Best Small Trucks | 2023 Smallest Pickup Trucks Rated

Characteristics Of The Best Small Pickup Trucks

Regardless of size, a pickup truck needs to tick a few boxes, not the least of which pertains to practicality and versatility. This is what you can expect from some of the top-rated small pickups:

Size: Naturally, trucks in this segment are smaller than the behemoths that can tow in excess of 37,000 lbs. Their slight size makes them ideal for parking lots and daily excursions, and they are generally a lot easier to maneuver through city traffic.
Capable engines: Despite being smaller, these trucks are still given powerful engine options, with many models now also available as efficient hybrids or fully electric versions.
Practicality: Being smaller in size may diminish cargo space somewhat, but these trucks still have ample space to carry things in the cargo bed. Payload and towing capacity will be lower than full-size trucks offer, though.
Solid build quality: With top-rated automakers catering to this segment, you can expect a well-put-together truck from the likes of Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, and Honda.
Fuel economy: With less weight to lug around, small trucks achieve much better gas mileage figures than their dually-equipped big brothers.
Price: Buying a new truck from the compact segment will cost you much less than purchasing a heavy-duty version.

What To Consider When Buying Small Trucks

There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to owning small trucks, most of which are directly related to the fact that these are the smallest models in a sea of large and heavy-duty pickups.

Pros

Easy to drive in urban and rural environments
Dependable as everyday commuters with good reliability ratings
More fuel-efficient than larger classifications
Various powertrains, including diesel, hybrids, and EVs
Affordable pricing in comparison to bigger trucks

Cons

Tow and payload capacities are not as good as bigger versions
In-cabin passenger space is limited when you compare to heavy-duty trucks
Some lack the power of larger utility vehicles

FAQs

Which of the smallest trucks gets the best gas mileage?

While there are more electric pickup trucks on the market now than ever, most truck buyers still opt for gas-powered pickups, or those with hybrid assistance. As far as gas-only trucks go, the Hyundai Santa Cruz sits at the top of the list with excellent EPA figures of 22/26/23 mpg for city/highway/combined cycles. However, the hybrid powertrain in the Ford Maverick is even better: 40/33/37 mpg.

What is the best small pickup truck for towing?

Both the GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs, and the Jeep Gladiator is just a little behind this with a 7,650 lbs capacity. The Ford Ranger manages to tow up to 7,500 lbs, which is also good for the segment.

Which of the smallest pickup truck models is the most affordable?

The Ford Maverick is priced quite low in the segment, and it comes standard with a hybrid engine. At under $25k, the Maverick is one of the cheapest small trucks you can buy in the States.

Which is the best small truck for off-roading?

With the off-roading legacy of Jeep behind it, the Jeep Gladiator’s rugged looks, removable roof and doors, powerful engine and body structure make it an excellent choice. Alternatively, the Rivian R1T is supremely capable off-road too, and it is entirely electric.

Best Small Trucks of 2023