Good news if you're in the market for a compact or midsize truck: this is a segment that's recently gotten some fresh new blood and some redesigned models too. 

Small and midsize pickup trucks don't compete with their larger full-size counterparts like the Ford F-150, RAM 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado for sales, nor do they feature the sheer number of vehicle options like the compact and midsize SUV segments. 

Despite this, the class has grown to offer a near-perfect balance of utility, comfort, off-road capability, safety features, and technology that has helped spur manufacturers to offer more options.

With only one or two exceptions, each manufacturer offers dedicated off-road trim levels or packages that turn otherwise already decent off-roaders into fun, focused, rugged rigs. Each also features or comes standard with crew cab configurations for those who need the extra family space. And, of course, most come with impressive payload and towing capacity for their compact sizes.

<a href="#1-2022-ford-maverick">1. 2022 Ford Maverick</a>
<a href="#2-2022-toyota-tacoma">2. 2022 Toyota Tacoma</a>
<a href="#3-2022-hyundai-santa-cruz">3. 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz</a>
<a href="#4-2022-chevrolet-colorado">4. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado</a>
<a href="#5-2022-gmc-canyon">5. 2022 GMC Canyon</a>
<a href="#6-2022-nissan-frontier">6. 2022 Nissan Frontier</a>
<a href="#7-2022-honda-ridgeline">7. 2022 Honda Ridgeline</a>
<a href="#8-2022-ford-ranger">8. 2022 Ford Ranger</a>
<a href="#9-2022-jeep-gladiator">9. 2022 Jeep Gladiator</a>

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<a name="1-2022-ford-maverick"></a>
### 1. 2022 Ford Maverick

![2022-ford-maverick-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2y6xdJBaxrYJG26Aq15nse/0943b88d6bfe241849e30326e25741bf/2022-ford-maverick-ext.jpg)

The Ford Maverick is an all-new model for 2022, and it has quickly become the talk of the town with its small size, low starting MSRP of around $20,000, and a base hybrid powertrain that returns 40 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Reviewers who have had the chance to review the Maverick have given it several thumbs up for its balance of capability and comfort.

![2022-ford-maverick-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/74256hpMKps66TkFldG8CA/06748254558fd7643831778f68866440/2022-ford-maverick-int.jpg)

If front-wheel-drive, 191 horsepower, a continuously variable transmission, and the word “hybrid” are not your things, the Maverick also offers a more conventional 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and all-wheel drive as optional upgrades. Payload peaks at 1500 pounds, towing capability tops out at 4,000 pounds when properly equipped, and a single 4-foot, 6-inch bed is the only option.

Thanks to its unibody construction, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and easy-to-use infotainment system, passengers can ride to and from locations in great comfort for a truck. Unfortunately, this also ultimately limits even the more capable FX4 Off-Road package-equipped trucks, which will still most likely be adequate for most buyers.

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<a name="2-2022-toyota-tacoma"></a>
### 2. 2022 Toyota Tacoma

![2022-toyota-tacoma-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3wlKQAf1H7W5lY1ht5s2TK/16c9b19db2cdaf9ea8c657d3c63ae77c/2022-toyota-tacoma-ext.jpg)

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most revered midsize pickup trucks in the segment and is the sales leader for the class. Although it does not always lead most reviewers’ rankings, this is mostly because of its unrefined ride, average fuel economy for the class, and uninspiring base engine, all things one might expect from a workhorse pickup truck.

It comes with the choice of a base 2.7-liter, 159-horsepower engine or a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278-horsepower, a manual or automatic transmission, rear or four-wheel drive, up to 6,800 pounds of towing capability, and two-bed configurations: 5-foot or 6-foot, 1-inch.

![2022-toyota-tacoma-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5GONezPrRZMz7choytY3Ta/700e03a4a9210261025e2d4739aa8c66/2022-toyota-tacoma-int.jpg)

For more fun than work, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro trim levels feature some serious off-road capability. Both include beefier shocks, locking rear differentials, and terrain management systems. The TRD Pro throws in a skid plate and a terrain monitor system for good measure.

