9 Best Small Trucks in Canada for 2025
When you’re in the market for a reliable, versatile vehicle that can handle the demands of Canadian weather and roads, the classic truck emerges as a top contender. Small and midsize pickup trucks offer a blend of form, function, and comfort, but they are not all created equal. At Clutch, we’re here to offer guidance and help you choose the best truck for your needs. This guide to the top 9 best small trucks in Canada provides the details you need to make an informed comparison.
Whether you’re looking for a truck for work, play, or everything in between, these trucks offer features and performance that make them stand out in a competitive market.
2025 Ford Ranger
$
42070
$
42070
–
$
78420
11
Pros
- Great Towing Capacity: The maximum towing load of 3,401 kg places the Ford Ranger in a top choice category for affordable work trucks. The towing capacity is also sufficient for recreational use, although not quite robust enough for large camper trailers.
- Fuel Efficient Engine: With today’s fuel prices, fuel efficiency is more important than ever. With a fuel efficiency of 11.0 L/100km, the Ford Ranger is one of the more fuel-efficient options in its category.
- New Interior Upgrades For Enhanced Cabin Comfort: The Ford Ranger features comfortable seats that are supportive for long rides and bumpy terrain. While legroom is limited in the back, the front of the cabin offers plenty of space to stretch out. All control features are within easy reach, including comfort controls for front-seat passengers.
Cons
- More Expensive Than Other Comparable Midsize Trucks: While the features of the Ford Ranger are impressive, similar trucks, like the Chevy Colorado, come in at a lower price point.
- Limited Back Legroom: The lack of legroom for rear passengers can be an issue if the truck is used for carpooling or transporting co-workers on work assignments. The legroom isn’t much of an issue for children if the Ford Ranger is used as a family car, but might still be a bit tight for adult-height adolescents.
- The Engine Can Be Noisy, Especially At Full Throttle: Although this can be par for the course with mid-sized trucks, the Ford Ranger engine can be distracting and noisy during hard acceleration.
The Ford Ranger was introduced more than 30 years ago in 1983, and has since become one of the most reliable options in the midsize truck category. The 2025 Ford Ranger was revamped last year and now excels as a modern pickup. It offers a premium cabin, durable work capabilities, fuel efficiency, and a smooth, comfortable ride.
The 2025 Ford Ranger is available in three trim levels – XL, XLT, and the Lariat. It offers a 2+2 SuperCrew cab, a five-foot box, and a four-wheel drive to cater to diverse work and driving needs. These features combined are part of the reason why this has remained one of the best-selling trucks in Ford’s lineup and one of the best-selling small trucks in Canada.
The 2025 Ford Ranger offers strong safety and driver-assistance features that include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are affordable add-on safety options.
All in all, the Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup that offers all the comforts and performance buyers expect in a truck that’s suitable for both work and play.
2025 Toyota Tacoma
$
48170
$
48170
–
$
49749
11.2
Pros
- Strong Reputation: The Toyota Tacoma has a reputation as being one of the most reliable midsize trucks on the market. The first Toyota Tacoma was released in 1995 and has since developed a loyal following of owners.
- Impressive Off-road Capabilities: With available features like locking rear differential, crawl control, and downhill assist control, there’s no need to be hesitant when taking the Toyota Tacoma into unpredictable off-road terrain.
- Five Trim Packages Available: The range of trim packages available is impressive, offering something for everyone in the market for a midsize truck.
Cons
- Rear Cabin Space: Like many other trucks in the midsize category, the Toyota Tacoma is not overly impressive when it comes to rear legroom. The double cab seats up to five, but the rear cabin lacks enough space to be comfortable for longer drives, regardless of the configuration.
- Price Range: While the price point of the base trim model is definitely affordable for this category of mid-size truck, there is a significant cost difference. For budget-minded truck shoppers, this means forgoing some of the truck's most sought-after features.
