9 Best Compact Pickup Trucks for Every Job

Like all trucks, compact trucks have come a long way from their workhorse roots where they were designed primarily with construction workers, ranchers, and farmers in mind, to now being deeply embedded in modern lifestyles. Nowadays, manufacturers equip these vehicles with style and comfort-enhancing features in a bid to appeal to a wider range of buyers, including urban dwellers and recreational users.

Despite these changes, their core strength remains in their ability to tackle various tasks effectively. But, of course, not all compact trucks are created the same, and the vast selection of models can be overwhelming.

To simplify your decision-making process, the automotive experts at The Enemy of Average have researched and identified the top compact pickup trucks suitable for any job. These trucks excel in hauling small loads and towing, and can handle rough terrain with ease.

Ford Maverick

The Maverick was first introduced for the 2022 model year as the smallest member of Ford’s truck lineup. It features a unibody construction that reputedly offers remarkable handling, along with a standard turbo-four that generates a reasonable amount of power.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 250 ponies and 277 lb-ft of torque, with output finding its way to the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ford also offers the option of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a hybrid system to generate a combined 191-hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.

Toyota Tacoma

For the 2024 model year, the Toyota Tacoma underwent a ground-up redesign that vastly improved its capabilities. Base Tacoma models now come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.

SR5 and higher trims are equipped with the same engine but offer 50 more horsepower and 74 extra pounds of torque when paired with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Mated to the available six-speed manual, they crank out slightly less output at 270-hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma tows up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

Maximum towing capacity for the Hyundai Santa Cruz is rated at around 5,000 pounds, but if you prefer it to the Toyota and want a bit of a bragging figure, then you’ll be happy to know that the Santa Cruz offers up to 281-hp courtesy of its 2.5-liter turbo-four.

While that’s no match for the more expensive Tacoma Hybrid i-Force Max’s 326-hp, it’s still three more hp than the similarly-priced turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine could manage.

Honda Ridgeline

These days, there is a lot of emphasis on reducing emissions. So, if your goal is to help meet emissions reduction targets while also owning a comfortable and capable compact truck, then you won’t go wrong with the Honda Ridgeline. Its 3.5-liter V6 generates 280-hp and 262 lb-ft of torque while also returning 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.

On top of that, the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul around 1,600lbs of payload in its cargo bed.

Chevrolet Colorado

The Colorado’s job credentials are rock-solid. In Z71 and Trail Boss guise, it tows up to 7700 pounds — the most for a compact truck. If you desire a blend of capability blend of capability and strong off-road performance, the Colorado ZR2 and ZR2 Bison offer up to 6,000 and 5,500 pounds of towing capacity, respectively.

That impressive performance comes courtesy of a turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four that puts out up to 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque when underhood the Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2. A less potent version of that engine can be found under the hoods of the WT and LT, where it makes 237-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado’s maximum payload capacity is 1,720lbs.

Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator is another able performer. It benefits from a 3.6-liter V6 with 285-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and like the Chevy Colorado, it can tow up to 7,700lbs of stuff when specced with the available Max Tow package. Without the Max Tow package, the Gladiator’s tow rating is a still-impressive 4,000 pounds.

The payload capacity is also similar to the Colorado’s, as the Gladiator can carry up to 1,725lbs of payload in its bed.

Ford Ranger

You can’t discuss capable small pickup trucks without mentioning the Ford Ranger, as it has plenty enough under-the-hood muscle to help get the job done. Base models come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that puts out a healthy 270-hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Still not good enough for your application? Well, Ford also offers a beefier turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 unit which sees that output surge to 315-hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.

All that might culminate in a compact pickup truck that can pull a whopping 7,500lbs and carry up to 1,805lbs of stuff with the right equipment.

GMC Canyon

American pickup trucks have a rich history of utility and work applications, and the GMC Canyon lives up to that reputation. Pushed by a mighty turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 310-hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, the GMC Canyon can tow up to 7,700 pounds in Elevation, AT4, and Denali models.

If you don’t need that much tow rating in your small truck, the Canyon AT4X might be ideal. Standard AT4X models are good for a respectable 6,000 pounds, while those specced with the Edition 1 package are rated a touch less at 5,500lbs. The GMC Canyon can carry up to 1,640lbs of payload.

Nissan Frontier

Following a much-needed redesign for the 2022 model year, the Frontier made a fairly big leap in terms of desirability, thanks to its improved powertrain, off-road capability, and better interior.

Years later, the Frontier remains as capable as ever, owing to a 310-hp V6 that enables up to 6,720lbs of towing capacity. The truck’s payload capacity is also reasonable at 1,610lbs, making it one of the best compact pickup trucks you can rely on to get the job done.