Top Small Trucks and 3 To Avoid

Small trucks are having a moment, and for good reason. Buyers who don’t need a full-size pickup are finding that compact and midsize models can tow, haul, and handle daily driving without the parking headaches or fuel costs. But not every small truck on the lot deserves your money. Some are winners, and a few should stay right where they are at the dealership.

• The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Maverick lead the pack with proven reliability and smart powertrain options for 2026.
• The Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger, and Hyundai Santa Cruz round out the top picks with their own strengths for different buyers.
• The Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Jeep Gladiator carry red flags ranging from low reliability scores to outdated platforms.

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma sits at the top of this list for a reason. Toyota’s midsize truck earned the number one reliability spot from Consumer Reports for 2026, scoring well across every category. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder puts out 278 horsepower, while the i-FORCE MAX hybrid bumps that to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity tops out at 6,500 pounds, and Toyota still offers a six-speed manual on select trims. Starting at $32,145, the lineup spans eight trims with two cab styles and two bed lengths.

Ford Maverick

Ford’s Maverick is the most fuel-efficient truck you can buy right now. Its standard hybrid powertrain pulls an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined, which is wild for anything with a truck bed. Ford also offers a 2.0-liter turbo four making 238 horsepower for buyers who need more punch. Starting around $28,145, it remains one of the most affordable new trucks on the market and a perfect fit for city drivers or first-time truck owners.

Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline won’t win any rugged-looks contests, but it drives circles around most midsize trucks for daily comfort. Honda’s unibody construction gives it a ride closer to an SUV, and the 3.5-liter V6 comes standard with all-wheel drive on every trim. The lockable 7.3 cubic-foot in-bed trunk is the real selling point, perfect for coolers or gear you don’t want bouncing around in the open. Consumer Reports gives the Ridgeline above-average reliability marks across the board.

Ford Ranger

Don’t sleep on the Ranger. It’s been quietly climbing the ranks since its redesign. Its 2.3-liter turbo four produces 270 horsepower, and the available Tremor package turns it into a capable off-road rig. Towing maxes out at 7,500 pounds, giving it a real edge for buyers who pull trailers regularly. Build quality and interior materials have improved, making the Ranger a legitimate competitor in this segment.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz blurs the line between truck and crossover, and that’s what draws people in. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine cranks out 281 horsepower with all-wheel drive and 5,000-pound towing capacity. It’s also one of the easiest trucks to park in tight spaces, so it works well for anyone in a city who still wants truck utility on weekends.

Three Small Trucks You Should Skip

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevy’s Colorado has been sitting at the bottom of reliability rankings since its 2023 redesign. Consumer Reports flagged powertrain and brake issues for 2026, following years of complaints about build quality and electronics. A phantom braking recall affected over 55,000 units, and seat belt bracket concerns triggered another callback. GM has pushed software updates to fix some bugs, but owner surveys still show this truck trailing the rest of the segment.

GMC Canyon

Since the Canyon shares its platform, powertrain, and factory with the Colorado, it inherits all the same reliability baggage. The kicker? You’re paying more for GMC branding. The base Canyon Elevation starts around $40,590 compared to the Colorado’s $33,595. GMC ranked 20th out of 22 car brands in recent reliability surveys, and the Canyon’s low marks mirror its Chevy twin almost exactly. If you’re spending Canyon money, the Tacoma gives you much more peace of mind.

Jeep Gladiator

Jeep’s Gladiator struggles to justify its price tag for most truck buyers. Fuel economy sits in the mid-teens, and the truck feels heavy on the highway compared to anything else in this class. Consumer Reports reliability data relies on older model year scores because recent sample sizes have been too small. Starting prices push close to $39,000 and climb fast with off-road packages. Unless you’re buying specifically for topless trail rides, better daily drivers exist for the money.

Picking the Right Truck for How You Actually Drive

Narrowing down the top small trucks and 3 to avoid really comes down to how you drive every day. If off-road capability and resale value top your list, the Tacoma is the obvious pick. City dwellers wanting great fuel economy should look at the Maverick first. Families wanting truck utility without a rough ride will appreciate the Ridgeline, and the Ranger and Santa Cruz split the difference between work capability and daily comfort. Stick with trucks that have earned strong reliability marks and skip the ones that keep landing at the bottom of owner satisfaction surveys.