- Steering Numbness: Some test drivers and owners of the Toyota Tacoma have reported a sense of steering numbness with the vehicle, which takes away from the overall driving experience.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck that excels at balancing rugged capability and on-road comfort. The Tacoma offers a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a robust performance of 278 hp. After a recent redesign, a strong powertrain, spacious cabin, and updated tech have emerged as standout features that make the 2025 Toyota Tacoma an attractive option in a rugged, yet refined midsize truck.
There are five different trim packages available with the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, with the 4x4 Double Cab Auto being the baseline. This trim package offers strong safety and driver assistance features. Owners of the Tacoma will love the 360 crystal clear backup camera, brake assist, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
The revamped 2025 Tacoma offers smart device integration, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connection. With a maximum trailering capacity of 2,905 kg and an intercooled Turbo engine, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is a small truck that’s designed for performance.
2025 Chevrolet Colorado
$
31900
$
31900
–
$
49600
10.9
Pros
- Towing Capacity: The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado offers an impressive towing capacity of 3,493 kg. Chevy also offers an optional towing package that monitors the trailer, diagnosing issues to prevent bigger problems down the road.
- Advanced Safety Features: Chevy has not spared any expense in equipping the 2025 Colorado with robust safety features. From airbag protection to exceptional monitoring systems during driving, this is a truck in which you can feel safe transporting your most valuable cargo.
- Less Engine Noise: Compared to other trucks in the mid-size category, the Chevy Colorado offers a quieter engine and smoother acceleration. This is a bonus for heavy city driving with frequent stopping and accelerations.
Cons
- Rear Comfort: While Chevy has put a lot of effort into adding stylish sophistication and comfort features to the Colorado cab, they somewhat missed the mark in the rear. Numerous test drivers reported the back seat is noticeably less comfortable than the front.
- Short Bed: The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is available with a short bed only, which can be a drawback for those in the market for a truck with a more spacious hauling capacity.
- Rear Wheel Drive Base Trim: The base trim package is rear-wheel drive and not 4WD. This can be limiting in terms of use and capabilities. This is also an issue that can be eliminated by moving up in trim packages, but you’re not going to get 4WD at a budget price.
The new 2025 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck offering the perfect blend of power, sophistication, and capability for today’s driver. Under the hood is a 2.7L turbocharged engine that churns out 310 hp for a consistently impressive performance.
The sleek, modern cabin features an infotainment screen, offering access to smart device integration, WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. While infotainment features are an expected luxury, it’s the safety features that really matter.
Driver, passenger, front head, and rear head airbags are included, as are traction and stability control to navigate various terrain and weather conditions. Driver restriction features are included, as well as a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and other traffic safety features. The Chevy Colorado is a mid-size truck that offers all the features to keep you safe on the road, whether it’s for work, play, or driving the family around.
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado makes our list because it strikes the perfect balance between ruggedness and refined everyday driving. It’s a dependable workhorse of a truck, that’s also priced very competitively.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$
41999
$
41999
–
$
50499
10.7
Pros
- Value: At first glance, the Hyundai Santa Cruz appears more expensive than many competitors in its class, which it is, but the cost is justified. This truck is loaded with top-level features, from safety and infotainment to its powerful turbo engine. Taking all of this into consideration, the 2025 Santa Cruz is a great value for what it offers.
- In-Bed Storage: The short bed is somewhat limiting, but Hyundai has compensated for this by providing a built-in trunk within the bed. This is great for carrying extra cargo in a protected space, which is something not many trucks in this category offer.
- Stylish Design: While aesthetics are a matter of personal preference, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is modern-looking, and a bit funky (in a good way). It’s an attractive compact truck that stands out on the road.
Cons
- Limited Towing Capacity: The towing capacity of the Hyundai Santa Cruz is lower than competitors in the same category, however, towing isn’t really what this truck is made for. It’s not the best if work or lifestyle demands heavy towing capacity.
