The Small Trucks Rise Up (2023/2024): Every Model Out Now

Compact but capable, small trucks are redefining utility and style.

This guide is continuously updated for relevancy, accuracy, and the most recent info.

For too long, the small trucks — or mid-size pickups, as they’re known — have existed in the shadows of their larger, full-size siblings. Today, these once diminutive little haulers from the ’80s and ‘90s have grown into larger, bolder-looking trucks packed with tech-savvy interiors while boasting improved capabilities and utility. Almost like miniature versions of their larger counterparts. Let’s explore all the latest models you can buy today:

  • Toyota Tacoma 
  • Chevrolet Colorado
  • GMC Canyon
  • Honda Ridgeline
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz
  • Nissan Frontier
  • Ford Maverick
  • Jeep Gladiator
  • Ford Ranger

Toyota Tacoma

2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited in red front view
2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited. Photo: Amee Reehal

Key features:

Next-generation 2024 model with new i-FORCE MAX hybrid

First-ever Tacoma Trailhunter factory-spec overlander

New 14-inch touchscreen & 12.3-inch gauge cluster

Unlike some competitors like the Ranger and Colorado, which disappeared briefly, the long-running Toyota Tacoma has been going strong for decades. The only problem: it needed a much-deserved redesign, and for 2024, Toyota did that and then some. The next-generation Tacoma boasts a potent powertrain lineup featuring the standard i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. The entry-level SR trim generates a robust 228 hp, mated to an efficient 8-speed automatic transmission.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter front view
2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter. Photo: Amee Reehal

Across all other trims, this engine receives a 50-horsepower boost, reaching a maximum of 278 hp, still utilizing the same 8-speed transmission. This marks a noteworthy contrast with the outgoing 3.5L V6, which also delivered 278 hp. The headline-grabbing revelation, however, is the introduction of the hybrid-powered Tacoma with the i-FORCE MAX, producing an impressive total output of 326 hp, matched with the 8-speed transmission. Notably, the hybrid variant’s substantial torque of 465 lb.-ft. outpaces the gas-powered Tacoma’s maximum torque, rated at 317 lb.-ft.

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Chevrolet Colorado

2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss. Photo: Chevy

Key features:

New 2.7L turbo engine with more power

First-ever Colorado Trail Boss and ZR2 Desert Boss

Interior gains 4 new trims with a 11.3-inch colour touchscreen

General Motors kicked off the current craze for mid-size pickups with this truck, which proved that a smaller model didn’t have to compromise on comfort compared to a full-size model. We like the Colorado’s spacious cabin and comfortable seating, which combine to make this a brilliant long-distance vehicle. The Colorado also boasts one of the most comfortable rides in this segment, a trait that helped this model set the tone for the rest of the class to follow.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in blue rear view off roading in the desert
2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. Photo: Chevy

The 2023 Colorado ushers in a new era with the debut of the ZR2 Desert Boss and Trail Boss models, complementing a comprehensive redesign and introducing four fresh interior trims. Its powertrain options now include the potent 2.7L turbo engine from the Silverado, providing three output variants. Previous engine choices featured four-cylinder gas and diesel engines and a V6 surpassing 300 hp. The four-cylinder gas engine offers a manual transmission, while the other two come standard with an eight-speed automatic. Notably, the Colorado lineup skips the regular cab configuration, initiating with an extended cab with rear seats and offering a Crew Cab with full-size rear doors and a three-place bench seat.

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GMC Canyon

Front 3/4 view of GMC Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 package with a mountain view in the background.
2023 GMC Canyon AT4X with Edition 1 Package. Photo: GMC

Key features:

2023 full redesign inside & out

First-ever Canyon AT4X

New 2.7L turbo engine across the lineup

GMC’s 2023 Canyon undergoes a complete redesign, introducing a new look, all-new interior, and a standard factory lift with a widened track. The lineup welcomes the first-ever Canyon AT4X option and a robust 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition featuring higher ground clearance and skid plates. Notable standards include an off-road suspension package on the Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims, with the new AT4X boasting a 3-inch factory lift.

