2023 Best Small and Midsize Pickup Trucks in the US Market

The pickup truck segment is crowded with compact and mid-size models. Whatsoever, famous brands are introducing new trucks every year so the race for the best pickup truck is hotter than ever before. Mid-size models are good because most of them are offering the capability of a full-size model. On the other hand, compact pickups are also incredibly popular, especially with the hybrid and all-electric powertrains being available.

We are providing a list of the best small and midsize pickup trucks in the United States. The list is full of reliable models, and while some of them are relatively new models, some other models are iconic. Without further ado, let’s see the list and also, feel free to give us your opinion.

2023 Chevy Colorado

The mid-size 2023 Chevy Colorado is a fantastic model. Furthermore, this variant is available for only $27k. It’s a tough truck with a wide range of trim levels and special editions. Thanks to that, you can get models with improved towing capability or even the rock-crawling ZR2 trim. Regardless, the Colorado truck will receive significant modifications in 2023.

Colorado has the highest towing capacity in the class. It’s also the smallest Chevrolet pickup on the market right now. A four-cylinder engine is standard, however alternative units such as turbodiesel or gasoline V6 engines are available. Although 4-wheel-drive is available, rear-wheel drive remains the typical option. Because major changes are on the horizon, Colorado is an excellent model to follow.

2023 Chevy Colorado launch date

2023 GMC Canyon

The 2023 GMC Canyon will remain one of the best models in its class. The third-generation Canyon will be completely redesigned by General Motors. In addition, significant mechanical modifications and an interior revamp are expected. Although the platform will not be completely new, it will undergo significant adjustments. Another reason Canyon will be a popular choice in the coming years is the new powertrain choices.

New engine options are possible, but we can only confirm a 2.7-liter turbo-four for now. This unit is capable of producing 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. The single gearbox option is a 10-speed automatic transmission. Canyon also offers premium Denali and Denali Ultimate trim levels, perhaps the models with the most luxury in the segment.

2023 GMC Canyon Denali redesign

2023 Ford Ranger

The 2023 Ford Ranger will go on sale in the US later this year. Furthermore, this incredibly popular mid-size truck will be completely redesigned. The Ford Ranger is likewise a global model, with models available in every corner of the planted. The new model will have a revamped exterior and an exceedingly modern cabin design, with a new vertically oriented touchscreen as the focal point. Ranger will continue to offer luxury trim levels as well as off-road-oriented variations.

Of course, the Raptor is the most well-known model. Ranger, on the other hand, offers a more economical Tremor package as well as an FX4 treatment. This model is built on a T6 architecture that has been improved. A 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque will be standard.

2023 Ford Ranger PHEV specs

2023 Toyota Tacoma

The new 2023Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular pickup trucks in North America. Given Tacoma’s dependability and versatility, this isn’t surprising. From traditional combustion engines to hybrid variations and the supreme TRD Pro variant, Tacoma is a true masterpiece. Furthermore, the Tacoma pickup truck may be had for around $30,000 or somewhat less. Tacoma will debut later in 2022 with a number of substantial updates.

This incorporates both dramatic cosmetic improvements and crucial internal refreshes. Tacoma has a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood. A reliable ten-speed automatic gearbox is also available from Toyota. There will be a hybrid powertrain available, which will deliver more power and better fuel economy.

2023 Toyota Tacoma redesign

2023 Honda Ridgeline

Recently, the Ridgeline model received a much-needed makeover, so this truck finally comes with a unique look that departs from the Pilot SUV. Still, it shares a lot of its chassis with the Pilot SUV, which means it has a unibody structure and independent rear suspension rather than the conventional body-on-frame configuration for trucks. While the towing capacity is not class-leading, Ridgeline makes up for it in numerous different ways.

The interior is comfortable and the ride is quiet and smooth. Moreover, handling is improved, which is great to hear. We like the interior design, along with cool storage solutions. However, the towing capacity of 5,000 pounds should be improved. A 3.5-liter V6 engine provides 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg combined, which is good. New Ridgeline will cost around $40,000, or slightly below that.

