When shopping for a midsize pickup in Kansas, looking at the sticker price on the window is only half the story. The true cost of driving a truck comes down to Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) — specifically how much you'll spend on depreciation (value lost over time) and routine maintenance over a 5-year period.  

Whether you're commuting across Wichita, hauling gear out in Derby, or working in Augusta, choosing a truck with low long-term ownership costs keeps more money in your pocket.

Let's break down how popular midsize trucks — like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma — stack up over 5 years.

(Estimates based on industry 5-year cost-to-own data and average 15,000 miles/year driven). 

Depreciation is usually an owner's single largest expense. 

• Toyota Tacoma: Historically leads the category in pure resale value, retaining roughly 78-80% of its value after 5 years. 
• Ford Ranger: Holds exceptionally strong resale value (retaining ~70% after 5 years). Because the Ranger typically enters the market at a competitive purchase price, its dollar-amount loss to depreciation is often lower than higher-priced competitors.
• Chevy Colorado: Retains around 62–65% of its value over 5 years. While it experiences slightly higher initial depreciation, aggressive local dealer incentives often offset this gap upfront.

Keeping up with scheduled service — oil changes, tire rotations, brake pads, and fluid flushes — keeps your midsize truck running smoothly through Kansas winters and hot summers.

• Ford Ranger: Thanks to accessible EcoBoost parts and straightforward service schedules, the Ranger repeatedly earns top accolades from Kelley Blue Book for Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own in the midsize truck class.
• Toyota Tacoma: Known for mechanical reliability, though scheduled maintenance parts and specialized services can carry a slight premium.
• Chevrolet Colorado: Maintenance costs remain steady, with accessible Chevy Certified Service centers across Sedgwick and Butler counties making maintenance convenient and affordable.

• If your priority is the Absolute Lowest Overall 5-Year Cost: The Ford Ranger frequently takes the crown when balancing affordable purchase price, solid fuel economy, low maintenance expenses, and strong resale value.
• If your priority is Resale Value Retention: The Toyota Tacoma retains the highest percentage of its sticker price.  
• If your priority is Tech & Capability per Dollar: The Chevrolet Colorado offers exceptional midsize towing and bed utility for its price tier.  
  
  

Pro Tip for Lowering TCO: Choosing a dealership with built-in service protections (like Don Hattan’s Hattan Guarantee or covered routine maintenance plans) instantly slices hundreds off your 5-year out-of-pocket costs.

According to Kelley Blue Book data, the Ford Ranger consistently earns the award for the lowest 5-year cost to own in the midsize pickup segment, thanks to low upkeep costs and steady resale value.

On average, midsize trucks lose 22% to 40% of their original value over 5 years. The Toyota Tacoma depreciates the least (~22%), while trucks like the Ford Ranger (~30%) and Chevy Colorado (~38%) follow closely behind.

You can lower your 5-year truck ownership costs by: 

1. Sticking to scheduled maintenance to prevent costly repairs. 
2. Buying from a local dealer offering lifetime powertrain coverage or complimentary service. 
3. Choosing popular trim levels (like Ford XLT/LT or Chevy LT) that hold higher demand on the used market. 

Ready to test drive a cost-effective midsize truck? Whether you need a workhorse for the job site or an adventure-ready rig, our team across Wichita, Derby, and Augusta is here to help you calculate your trade-in value and lower your total cost of ownership.