- Rear Window Visibility: While the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers great safety features and driver assistance, the one detail we noticed was compromised rear window visibility. Because of this, it’s best to add on the 360-degree parking camera to ensure safety when backing up.
- Low Ground Clearance: The 2025 Santa Cruz has a lower ground clearance that does fine with most small obstacles, but can become a problem with rugged terrain and larger obstacles. This is something to consider if you plan on taking Santa Cruz off the beaten path.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a versatile, compact pickup truck. Hyundai seems to have mastered the art of fusing its classic hatchback with a pickup truck that meets the needs of today’s drivers. The aesthetics of the Santa Cruz are modern and set apart from other comparable trucks in the same category.
Many consider the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz to be more of a sporting adventure vehicle than a strong choice as a utility truck. The maximum towing capacity is 2,268 kg, which is lower than others on our list, but for light towing for work or play, the 2025 Santa Cruz gets the job done beautifully while offering 281 hp and a powerful intercooled turbo engine.
Drivers of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz love the smooth and responsive driving experience, and ease of handling in all types of road conditions. Its size and handling make it a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces, adding to the versatility this Hyundai model is known for.
2025 Honda Ridgeline
$
51490
$
51490
–
$
57490
11.3
Pros
- Fuel Economy: The 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes equipped with a powerful V6 engine, yet it matches the fuel economy of competitors with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. This is a good option for drivers who want power behind the wheel without sacrificing fuel economy.
- Spacious Interior: Compared to other trucks in the mid-size class, the Honda Ridgeline offers a more comfortable, spacious interior cabin. It seats five, and the back is less roomy than the front, but there is good front legroom, headroom, and decent room for comfort.
- Excellent Handling: The Honda Ridgeline is fun to drive. It handles well, with agile steering, even over rough terrain. We’re especially happy with this truck’s smooth and confident handling in winter weather conditions.
Cons
- Towing Capacity: Comparatively, the Honda Ridgeline’s towing capacity falls short of some of its competitors at 2,267kg for the maximum possible gross trailer weight braked. While this is definitely ample enough for light towing, this isn’t the best option for serious or long-term towing.
- Limited Off-road Use: The Ridgeline handles well in the city and on slightly rough terrain. It does lose some of its handling capability on rough terrain, making it a less-than-ideal choice for truck owners who like to travel to off-road destinations.
- Distracting Features: Several reviews have pointed out that the driver assist features are overly sensitive, causing distractions while driving. The centre control panel screen is also a bit difficult to navigate while driving, adding another potential distraction while on the road.
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is the perfect truck for those in the market for a vehicle that blends the comfort and refinement of a car with the rugged capability of a truck. The Honda Ridgeline offers a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The advanced all-wheel-drive system ensures the 2025 Ridgeline handles smoothly and confidently in any driving condition.
The Ridgeline’s intelligent AWD system and versatile bed design that features a dual action tailgate and in-bed truck make this a truck that can effortlessly handle both work and play. With a mid-size touch screen, smartphone integration, and a comprehensive range of safety features, including Honda Sensing, the 2025 Ridgeline offers an attractive balance of ruggedness, capability, practicality, and comfort, without sacrificing style or advanced features.
2025 GMC Canyon
$
51199
$
51199
–
$
62899
12.4
Pros
- Canyon Pro Safety Features: GMC has gone above and beyond with its Canyon Pro Safety. Features include forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking, following distance indicator, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, IntelliBeam, and lane keep assist.
- Premium GMC Infotainment System: Standard on the Elevation is an infotainment system that includes Google built-in compatibility, hands-free smartphone connection, including iPhone, with Apple Music, Apple Maps, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
- Balanced Handling: The GMC Canyon offers a smooth, balanced ride that remains consistent for city driving and on off-road terrain. The smooth handling, combined with advanced safety features make the Canyon a sure bet for reliable, safe driving.
Cons
- Price: The GMC Canyon for 2025 is priced significantly higher than its competitors for the base trim package. This can be an off-putting detail that prevents some mid-size truck shoppers from even considering the Canyon.
