10 Compact Pickup Trucks With Surprisingly Powerful Engines

These compact pickup trucks pack a much harder punch than you'd expect.

The pickup truck is a perennial favorite for its ever dependable utility. Moving friends, transporting large items, or hauling stuff, it's good to have on hand. Nowadays, pickups, in every size and segment, are built for hauling zero to 60 and making impressive torque. New compact pickup trucks tame off-road terrain and crawl over rocks. They still haul your grandma's poppycock, but small pickup trucks are packed with more and more power.

Most people have noticed compact trucks are swelling in size. If you’ve noticed this too, you are not imagining it. The old school compact pickup truck made ubiquitous by companies like Nissan and Toyota is fading into obscurity. Descriptions like "small pickup" and "mid-size truck" are being used interchangeably. It can be confusing. Hagerty says the phenomenon of the compact truck growing in size is related to a loophole that effectively lassoed mid-size trucks into the small truck definition. Something known as Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations opened the “light truck” definition to include mid-size trucks. One direct result is a spike in light truck sales. In 2022, 79.2 percent of all new vehicles sold were light trucks. That is a large chunk of the new car market. It includes SUVs. At the end of the day, now we know why a compact truck can rival a full-size truck.

Manufacturer

Ford

Engine Name

EcoBoost

Configuration

V6

Displacement

3.0-liter

Power

405 hp @ 5,750

Torque

430 ft-lb @ 3,250

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

5,510 lb.

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a direct descendent of the Ford F-150 Raptor. It’s a midsize truck that can take on Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, GMC Canyon AT4X, and 2024 Toyota Tacoma, all found on this list. The Ranger Raptor proved its stuff at the 2022 Baja 1000, clinching first place in its class.

Assembled at Ford’s Michigan plant, this truck was given the 3.0-liter EcoBoost. It’s a twin-turbocharged and intercooled engine with independent variable camshaft timing. It has four valves per cylinder on an aluminum DOHC. It makes 430 lb-ft of torque. It’s a potent engine and can dominate any terrain.

Steering and suspension are planted on a double A-arm configuration with 2.5-inch FOX shocks. The rear has Watts-link suspension with trailing arms. Optional 33-inch all-terrain tires enhance a generous 10.5-inch clearance. Max payload is 1,411 pounds.

Manufacturer

Jeep

Engine Name

Pentastar

Configuration

V6

Displacement

3.6-liter

Power

285 hp @ 6,400

Torque

260 lb-ft @ 4,400

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

7,700 lb.

The Jeep Gladiator debut model was introduced in 2020. It was conceived around the Jeep Wrangler. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator Mojave is supported by the V6 engine that is used across the Gladiator lineup. The engine does not have a turbo or a hybrid motor, and a V8 is not available. What you see is what you get, and that is a potent powertrain with variable valve timing (VVT). It’s powerful. The Jeep Gladiator Mojave is faster than the Rubicon. Independent tests show the Gladiator can make zero to 60 in 7.2 seconds.

The Jeep Gladiator Mojave has all it needs for conquering almost any terrain. It was the first to don the Trail Rated badge. Now, the 2023 Gladiator Mojave is the first to get the Desert Rated badge. This means the vehicle build was tested in hot and harsh terrains and specifically for durability in desert conditions. It has the undercarriage to back it up. Coil suspension with 2.5-inch FOX aluminum shocks deliver firm damping control. Hydraulic bump stops protect the front from harsh landings. It has 11 inches of ground clearance, a Rock-Trac transfer case, and 260 lb-ft of torque, giving the Mojave 4WD extreme crawl control. It can conquer most obstacles and scale sharp inclines.

Manufacturer

Ford

Engine Name

EcoBoost

Configuration

Inline-4

Displacement

2.3-liter

Power

270 hp @ 5,500

Torque

310 lb-ft @ 3,000

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

7,500 lb.

The 2023 Ford Ranger has a lot to offer for its size. The Tremor trim, identified by red brackets bookending the grille, beefs up the undercarriage with steel skid plates and independent nitrogen pressurized front shocks. Off-road driving is a cinch with raised ground clearance and blue oval proprietary Ford Trail Control. The four-wheel drive Ford Ranger XLT Tremor has a maximum payload of 1,609 pounds. Drive modes are Grass, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Ruts, and Sand.

The 2023 Ford Ranger XLT Tremor EcoBoost engine is a turbocharged inline-4 with dual overhead cam (DOHC). Based on the Mazda L engine, Ford uprated it with a larger stroke and with forged steel crankshaft. Notable applications include Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC. The EcoBoost is paired with a 10-speed transmission and gets decent fuel efficiency. In 4WD, it gets 19 mpg highway.

