These Are The 18 Smallest Pickup Trucks For Sale In The US Today

The pickup truck market has been an integral part of the North American market since pretty much as early as the ‘50s and hasn’t lost an ounce of its importance or popularity since. If anything, pickups are only growing in demand as they hold the top positions on the list of all-time best-selling cars in the U.S.

Pickup truck buyers used to be mostly made up of workers and companies who needed the workhorse capabilities on offer, but now everyone wants one. The segment has evolved into more daily drivers than work trucks, which is why the demand for smaller trucks has grown tremendously in recent years. Small pickup trucks look less obnoxious on the road, are easier to drive for the majority of buyers, more affordable to buy and run, and still offer the capabilities most pickup truck buyers need.

Thankfully, renowned manufacturers like Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota have taken note of the growing demand for smaller trucks and are hard at work improving their current models and developing new ones. Let’s explore 18 of the coolest small pickup trucks on sale today.

UPDATE: 2024/03/27 17:03 EST BY MARTIN PETER

We have updated this list with new relevant specs and information for 2024 and added two more brand-new pickup truck models.

How we made our model selections
: We updated this list of the smallest compact and mid-size pickup trucks to make sure it reflects all the new models on sale in the United States in 2024. We provide detailed specification tables for each model and rank them all according to their maximum wheelbase, from longest to shortest.

18 2024 Jeep Gladiator: 137.3 Inches

Now hold your horses, we know this is a big truck – especially when you look at the Jeep Gladiator Oculus Tron 6×6 custom-built behemoth – but it’s all a matter of perception. The Gladiator is long at 137.3 inches in length, but that’s mostly due to its immense 60-inch cargo bed that can hold up to 1,700 lbs worth of groceries.

It’s been four glorious years since Jeep launched the Gladiator, and just like it did with the Wrangler, Jeep decided to give the Gladiator a face-lift in 2024. The new 2024 Jeep Gladiator has several changes, most notably the front-end design – the front grille has a smaller and rounder grille that many gearheads are starting to warm up to. At its heart, the new Gladiator remains a true Jeep, so its doors are still removable. Jeep ditched the diesel V6 in 2024, leaving the only engine option available a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Unlike most of the trucks on this list, the Gladiator can tackle virtually any terrain you throw at it, making it a great option for gearheads who like to take the occasional weekend off-road trip.

Specifications

17 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: 137.3 Inches

The standard Jeep Gladiator has been given a fitting name and equipped with all the necessary equipment for it to be truly taken to the max across a variety of environments. Sadly, it feels like very few people actually use it for intended purposes, opting instead to use it as nothing more than a pavement prowler beneath the city lights.

If you opt for the Rubicon edition, however, we think you’d follow fellow owners in returning the Gladiator to its intended place of work. Rock crawling and dune bashing are exactly what the Rubicon is meant for, and we’ve explained just why it presents such a good option in our Polaris RZR vs Jeep Gladiator Rubicon at Johnson Valley review.

Specifications

16 2024 Rivian R1T: 135.8 Inches

The EV market has grown tremendously over the last decade, and one of the signs that EVs could take over the roads sooner than most gearheads thought is the fact that we now have EV options in almost every segment. Rivian was the first automaker to bring a fully electric pickup truck to the market when it launched the R1T in 2022, and it’s been a huge hit since. The R1T impressed gearheads with its unique futuristic design, power, range, and the fact that it proved that electric pickup trucks could perform just as well as their gas-powered counterparts, if not better.

The R1T has remained largely unchanged since its debut and still features a 533-hp dual-motor electric drivetrain in base form, enough to propel the 7,148-lb monster to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The top-of-the-range version comes with a quad-motor system making 835 hp, allowing it to hit 60 mph in a sports-car-rivaling 3.0 seconds. However, with a starting price of $73,000, the R1T is one of the most expensive pickup trucks ever.

Specifications

15 2024 Toyota Tacoma: 131.9 Inches

From a pavement princess to the exact opposite is the Toyota Tacoma pickup: one of the brand’s most respected models at present. After almost a decade of the third-gen Tacoma, Toyota has finally introduced an all-new Tacoma generation for the 2024 model year, and it’s everything a pickup truck fan could ever dream of and then some. The new 2024 Toyota Tacoma has tons of upgrades that will help it compete against modernized rivals like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado.

For starters, the new Tacoma now sits on a variant of the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform and is fully redesigned for the 2024 model year. The new Tacoma also has many notable changes under the hood, most notably the new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that replaces the V6 in the third-generation model. The new engine makes 228 hp in the base models, which is a major upgrade over the previous generation’s 159 hp base engine. Toyota has also introduced a hybrid version of the Tacoma for the first time ever, and its output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque provides the perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency. And, if that’s not enough, Toyota has already confirmed that it’s working on a new Toyota Tacoma EV that’ll likely be among the best electric pickup trucks when it debuts in 2025.