The 2024 Canyon AT4X AEV Edition front view off roading in the wild
2024 GMC Canyon AEV. Photo: GMC

The powertrain for the entire GMC Canyon lineup is now a high-torque, off-road-optimized 2.7L turbo engine producing 430 lb-ft of torque, accompanied by new drive modes. The 2022 Canyon AT4 model is replaced by the 2023 AT4X, designed for serious off-road enthusiasts with advanced technology and enhanced capability.


Honda Ridgeline

2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport. Photo: Honda

Key features:

Side- and bottom-hinged tailgate

Best-in-AWD standard payload & towing capcity

Optional cargo bed “exciters” that turn the truck into one big speaker

Since its arrival in 2005, the Honda Ridgeline has endured all kinds of criticism from know-it-alls who say this is not a “real” truck because it’s based on a front-wheel-drive platform and lacks truck-ish features like low-range 4WD gearing. The truth is, however, that the Ridgeline is enough for most drivers’ everyday needs and got a significant redesign for 2021, keeping the same 280-hp, 3.5L direct-injected VTEC engine paired with a 9-speed transmission.

2023 Ridgeline Sport with HPD Package in white offroading
2023 Ridgeline Sport with HPD Package. Photo: Honda

For 2024, the Ridgeline TrailSport features all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, and steel underbody protection, coupled with “RIDGELINE” boldly stamped across the tailgate. The enhanced cabin offers increased comfort and advanced tech, including a standard 7-inch digital instrument panel and a larger 9-inch color touchscreen with faster processing for lag-free performance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are now standard, along with a simplified integrated navigation system. Notably, the extra-wide standard bed accommodates 4-foot-wide items without the need for a separate bed liner, constructed from durable glass fiber-reinforced SMC composite. Eight 350-pound tie-down cleats enhance load-securing capabilities.


Hyundai Santa Cruz

2023 Santa Cruz Night parked outside in front of trees
2024 Santa Cruz Night. Photo: Hyundai

Key features:

270+ horsepower turbo engine

Small truck cargo with CUV drivability

Open bed with lockable tonneau cover

Dubbed a Sport Adventure Vehicle (we still call it a small unibody truck), Hyundai’s sleek-looking Santa Cruz first arrived in 2022 – a mid-size pickup with compact crossover agility. For 2024, Hyundai introduces the Santa Cruz XRT, positioned just below the Limited trim, replacing the SEL Premium for an elevated driving experience with advanced features.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited front view parked outside
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited. Photo: Graham Heeps

Other 2024 updates across the lineup include standard Bi-LED projector headlamps, dual-zone automatic temperature control from the SEL trim, and a 10.25” Navigation system from the SEL with Activity Package and above. The NIGHT trim adds Black H-Tex seating surfaces, and steering wheel haptic feedback is now featured across all trims, enhancing functions like Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA).


Nissan Frontier

2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition front view parked on a hill outside
2024 Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition. Photo: Nissan

Key features:

Full model redesign with rugged looks

New Pro-4X and off-road performance

New infotainment system with 8- and 9-inch screens

After being sold on our market unchanged for over a decade, the Nissan Frontier finally gets a complete model redesign for the 2022 model year. While it still rides on the same architecture, it houses an all-new 3.8L V6 good for 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an equally new nine-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual transmission are now things of the past. The Frontier retains a hydraulic power steering setup for improved feel and precision during off-roading.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier Midnight Edition package is now available on the SV Crew Cab. This enhances the truck’s appearance with 17-inch black-painted alloy wheels; black outside mirrors, lower bumper and grille; black exterior badging; black interior accents and a black headliner; and LED fog lights, headlights and daytime running lights.
2023 Nissan Frontier Midnight Edition. Photo: Nissan

Nissan introduces the 2024 Frontier with a Pro-4X variant featuring off-road gear like a rear-locking limited-slip differential, Bilstein shocks, and skid plates. The US offers both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, while Canada has standard 4-wheel drive. King and Crew cab configurations are available with five or six-foot beds. The new Frontier Hardbody Edition pays homage to the 1980s model. Inside, a modern and refined interior is highlighted by unique Pro-4X color combinations and an all-new infotainment system with 8- and 9-inch screens, though the towing rating slightly drops from 6,720 to 6,490 pounds.


