Ford Maverick
The Maverick brought small trucks back in a very big way. It’s super affordable, great on gas thanks to that hybrid setup, and easy to park just about anywhere. What more could you want? People love it because it feels like a truck but drives like a car.
Chevrolet S-10
Everyone knew someone who owned a Chevy S-10, no matter the model. It wasn’t fancy, but it got the job done every time and handled workdays and weekend fun with the same laid-back attitude. Chevy fans still talk about it coming back.
Ford Courier
Before the Ranger, there was the Ford Courier. And this tiny, hardworking compact truck got the job done. It had very simple styling and great fuel economy, and it was perfect for people who didn’t need a full-size truck. We can’t wait for it to make a comeback.
Dodge Dakota
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but if rumors are to be believed, the Dakota is making a comeback! It was the “just right” truck—bigger than a compact but smaller than a full-size. But despite its size, it could still haul, tow, and fit in your garage. Fingers crossed!
Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup
Volkswagen’s Rabbit pickup was just fun. It was built in the U.S. and was based on the VW Rabbit. Today, it’s the quirky classic that collectors love because it’s light, fun, and surprisingly capable as a compact truck.
Jeep Comanche
The Comanche was a compact pickup that had real off-road chops. It was built on the Cherokee platform, so you just know it could handle trails, mud, and everyday driving with ease. It’s one of the trucks that people still miss, and we can’t wait for a comeback.
Chevrolet Colorado WT
The Colorado WT kept things simple. It was no frills, just function, and was small enough to feel fast but still tough enough to haul gear. Chevy kept the proportions of the Colorado WT just right for city driving without losing that truck feel people loved.
Mazda B-Series
Mazda’s B-Series was everything you could want in a truck - light, simple, and dependable. It shared parts with Ford trucks, but it had its own personality. There’s been talk of a revival, and if Mazda does it, you can expect something super sporty and fun.
Fisker Alaska
The Alaska is one of the newest compact trucks on our list, but it’s one to keep an eye on. It looks like the cool electric truck you’d take surfing, and it has style, eco-friendly power, and a compact body. Think of it as a truck that’s built for city life.
Ford Ranchero
The Ranchero was part car, part truck, and totally cool. It cruised like a sedan but still hauled all your gear in the back for road trip adventures. Early versions of the Ranchero were compact and sporty, and proved that practical can look good too.
Honda Ridgeline Sport
Honda’s Ridgeline Sport isn’t your typical truck. Why? Because it’s smoother, quieter, and rides like an SUV. Sure, some people say it’s not “truck enough,” but owners love how practical it is. It’s the ideal compact truck for people who need the space but not the size of a truck.
Chevrolet LUV
The LUV was Chevy’s first real compact pickup. It was built by Isuzu and sold under the bowtie badge. This compact truck was simple, tough, and got really great mileage. You might remember learning to drive stick in one of these little trucks.
Ram Rampage
Ram is getting ready to bring the Rampage into the compact truck market in the U.S. It’s made for people who want truck looks without the bulk, and people think of it as a modern throwback done just right. Oh, and let’s not forget that efficient engine.
GMC Sonoma
The Sonoma is the Chevy S-10’s classier twin. And yes, it offers that same reliable power but with a little added extra style. Some models came with sporty trims that made them really fun to drive. It’s one truck that fans can’t wait to see again.
Jeep Gladiator Sport
The Gladiator brings back Jeep’s off-road DNA with a truck bed. And that Sport trim keeps things basic but capable. It feels compact enough for trails, but it’s just as useful for hauling gear. Basically, it’s a Wrangler with more weekend potential.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ford’s Sport Trac Explorer was half SUV, half truck. But it was 100% practical and gave families extra cargo space without going full pickup. These days, it’s got a small cult following that can’t wait to see Ford bring it back.
Toyota Stout
The Stout was Toyota’s compact pickup from the 60s. And, there are rumors of a revival! Toyota built this little truck tough, simple, and built to last. Now, Toyota is thinking of bringing it back as a hybrid or electric truck, which could be a cool nod to the brand’s history.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is an exciting and fresh take on the small truck. It’s part SUV and part pickup. But don’t let that confuse you —this one’s totally modern and capable. It’s sporty, comfortable, and just the right size for everyday use.
