The two best compact pickup trucks are the 2023 GMC Canyon and the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, both with an overall score of 8.4 out of 10 according to US News & World Report.
However, the most affordable model among compact pickup trucks is the 2024 Ford Maverick, with a base price of $23,815, and the most fuel-efficient model with 20-42 MPG city and 24-33 MPG on the highway.
Car and Driver’s rankings also put the 2024 Ford Maverick as the best compact pickup truck based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive.
2023 GMC Canyon
| Score | 8.4 |
| MSRP | $36,900 – $55,500 |
| Fuel Economy | N/A City / N/A Hwy |
Overview
The 2023 GMC Canyon is a mid-size truck that comes in several trims, including the Elevation, AT4, Denali, and the first-ever rugged AT4X.
It features a 2.7L Turbo high-output engine with 310 horsepower, a best-in-class 430 lb.-ft. of torque, and a towing capacity of 5,500.
The Canyon also has advanced safety and technology features, such as OnStar and Connected Services Premium Plan, a Multicolor 6.3″ Diagonal Head-Up Display, and up to 10 available camera views, including segment-first front and rear underbody cameras.
Specification
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in |
| Length | 213.2–217.9 in (depending on trim) |
| Width | 72.4 in |
| Height | 70.5–74.2 in (depending on trim) |
| Ground clearance | 8.2–10.1 in (depending on trim) |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0–6.5 sec (estimated) |
| 1/4-mile | 13.0–14.0 sec (estimated) |
| Towing capacity | 7,700 lbs (AT4X max towing is 6,000 lbs) |
| Fuel economy | 18–20 mpg combined, 17–18 mpg city, 20–23 mpg highway |
2023 Honda Ridgeline
| Score | 8.4 |
| MSRP | $38,800 – $46,230 |
| Fuel Economy | 18 City / 24 Hwy |
Overview
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size truck that offers a unique blend of comfort, practicality, and performance.
It is powered by a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
The Ridgeline is available in various trims, with the base price starting at $40,195 and going up to $47,625.
Specification
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (standard) |
| Exterior | |
| Body style | Crew cab |
| Bed length | 5 feet |
| Wheelbase | 121.2 inches |
| Length | 210.1 inches |
| Width | 74.5 inches |
| Height | 71.5 inches |
| Ground clearance | 9.4 inches |
| Curb weight | 4,241–4,582 lbs (depending on trim) |
| Interior | |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo space | 15.8 cubic feet (bed) + 7.3 cubic feet (in-bed trunk) |
| Headroom | 40.1 inches (front) / 38.5 inches (rear) |
| Legroom | 45.7 inches (front) / 36.1 inches (rear) |
| Shoulder room | 60.5 inches (front) / 59.2 inches (rear) |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5–7.8 seconds (estimated) |
| Fuel economy | 19–24 mpg combined, 18–21 mpg city, 22–28 mpg highway |
2024 Ford Maverick
| Score | 8.1 |
| MSRP | $23,815 – $34,855 |
| Fuel Economy | 20-42 City / 24-33 Hwy |
Overview
The 2024 Ford Maverick is a compact workhorse that offers a unique blend of practicality, efficiency, and performance.
It is available in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, with prices starting at $25,410 and going up to $39,945 depending on the trim.
Specification
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 250 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (standard), All-wheel drive (optional) |
| Optional Hybrid Powertrain | 2.5L four-cylinder engine + electric motor |
| Combined Horsepower | 191 hp |
| Combined Torque | 155 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Continuously variable automatic (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive only |
| Exterior | |
| Body style | Crew cab with four-door access |
| Bed length | 4.6 feet |
| Wheelbase | 121.5 inches |
| Length | 207.4 inches |
| Width | 72.3 inches |
| Height | 66.9 inches |
| Ground clearance | 8.6 inches (standard), 9.7 inches (Tremor package) |
| Interior | |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo space | 15.8 cubic feet (bed) |
| Headroom | 40.9 inches (front), 37.4 inches (rear) |
| Legroom | 45.7 inches (front), 36.1 inches (rear) |
| Shoulder room | 60.5 inches (front), 59.2 inches (rear) |
2023 Jeep Gladiator
| Score | 8.1 |
| MSRP | $38,775 – $50,995 |
| Fuel Economy | 16-22 City / 22-28 Hwy |
Overview
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck that comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission.