On a more practical level, reviewers note that the interior features a mix of quality materials and less desirable plastic parts, a rather cramped rear seat, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and a host of standard driver-assist features including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.

[Browse 2022 Toyota Tacoma listings here](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-tacoma#year_min=2022&year_max=2022).

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### 3. 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

![2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3i71uciHuyhauesOE3Lvpj/1be55bccbf9af6cc99172eae5e576318/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-ext.jpg)

Hyundai is not known as a truck manufacturer, but so far, its brand new compact Santa Cruz has made a splash. Its styling is more akin to a futuristic crossover SUV than a traditional pickup truck which makes sense seeing that it is built the same way as a crossover SUV: with a unibody frame construction. Love its looks or hate it, the Santa Cruz features some pretty impressive specs.

![2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5ABvkWJeu4l9e8Xb4njvwz/ae772196e21832fc6d7b7362a7b53d87/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-int.jpg)

Buyers can opt for a non-turbo or a turbocharged engine. The former produces 191 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produces an impressive 281 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque, and puts the power down through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard with all-wheel-drive as an option.

A tiny 4-foot bed is the only option for buyers, but when properly equipped, the Santa Cruz betters its only true rival – the Ford Maverick – with up to 5,000 pounds of towing. Payload comes in at a maximum of just over 1,400 pounds Along with its surprising capability comes a quality interior, a combined base fuel economy of 23 MPG, an affordable starting price of around $24,000, a great standard features list, and a long list of standard safety features.

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<a name="4-2022-chevrolet-colorado"></a>
### 4. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado

![2022-chevrolet-colorado-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2RfTHQ9hsWHOaodFW88yET/5d1abe6177de385f906d4cc2db3ea532/2022-chevrolet-colorado-ext.jpg)

As compact and midsize trucks go, the Chevrolet Colorado is one of the more truck-like offerings, drawing many similarities to the larger Silverado, just on a smaller scale. It features best-in-class towing capability – a maximum of 7,700 pounds – and a payload capacity of up to 1,550 pounds.

![2022-chevrolet-colorado-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2ed45bcxYvhHkZkYQAiehW/378bf7865d7762100245ca3c729ecd32/2022-chevrolet-colorado-int.jpg)

Buyers can choose from one of three engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower, a 308-horsepower V6, or a 181-horsepower turbodiesel. Reviewers note that both ride and handling are impressive and that it is one of the roomier offerings in the segment. Some noted downfalls are the interior quality, relative scant standard features list, and lack of standard driver assistance features, all of which reviewers say could be much better.

Some brownie points are returned in the form of the Colorado ZR2 and Z71, both of which are Colorado’s off-road-focused trims. Both benefit from suspension upgrades and locking rear differentials. The ZR2 goes a step farther and throws in a two-speed transfer case and front locking differentials, as well as rocker panels and a skid plate. Furthermore, the ZR2 is the only Colorado model that comes standard with four-wheel drive. For even better off-road capability, buyers can add the Trail Boss Package or ZR2 Bison package to the Z71 and ZR2 respectively.

[Browse 2022 Chevrolet Colorado listings here](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-colorado#year_min=2022&year_max=2022).

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<a name="5-2022-gmc-canyon"></a>
### 5. 2022 GMC Canyon

![2022-gmc-canyon-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/43UrWyVjq6yzDrssy42i8V/894072896ec7876abc89b3e8949aa8f8/2022-gmc-canyon-ext.jpg)

As is the case with many Chevrolet vehicles, GMC offers a closely-related vehicle designed to deliver a more upscale product. The GMC Canyon follows this paradigm as it shares many of its components and powertrain options with the Chevy Colorado. The two main differences between them are the Canyon’s higher MSRP and lesser off-road capability, despite offering the AT4 trim, the less aggressive brother to the ZR2 trim.

