Best Small Trucks of 2025 and 2026

The Edmunds experts test drive small truck contenders on our test track and in the real world. Our ratings assess performance, comfort, technology, utility, value and more. How we rank small trucks

Best Small trucks

With midsize trucks seemingly just getting larger, small trucks are stepping up to fill the void. These compact rigs are great for shoppers who don't want the extra bulk.

Not enough vehicles yet to rank
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The Santa Cruz combines compact-truck utility with funky looks and a fun-to-drive attitude. It's a bit pricier than its main rival, the Ford Maverick, and the styling may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it has a long list of features and a premium interior that certainly justifies the bigger price tag.
MSRP
$28,750 - $42,750
Combined MPG
21 - 25
Edmunds Rating
7.5/10
If you want a compact truck that looks like a truck, drives like a truck, and feels like a truck — congratulations! You've found it! The 2022 Ford Maverick may not be very exciting to drive, or even to look at, but it's certainly utilitarian.
MSRP
$26,995 - $40,750
Combined MPG
25 - 38

Best Midsize trucks

Midsize trucks are a good introduction to the world of pickups. Small cabs and short beds make them relatively easy to maneuver, but there's also some real capability here.

1st
Edmunds Rating
8.2/10
The Ford Ranger, with its high-quality cabin, comfortable ride and helpful driver assist features, smooths out many of the rough edges of traditional truck ownership. Impressively, it does so without compromising on towing or payload capability either. It's a great pick for a midsize truck.
MSRP
$33,080 - $55,820
Combined MPG
17 - 23
2nd
Edmunds Rating
8.2/10
The Chevrolet Colorado is one of the best trucks on sale. It stands out with its strong towing capability, easy-to-use controls, helpful technology features and appealing value. It raises the bar in the midsize truck segment in a big way.
MSRP
$31,900 - $49,600
Combined MPG
17 - 22
3rd
Edmunds Rating
8.1/10
The GMC Canyon gives you nearly everything you'll want in a midsize pickup truck. It offers excellent towing and hauling capacity along with lots of off-road capability. Only a high price keeps it from being a class leader.
MSRP
$38,400 - $52,000
Combined MPG
19 - 20
4th
Edmunds Rating
7.9/10
The Honda Ridgeline is more comfortable than the average midsize pickup, yet it retains nearly all the utility of its workaday rivals. It's true that it can't tow as much or go as far off-road as some traditional trucks, but it's a durable, practical choice with some tricks up its sleeve.
MSRP
$40,150 - $46,750
Combined MPG
20 - 21
5th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Tacoma lives up to a legacy of tough and rugged small trucks that have thrived in seemingly every inhospitable environment on Earth. A well-mannered chassis and a user-friendly interior make the Tacoma a good daily driver, while baked-in ground clearance and optional off-road equipment make it a smart choice for adventuring.
MSRP
$31,590 - $63,735
Combined MPG
20 - 23
6th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The latest Frontier is a contender in the midsize truck segment. Highpoints include its smooth and powerful V6, comfortable ride and well-appointed interior. But a somewhat cramped back seat and cluttered infotainment system keep it from leading the pack.
MSRP
$32,050 - $45,610
Combined MPG
18 - 21
7th
Edmunds Rating
7.6/10
The Jeep Gladiator is a burly pickup that can do almost anything the Jeep Wrangler SUV can do off-road. It also boasts healthy payload and tow ratings. But there are some considerable compromises made to everyday comfort and drivability.
MSRP
$38,100 - $61,100
Combined MPG
19