Plymouth Arrow Pickup
Yes, Plymouth really did make a compact truck back in the late ‘70s! The Arrow Pickup was compact, fast, and stood out with a pretty sporty design for the time. It was basically Dodge’s cooler cousin for people who wanted something a little different.
Mazda Rotary Pickup
The Rotary Pickup was Mazda’s bold experiment that saw the brand put a rotary engine in a truck. Crazy, right? But somehow, it worked. It sounded wild and drove smoother than you’d expect. And while it was short-lived, it’s unforgettable and deserves a comeback.
Chevrolet Montana
Chevy’s Montana is already a hit in South America, and now it’s rumored to be heading to the U.S. It’s small, stylish, and built for urban life. Think of it as Chevy’s modern answer to the very popular Maverick and Santa Cruz.
Ford Ranger
Before the Ranger went midsize, it was one of the best compact trucks around. It was simple, tough, and endlessly reliable. Everyone had one, and those who didn’t desperately wanted one. That’s how you build a legacy and make people love your brand!
Subaru Baja
The Baja was weird in the best way. It looked more like a car with a truck bed - and that’s exactly what it was. Sure, it was quirky and a bit ahead of its time, but it was the compact truck that everyone wanted. Fans are begging Subaru to bring it back.
Nissan Hardbody
The Hardbody was legendary for its toughness and sharp looks. You couldn’t kill one of these things, no matter how hard you tried. It quickly became a favorite among mini-truck fans and still turns heads when it drives past today.
GMC Canyon Elevation
The GMC Canyon Elevation is more than just a compact truck - it’s every truck lover's dream. It’s sleek and capable, and just the right size for daily driving or hauling. It's a modern middle ground between rugged and redefined—just what you need in a truck.
Rivian R2T
The R1T has always been an incredible little truck. It’s cheap, rugged, and super adventurous. Now there’s talk of a new truck joining the family—the Rivian R2T —and it’s aimed at people who want electric power without the full-size bulk. We can’t wait.
Nissan Frontier S
The Frontier S is Nissan’s compact truck that keeps things simple—just like the old days. It doesn’t come with fancy extras; it's just a solid, smaller-feeling truck that does everything you need. It’s proof that Nissan still knows how to build no-nonsense pickups.
Chevrolet El Camino
The El Camino blended car comfort with truck utility way before it was even cool. And the compact versions were sporty and practical all at once. Simply put, it’s an icon, and people still dream about these beasts making a comeback.
Dodge Ram 50
Dodge’s Ram 50 was a compact pickup built by Mitsubishi. It had a small frame, but also great gas mileage and plenty of power. Today, it’s one of those underappreciated gems that quietly gets the job done. Oh, and it’s making a comeback!
Nissan NP200/Dacia Logan
The NP200 is a no-fuss compact pickup that’s all about reliability. It is a Nissan after all. It’s small and sturdy, but don’t let its size fool you - it’s tough and dependable. Rumors are that it’s making a comeback in the U.S, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Isuzu D-Max
The Isuzu D-Max is one tough little truck. It’s small, strong, and built to handle just about anything, like mud, rain, and long road trips. It’s not flashy, but it always shows up ready to work. Simple, steady, and dependable - that’s what makes people love it.
Ford Ranger XL
The Ford Ranger XL keeps things real. It’s a straightforward truck with no unnecessary extras, just solid performance. And, it’s got that same hardworking attitude the old Rangers were known for. If you want something reliable and easy to live with, this is it.
Mitsubishi Triton
The Triton, or L200, is a small truck that punches way above its weight. It’s smooth on city roads, but also tough enough for a weekend escape in the mountains. Needless to say, this compact truck is back on our radar and ready for anything.
Toyota Hilux
The Hilux is a legend in the truck world. Yes, it’s small, but it’s powerful and nearly impossible to break. It can cross rivers, climb mountains, and still keep going. People trust it because it’s proven itself time and time again.
Chevrolet Colorado LT
Chevy’s Colorado LT hits the sweet spot between comfort and muscle. It’s also small enough for city parking, which makes it super versatile. Want to haul gear or tow a trailer? The Colorado does that, too. Lucky for us, it’s making a comeback.
