Top 4 Compact Pickup Trucks for Value and Performance
Discover the top four compact pickup trucks ideal for daily driving and off-road adventures. These versatile vehicles combine impressive cargo space, fuel efficiency, and rugged durability at various price points. Perfect for city commuting and outdoor pursuits, they offer excellent performance and value, making them reliable choices for any driver seeking a small but powerful pickup.
While small pickup trucks were traditionally designed for farm and construction work, modern models now combine sizable cargo areas, premium passenger amenities, and tough durability. With numerous options and price points available, narrowing down your choices can seem daunting. To streamline your selection process, here are four outstanding compact trucks that deliver great value for money and reliable performance.
2013 Toyota Tacoma
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma remains a favorite among everyday drivers, offering diverse trims and packed with features. It boasts notable cargo capacity for its size, making it stand out as a versatile pickup. Options include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower or a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 236 horsepower. Transmission choices consist of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive is available for off-road adventures.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado provides a smooth ride, offering spacious, refined interiors. This compact pickup combines city maneuverability with the capability of a full-sized truck. It features a fuel-efficient turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel engine that delivers 369 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds. It offers impressive fuel economy, achieving 28 mpg on highways when equipped with four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
2018-2019 Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier from 2018-2019 stands out for its payload and driving performance. Available in five trims, including the off-road-focused Pro-4X and the premium SL, it offers both a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V6 producing 261 horsepower. The Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds, with minimal changes between the two model years and consistent features across trims.
2015 Toyota Tacoma
The 2015 Toyota Tacoma introduces modest upgrades over the 2013 model with only slight price increases. It provides options such as a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower or a 4.0-liter V6 with 236 horsepower. It offers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined and 25 mpg highway with the four-cylinder, two-wheel drive, and five-speed manual transmission setup. Its compact size ensures easy city driving, while four-wheel drive is ideal for challenging terrains and weather conditions.