![2022-gmc-canyon-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2DluqiShR1uGtdC2Umiw6F/657a1f085a643b7829a8e80f4f55917c/2022-gmc-canyon-int.jpg)

Like the Chevy Colorado, there are no huge changes for the 2022 model year, reviewers note that the interior is lacking compared to some competitors, towing capability is rivaled only by the Colorado, standard features and driver assistance tech is generally better on rivals, and fuel efficiency is neither the best nor the worst for the class average.

Overall, both the Canyon and Colorado fall in the middle of the compact and midsize truck rankings due to their lackluster standard creature comforts coupled with their full-size truck mentality in the hauling, towing, and cab and bed configurations department. The top-of-the-line GMC Canyon Denali is quite luxurious when fully loaded, but the price tag can easily exceed $50,000

[Browse 2022 GMC Canyon listings here](https://www.autolist.com/gmc-canyon#year_min=2022&year_max=2022).

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<a name="6-2022-nissan-frontier"></a>
### 6. 2022 Nissan Frontier

![2022-nissan-frontier-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/72TaiODP2Kh0APK2UXMFzQ/929c10a0d3bcc4c0aff1dc6a24612a02/2022-nissan-frontier-ext.jpg)

Finally, after remaining relatively unchanged since the 2005 model year, the Nissan Frontier has been completely redesigned for 2022. At this point, most would say that any change is good, but Nissan has made some genuine improvements to their small pickup truck, including fixing perhaps the largest sore spots of the outgoing model: interior and exterior styling. The exterior looks much more modern, and the interior is no longer lacking any character as it once was.

Additionally, the truck benefits from a good list of standard tech and safety features like Apply CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen, a straightforward infotainment system, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and driver drowsiness alert. Add good ride quality and handling, and reviewers have generally been pleased with Nissan’s efforts.

![2022-nissan-frontier-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4lpjHKnXtPxaq4kquHVecy/35aafdf43753689344335c1c44602e71/2022-nissan-frontier-int.jpg)

With these improvements though, Nissan has still not completely nailed the compact truck recipe. Hauling capability is good at around 1,600 pounds, but towing still lags behind key rivals – only managing just over 6,700 pounds. A less than stellar fuel economy rating has also followed the redesigned Frontier into this generation, only managing a combined 20 MPG in its most optimal setup.

The only engine and transmission are a 3.8-liter V6 and a nine-speed transmission, producing a healthy 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel-drive is standard while four-wheel-drive is optional, and, like others in the segment, Nissan offers the Frontier Pro-4X, the Frontier's dedicated off-road trim with various upgrades to help it tackle the great outdoors.

[Browse 2022 Nissan Frontier listings here](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-frontier#year_min=2022&year_max=2022).

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<a name="7-2022-honda-ridgeline"></a>
### 7. 2022 Honda Ridgeline

![2022-honda-ridgeline-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7I6omITyAOAkFvMyKte5QJ/a4696e79dcd90872113c2dd530592762/2022-honda-ridgeline-ext.jpg)

The Honda Ridgeline sits atop many reviewers’ lists as one of the better offerings in the segment because of its robust list of standard safety features, powerful V6 engine, comfortable ride, good tech, and infotainment features, and standard all-wheel drive. Some pickup truck purists refuse to call it a real truck because of its unibody construction, which some say makes it too soft and takes away its true capability, but its high reviewer ratings speak for themselves.

![2022-honda-ridgeline-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/55FyDrHHXn4vPAGZcVonJ4/f6499e68e3874c21e3087fc4fad6a40e/2022-honda-ridgeline-int.jpg)

A 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine offered in the Ridgeline, helping it tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul well over 1,500 pounds. All Ridgeline models also only come with a 5-foot, 4-inch bed and a four-door crew cab, ultimately limiting some of its hauling ability compared to others in the class.