Specifications

14 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X: 131.4 Inches

Alas, we arrive at the most expensive, premium, and arguably divisive pickup on this list: the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X. The reason we say it’s divisive is down to the steep price of $55,500 – and it can be further upgraded with minor modifications and trinkets to push that number well over $60,000.

But on the flip side, just look at the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X’s awesome interior. Then consider the huge amount of torque that drives this four-door crew-cab layout and the resulting 7700 lbs of towing capability, and the story writes itself. The Canyon AT4X is expensive, there’s no denying that. But it may well be the best pickup in the world right now, too.

Specifications

13 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2: 131.4 Inches

At HotCars, we love the all-new 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. The brand has given the world some fantastic pickups before, and the Colorado is one of the most long-serving but equally respected names from that group. It is available in crew-cab and short-bed configurations, but while the options list is limited for the ZR2, the pickup’s versatility more than makes up for it.

On an off-road-focused vehicle, the chassis is arguably one of the most significant components that will need upgrading. In the ZR2, the standard Colorado’s chassis has been modified, with the front axis pushed forward. The ZR2 also produces 310 hp and 430 pounds of torque from its Silverado-derived 2.7-liter inline-four. It’s a tasty package all-round, and a seriously good way to spend the money.

Specifications

12 2023 GMC Canyon: 131.4 Inches

A lot of people have claimed that the latest GMC Canyon is better than the Chevrolet Colorado, and it’s hard to argue. For one, the 2023 Canyon weighs less than 4,500 lbs, which means it offers a better driving experience compared to the heavier Canyon. On top of that, the Canyon is more capable off-road.

That comes at a price, as the Canyon’s starting price is more expensive than its rival. It gets even worse for your wallet if you opt for the Denali Canyon, as it costs around $45,000. An upscale interior and a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6 should make up for it, though.

Specifications

11 2023 Chevrolet Colorado: 131.4 Inches

An all-new version is soon to be released, so we’d recommend checking out everything you need to know about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado before proceeding. Some have accused it of being nothing more than a facelift that comes with a bigger price tag, but that’s far from the truth. And in typical Colorado fashion, the latest addition can take you anywhere, to do just about anything.

There are five different versions you can opt for, but only one body style and one engine, albeit with three different power outputs. Size-wise, it’s found in the middle of the pack, but don’t let that deter you from the huge cabin volume on offer. A starting price of just under $30,000 is also music to the ears of would-be off-road enthusiasts since it represents a substantial amount of car in return for a reasonable sum.

Specifications

10 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: 127.4 Inches

Although a new generation of the Tacoma is available for purchase today, the top-of-the-range TRD Pro version is yet to hit the dealership floors, which is why we went with the outgoing generation’s TRD Pro. The fact that so many pickups get compared to the Tacoma should tell you just how big an impact it has had on the industry, and its TRD Pro version might be the best of the lot. Of course, it’s not cheap, with a starting price of just over $47,000, but it justifies the outlay as a premium luxury pickup that has as much off-road vigor as it does a calm and composed demeanor on the street.

Toyota markets the Tacoma with the mantra, “unmatched, unequaled and unstoppable,” and in most cases, we’d argue that such market speak is a timid attempt to generate more interest, but where the TRD Pro is concerned, we think it’s pretty fitting. This does trace its roots back to the nigh-indestructible Hilux, after all. We’d also recommend checking out the secrets this 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro render may be hiding, in what is a HotCars exclusive.

Specifications

9 2023 Ford Ranger: 126.8 Inches

After a near-10-year absence in the American market, the Ford Ranger returned to wild fanfare in 2022. Arguably, the Ranger is also in its best-ever form with the current generation, which blends mettle and comfort with the evergreen dependability on offer with the Blue Oval brand. There are five trim levels to choose from, with the cheapest starting at a more than reasonable $27,400.

That’s a good deal, which you can understand more about by checking out the things we love about the Ford Ranger Raptor. The Ranger is meant for someone who enjoys driving in style but doesn’t want to spend the extremely inflated sums that the Bronco is currently going for. It still enjoys the diminutive size associated with the Ranger lineage, given that it is created to be the smaller brother to the F-150.

Specifications

8 2023 Ford Ranger Tremor: 126.8 Inches

Just like the Maverick, the 2023 Ford Ranger is also available with the Tremor package. The standard Ranger is already one of the best compact trucks for off-roading, but the Tremor package takes it to a whole new level.

