Small Trucks: 9 Best Compact Pickups in Canada

Canadians shopping for a mid-size truck right now have plenty of great choices. From long-running models like the Tacoma, Ridgeline and completely redesigned Frontier, to newcomers including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Jeep Gladiator. Plus, the return of a couple American models following a hiatus including the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado.

Currently, there are 9 compact pickup trucks on the market. Here’s a look at each of them including their engine options, power, torque, towing capacity, and payload.

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Hyundai Santa Cruz

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Photo: Hyundai 

• Available Engines: Standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder or turbocharged upgrade
• Horsepower: 191 (standard) or 281 (turbo) 
• Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) 
• Payload: Up to 1,748 pounds (792 kg)

Not easily categorized and built on a Tuscon SUV platform, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a mid-size, unibody truck with a little bit of everything – SUV, sedan, and conventional pick-up truck. Unlike the highway-hogging F-150s, the Santa Cruz is compact and well-suited for sliding into those urban parking spots.

It also has adventure written into its DNA, with a ground clearance of 8.6 inches that rivals other go-anywhere crossovers like the Subaru Outback. And if you’re looking to do some hauling, the 4-foot truck bed should be enough for those fruitful shopping trips to IKEA or packing gear for a long weekend retreat.

Jeep Gladiator

2024 Jeep Gladiator | Photo: Jeep 

• Available Engines: 3.6-litre V6 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission; and 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 with 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission
• Horsepower: 285 (3.6L/V6 ) 
• Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg) 
• Payload: Up to 1,600 pounds (725 kg)

Those who love the Jeep Wrangler but crave a little more cargo space will surely be entertained by the Gladiator. In fact, there isn’t a gaping difference between the two other than the 5-foot cargo bed rather than the traditional Jeep cargo area.

The mid-size Gladiator is a five-passenger, four-door, four-wheel drive vehicle that comes in four trim configurations - Sport, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave. Those should all be familiar to Wrangler loyalists. What is different for the Gladiator is a diesel engine option for those road-tripping enthusiasts who want to take their Jeep the distance.

Chevrolet Colorado

2024 Colorado Trail Boss | Photo: Chevrolet 

• Available Engines: 2.7L I-4 Turbo DOHC VVT DI with Active Fuel Management and Stop/Start 
• Horsepower: Base: 237-hp @ 5600 (standard); Mid & High: 310-hp @ 5600 (available)  
• Max. Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg)
• Max. Payload: Up to 1,684 pounds (764 kg)

Fans of Chevy trucks who aren’t willing to commit to the size of a Silverado might find what they need with the versatile, mid-size Colorado. Urban cowboys will appreciate its maneuverability in city streets, while its impressive towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds makes it a strong contender in its class. For 2024, along with its GMC Canyon sibling, the Colorado has undergone a full redesign. This includes the introduction of the first-ever Trail Boss and an even more robust ZR2 model. The entire lineup now features a single engine option, the 2.7L turbo.

Inside, the 2024 Colorado offers four distinct interior trims, each equipped with a new 11.3-inch-diagonal color infotainment touchscreen as standard. Additionally, every Colorado owner will enjoy the larger, 11-inch digital gauge cluster, as the previous 8-inch driver information screen has been phased out. The top ZR2 trim exclusively offers an enhanced 11.3-inch driver information screen, which is not available as an option on other trims.

Also new for 2024 is a cargo bed that enhances functionality compared to the outgoing 2022 model. This includes an available tailgate storage system, a mid-position tailgate, and an available 110V power outlet—features that are all firsts in the mid-size segment, according to Chevrolet.

