Top Small & Midsize Trucks of 2024: Affordable Power & Style

Thinking of grabbing a new pickup this year? Well, size isn't always king. The small and midsize truck scene is buzzing, and it's the best it's been in ages. So, if you're not hauling a mountain every day, why pay more for all that extra metal?

Today we're going into trucks, good for your wallet AND for your parking lane. Those big trucks are great but check out their smaller brothers. Lower price, yet just enough muscles and power to make your chores easier.

9. 2024 Nissan Frontier 
Starting off our list is the 2024 Nissan Frontier. It’s fresh off a revamp and looks sharp, especially in that nostalgic Hardbody Edition. But while it scores on style and solid towing chops, it falls a bit short in tech and comfort. Its 3.8-liter V-6 might sound beefy, but it's outpaced by the smaller, turbocharged engines of its rivals. Plus, it guzzles more gas and feels a tad outdated in handling and features compared to others.

Pros: Rugged looks, confident towing.
Cons: Not so smooth to drive, skimps on some now-standard tech, thirsty.
Specs: $32,020-$46,190, 17-18/23-24 mpg, max tow 6,720 lbs, max payload 1,590 lbs.

8. 2024 Jeep Gladiator 
Next up, for those who put fun over function, meet the 2024 Jeep Gladiator. This truck is like no other—a convertible pickup that loves to play dirty. But, it's not the best worker bee when it comes to smooth rides or handling hefty loads. If you can wait, a hybrid model's coming in 2025!

Pros: King of off-roading, unique convertible feature.
Cons: Rough on the road, towing can get wild.
Specs: $39,790-$64,890, 16-17/21-22 mpg, max tow 7,700 lbs, max payload 1,200 lbs.

7. 2024 Toyota Tacoma 
Fans love to call it Taco. Although we've seen and appreciated its new gen, we do love that old-days charm around it. Running on a turbocharged engine and being available as a hybrid too, Taco is your go-to-car for off road adventures.

Pros: New look, off-road ready, stick shift available.
Cons: We're still waiting for a fully electric option, snug rear seat.
Specs: $32,995-$53,595, 18-21/23-34 mpg, max tow 6,500 lbs, max payload 1,705 lbs.

6. 2024 Honda Ridgeline 
Talk about a great blend between utility and comfort. It has quite a nice design, gives you smooth rides and is a very good choice for those who don't need specifically a big bad truck.

Pros: Smooth drive, innovative bed features, made in the USA.
Cons: One engine choice, less rugged than others.
Specs: $41,145-$47,745, 18/24 mpg, max tow 5,000 lbs, max payload 1,583 lbs.

5. 2024 GMC Canyon 
Stepping up, the 2024 GMC Canyon feels like a premium slice of the midsize truck pie, thanks to sharing some great parts with its cousin, the Chevy Colorado. It handles well and looks tough but isn't the roomiest.

Pros: Solid ride, stylish, advanced tech.
Cons: Cramped inside, some plasticky bits.
Specs: $37,595-$55,895, 17/21 mpg, max tow 7,700 lbs, max payload 1,670 lbs.

4. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado 
And speaking of the Colorado, it's our 2024 Truck of the Year! It brings the heat with style, capability, and a more accessible price point than the Canyon. It's versatile and powerful, making it a favorite for many.

Pros: Strong style, modern interior, tough on trails.
Cons: Only one bed size, missing some luxury touches.
Specs: $31,095-$48,395, 17-20/19-25 mpg, max tow 7,700 lbs, max payload 1,684 lbs.

3. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz 
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is shaking things up, blending the lines of a Tucson SUV with the utility of a truck bed. It’s not as rugged as some, but it drives beautifully and offers more versatility than a typical SUV.

Pros: Sleek design, drives like a dream.
Cons: Small bed, higher cost with the turbo option.
Specs: $28,275-$42,695, 19-22/26-27 mpg, max tow 5,000 lbs, max payload 1,749 lbs.

2. 2024 Ford Ranger 
Ford’s Ranger is back with a bang, boasting significant updates and the all-new Ranger Raptor variant for the off-road enthusiasts. It's a strong contender with better ride quality and powertrain options than before.

Pros: Fresh design, powerful engine options, likely hybrids and electrics coming.
Cons: Less payload capacity, still trails behind the F-150 in capabilities.
Specs: $34,265-$57,065, 16-21/18-26 mpg, max tow 7,500 lbs, max payload 1,805 lbs.

1. 2024 Ford Maverick 
The winner of the today's top is an all affordable and quite efficient truck. Maverick is compact, is available in a hybrid version too, and brings a truck's capability for not that big money.

Pros: Hybrid efficiency, unbeatable value, ready for some off-road fun.
Cons: Towing and payload are modest, single configuration.
Specs: $25,410-$36,450, 22-43/29-33 mpg, max tow 4,000 lbs, max payload 1,675 lbs.