significantly higher than that of the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, giving the EcoDiesel Gladiator a clear advantage when it comes to hauling heavy loads. With this engine, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds and carry up to 1,700 pounds in its truck bed.

In addition to its impressive torque, the EcoDiesel engine also offers better fuel economy than its gasoline counterpart. The 2021 model year Gladiator with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city, 28 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined total of 24 miles per gallon. This improved fuel efficiency means fewer stops at the pump and more time on the road.

The EcoDiesel engine in the Jeep Gladiator is not just about performance and efficiency; it's also built to last. The engine utilizes advanced materials and design to ensure longevity and reliability. The engine block is made from Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), a lightweight yet strong material that is commonly used in heavy-duty diesel engines. This weight reduction helps improve fuel economy while maintaining the durability expected from a diesel powerplant.

The Jeep Gladiator's 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine also stands out for its quiet operation. While diesel engines have a reputation for being noisy, the EcoDiesel engine in the Gladiator has been refined to minimize noise. The engine's design, including heat-treated aluminum alloy heads, contributes to reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). This makes for a more comfortable driving experience, especially on long journeys.

The Jeep Gladiator with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique pickup truck with robust capabilities. The EcoDiesel engine delivers superior torque, improved fuel economy, and long-lasting performance, all while maintaining a relatively quiet ride. For those in the market for a midsize truck with impressive capabilities, the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel is a strong contender.

The Nissan Titan has a Safety Shield 360 detection system

The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck with a Safety Shield 360 detection system. This system is designed to give drivers confidence and peace of mind on every drive, knowing that they are surrounded by advanced safety technology. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 is comprised of six key safety systems, each working together to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and assist the driver in potentially hazardous situations.

The first of these six systems is the Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. This system uses a combination of sensors and cameras to detect pedestrians and other vehicles around the Titan, providing audio and visual alerts to help prevent collisions. If the driver does not take evasive action, the system can even apply the brakes automatically to avoid or mitigate a collision.

The second feature is the Blind Spot Warning system, which helps drivers see what they might have otherwise missed. If a vehicle enters the Titan's blind spot, the system will chime, alerting the driver and allowing them to change lanes with more confidence.

Lane Departure Warning is the third system in the Safety Shield 360 suite. This feature ensures that lane changes are intentional by providing an audible warning if the vehicle drifts into another lane without signalling.

High Beam Assist is the fourth system, enhancing the driver's visibility while also preventing the high beams from blinding oncoming traffic. This system automatically turns off the high beams when it senses oncoming vehicles, making late-night drives safer.

The fifth feature is the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which is incredibly useful when backing out of a parking spot. This system uses cameras and sensors to detect oncoming traffic behind the vehicle, alerting the driver to approaching cars that might be out of sight.

Finally, the sixth system is the Rear Automatic Braking. This feature uses cameras to detect stationary objects directly behind the vehicle. If the driver fails to stop, the system can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a rear collision.

The Nissan Titan's Safety Shield 360 detection system is an impressive array of advanced safety technology, designed to assist and protect drivers on the road. With this system, drivers can feel more confident and secure, knowing that their vehicle is equipped with comprehensive safety features that monitor their surroundings and help keep them safe.

The 2024 Ford Ranger has a blind spot monitoring system

The 2024 Ford Ranger is an excellent choice for a midsize truck with its suite of advanced features, including a blind spot monitoring system. This system, known as BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System), is designed to provide drivers with an extra layer of safety and peace of mind while on the road.

BLIS® uses radar sensors strategically placed on both sides near the rear of the vehicle to detect objects in the blind spot zone. When a vehicle enters this zone, the system alerts the driver through a combination of visual and audible cues. An indicator light illuminates in the side-view mirror, and an audible warning is emitted, ensuring the driver is aware of the potential hazard.

The Cross-Traffic Alert feature further enhances the capabilities of the blind spot monitoring system. When backing out of a parking spot or driveway, this feature detects traffic approaching from the sides and provides both visual and audible warnings. A visual display in the message center indicates the direction from which the vehicle is approaching, helping the driver make informed decisions.

The blind spot monitoring system in the 2024 Ford Ranger offers several benefits. Firstly, it improves safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by blind spots. The system provides drivers with critical information about their surroundings, allowing them to make better decisions when changing lanes or manoeuvring in tight spaces. Additionally, the system can be customised to suit individual preferences, with some users finding the visual alerts in the mirror sufficient, while others appreciating the added auditory alerts.

While some drivers may have their own techniques for mirror adjustment and blind spot checking, the blind spot monitoring system serves as a valuable backup. It provides an extra layer of confirmation, ensuring that no vehicles are in the blind spot area. This feature is especially useful in busy cities with heavy traffic, where constant vigilance is required to navigate the swarm of surrounding vehicles.

The 2024 Ford Ranger's blind spot monitoring system is a welcome addition, prioritising safety and driver confidence. With its advanced technology and thoughtful design, the system enhances the driving experience, making it a standout choice in the midsize truck market.

Frequently asked questions