- Distracting Tech: Some 2025 Canyon owners love the extensive tech features, but others found the options and screen to be too overloaded and complicated to navigate, with a feeling that some of the features were more for show than for function and practicality.
- Uncomfortable Rear Seating: Anyone who has comparison-shopped mid-sized trucks knows that comfortable, roomy rear seating is often desired, but difficult to find. The GMC Canyon is great for front cabin comfort and spaciousness, but it falls short of carrying those features through the rear seating.
After undergoing a much-needed redesign a couple of years ago, the GMC Canyon has reemerged as one of the strongest contenders for midsize pickup trucks in 2025. Rugged capability, refined comfort, and advanced technology are all terms that can be used in describing the 2025 Canyon.
The GMC Canyon has been awarded the Best-In-Class gas engine torque with a 310 hp TurboMax engine. This year’s model comes with three new exterior colour options – Desert Sun, Rapids, Metallic, and Glacier Metallic.
The GMC Canyon is a top choice for drivers who want robust off-road capabilities. Every model offers off-road tuned suspension and all-terrain rubber. However, the strongest off-road features can be found with the AT4X AEV edition, and not with the Elevation 4WD.
Off-Road Performance Display is also standard on the Elevation trim package, which is a welcome feature considering the GMC Canyon’s off-road capabilities. The GMC Canyon is a worthy, high-performance alternative for truck buyers who have been considering Chevy Colorado.
2025 Ford Maverick
$
34500
$
34500
–
$
48000
6.2
Pros
- Low Starting Price: With base pricing coming in at less than $35,000, the Ford Maverick is a viable option for budget-minded consumers seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient truck. Granted, the Ford Maverick is a bit lackluster in some areas, including comfort and steering, but the hybrid model and reliable performance, combined with a lower price point make it a worthy contender.
- Fuel Efficiency: The hybrid engine offers exceptional fuel economy, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious, fuel-conscious consumers.
- Turbocharged Engine Option: The turbocharged engine option is a nice plus. The engine delivers 238 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.
Cons
- Lackluster Steering: Where other trucks in this category prioritize smooth steering and handling, the Ford Maverick has more of a retro feeling to its steering, which isn’t a good thing. It handles a little rougher, and the steering feels somewhat disconnected from the road.
- Below Average Comfort: Overall, the Ford Maverick could do better where passenger comfort is concerned. The ride is choppier than you’ll find with other compact or midsize trucks. The seating is mid-range for comfort, and legroom could be improved.
- Limited Towing Capacity: The Ford Maverick is considered a compact pickup truck, so it makes sense that the towing capacity isn’t as robust as some of its competitors. Still, it’s worth noting that this truck offers a towing capacity of only 1,814 kg braked and 907 kg unbraked.
In a world that is becoming increasingly more eco-conscious, the 2025 Ford Maverick is a true game-changer in the compact pickup category. The Ford Maverick offers two powertrain options, the 2.0: EcoBoost engine and a 2.5L Hybrid Option, combining the best of both worlds in terms of performance and fuel efficiency.
The compact size of the 2025 Ford Maverick, combined with agile handling, makes it perfect for city driving. For its compact size, this truck offers decent interior space and a good-sized bed. This truck fills a void for truck buyers who have wanted practicality and capabilities without the challenges that come with full-size trucks. The 2025 Ford Maverick strikes a happy medium of form, function, and performance in the small truck market.
2025 Nissan Frontier
$
47998
$
47998
–
$
57098
12.3
Pros
- Telescoping Steering: The Nissan Frontier went through a redesign three years ago that left it without a telescoping steering column. While this is a common, standard feature for many trucks, it’s worth noting here that Nissan has finally added the telescoping steering feature with all their trim packages.
- Towing Capacity: For a mid-size truck, the Frontier offers good towing capacity, placing it in a category of high-performers in the mid-sized category. This towing capacity is enough to handle towing a small or mid-sized trailer for work or outings with friends and family without stressing the engine.
