Small pickup trucks combine the ruggedness and off-roading ability of larger trucks with the utility and driving dynamics of more compact vehicles. Their versatility makes them popular among buyers. So, the small truck segment offers several choices, of which the most suitable pickup could vary depending on what buyers want—off-roading prowess, heavy-duty load carrying, smooth ride and handling, or other key features. Nevertheless, here are a few small pickup trucks that are worth considering: 

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai’s Santa Cruz caters to urban buyers, unlike many other trucks on this list. This vehicle’s long list of comfort and safety features, comfortable ride quality, and agility around corners further enhance its utility. This vehicle comes with a turbocharged engine that has enough punch to propel the Santa Cruz forward even when its cargo bed is fully loaded. This truck’s rear visibility, limited legroom in the back seats, and slightly pricey nature are some of the minor drawbacks worth taking into account.

Top features: The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with dual front side-mounted and rear airbags, stability control, 4-wheel ABS, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, and a 6-speaker sound system.

2024 Ford Maverick
Unlike Santa Cruz, the Maverick is one of the seasoned off-roaders. The Maverick has many things going for it, such as its hybrid powertrain option, which makes the vehicle fast as well as incredibly fuel efficient. Additionally, the Maverick’s optional turbocharged engine offers quick acceleration to carry even the heaviest tow load effortlessly. Speaking of carriage, the Maverick has a monstrous maximum towing capacity of 4000 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 1500 lbs. On the downside, the Maverick’s ride quality is occasionally bumpy, and its interior quality is not as strong as the Hyundai’s.

Top features: An emergency braking assist, dusk sensing headlamps, 4-wheel ABS, stability control, heated mirrors, and an 8.0-inch infotainment display system are some of the key features of this small pickup truck,

2023 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline’s style is closer to the Santa Cruz’s urban appeal than the Maverick’ rugged style. The truck comes with poised on-road handling, a powerful V6 engine option to enable rapid acceleration, and a spacious, upscale cabin that can comfortably seat 5 occupants. The cabin also offers a 5-foot bed out at the back that can haul just over 1,500 pounds. A drawback here would be the vehicle’s relatively limited off-roading ability and a dated infotainment system.

Top features: The Ridgeline comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, remote keyless entry, wireless device charging, an 8-speaker stereo system, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, ABS, airbags, and many other conveniences.

2023 GMC Canyon
The almighty GMC truck offers serious off-road ability and impressive towing and payload-carrying capacity. Out of all the vehicles on this list, the Canyon offers the most assured ride and handling, even on the roughest terrain. The Canyon is also a safe vehicle that can weather most storms and hostile driving environments.

Top features: ABS, traction control, airbags, cruise control, sunroof, leather seats, a multifunctional infotainment system, and adaptive headlamps are some of the highlights of this pickup truck.

So, one can compare these four small pickup trucks and choose the most suitable option that aligns with their lifestyle, budget, and preferences.