The USA may be a truck-crazy nation, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to tow a giant rig around. For lighter work, a small truck is ideal. While small and mid-size trucks may not offer the same capability and versatility as larger, full-sized trucks, they have their own benefits to consider. Compact trucks are cheaper to buy and run, and they aren’t as cumbersome to drive around the city. And, with the continued improvement of electrification, hybrid, and even electric trucks are becoming more common. Here is a list of small trucks available in the USA for 2024:

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:

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.