Related: 10 Reasons We’d Buy A 2023 Ford Ranger Over A 2024 Toyota Tacoma

Manufacturer

GM

Engine Name

L3B

Configuration

Inline-4

Displacement

2.7-liter

Power

310 hp @ 5,600

Torque

430 lb-ft @ 3,000

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

7,700 lb.

The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X trim is stocked with capable off-road equipment and great power. It’s a small pickup, but it’s loaded with torque. Its towing capacity is a direct challenge to Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Raptor.

The 2023 GMC Canyon lineup uses a powerful and lean engine specifically designed for trucks. It’s in the Cadillac CT4-V too. Kevin Luchansky, assistant chief engineer of the L3B engine said, “It’s a purpose-built, turbocharged truck engine. Every detail was designed as such.” It replaced GM's V6 in 2019. A unique feature of the L3B is the use of offset bores, increasing displacement by acting as a longer rod.

The GMC Canyon is the best pickup in its class in many ways. It’s lifted and widened. It gets Multimatic DSSV dampers with three spool valves to monitor damping. Front and rear locking differentials make the ride seem effortless. A 2-speed transfer case is standard. It features clever perks. There’s a tailgate trunk stash. Self-washing underbody cameras maintain visibility, a first-in-class feature. Plus it has Baja Drive Mode.

Manufacturer

GM

Engine Name

L3B

Configuration

Inline-4

Displacement

2.7-liter

Power

310 hp @ 5,600

Torque

430 lb-ft @ 3,000

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

7,700 lb.

The 2023 Chevy Colorado is newly improved over its last model year significantly. The 2022 Colorado had leaf spring suspension. Compare that to front and rear electronic locking differentials and rear Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers plus rear leaf springs. The 2023 Colorado ZR2 comes standard with a 2-speed transfer case with push button controls. Likewise, two cameras are mounted to Chevy Colorado’s brawny underbody.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 shares a common bond with the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X. The pickups are a match in horsepower, torque, towing, engine displacement, cylinders, dampers and more. They even have similar tailgate compartments. Both examples come with Baja drive mode for fast-speed desert four-wheeling. It switches to low-gear electronically and adjusts ESC, as well as other systems, delivering power and control over loose terrain.

The similarities boil down to the engine. Chevy uses the GM engine for the first time in the new Colorado matched with an 8-speed transmission, just like its proper GMC Canyon twin.

Related: Why The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Is Awesome

Manufacturer

Nissan

Engine Name

VQ38DD

Configuration

V6

Displacement

3.8-liter

Power

310 hp @ 6,400

Torque

281 lb-ft torque @ 4,400

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

6,370 lb.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier 4WD Crew Cab Pro 4X is an off-road vehicle with exceptional capability. It has a naturally aspirated V6 engine with quick response via direct injection. It mates nicely with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. Efficiency on the highway is not too shabby for this half-ton 4x4 pickup. It makes 22 mpg. U.S. News ranked the Nissan Frontier sixth best in 2023.

The new generation VQ38DD engine is a remarkable improvement. The VQ has been in production since the nineties, but the VQ38DD was new in the 2020 Frontier lineup. It is a 24-valve aluminum block DOHC. The 3.8-liter V6 is a naturally aspirated engine. Quick response from direct injection matches nicely to a smooth shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X outshines its trim class. Electronic locking rear differentials. Boosted traction. The Pro 4X boasts front and rear stabilizer bars and front independent double-wishbone suspension. Skid plates protect the transfer case, fuel tank, oil pan, and engine from off-road exuberance. Inside gauges show differential, pitch, and roll status. There's a 2-speed switch-operated transfer case. A cool observation monitor shows an all-around view of difficult terrain. Maximum payload is 1,304 pounds.

Manufacturer

Ford

Engine Name

EcoBoost

Configuration

Inline-4

Displacement

2.0-liter

Power

250 hp @ 5,500

Torque

277 lb-ft @ 3,000

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

4,000 lb.

The 2023 Ford Maverick is a compact pickup that actually looks like a compact pickup. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four is a capable powerplant in this petite pickup. It’s built on an aluminum block DOHC and uses a Ti-VCT valvetrain. It's mated to an 8-speed transmission, smaller than the Ford Ranger Tremor, but completely reasonable. Even more reasonable is fuel efficiency. The all-wheel drive Tremor gets 24 mpg on the highway.