2023 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid redesign

2023 Jeep Gladiator

As a relatively fresh model, Gladiator pickup is becoming more and more versatile. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator will feature gasoline and diesel engines. However, the 4xe variant is also coming to the markets. Whatsoever, Gladiator will probably introduce the all-electric Magneto model in the following years. Based on the Wrangler SUV, Gladiator is a very capable model. This truck offers a lot of trim levels, including variants such as Mojave, Rubicon, or Hercules. Removable roofs, doors, and windshields are making this truck unique in the mid-size segment.

If you are looking for an off-roading truck, Gladiator is probably the best option available. This rugged model only offers a four-door setup, unfortunately. Under the hood, a standard 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine develops 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Optional diesel is a better choice in our opinion. This 3.0-liter unit delivers 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, and it also gets 24 mpg combined. Gladiator has a towing capacity of 7,650 pounds and the base trim level will start at $36,500.

2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

2023 Nissan Frontier

The 2023 Nissan Frontier will have an entirely new look after years of minor updates. As a result, this truck will have more room and it will look even better. With a starting price of roughly $29,000, the new Frontier will represent one of the most popular buying options in the truck segment. The Frontier model is now only available with a 3.8-liter V6 engine. This output comes with 310 horses and a torque of 281 lb-ft of torque.

20 mpg combined and a towing capacity of 6,730 pounds is more than enough. Still, you can find better models in the segment. Some rumors claim that a new hybrid powertrain will be introduced as well, most likely in 2024. The Frontier model also offers a quiet interior but we think this truck needs more standard features in order to rival the best models in the class.

2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X exterior

2023 RAM Dakota

Coming as a brand-new model, the 2023 RAM Dakota is a very exciting model. We don’t have all the info about this truck, but it is a RAM, and it will compete in the mid-size segment. It is based on the famous RAM 1500, so this is only a good thing. Thanks to that, Dakota will probably offer a familiar 3.6-liter V6 engine as standard. On top of that, Dakota will provide an optional EcoDiesel engine with 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of twisting power.

Hybrid is not an option yet, but Dakota SRT could happen later in 2022. As this is a RAM, we expect a very modern cabin design with a high level of comfort and a lot of standard equipment. Some rumors are suggesting a larger 12-inch infotainment touchscreen to be on offer. With such a high-end interior and modern exterior design, Dakota will cost below $30,000, which is more than a fair price.

2023 RAM Dakota v8

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a new compact pickup. In the coming years, this model will go against the new Ford Maverick model. Hyundai offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 190 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter turbo-four engine with 275 horsepower and a torque of 310 lb-ft is also available as an option. The Santa Cruz pickup truck has a 5,000-pound towing capacity, according to Hyundai.

There’s also a dual-clutch transmission and an AWD system to choose from. Unfortunately, unlike the Ford Maverick, Santa Cruz does not have a hybrid model. Hyundai, on the other hand, will soon release the Santa Cruz Hybrid variant. Even the high-performance Santa Cruz N is a rumor at the moment. The price starts at $25,000 for the base trim level and will go up from there.

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz colors

2023 Ford Maverick

The upcoming 2023 Ford Maverick is also coming to the dealerships. Surprisingly, the Maverick variant comes standard with a hybrid drivetrain. The petrol engine is an optional feature, which is a unique method. It’s a small vehicle with stylistic inspirations from the Bronco SUV and the Ford F-150 pickup truck. The end result is a model that is both efficient and attractive. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor make up the hybrid system.

This combination produces 191 horsepower and it comes with a CVT automatic gearbox. More importantly, the Maverick gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and can tow up to 2,000 pounds. It’s no wonder that the reservations for the Maverick pickup are already full. If you are looking for good mileage, look no further. The best part of this pickup is the starting price of $21,000.

2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid specs