The Ford Ranger Tremor has cool upgrades like skid plates, FOX shocks, and heavy-duty suspension for improved ground clearance. With the ranger Tremor, buyers have a lot more confidence to forge ahead when the trails turn gnarly.

Specifications

7 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition: 126 Inches

Nissan knows that one of the biggest trends in the auto market right now is manufacturers building retro-inspired models or special edition versions, such as what Toyota has done with the new Land Cruiser generation. This is why the brand has introduced the Hardbody Edition for the 2024 Frontier. The 2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition is largely an appearance package that pays homage to the legendary Nissan D21 Hardbody truck that helped the Japanese marque gain fans in the U.S. back in the ’90s, and it’s available for just under $4,000.

The 2024 Frontier Hardbody Edition has several retro-inspired styling cues, including black exterior details, an aluminum front skid plate, a sport bar with ‘Frontier’ logos on each side, and throwback tri-tip aluminum alloy wheels that mimic the originals. Things stay the same under the hood, though.

Specifications

6 2023 Nissan Frontier. 126 Inches

Nissan is not the first automaker that comes to mind when you think of pickup trucks, but the manufacturer is slowly catching up with its rivals in that segment. One truck that shows this is the Frontier. The Frontier has been in production since the late ’90s, but Nissan built the first dedicated model for the North American market last year when introducing the third-generation model.

The new Nissan Frontier is certainly not the best mid-size pickup truck on the market, but it’s definitely among the best-looking trucks at the moment. It also has the power to match, thanks to a 3.8-liter V6 pumping out 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque.

Specifications

5 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X: 126 Inches

Now, we realize this is a near-$10,000 upgrade from the standard guise, but several valuable additions combine to justify the price hike. The most notable changes are that of a Dana rear axle, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, and a triumvirate of frontal skid plates.

Given that some of these changes could soon be made a standard option, it’s understandable why we think the 2024 Nissan Frontier just got better than the Toyota Tacoma.

Specifications

4 2023 Honda Ridgeline: 125.2 Inches

Honda has built several awesome pickup trucks over the years. A good example of this is the Ridgeline, which is one of the few modern pickup trucks that make use of a unibody structure, and in return, it offers an affordable price tag to match the surprisingly fun driving experience. We think you should consider the 2022 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition.

The Ridgeline is not meant for someone who likes to tackle the roughest of terrains and tow their 20-ton mobile homes with them. It is, however, ideal for someone who enjoys driving since it only comes with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Ridgeline also offers trusted Japanese reliability, proven with a J.D. Power Reliability rating of 80 out of 100.

Specifications

3 2023 Ford Maverick: 121.1 Inches

Back in the ’70s, Ford sold a compact passenger car bearing the Maverick name. In 2022, the brand decided to revive the nameplate, but in the form of a sub-compact pickup truck – and what a return to form it’s been. Just check out why the Hyundai Santa Cruz is no match for the 2023 Ford Maverick to get a better understanding of its in-class excellence.

Regardless of which trim you get, you can be sure you’re getting a reliable truck. Ford has perfected the art of building dependable trucks over the years with the F-Series, which is why the 2023 Maverick has a J.D. Power Reliability rating of 81. That’s some strong stuff in return for a base price of just under $22,595.

Specifications

2 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor: 121.1 Inches

The ‘Tremor’ badge is reserved for those who love to go off-road, and blending it with the Maverick’s size and competitive price point means that this is a match made in heaven. Also factor in that HotCars’ best pickup of 2022 was the Ford Maverick, and you can see why we think it benefited from the Tremor treatment.

Opting for the package means a smoked set of head and taillights, bedside graphics, and funky body accents, in addition to a darkened 17-inch set of alloys. But where the Tremor really comes alive is with the consortium of beefed-up skid plates and intelligent off-road technology. It’s headlined by the all-wheel-drive system, with an approach angle of over nine degrees higher than all its other trim levels. It’s a fabulous companion for the adventurer lifestyle.

Specifications

1 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 118.3 Inches

Hyundai has come a long way over the past few decades. The Korean marque started by mostly selling rebadged cars, but it now has a comprehensive lineup that includes all kinds of vehicles, including dependable sedans like the Elantra, SUVs like the Santa Fe, and incredible hot hatches like the Hyundai i20 N.

In 2022, Hyundai decided to join the compact pickup truck market with the fantastic Santa Cruz, and it stands today as the smallest pickup truck you can buy. The Santa Cruz uses the same platform as the Tuscon crossover SUV and, unlike most modern pickup trucks, it uses a unibody platform. At the heart of the Santa Cruz is a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but buyers can opt for a turbocharged unit that puts out 281 ponies and 311 lb-ft of torque.

Specifications

Sources: Manufacturers, Edmunds