Suspension lifts the Maverick one inch, as per the Tremor trim. The package also provides attractive orange and carbon gray accents that make the pickup look cool. Front tow hooks, rims, and a front fascia design feature the mellow orange hue. The Tremor badge is stamped into the seats. The package comes standard with Co-Pilot360 and an eight-inch touchscreen command center. The 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor rocks Advanced 4WD and an off-road tuned suspension. The all-ICE Ford pickup features steel skid plates. There isn't highly technical suspension like other off-road pickups on this list, but the price tag forgives. Starting MSRP on a 2023 Ford Maverick Tremor XL is $22,595. The Lariat trim ratchets it up to $28,355, adding creature comforts.

Manufacturer

Hyundai

Engine Name

Smartstream G4KN

Configuration

Inline-4

Displacement

2.5-liter

Power

281 hp @ 5,800

Torque

311 lb-ft @ 4,000

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

5,000 lb.

Visually, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a chimera. It looks like the old school Subaru Brat mixed with a stretched SUV. But it's classified as a small truck. And frankly, it acts like one. The Santa Cruz has a 1,906-pound payload and can haul as much stuff that fits in its compact four-foot bed. Zero to 60 happens in 6.5 seconds. It's quicker than the average small truck. Suspension is good. The front rides on independent MacPherson Struts with coil springs, it's 8.6 inches off the ground. The rear independent multi-link suspension is self-leveling.

The engine is impressive. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a turbocharged DOHC engine with 16-valves. It has direct injection on an MPI platform. The naturally aspirated Smartstream powerplant was developed from the Kappa engine family and has been in use since 2018.

Its interior has been called “surprisingly artful” and “premium.” It is civilized and sophisticated. A 10-inch touchscreen is one of two dash screens. Storage is insanely plentiful and convenient. A tonneau cover over the pickup bed retracts. Hyundai’s always impressive warranties include a 10-year powertrain warranty, plus factory maintenance for three years.

Related: Here's Why Subaru Should Bring Back The Brat

Manufacturer

Toyota

Engine Name

i-Force MAX

Configuration

4 cylinders

Displacement

2.4-liter

Power

326 hp @ 6,000

Torque

465 ft-lb @ 1,700

Fuel

Hybrid

Towing Capacity

6,500 lb.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma revolutionizes the brand’s long-running nameplate. The new fourth generation of Tacoma overhaul places it on the Tundra and Sequoia platform. It gets the i-Force MAX hybrid powerplant. It is a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a hybrid motor between the engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission in place of the torque converter. Net power is 326 hp and instantaneous. The i-Force MAX replaces the third-gen 3.5-liter V6 and was first seen in the 2023 Toyota Crown. It enhances both speed and power.

Toyota’s TRD Pro equipment is legendary. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma thusly trimmed brings a suspension system that is hard to beat. Toyota says it's based on champion Ivan “Ironman” Stewart’s T100. Adjustable FOX Q53 shocks provide excellent dampening. Added to that, interior shock absorber front seats are new to this truck segment. New also is a front stabilizer bar disconnect button. It adds two inches of front-end clearance. Where it misses is tow capacity.

Manufacturer

Honda

Engine Name

J-Series

Configuration

V6

Displacement

3.5-liter

Power

280 hp @ 6,000

Torque

262 lb-ft torque @ 4,700

Fuel

Gasoline

Towing Capacity

5,000 lb.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline has a 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC. The V6 is a direct-injection engine with an 11.5:1 compression ratio. Honda’s J-series is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It is efficient and powerful and redlines at 6,900 rpm.

Underneath, the Ridgeline wears MacPherson struts and sports a multi-link rear suspension. It has the versatility of a pickup with the maneuverability of a car thanks to a tight turning radius and manageable profile. A 5-foot-4-inch bed is unencumbered by protruding wheel wells. Maximum payload capacity of this vehicle in the Sport trim is 1,583 pounds.

The Honda Ridgeline comes with the same stupendous storage as the Hyundai Santa Cruz, plus a dual-action tailgate that can open like a gate. Under bed storage doubles as an ice chest. Honda is great with adding cubby space. This one has a nook for sunglasses. These features won’t be found in the Toyota Tacoma. One more thing you won’t find on the latter is a No. 1 Best Compact Pickup Trucks for 2023 ranking by U.S. News.

This author was drawn to media as a news writer. With aspirations to be that investigative reporter who rips the lid off a government scandal, she started as a staff writer at a local Huntington Beach newspaper.