Best Trucks for the Value

n the 1970s, mini pickup trucks were all the rage. Japanese brands led the charge, and several domestic brands offered versions of their own as the phenomenon grew. Flash-forward 50 years and Hyundai is hoping to tap into the same zeitgeist with its all-new Santa Cruz "sports adventure vehicle." But the concept has some new tricks, namely the five-passenger cabin that enables the Santa Cruz to transport a young family or two couples in comfort. Mini pickups never offered that. And few small pickups offered nearly the performance that the Santa Cruz offers with its optional 281-horsepower turbocharged engine. Inside, the creature comforts are exactly what one would expect from a recently designed compact crossover. And that's not surprising since the Santa Cruz is based on the brand-new Hyundai Tucson SUV. In some ways, the Santa Cruz channels the Tucson directly. But there are areas, such as the powertrain choices, for example, where the Santa Cruz goes its own way.

Because the Santa Cruz is creating its own segment, there are few vehicles to compare it to. One straight-up competitor is the 2022 Ford Maverick, which is very similar to the Santa Cruz but veers in a slightly more trucklike direction. The Santa Cruz is about 4 inches shorter than the Ford Maverick and rides on a slightly shorter wheelbase. The other obvious comparison is the Tucson because it and the Santa Cruz share a platform and many components. The Tucson is shorter than the Santa Cruz in overall length by about a foot with a significantly shorter wheelbase as well.

The popular Toyota Tacoma comes in 33 model configurations with two cab types: extended Access Cab and four-door Double Cab. Each model is available in rear-drive or four-wheel-drive configuration in a variety of trims. The Access Cab pickup models come with a standard 6-foot bed, while the double cab models offer either a 5- or 6-foot bed. Regardless of the length, all Tacoma beds are made from rugged sheet-molded composite, fitted with an adjustable tie-down system.

The Tacoma has a time-tested ladder-frame platform with a leaf-spring rear suspension that uses staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks. Access Cab models can accommodate four passengers, but the rear seat is very cramped. The four-door Double Cab will hold up to five passengers. The Tacoma in base Access Cab form is virtually the same length as key competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier.

The Tacoma's purposeful styling reflects a go-anywhere attitude, even on models that will never turn a wheel in the mud. Tacoma trims such as TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro come off-road ready and were largely unchallenged until the recent introduction of the Jeep Gladiator.

The Jeep Gladiator pickup is the premier off-roader in the midsize truck segment. Essentially a cross between the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and a truck, it shares some components from the popular Ram 1500 full-size pickup. Jeep was adamant that the Gladiator have essential "Jeepness" that revolves around uncommon off-road abilities. Odds are the Gladiator can go pretty much anywhere a Wrangler Unlimited can go. Other midsize trucks, most notably the Toyota Tacoma, have strong off-road credentials of their own. Still, the Gladiator is widely regarded as the best all-around off-road pickup on the market. With its strong capabilities and unmistakable looks, it commands premium prices.

The five-passenger four-door Jeep Gladiator is more than 5 inches longer than the short-wheelbase crew-cab Toyota Tacoma and nearly 8 inches longer than the crew-cab version of the Ford Ranger. It should be noted that Toyota also offers a long-bed Tacoma crew cab that is 7 inches longer than the Gladiator. The Gladiator's chief claim to fame is its off-pavement capabilities combined with its truck-bed utility. And shoppers shouldn't disregard the Gladiator's fun-to-drive, open-air nature that differentiates it from the others.

The GMC Canyon is a midsize truck available in four trims, including the off-road AT4 and loaded Denali. The extended cab, which has room for four, comes standard with a 6-foot bed. The four-door crew cab, which accommodates five, offers either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. There's also a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and three engines, including a diesel. Its wide range of possible configurations makes this truck work for most any buyer, and it has a high tow rating. The interior is comfortable and upscale in keeping with the GMC brand. Its infotainment system is comprehensive with good connectivity. However, the Canyon doesn't rate well in crash tests, where it received mixed results. It also doesn't have as many standard safety features as some competitors.

The Chevrolet Colorado is its cousin with similar engines and configurations but with a less refined interior. The Ford Ranger is more affordably priced and offers several aggressive packages for off-road enthusiasts. The Toyota Tacoma has a smaller interior but a variety of trims from basic to luxurious to off-road-ready.

The Nissan Titan is a full-size truck that nails the basics. It has a standard V8 engine, a huge interior, and enough towing and hauling capability to suit the average truck buyer. It's a worthy off-road option, and even has a dedicated off-road trim for true enthusiasts. Its biggest shortcoming is a lack of options. The Titan only offers two body styles and a single engine, while most competitors offer a wider range of configurations and multiple engine choices. Inside, the Titan is comfortable and spacious, but top trims aren't as luxurious as others in the class.

The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 all have more trims, more engine options, and higher towing and payload ratings than the Nissan Titan. And their base models have a lower starting price than the entry-level Titan S.

While most other Japanese brands offered small pickups in the U.S. market almost from the start, Honda resisted entering the segment for decades. Then in 2006, it introduced the original Ridgeline, a pickup unlike any before it. It was more like a car underneath, so it rode and drove with the precision of Honda's sedans. Not only that, but it didn't look like a conventional pickup truck either. With a five-seat crew-cab configuration and an under-bed lockable trunk, it found a market in buyers who reveled in its uniqueness. The next generation of the truck retained many aspects that made the first Ridgeline unique, but its exterior styling design makes it look much more like a conventional midsize pickup. And that's where we are today. Other midsize trucks — such as the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger — are very similar in construction, capabilities, and looks. The Ridgeline, like the recently introduced Jeep Gladiator, stands apart from the norm.

The five-passenger four-door Honda Ridgeline is about 2 inches shorter than the short-wheelbase two-door crew-cab Tacoma and Colorado, and it's half an inch shorter than the crew-cab version of the Ranger. Toyota offers a long-wheelbase Tacoma that is 15 inches longer than the Ridgeline. Needless to say, Toyota, Chevy, and Nissan pickups present a variety of configurations that the Ridgeline can't match.

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size truck that aims to deliver a more upscale experience. Especially in the top Denali trim, the Sierra 1500 has high-quality interiors that create a luxurious environment for passengers. It offers a choice of powerful engines, including a diesel option and tow ratings that make it a capable work truck. The infotainment includes key features but doesn't offer the large screens found on top trims of its competitors. The Sierra 1500 is also short on standard safety with automatic emergency braking available only as an option no matter which trim you choose.

Top competitors include the Ford F-150, which offers more trim levels, an available hybrid, and better off-road capability. The Ram 1500 has the most upscale interior of the lot along with the smoothest ride.