Small trucks are a great option for those who need a balance between capability and efficiency. They offer practicality, versatility, and fuel efficiency while still being able to handle light to moderate towing and hauling. Whether you need a truck for work or adventure, there are several excellent choices available. Here are six of the best small trucks to consider.
Top 6 Small Trucks to Buy in 2025: Best Picks for Every Driver
1. Ford Maverick: The Compact Truck with Big Capabilities
Overview
The Ford Maverick is a standout in the small truck category. It offers a compact design, fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, and excellent versatility. As a unibody pickup, it combines car-like comfort with truck-like utility.
Key Features
Performance: The Maverick comes with a standard 2.5L hybrid engine that delivers excellent fuel economy. A 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine is also available for those who need more power.
Towing and Payload: It has a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with the towing package. The payload capacity is around 1,500 pounds, making it ideal for light hauling.
Interior and Technology: The cabin features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite is also available, providing features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Why It’s One of the Best
The Maverick is perfect for city drivers who need a fuel-efficient truck with practical hauling capabilities. It offers an affordable starting price, great fuel economy, and modern technology.
2. Toyota Tacoma: The Best Small Truck for Off-Roading
Overview
The Toyota Tacoma is known for its reliability and off-road capabilities. It has been a top choice among truck enthusiasts for years, and it continues to be a leader in the midsize truck market.
Key Features
Performance: The Tacoma offers a 2.7L four-cylinder engine as standard, with an optional 3.5L V6 for more power. The V6 engine provides up to 278 horsepower, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road driving.
Off-Road Capability: The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims feature skid plates, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires for superior off-road performance.
Technology: Toyota’s infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity. Advanced driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhance safety.
Why It’s One of the Best
The Tacoma is built for durability and adventure. If you need a small truck that can handle rough terrain while remaining dependable, the Tacoma is an excellent choice.
3. Chevrolet Colorado: A Midsize Truck with Full-Size Capability
Overview
The Chevrolet Colorado offers a great mix of performance, towing power, and modern technology. It provides a comfortable ride while still delivering strong performance for work and recreation.
Key Features
Performance: The base model comes with a 2.7L turbocharged engine that produces 237 horsepower. Higher trims offer a more powerful version of this engine, delivering up to 310 horsepower.
Towing and Payload: The Colorado has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, making it one of the best in its class. The payload capacity is around 1,500 pounds.
Interior and Safety: The truck features an updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers a full suite of safety features, including lane departure warning and forward collision alert.
Why It’s One of the Best
The Colorado is ideal for those who want a small truck with strong towing capabilities and modern features. It provides a comfortable and powerful driving experience.
4. Nissan Frontier: A Durable and Powerful Midsize Truck
Overview
The Nissan Frontier is a rugged and capable small truck with an emphasis on performance and durability. It has been redesigned to offer a more modern look and improved technology.
Key Features
Performance: The Frontier comes with a 3.8L V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration and towing power.
Towing and Payload: It can tow up to 6,720 pounds, making it a great choice for those who need towing capabilities in a smaller package.
Interior and Technology: The truck features a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.
Why It’s One of the Best
The Frontier is a great option for buyers who need a midsize truck with a powerful engine and excellent towing capabilities. It provides a smooth ride and modern technology while maintaining Nissan’s reputation for reliability.
5. Honda Ridgeline: The Small Truck with a Car-Like Ride
Overview
The Honda Ridgeline stands out in the small truck category due to its unibody construction, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride. It combines SUV-like comfort with truck versatility.
Key Features
Performance: The Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Its all-wheel-drive system ensures stability on different terrains.
Innovative Features: It has a dual-action tailgate, an in-bed trunk for extra storage, and a truck-bed audio system, making it a unique option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Interior and Safety: The cabin is spacious and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Honda Sensing safety features come standard, providing adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking.
Why It’s One of the Best
The Ridgeline is perfect for buyers who want the versatility of a truck without sacrificing comfort. It is a great option for families and adventure seekers alike.
6. Hyundai Santa Cruz: A Small Truck with SUV-Like Comfort
Overview
The Hyundai Santa Cruz blends the practicality of a truck with the maneuverability of an SUV. It is designed for urban drivers who need cargo space without the bulk of a full-size truck.
Key Features
Performance: The Santa Cruz offers two engine options: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.5L engine with 281 horsepower for those who need extra power.
Towing and Cargo: It can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine. The short bed is designed for small loads but features a lockable tonneau cover for added security.
Interior and Technology: The cabin includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, premium materials, and Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite with lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning.
Why It’s One of the Best
The Santa Cruz is perfect for city dwellers who want a compact truck with SUV-like handling. It offers great fuel efficiency, innovative features, and a stylish design.
Conclusion
Choosing the right small truck depends on your needs. If you want fuel efficiency, the Ford Maverick is a great choice. If off-roading is a priority, go for the Toyota Tacoma. The Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier offer strong towing power, while the Honda Ridgeline provides SUV-like comfort. Lastly, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is ideal for city drivers looking for a stylish and practical small truck.
Each of these trucks brings something unique to the table, making them the best small trucks to buy in 2025. Whether you need a truck for work, adventure, or daily commuting, these options provide the best combination of performance, comfort, and reliability.