- Smooth Acceleration: In our opinion, the Nissan Frontier shines in acceleration performance. Acceleration is smooth, even when pressed to full-throttle. For city driving, the abrupt stops and starts are smooth and free of jerkiness. On the open roadway, acceleration is average for this class of trucks, but much smoother than its competitors.
Cons
- Clunky Steering: Acceleration with this truck is a breeze, but the steering could use some improvement. The steering feels very heavy and requires more effort to maneuver. This can be problematic for city driving, where tight turns and maneuvering into small spaces require more steering finesse.
- Seat Comfort: The Nissan Frontier’s seats are more firm and flat than what we’ve noticed with comparatively priced trucks in this category. While firm seating is a preference for some, most truck owners prefer a cushier ride. There is also limited seat adjustment, which can make it challenging to get the seat into just the right position for comfort.
- Camera Resolution: Rear view cameras work best with the resolution is crystal clear. The Nissan Frontier falls a bit short in this category. The camera resolution appears a bit murky and grainy. This can be especially problematic when using the camera during rain or snow.
The 2025 Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck that has been engineered to excel in a variety of environments, from the job site to the open road. Its powerful 3.8L V6 engine produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, which enables a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,066kg.
The Frontier's advanced all-wheel-drive system and available Pro-4X off-road package provide the traction and control needed to tackle challenging terrain. Inside, the cabin is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, seamless smartphone integration, and a robust suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
With its impressive capabilities, premium feel, and competitive starting price under $48,000, the 2025 Nissan Frontier is a top choice for those seeking a midsize pickup truck that can handle both work and play with confidence and style.
2025 Jeep Gladiator
$
60495
$
60495
–
$
83990
12.3
Pros
- Exceptional Handling on Rough Terrain: This is what Jeep is known for, and they don’t disappoint with the 2025 Gladiator. The ample ground clearance and traction means that no off-road terrain is too difficult to handle.
- Convertible Feature: Jeep’s convertible feature is carried over to the Gladiator, making it the only convertible mid-size pickup truck available.
- Visibility: The design of the Jeep Gladiator offers some of the best visibility of all midsize trucks. Blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors add to the exceptional visibility rating.
Cons
- Less Smooth City Handling: All the features that make the Jeep Gladiator a beast on difficult terrain also make it more clunky to handle for city driving. The large tires and off-road steering means that city driving is less precise, requiring more effort in stop-and-go traffic.
- Bumpy Ride: The Jeep Gladiator features heavy front suspension to handle off-road terrain. This feature causes the ride to be bumpier, with more wiggle, than other trucks in this category.
- Limited Interior Storage: There is little room inside the Jeep Gladiator to store personal items. This is a vehicle designed for fun and utility, so not much thought was given to interior console space, which is small. The glovebox and door storage are also small compared to competitors.
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is an impressive midsize pickup truck that has been engineered for excellence in a range of environments - from the job site to the unexplored open road. It offers a 3.6K V6 engine, producing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft torque. The Jeep Gladiator also offers impressive towing capacity, maxing out at 3,492 kg with the addition of the optional Max Tow package.
The Gladiator’s advanced AWD system and available Rubicon packages provide traction and control to master even the most challenging of terrains. Inside, the cabin features an 8.4-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including collision warning and lane departure warning.
With its blend of rugged capability, sophisticated comfort, and predictable Jeep style, the 2025 Jeep Gladiator is a top choice for those seeking a midsize pickup truck that can handle the demands of both work and play without a glitch.
The best small trucks in Canada are the ones that meet your needs as a driver. The perfect truck offers a high-performing blend of power, capability, fuel efficiency, and comfort. At Clutch, we’re dedicated to providing a transparent and hassle-free experience, with a focus on you – the customer. Visit our website to further explore these small trucks and learn more about how we can help get into the truck of your dreams.
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