5 Compact Pickup Trucks That Get the Job Done

While heavy-duty and full-size pickup trucks like to think they are the king of the road, there is something to be said for small pickup trucks.

These pint-size trucks are capable of towing and hauling smaller loads, and they are easier to drive. You don’t have to worry about fitting into a parking garage or maneuvering around town in a compact pickup such as the Ford Ranger. Take a look at some of the compact pickups that will get the job done.

The Ford Ranger: Muscle and Style

The Ford Ranger tops the list of compact pickup trucks because it has plenty of muscle. The base models have a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower, but if this isn’t enough, you can get it with a 2.7-liter V-6 with 315 horsepower. This means you can tow up to 7,500 pounds with your Ford Ranger and carry up to 1,805 pounds of stuff if you have the right equipment.

A Rock-Solid Chevy Colorado

The Chevy Colorado is your truck if you want to hit the road and the trails. It can tow up to 7,700 pounds with its 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 310 horsepower, but it’s just as comfortable taking on rough terrain. Check out the Z71 or Trail Boss trims for an off-road suspension, off-road tires, and tow hooks.

Have Some Fun in the Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz looks and plays the part of a compact pickup truck, but it’s also just as comfortable as your family SUV. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds with its 281-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, and if you have the XRT, it comes with all-wheel drive and some extra rugged-looking gear.

The Toyota Tacoma Is a Compact Pickup Mainstay

Any list of compact pickup trucks will include the Toyota Tacoma. This small truck has been around almost forever. The 2024 model saw some big changes, though. It now has a TRD Pro model for off-road enthusiasts. The Tacoma offers several engine options, including a 326p-horsepower hybrid powertrain, and it comes in eight different trims. Depending on which engine you have, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds and haul up to 1,705 pounds in the bed.

Inside, the higher-end Tacomas now have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and you can get it with a head-up display and both heated and ventilated front seats.

The Ford Maverick – Small but Mighty

The Ford Maverick is the newest pickup truck in the Ford lineup and the smallest. It sits under the Ford Ranger in terms of size and capability. The Maverick has a unibody construction for better handling and a smoother ride and under the hood you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine churns out 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. If you want to maximize your gas mileage, the Maverick is also available with a hybrid powertrain that gets 191 horsepower.