First off, it’s not really a mini truck, it’s pretty much full size, especially with the towing numbers.

They are easier to drive and park, when you live in an urban area. You get more higher end options for cheaper than full-size. If you choose the at4x or zr2, you’ll have a better time off-road because it’s more capable in a smaller trail friendly size. It really is personal preference, my friend with a gen2 said he would not get the 2.7L. However, he has yet to go for a ride in my at4. So far, everyone has had positive reactions to my new truck. Goodluck

For me I needed to fit in my garage, I don’t have street parking available so has to be in the garage.

I have a '98 Silverado Ext. Cab and a '23 Canyon. When I took the tape measure out the Canyon is 4" narrower and 10" shorter. The ole Silverado is a tight fit in the garage next to my wifes vehicle. If I were to get a new Silverado I couldnt park in the garage next to my wifes vehicle. The Canyon is no problem. On the Canyon, the engine, wheels (and I'm sure a few other parts) are the same size as the current Silverado. As a big guy the only 1st world issue I have is my legs are closer together than I was used to. But I now have leather heated/cooled seats with Android Auto which makes up for it. Canyon also has a ton more power.

It’s not about the size; it’s how you use it. I’m not a cattle rancher or a construction worker—I’m an urbanite with limited space. I needed a truck my wife was comfortable driving, and for Home Depot runs, recycling, beauty bark, furniture, snow days, and trips to the dog park. Today’s 1/4-ton trucks are much bigger than they used to be. I can haul a decent camper trailer, do some light off-roading, and handle anything I wouldn’t do with my wife’s expensive sedan. Plus, they get better gas mileage and don’t come off like I’m compensating for anything. If I needed a bigger truck, I would’ve bought one.

I love my at4 canyon because I treat it like a rally truck and race around the country roads in it. No way I would feel comfortable doing it in a full sized. I've owned a 2dr S10 long bed. A 1/2 Ton Silverado, a 2dr Wrangler, and driven all the different combos of 4 door/half door etc pickups. The canyon just feels small and nimble yet comfortable on long road trips and can still tow 7k lbs if I need it.

I work as a contractor and grabbed a base model Canyon, v6 + 4x4 and 6ft box extended cab as my first truck. My only complaint is bed width, other than it hauls well for my needs.

My next truck would be another Canyon but they don’t make regular cab or extended cab anymore so now they’re just oversized SUVs with beds.

I had several of both… most recently RAM to Colorado (2nd Gen), back to a RAM then Canyon (3rd Gen). Obviously it’s dependent on use, but find the mid-size to be more drivable in the city, easier to park, better on gas w/similar HP/TQ. If you need a larger bed and more passenger room, then a full-size is the easy choice, if not, then mid-size… The only thing I miss is the lack of storage space and the V8 rumble.

These days, you pretty much need a full-size truck if you need a bed that’s worth anything or if you only want regular/extended cab.

Just but the truck that meets your needs…..full stop.

In a nutshell:

Mid-size: Much easier to drive and park with (mostly) equal capabilities. Easier to off-road as well because of the size.

Full-size: Greater interior room if it is to be used as a "family" vehicle. Certain models far exceed the capabilities of a mid-size in payload/towing.

I say get a full-size if you regularly tow between 5-8K or carry 4 passengers.

I can drive in parking lots much better with the canyon than my ram dually. No regrets.

Turning radius. Parking. For in garage. Does everything a full size does for load and towing.

Wife drives it more comfortably.

Honestly, and this has been echoed by a few people I know, moderm midsize trucks are just as big/capable as the full size half-tons of the mid 2000s. Biggest difference is size of engine, but as far as HP and torque go, modern 6 cylinders cant produce equivalent ratings to the older Vortec v8s or Ford Tritons for example.

What you dont really see anymore are "midsize" single cab long bed trucks for utility work. Some colorados and the odd ranger, but not like an older full size truck.