Smaller, lightweight trucks make sense for people who only do occasional hauling and towing. They still offer power and off-road capabilities while providing maneuverability and fuel economy. While you can’t find a modern truck as small as some of the truck models from decades ago, these are the best of the modern batch of “small” trucks you can find today.
Why Should You Choose a Small Truck?
Small trucks offer many advantages over their larger counterparts. Most significant is affordability and fuel efficiency. They are equally versatile as full-sized trucks while offering better maneuverability. While lightweight trucks don’t have the same hauling capacity as full-sized trucks, they still offer a respectable payload and towing capacity ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.
9. Ford Maverick: MSRP: $23,920 – $34,960
The Ford Maverick is one of the best small pickup trucks for daily driving and light hauling. It comes with a choice of a 2.5-liter hybrid engine or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Maverick can seat up to five passengers. MPG: 20-42 City / 24-33 Hwy.
8. Chevrolet Colorado: MSRP: $29,800 – $47,100
The Chevrolet Colorado is a rugged small truck designed for streets and off-road terrain, available with many options. Choose from three engines, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.8-liter turbodiesel. This truck balances efficiency, power, and towing capacity. Its interior is one of the best to be found in any lightweight truck. MPG: 17-20 City / 19-25 Hwy.
7. Honda Ridgeline: MSRP: $39,750 – $46,350
The four-door Honda Ridgeline provides the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a truck bed. It handles the needs of daily driving and light-duty hauling and is available in an off-road trim. It’s powered by a punchy 3.5-liter V6 engine. The roomy interior features an updated navigation system and smartphone integration. MPG: 18 City / 23-24 Hwy.
6. Jeep Gladiator: MSRP: $37,895 – $52,995
Combining the look of a classic Jeep and pickup truck, the Gladiator is an exceptional small truck. There are two powerful engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. As you’d expect from Jeep, its off-road performance is excellent. The cabin seats five. The roof can be removed for open-air driving. MPG: 16-17 City / 21-22 Hwy.
5. GMC Canyon: MSRP: $36,300 – $54,300
One of the best small trucks on the market, the GMC Canyon offers an impressive towing capacity of 7,700 pounds with the Denali trim. There are several engine options ranging from fuel-efficient four-cylinders and powerful V6s. It offers roomy seating, refined handling, and a straightforward infotainment system. MPG: 16-19 City / 16-23 Hwy.
4. Toyota Tacoma: MSRP: $31,500 – $52,100
The redesigned Toyota Tacoma delivered major improvements and new features. Engine options include fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, powerful V-6 motors, and hybrid power. It scores points for its reliability and safety features. Some trims boast a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. MPG: 18-21 City / 23-26 Hwy (MPG for hybrid models not available).
3. Nissan Frontier: MSRP: $30,510 – $43,380
All 2024 Nissan Frontiers come with a 310-horsepower V-6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim, it can tow between 6,170-6,640 pounds and haul between 1,100-1,620 pounds. A 5-foot or 6-foot-one-inch bed is available. The interior is comfortable, high-quality, and features advanced technology. MPG: 17-18 City / 22-24 Hwy.
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2. Ford Ranger: MSRP: $32,720 – $55,620
Fully redesigned for 2024, the Ford Ranger has added a more powerful turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder base engine. Other trims offer a new twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine or a twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. A 10-speed automatic is standard and can be coupled with rear- or four-wheel drive. The Ranger tows up to 7,500 pounds. MPG: 16-21 City / 18-25 Hwy.
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1. Hyundai Santa Cruz: MSRP: $26,900 – $41,320
The stylish Hyundai Santa Cruz features a modern and comfortable cabin that can seat up to five passengers. The Santa Cruz has prioritized everyday driving over towing and hauling. Although its 4-foot-3-inch bed is small, it’s versatile and features a lockable tonneau cover. A lockable storage area under the bed doubles as a cooler. MPG: 19-22 City / 25-27 Hwy.
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