It has a removable top and doors and comes with a 1000-pound added max towing capacity.
The Gladiator has a four-door cab, a 5.0-foot bed, and a capable four-wheel-drive system. It is available with a six-speed manual transmission and an optional turbodiesel powertrain.
Specification
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), optional four-wheel drive (4WD) |
| Available Engine (last year for this option) | 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Optional 4WD |
| Exterior | |
| Body style | Crew cab with four-door access |
| Bed length | Various options depending on trim: Sport S: 5 feet, Mojave and Rubicon: 5 feet 7 inches |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 inches |
| Length | 209.3 inches (Sport S), 211.5 inches (Mojave and Rubicon) |
| Width | 78.9 inches (includes mirrors) |
| Height | 74.2 inches (Sport S), 78.9 inches (Mojave and Rubicon) |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 inches (Sport S), 10.9 inches (Mojave), 11.1 inches (Rubicon) |
| Interior | |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo space | 60.7 cubic feet (bed, Sport S), 57.4 cubic feet (bed, Mojave and Rubicon) |
| Headroom | 40.1 inches (front), 38.5 inches (rear) |
| Legroom | 45.7 inches (front), 36.1 inches (rear) |
| Shoulder room | 60.5 inches (front), 59.2 inches (rear) |
2024 Chevrolet Colorado
| Score | 7.9 |
| MSRP | $29,500 – $46,800 |
| Fuel Economy | 17-20 City / 19-25 Hwy |
Overview
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck that offers a combination of performance, off-road capability, and versatility.
It is available in various trims, including the new ZR2 Bison, which is designed for off-road enthusiasts.
Specification
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Turbocharged 2.7L I-4 |
| Horsepower | Base WT and LT trims: 237 hp, Z71 and ZR2 trims: 310 hp |
| Torque | Base WT and LT trims: 260 lb-ft, Z71 and ZR2 trims: 391 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (standard) with optional four-wheel drive |
| Exterior | |
| Body style | Crew cab with four-door access |
| Bed length | 5 feet |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 inches |
| Length | 213.2–217.9 inches (depending on trim) |
| Width | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 70.5–74.2 inches (depending on trim) |
| Ground clearance | 8.2–10.1 inches (depending on trim) |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0–6.5 seconds (estimated) |
| Fuel economy | Base WT and LT trims: 18–20 mpg combined, 17–18 mpg city, 20–23 mpg highway, Z71 and ZR2 trims: 16–19 mpg combined, 15–17 mpg city, 18–22 mpg highway |
| Towing capacity | Base WT and LT trims: 7,700 lbs, ZR2: 3,500 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo space | 15.8 cubic feet (bed) |
| Headroom | 40.1 inches (front), 38.5 inches (rear) |
| Legroom | 45.7 inches (front), 36.1 inches (rear) |
| Shoulder room | 60.5 inches (front), 59.2 inches (rear) |
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
| Score | 7.9 |
| MSRP | $26,650 – $41,070 |
| Fuel Economy | 19-22 City / 25-27 Hwy |
Overview
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unique Sport Adventure Vehicle that combines the comfort of an SUV with the open utility of a truck bed.
It is equipped with a turbocharged 2.7L I-4 engine, offering 237 hp for the base WT and LT trims, and 310 hp for the Z71 and ZR2 trims.
The torque is 260 lb-ft for the base WT and LT trims and 391 lb-ft for the Z71 and ZR2 trims. The Santa Cruz comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers rear-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive.
Specification
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.5L Naturally-Aspirated 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft |
| Optional Engine | 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 281 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (standard), All-wheel drive (optional) |
2024 Nissan Frontier
| Score | 7.6 |
| MSRP | $29,770 – $42,640 |
| Fuel Economy | 17-18 City / 22-24 Hwy |
Overview
The 2024 Nissan Frontier is the latest iteration of the Japanese automaker’s mid-size truck offering.
It boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly in terms of design, technology, and performance.
Specification
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (standard), All-wheel drive (optional) |
| Exterior | |
| Body style | Crew cab with four-door access |
| Bed length | 5 feet (standard), 6 feet (Crew Cab Long Bed SV trim) |
| Wheelbase | 126.0 inches |
| Length | 207.4 inches (standard), 213.5 inches (Crew Cab Long Bed SV trim) |
| Width | 72.3 inches |
| Height | 66.9 inches |
| Ground clearance | 8.6 inches (standard), 9.7 inches (Pro-4X trim) |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 7.3 seconds (estimated) |
| Fuel economy | |
| Rear-wheel drive | 19 mpg combined, 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway |
| All-wheel drive | 18 mpg combined, 17 mpg city, 20 mpg highway |
| Towing capacity | 6,640 lbs (maximum, with available tow package) |
| Interior | |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo space | 15.8 cubic feet (bed), 46.3 cubic feet (Crew Cab Long Bed SV trim, bed folded) |
| Headroom | 40.9 inches (front), 37.4 inches (rear) |
| Legroom | 45.7 inches (front), 36.1 inches (rear) |
| Shoulder room | 60.5 inches (front), 59.2 inches (rear) |
2023 Ford Ranger
| Score | 7.3 |
| MSRP | $27,400 – $40,945 |
| Fuel Economy | 19-21 City / 19-26 Hwy |
Overview
The 2023 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that offers a combination of performance, towing capacity, and advanced safety features.
The Ranger is equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine that produces 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Ranger comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive. The exterior features a crew cab with four-door access, a 5-foot bed (standard), and a wheelbase of 126.0 inches.
Specification
| Engine and Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 270 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Optional Engine | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (no longer available for 2024) |
| Horsepower | 270 hp |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (standard), All-wheel drive (optional) |
| Exterior | |
|---|---|
| Body style | Crew cab with four-door access |
| Bed length | 5 feet or 6 feet |
| Wheelbase | 121.5 inches |
| Length | 207.4 inches (5’ bed), 210.7 inches (6’ bed) |
| Width | 72.3 inches |
| Height | 66.9 inches |
| Ground clearance | 8.6 inches (standard), 9.7 inches (Tremor package) |
| Interior | |
|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo space | 15.8 cubic feet (5’ bed), 23.3 cubic feet (6’ bed) |
| Headroom | 40.9 inches (front), 37.4 inches (rear) |
| Legroom | 45.7 inches (front), 36.1 inches (rear) |
| Shoulder room | 60.5 inches (front), 59.2 inches (rear) |
2023 Toyota Tacoma
| Score | 7.2 |
| MSRP | $27,750 – $49,890 |
| Fuel Economy | 17-20 City / 20-24 Hwy |
Overview
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck known for its off-road capability, reliability, and long lifespan.
While a new model for 2024 is on the horizon, the 2023 Tacoma remains a solid choice for truck enthusiasts.
Specification
| Engine and Transmission | |
|---|---|
| 2.7L I4 | |
| Horsepower | 159 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive |
| 3.5L V6 | |
| Horsepower | 278 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 265 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual (TRD Pro only) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive (various configurations) |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 105.5 inches (Double Cab), 127.4 inches (Crew Cab) |
| Length | 208.3 inches (Double Cab), 220.7 inches (Crew Cab) |
| Width | 70.0 inches (excluding mirrors) |
| Height | 66.1 inches (SR), 67.1 inches (TRD Off-Road), 68.1 inches (TRD Sport) |
| Ground clearance | 9.4 inches (SR), 10.5 inches (TRD Off-Road), 11.5 inches (TRD Pro) |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 8.9 seconds (2.7L I4), 6.4 seconds (3.5L V6) |
| Towing capacity | up to 6,800 pounds (3.5L V6) |
| Fuel economy | |
| 2.7L I4 | 20/23 mpg (city/highway) |
| 3.5L V6 | 19/24 mpg (city/highway) |
