If you don’t need a full-size pickup, today’s small and midsize trucks offer a smart alternative. They’re easier to drive, more fuel-efficient, and still capable enough for everyday hauling, weekend projects, and light towing.
While modern “small trucks” are larger than the compact pickups of the past, they strike an ideal balance between utility and practicality. Whether you’re commuting, heading off-road, or tackling home improvement tasks, these trucks deliver versatility without the bulk.
Why Choose a Small Truck?
Smaller pickups are typically more affordable, easier to maneuver, and more efficient than full-size trucks.
Most models still offer solid capability, with towing capacities generally ranging from about 2,000 to 7,500 pounds depending on the engine and configuration. For many drivers, that’s more than enough for trailers, boats, or light-duty work.
Here are the best small and midsize trucks available today.
9. Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick remains one of the most unique trucks on the market thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain. It’s designed primarily for everyday driving, offering excellent fuel economy and surprising practicality.
Buyers can choose between a fuel-efficient hybrid or a more powerful turbocharged engine with available all-wheel drive. While it’s not built for heavy-duty work, it’s ideal for city driving and light hauling.
Best for: Fuel efficiency and daily use
Towing: Up to 4,000 lbs (with tow package)
MPG: Up to ~42 city (hybrid)
8. Chevrolet Colorado
Redesigned recently, the Chevrolet Colorado now comes exclusively with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in multiple output levels. It offers strong towing capability and excellent off-road trims like the ZR2.
The interior and tech have also been significantly upgraded, making it more competitive with newer rivals.
Best for: Off-road capability and strong towing
Towing: Up to 7,700 lbs
MPG: Around 18–20 city / 23–25 highway
7. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline stands out with its unibody construction, giving it a smoother, more SUV-like ride than traditional trucks.
It’s powered by a V6 engine and offers clever features like a lockable in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate. While it’s not as rugged off-road, it excels in comfort and everyday usability.
Best for: Comfort and practicality
Towing: Up to 5,000 lbs
MPG: Around 18 city / 24 highway
6. Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is essentially a Wrangler with a truck bed—meaning it’s one of the most capable off-road pickups available.
With removable doors and roof panels, it offers a unique open-air driving experience. It’s less refined on-road, but unbeatable for adventure-focused drivers.
Best for: Off-road performance
Towing: Up to 7,700 lbs (varies by configuration)
MPG: Around 16–17 city / 21–22 highway
5. GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon shares its platform with the Colorado but leans more toward premium features and styling.
Recent updates bring a more upscale interior and a simplified engine lineup centered around a turbocharged four-cylinder. Higher trims like the Denali and AT4X add luxury and off-road capability.
Best for: Premium feel in a midsize truck
Towing: Up to 7,700 lbs
MPG: Similar to Colorado
4. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has been fully redesigned for the latest model year, with updated styling, improved tech, and new powertrain options—including a hybrid.
Known for its long-term reliability and resale value, the Tacoma remains one of the most popular midsize trucks in the U.S.
Best for: Reliability and resale value
Towing: Up to ~6,500 lbs
MPG: Varies by engine (hybrid improves efficiency)
3. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier keeps things simple with a strong standard V6 engine and straightforward design.
It offers solid towing capability and a comfortable ride, though it lacks some of the advanced features found in newer competitors.
Best for: Simplicity and strong V6 performance
Towing: Up to ~6,600 lbs
MPG: Around 17–18 city / 22–24 highway
2. Ford Ranger
The newly redesigned Ford Ranger brings updated styling, improved tech, and multiple turbocharged engine options, including a powerful V6 in higher trims.
It offers strong towing capacity and off-road-ready variants like the Ranger Raptor.
Best for: Balanced performance and capability
Towing: Up to 7,500 lbs
MPG: Varies by engine
See Joyride or Risky Ride? Cars With Notable Safety Concerns for more vehicle insights.
1. Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz blends the line between SUV and pickup, offering a compact size, comfortable ride, and modern interior.
It’s less focused on heavy-duty capability and more on everyday practicality. Features like a lockable bed and underfloor storage make it surprisingly versatile.
Best for: Urban driving and lifestyle use
Towing: Up to 5,000 lbs
MPG: Around 19–22 city / 25–27 highway
Explore The 10 Most Iconic Cars of All Time for another auto roundup.
The Bottom Line
Small and midsize trucks have evolved into some of the most versatile vehicles on the road.
If you want maximum fuel efficiency, the Maverick stands out. For rugged performance, the Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado deliver. And for comfort-focused drivers, the Ridgeline and Santa Cruz offer a more refined experience.
For most people, these trucks provide everything they need—without the size, cost, or fuel consumption of a full-size pickup.
Check 15 Famous Cars That Turned Out to Be Major Disappointments for more car takes.