Ford Ranger

2024 Ford Ranger | Photo: Ford 

• Available Engines: 2.3-litre 4-cylinder or 4.0-litre V6 upgrade
• Horsepower: 143 (standard) and 207 (upgrade)
• Towing Capacity: Up to 7,500 pounds (3,400 kg) 
• Payload: Up to 1,650 pounds (748 kg)

While the popular F-150s continue their dominance in the truck market, the Ford Ranger looks to attract drivers who aren’t interested in committing to a full-size pick-up. Interestingly, today’s mid-size trucks like the Ranger are similar in size to what the ever-growing full-size pick-ups resembled a decade ago. For 2024, the Ranger has been totally redesigned, adopting bolder front-end styling inspired by the larger F-150. This redesign emphasizes its robust, contemporary aesthetic that appeals to modern truck buyers.

The 2024 Ranger features an impressive 8.9” ground clearance, making weekend off-road adventuring a confident endeavor. If you opt for the Tremor Off-Road Package, you can enjoy even more clearance, along with other all-terrain enhancements such as magnetic-painted alloy wheels, a skid plate, and front and rear tow hooks. While Ford offers the Ranger with a turbodiesel V-6 in some overseas markets, the American version comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, ensuring plenty of power for both urban and rugged landscapes.

Toyota Tacoma

2024 Toyota Tacoma | Photo: Toyota 

• Engine options: Standard 2.4-litre 4-cylinder Turbo or i-Force Max 2.4-litre Turbo L4 Hybrid
• Horsepower: 278 (standard) and 326 (hybrid)
• Towing Capacity: Up to 6,404 pounds (2,905 kg)
• Payload: Up to 1,709 pounds (775 kg)

When it comes to discussing the best mid-size truck on the market, the Toyota Tacoma remains a prominent contender. Over its more than 16 years of existence, it has cultivated a loyal following due to its sterling reputation for off-road capabilities. Affectionately known as "Taco," the 2024 model offers both Access Cab and Double Cab configurations. For the 2024 model year, the Tacoma has been fully redesigned, ushering in its fourth generation. This new generation incorporates a version of the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform, which it shares with the recently redesigned Toyota Tundra, enhancing its structural integrity and ride quality.

The latest Tacoma also introduces updated powertrains and a host of modern features, ensuring it stays competitive in the technology arena. The range of trim levels has expanded, introducing the new Trailhunter trim, specifically designed for overlanding enthusiasts seeking adventure beyond the beaten path. Whether opting for the TRD Off-Road Premium or TRD Pro packages, you can expect enhanced suspension systems that elevate both front and rear performance. The Tacoma continues to be highly regarded for its resale value, reflecting its enduring appeal and reliability.

Honda Ridgeline

2024 Honda Ridgeline | Photo: Honda 

• Engine options: 3.5-litre V6 on all trim
• Horsepower: 280
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds (2,267 kg)
• Payload: 1,583 pounds (718 kg) 

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline isn’t the flashiest entry in the mid-size truck market, but like many models from the Japanese auto-giant it succeeds on its durability and effectiveness. Some of the features on the 2022 model, besides its self-proclaimed “rugged good looks,” are the innovative storage options like a lockable in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate; not to mention a power-sliding rear cabin window.

Some might balk at the 5,000-pound towing capacity, which is less than its peers like the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger. However, the Ridgeline is certainly built to handle all outings, both work and recreation.

GMC Canyon

2024 Canyon | Photo: GMC 

Engine options:

• Outgoing model: Standard 2.5L 4-cylinder, 3.6L V6 or Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel 
• 2024 model: 2.7L I-4 Turbo DOHC VVT DI with Active Fuel Management and Stop/Start

Horsepower:

• Outgoing model: 200 (Elevation), 308 (AT4 and Denali)
• 2024 model: 310-hp @ 5,600

Towing Capacity:

• Outgoing model: Up to 7,700 pounds (3,492kg) 
• 2024 models:
  • 7,700 – Elevation, AT4, Denali
  • 6,000 – AT4X
  • 5,500 – AT4X Edition 1 Package

Payload:

• Outgoing model: 1,605 pounds (728 kg)
• 2024 models:
  • 1,640 – Elevation 2WD
  • 1,590 – Elevation 4WD
  • 1,550 – AT4
  • 1,250 – AT4X
  • 1,360 – Denali
  • 1,010 – AT4X Edition 1 Package

The GMC Canyon, while sharing its structural roots with its mid-size corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Colorado, distinguishes itself through more upscale styling and premium features. A prime example of this upscale approach is the Canyon’s Denali Black Edition, which boasts 20” low-gloss black wheels, black chrome assist steps, and a gloss black exhaust tip. However, for 2024, the GMC Canyon ushers in its next generation with a comprehensive redesign both inside and out, including the introduction of the first-ever Canyon AT4X. This new generation marks a significant shift in differentiation among models. Although the full impact on the Elevation and AT4 trims remains to be fully detailed, the distinctions between the AT4X and Denali are already notably pronounced, especially within the cabin.

A pivotal change for the 2024 Canyon is under the hood, where it follows in the footsteps of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The previous lineup of three engines has been streamlined to a single option across the range. The new powerplant, a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, is shared with the Canyon’s corporate cousin, enhancing both performance and efficiency. This move consolidates GMC's engineering efforts and ensures a more uniform driving experience across its mid-size pickup offerings in Canada.

Nissan Frontier

2024 Nissan Frontier | Photo: Nissan 

• Engine options: 3.5-litre V6
• Horsepower: 310
• Towing Capacity: Up to 6,490 pounds (2,943 kg) 
• Payload: 1,430 pounds (648 kg)

Nissan, previously critiqued for its prolonged lack of updates to the Frontier since its 2005 debut, has made significant strides with the 2024 model that are sure to silence the skeptics. The latest Frontier boasts a robust 3.8-litre V6 engine, generating 310 horsepower, which is quite competitive for the mid-size truck segment, ensuring drivers have ample power for even the most challenging terrains.

The 2024 Frontier is available in several configurations to meet various needs, including the King Cab and the more spacious Crew Cab. The Crew Cab offers exceptional versatility with seating for five and can be adjusted to create a substantial flat cargo area, adding practicality for both daily tasks and more adventurous activities.

This iteration of the Frontier also introduces the Hardbody Edition, an homage to the rugged pickups of the 1980s, equipped with heritage-inspired elements and modern capabilities designed to handle off-road conditions with ease. This special edition features unique styling such as 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires, emphasizing both its functional and aesthetic appeal.

Overall, the 2024 Nissan Frontier merges traditional toughness with modern refinements and technological advancements, presenting a compelling choice for those in the market for a reliable and stylish mid-size truck.

Ford Maverick

2024 Ford Maverick | Photo: Ford 

• Engine options: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder or 2.5-litre with electric engine 
• Horsepower: 191
• Towing Capacity: Up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg) 
• Payload: 1,500 pounds (680 kg)

The 2024 Ford Maverick stands out in the compact truck market in Canada for its affordability and flexibility. It starts at a competitive price of $32,600 for the base XL model with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, and $33,100 for the hybrid variant. The mid-level XLT begins at $35,700 for the EcoBoost and $36,200 for the hybrid, showcasing a slight premium for the hybrid technology which emphasizes fuel efficiency.

The Maverick is available in various trims including the base XL, XLT, and the more upscale LARIAT, each offering unique features suited to different preferences and needs. For instance, the LARIAT includes luxury touches such as a power-adjustable driver's seat and dual-zone electronic climate control. The Maverick’s design incorporates practical elements like the FLEXBED™ system, which allows for customizable cargo solutions, making it ideal for those who need a versatile vehicle for both everyday use and occasional hauling tasks.

Additionally, the Maverick offers two powertrain options: the standard 2.0L EcoBoost and an optional 2.5L hybrid engine, catering to those looking for either performance or enhanced fuel efficiency. This makes the Maverick an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who do not want to compromise on functionality and modern amenities​.