One major selling point of the Ridgeline is its interior design and comfort levels. Its starting price is higher than many others in the segment, but for that, buyers are treated to a quality interior with plenty of front and rear-seat legroom and headroom. Buyers also get one of the safest trucks in the segment, featuring a comprehensive list of driver assistance aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

[Browse 2022 Honda Ridgeline listings here](https://www.autolist.com/honda-ridgeline#year_min=2022&year_max=2022).

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<a name="8-2022-ford-ranger"></a>
### 8. 2022 Ford Ranger

![2022-ford-ranger-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2cW9nDE8sa3vhT9yYENBMe/db5ff9853d5c71f14659a0220030dba6/2022-ford-ranger-ext.jpg)

The Ford Ranger is another top choice for reviewers within the compact and midsize truck segment, but unlike the Honda Ridgeline, the Ranger offers a more genuine truck-like experience with a huge payload capacity and up to 7,500 pounds of towing capability. Unfortunately for some buyers, and despite Ford offering one of the best off-road pickup trucks on the market in the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger only offers the Tremor package for off-roading, a middle-of-the-road offering in terms of true capability.

![2022-ford-ranger-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/44Q8DrCYNA9TfqbjdMi25Q/540652e4b476c6acfd036c88e8fa8f5f/2022-ford-ranger-int.jpg)

Though not much is changing for the 2022 model year, the Ranger still benefits from a robust 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a ten-speed automatic transmission, and great fuel economy. Both SuperCab and SuperCrew cab configurations are available with a 6-foot and 5-foot bed respectively to match buyers’ needs, with the SuperCrew configuration notably impressing reviewers with its rear-seat legroom.

Unfortunately for the Ranger, it suffers some of the same downfalls as its Chevrolet and GMC rivals. Reviewers note that the interior quality could be better and that its list of standard equipment falls short of others in the segment. With giants like the Tacoma TRD Pro, Frontier Pro-4X, and Colorado ZR2, reviewers are also disappointed in the Ranger’s comparative lack of off-road capability, though the Tremor off-road package, featuring some off-roading upgrades, can be added to XL and XLT trim levels.

[Browse 2022 Ford Ranger listings here](https://www.autolist.com/ford-ranger#year_min=2022&year_max=2022).

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<a name="9-2022-jeep-gladiator"></a>
### 9. 2022 Jeep Gladiator

![2022-jeep-gladiator-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3aHLZ7ADeGavN76jb8BFL4/84a6b126e5ddbfb1ad6712e51ce3faae/2022-jeep-gladiator-ext.jpg)

If you like the Jeep Wrangler, but you need the extra utility that a truck can provide, the Gladiator is your answer. It is already one of the best off-roaders in the class without any additional packages or upgrades, but the Rubicon trim takes everything to a whole new level with off-road shocks, locking front and rear differentials, and an electronically disconnecting sway bar. Add upwards of 7,600 pounds of potential towing capability and you have it made.

![2022-jeep-gladiator-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/XOmjxISBVTmBcTkDz5sjb/8993a53e7178897223480e132bfd49b8/2022-jeep-gladiator-int.jpg)

Despite its reputation for ruggedness, reviewers find the interior to be nicer than its retro styling and reputation would suggest, though most also note that the buttons still have a sturdy, raw feel. Ride quality is, as expected, a little rougher than some rivals, and both engine options – a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower or a 3-liter turbodiesel with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque – can also feel a bit more unrefined than the powertrains in other rivals.

Its fuel economy is stellar with the turbodiesel engine but subpar with the gasoline V6, especially for buyers who choose the manual transmission. While the standard safety feature list is rather short, the optional features are plentiful and include everything from adaptive cruise control to rear parking sensors to blind-spot monitoring. One of the biggest selling points of the Gladiator is its customizability. It offers numerous options and trim levels for buyers to pick and choose what they want.

[Browse 2022 Jeep Gladiator listings here](https://www.autolist.com/jeep-gladiator#year_min=2022&year_max=2022).

The hot compact and midsize truck segments include trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, Jeep Gladiator, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger.

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