While larger half-ton trucks are a far more common sight on the roads, smaller trucks have far more capability than you might expect. As half-ton trucks became larger and more expensive, an increasing number of smaller trucks have been introduced for drivers who need the occasional capability but want something easier to live with, more affordable, and more efficient. Many of these smaller trucks provide more practicality and versatility than most people will ever need for a fraction of the cost of a half-ton, making them a worthy alternative for someone who doesn’t need the grunt of a larger truck. Here are seven small trucks with big capabilities.
Ford Maverick
AutoTrader’s experts highly recommend the Ford Maverick, which won as the Best Overall Truck in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards, a repeat win for this clever pickup. The Maverick offers excellent value for money, being one of the few true compact trucks on the market. It has a choice of two four-cylinder engines, either a turbocharged 2.0L producing 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5L hybrid making 191 hp and 155 lb-ft. The Maverick can tow between 907 kg and 1,814 kg (1,500 lbs and 4,000 lbs) depending on how it's optioned and has a standard payload of 680 kg. The Maverick is also the most affordable truck on this list, with models ranging from $36,795 to $50,295 before destination fees. Due to its small, efficient engine, the Maverick can also achieve excellent fuel economy figures, especially the Hybrid, which is rated at a combined 6.2 L/100 km.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a very proficient midsize truck. Based on the praised Pilot, the Ridgeline offers a comfortable driving experience that more closely resembles a crossover than other pickups. Unlike some other pickups on this list, the Ridgeline is oriented more to be a lifestyle vehicle, rather than one that’s used for gruelling work. This doesn’t mean the Ridgeline isn’t able to perform truck duties, however. It can tow 2,250 kg (5,000 lbs), has a payload of 680 kg (1,500 lbs), and has a five-foot bed.
Across all trim levels, the Ridgeline comes with a 3.5 V6 that’s known for its reliability and makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Price-wise, the Ridgeline sits in the middle of the pack, starting at $51,490 for the entry model to $57,490 for the highest trim.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz fills the same role as the Ridgeline, being more of a crossover with a bed than a pickup truck, but in a smaller package. The Santa Cruz makes 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Towing ability varies depending on how the pickup is optioned, with capabilities ranging between 1,587 kg and 2,250 kg (3,500 lbs and 5,000 lbs). Meanwhile, payload is rated at 640 kg (1,411 lbs) across all trim levels. The Santa Cruz is notably cheaper than the Ridgeline, likely due to its smaller size. Pricing starts at $41,999 and ranges up to $50,499, and it’s the only truck on this list that comes standard with a lockable retractable tonneau cover.
Rvian R1T
The Rivian R1T is the odd entry on this list, as it is the only electric pickup here and the most expensive one by a huge margin. While comparable in size to Chevrolet Colorado, its performance far exceeds anything on this list. The R1T has an impressive tow rating of 3,500 kg to 4,990 kg (7,700 lbs to 11,000 lbs) and a payload of 800 kg (1,763 lbs). The Rivian is also by far the strongest contender in terms of horsepower, with an output ranging between 533 hp and 850 hp, depending on configuration. The R1T also has impeccable capabilities, with hauling performance closer matched to full-sized trucks while also having sports-car levels of acceleration due to its electric powertrain.
This performance comes at a cost, however, with prices ranging from $101,900 to $142,900. As a whole, the R1T can fulfill many needs, combining speed, practicality, and good looks into one package.
Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator is one of the more unique options on the list because it’s marketed as a recreational vehicle rather than a utilitarian truck. It fits well with the Jeep brand’s ethos, with a focus on an active outdoor lifestyle. Like the Wrangler it shares a platform with, the Gladiator is an off-road-oriented truck and has immense capability right from the factory. Power comes from Jeep’s 3.6L V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Its towing abilities are also very respectable, rated at 3,492 kg (7,700 lbs), while payload capabilities are the best on this list, rated at 782 kg (1,750 lbs). Pricing is on the higher end of the list starting at $60,046 for the entry-level model and going up to $71,636 for the top Rubicon trim. For those who seek a truck designed for recreation or are already fans of Jeeps, the Gladiator provides a familiar experience with the additional utility of a truck bed.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a versatile option to consider because buyers have the ability to outfit their truck to suit a wide range of needs. Available in either two or four-wheel drive, the Colorado can be optioned as either a work truck, a luxurious daily driver, or even a capable off-roader. It comes standard with a 2.7L four-cylinder engine making 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Towing capabilities are range from 1,587 to 3,500 kg (3,500 to 7,700 lbs), while payload ranges from 720 to 763 kg (1,684 to 1,587 lbs). The Colorado also benefits from being competitively priced, starting at $36,199 with the possibility to be configured upwards of $70,000, allowing for a great deal of customization. The Colorado is an interesting contender, as it rivals almost every truck on this list from the budget-friendly Maverick to the lifestyle-oriented Gladiator; the Colorado is a jack of all trades.
Nissan Frontier
Like the Chevrolet Colorado, the Nissan Frontier is a more versatile option. The Frontier is unique in this group as the only one that offers either a king or crew cab, but buyers can also spec it as a work truck or a more off-road focused rig with the Pro-4X trim.
The Frontier comes with Nissan’s 3.8L V6 with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Nissan has used this engine family for over 20 years, making it a dependable option. Its towing capabilities are average at 2,875 kg to 3,107 kg (6,340 to 6,850). The Frontier has a rather limited payload, however, of 476 to 607 kg (1,050 to 1340 lbs). Despite this, the Frontier is still a capable pickup, especially for those seeking a truck with a more traditional feel with its simplistic interior and old-school gear lever. Pricing is also in the mid-range of the list, ranging from $49,785 to $59,885, meaning any version provides decent value for money.
