Top 4 Affordable Compact Pickup Trucks for Versatile Use
Explore the top four affordable small pickup trucks ideal for city drivers and off-road enthusiasts alike. This guide highlights models known for their performance, cargo capacity, and value, helping buyers make smart purchasing decisions. From the Toyota Tacoma to the Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier, discover options that blend ruggedness with economy for versatile use across various terrains and needs.
Discover the Best Budget-Friendly Small Pickup Trucks
Compact pickup trucks have transitioned from serving mainly agricultural and construction tasks to becoming versatile vehicles for various needs. They provide ample cargo and passenger space, rugged capabilities, and are budget-conscious. If you're searching for a compact truck, the wide array of options can be daunting. To help you make an informed choice, here's a selection of the top small pickup trucks available today that combine value, performance, and practicality.
2013 Toyota Tacoma
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma remains a popular choice due to its affordability and reliability. Available in multiple trims, it comes equipped with a variety of features and offers impressive cargo capacity for its class. Buyers can choose between a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower or a stronger 4.0-liter V6 producing 236 horsepower. Both manual five-speed and automatic four-speed transmissions are available. For off-road enthusiasts, a four-wheel-drive option is included.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado stands out with its comfortable interior and spacious design. Despite its compact size, it provides the capabilities of a larger truck. Powered by a turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel engine that delivers 369 lb-ft of torque, it can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Its fuel efficiency is notable, with up to 28 mpg on highways in four-wheel-drive models with a six-speed automatic transmission.
2018-2019 Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier from 2018-2019 is highly regarded for its payload capacity and performance, making it a top small pickup. It offers five trims, including the off-road-oriented Pro-4X and SL. Powertrain options include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 hp and a 4.0-liter V6 with 261 hp. The Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds, with minimal upgrades between the two model years.
2015 Toyota Tacoma
The 2015 Toyota Tacoma provides an affordable upgrade from earlier models, with similar engine choices—either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 hp or a 4.0-liter V6 with 236 hp. It offers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined and 25 mpg on highways with the four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive variant and five-speed manual transmission. Its compact size makes city driving easier, and the four-wheel-drive option handles rough terrains well.