Ford Maverick

2023 Ford Maverick Tremor parked on a dirt hill
2023 Ford Maverick Tremor. Photo: Ford

Key features:

2.0L EcoBoost is now standard, replacing the 2.5L

Most fuel efficient truck on the market

First standard full-hybrid pickup in North America

Ford is riding the current wave of small truck popularity with the introduction of the 4-door Maverick — a compact pickup with impressive fuel economy thanks to a standard full-hybrid powertrain, a nimble size for easy maneuverability, storage space, and enough cabin capacity to accommodate five passengers comfortably. The premium Maverick Lariat is even more impressive for such a small truck.

2024 Ford Maverick in white parked at night near building
2024 Ford Maverick. Photo: Ford

For 2024, a significant change is the standard 2.0L EcoBoost paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the then standard 2.5L, 4-cylinder, where the 2022 Maverick offered up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity. Also, the 2.5-liter Hybrid (FWD only) with Automatic Continuously Variable Transmission becomes an optional choice on all trims. Features such as the 400-watt inverter and Remote Start are no longer standalone options but are included in the XLT Luxury Package and Lariat Luxury Package. Additionally, new exterior colors Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat and Terrain are introduced, while Carbonized Gray Metallic and Iconic Silver Metallic become fleet-only options on XL.


Jeep Gladiator

2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon on stage at the Detroit Auto Show booth
2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X. Photo: Graham Heeps

Key features:

Capable four-wheel drive system

Powerful diesel engine option

Removable top panels create a convertible feel

Introduced as a 2020 model, the Gladiator brings the off-road prowess and iconic appeal of the Wrangler SUV to the mid-size pickup segment. At the time, it was the third truck in this class to offer a diesel engine, a 3.0L V6 with more power than the four-cylinder in the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon models. From the Wrangler, the Gladiator inherits underpinnings designed primarily for off-road driving, so performance on paved surfaces is less impressive than other trucks in this class. The cargo bed is also shallow compared to that of other pickups.

2024 Jeep Gladiator off roading in the dirt
2024 Jeep Gladiator Mojave X. Photo: Jeep

In 2024, the Jeep Gladiator receives a substantial refresh, introducing two new off-road models, the Mojave X and Rubicon X, both equipped with integrated off-road cameras. The iconic midsize truck showcases a unique seven-slot grille, optional power seats, and a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a best-in-class maximum payload of 1,725 pounds, the Gladiator offers impressive performance. Inside, advanced technology features include 12-way power-adjustable front seats and a Uconnect 5 system featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

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Ford Ranger

2024 Ford Ranger XL STX Lariat and Ranger Raptor XLT Sport
2024 Ford Ranger XL STX Lariat (left) and Ranger Raptor XLT Sport (right). Photo: Ford

Key features:

New Ranger Raptor arrives for 2024

Ford’s blind spot monitor will cover the entire length of a truck and trailer

First mid-size truck with a 10-speed transmission

One of the best-known names in pickups came back after an eight-year hiatus as the 2019 Ford re-entered the mid-size segment. Before leaving us, the Ranger was initially designed for the Australian market and modified for North American production. 

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor driving through the dirt and sand
2024 Ford Ranger Raptor. Photo: Ford

The 2024 Ford Ranger, redesigned for robust adventure, features a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and an optional more potent 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. Equipped with new driver-assist technologies, it enhances both on- and off-road driving experiences. The Ranger introduces advanced towing tech, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, an integrated trailer brake controller, and a 360-degree camera. Additional enhancements include an Integrated Box Side Step, fold-flat rear seats, increased width between wheel wells for cargo versatility, and in-bed and in-cab outlets for powering tools. As part of Ford’s global truck portfolio, the Ranger contributes to the brand’s status as the leading pickup manufacturer worldwide, available in over 180 markets.

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There you have it: all the latest mid-size trucks available right now. Next, take a look at all our latest truck reviews here.

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Author:
Chris Chase
Chris Chasehttps://chrischasescars.com/
Chris has been writing professionally about cars since 2004, in print and online. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and two feline tyrants. In rare quiet moments, he can be found travelling or playing one of his way-too-many guitars. Chris is also a journalist member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).