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Best Compact Pickup Trucks

Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best compact pickup trucks based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.

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Top Ranked Compact Pickup Trucks at a glance

Ford Maverick
1
C/D RatingC/D Rating: 10/10

2026

Ford Maverick

$29,990 - $43,270
Hyundai Santa Cruz
2
C/D RatingC/D Rating: 9/10

2026

Hyundai Santa Cruz

$31,350 - $45,300
1

2026 Ford Maverick

10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$29,990
EPA MPG
23–38 combined
C/D SAYS: Not everyone needs an F-150, and that's where the 2026 Ford Maverick comes in, with its small stature, fuel-efficient powertrains, and practical design. Learn More

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