BUYING GUIDE to New Compact Trucks

Overview

The compact truck class is for smaller trucks that are capable of light to medium-duty labor and loads. They are smaller in overall stature allowing for more maneuverability, especially when limited space in a location is a concern. Smaller engines and size ultimately mean better overall fuel economy. Especially popular in more urban areas, the compact truck provides cargo and towing capabilities at an entry-level price.

Compact trucks commonly have towing capacities of up to 6,000 pounds.

Price Range: $14,080-$22,045

Models

Consumer Guide praises the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, saying, "No compact pickup is more refined, and the Double Cab's available side curtain airbags are an important safety plus." The Tacoma comes with the option of a 4 cylinder or a V6 engine and is considered by many to be the best in its class. The 2008 Nissan Frontier gets a new Desert stone color and an MP3 auxiliary jack in trucks equipped with the 6-CD changer.

Though many might relate trucks to rough and rugged accommodations, Edmunds.com says, ""The interior [of the Mitsubishi Raider] was designed for comfort, and options like heated cloth or leather seats, steering wheel audio controls, satellite radio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity make riding in the Raider a thoroughly civilized experience." Mazda offers the tried-and-true B2300, B3000 and B4000 for the compact truck class. All are considered some of the best performers in this class off-road, but this translates into a stiffer ride on-road. The B2300 comes with 143 HP 2.3L I-4 engine, the B3000 comes with a 148 HP 3.0L V6 engine, and the B4000 comes with a 207 HP 4.0L V6 engine.

Isuzu's I-290 has a 185 HP 2.9L Atlas LLV inline-four engine and a towing capacity of 1,500. However, slowing American Isuzu sales might make the i-series the last new model for the company. The GMC Canyon comes with the option of a 185hp 2.9L I-4 or 242hp 3.7L I-5 engine. When talking about the variety of interiors available NewCarTestDrive said, "The base Canyon has a no-fault interior right down to its rubber floor mats so you can get in with muddy work boots and not feel guilty. The SLE trim, however, has more comfort-minded interior with carpeting and more luxurious fabric on its seats." Getting the best gas mileage in the compact truck class is the Ford Ranger at 24/29mpg. This year the Ranger also comes with a new tire pressure monitoring system. The Dodge Dakota is a compact truck that Edmunds.com calls "refined" in design and performance. Thanks to lots of time spent on ride quality and exterior design, the Dakota is know for its handling and car-like driving attributes. Chevrolet's compact truck the Colorado has a towing capacity of 4,000 lbs with its Vortec 3.7L I-5 engine and 2,900 lbs with the Vortec 2.9L 2.8L I-4. "[The Chevrolet Colorado] is long overdue, but should attract many buyers because it has everything from handsome styling to two new engines," said MSN Autos.

Compact Truck Safety Guide

With the introduction of redesigned compact trucks, more safety features are included, though they don't come as well-equipped as vehicles in some other segments. Anti-lock brakes and front airbags with shut-off switches, which cut the power to the airbag on the front passenger side, come standard. On higher trims you may find side-curtain airbags and traction control, which stops the spin of a wheel, and in turn insures maximum contact between your tires and the road.