If you are looking to buy a small and reliable pickup truck, then you’re at the right address. We are making a list of the most reliable small trucks to buy in 2022.
In general, this segment is crowded with many pickup trucks, and we managed to reduce the list to seven models only. Moreover, all models are reliable and very known in the pickup truck segment. Also, some of them are affordable than others, and some offer a much better list of standard features. Here’s is the list of the most reliable small trucks.
2021 Honda Ridgeline
The latest 2021 Honda Ridgeline is one of the most reliable trucks in the world. This model is excellent rated thanks to its compact size, attractive design, and fantastic cabin. For the 2021 year model, Honda tweaked the front end, adding the new grille, revised hood, and an LED headlight. Also, they make a new rear bumper as the twin exhaust tailpipes.
In general, the Honda Ridgeline shares many design cues with the famous Honda Pilot SUV. Nevertheless, the cabin of Honda Ridgeline is refined and roomy, and occupants will forget that there’s a pickup bed behind them. It can fit five passengers, offering excellent comfort.
This model is powered by a potent 3.5-liter V6 producing muscular 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also comes as standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission and has a cylinder deactivation feature and a stop/restart function to optimize fuel consumption. The maximum towing capacity of the latest truck is 5,000 pounds. As for the price, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline costs $37,665 for the Sport model, and it can go up to 43,920 for the Black Edition.
2021 Ford Ranger
In the crowded segment of small pickup trucks, the 2021 Ford Ranger is a model that ranks near the top in the compact class. This model offers an eye-catching design, easy-to-use features, and comfortable seats. Unlike its bigger brother F-150, the new Ranger has its own identity. This model has been recognized on the road thanks to its stylish headlights, hexagonal grille, and overall athletic stance. Like the previous generation, the new one is available in two configurations. There is a SuperCab with a pair of rear-hinged half doors, and the manufacturer also offers a larger SuperCrew with a pair of standard rear doors. Interestingly, both models are 210.8 inches long. The new Ford Ranger also comes with a few trim levels and packages.
Generally speaking, the most favorite is the Black appearance package that is available, choosing the XLT and Lariat trims. This package adds many dark elements on the grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, and inside. It would be a wise decision to go for the mid-level Ranger XLT. This trim adds the Co-Pilot360 safety system, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, trailer-tow monitoring, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and Wi-Fi.
As for the performance side, the Ford Ranger uses a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard. The new midsize truck 2021 Ford Ranger starts at $24,820, offering great value for invested money.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
If you’re looking to buy a truck with an excellent towing capacity and powerful engines, then the new 2021 Chevrolet Colorado model is worth considering. This truck looks robust, and it shares plenty of cues with its bigger full-size sibling Silverado. The 2021 Colorado exterior has been updated over the 2020 model and trims like WT, LT, and Z71 get updated lower facias, center bars, and skid plates.
The ZR2 is the most aggressive pickup that’s ready to go rock-crawling. Unlike the regular variant, the ZR2 offers much more off-road features, including a raised suspension, a wider track, revised bumpers, and a skidplate. Besides the exterior, the latest Colorado comes with upgraded trim. It features a 7-inch touchscreen, an upgraded Infotainment 3 system, and an 8-inch touchscreen display on the upper trims. The seats are supportive, and Colorado comes with a decent passenger room in the second row if you need it.
The Chevy Colorado is one of the rarest in the class that comes with three different engines. The base model uses a 2.5-liter four-engine, producing 200 horses. However, as optional, the manufacturer offers a 3.6-liter V6 powertrain making 308 horses and a formidable 2.8-liter turbodiesel-4 with 186 horsepower. Pricing for the WT trim starts at $25,200, and it can jump to $43,200 for the ZR2 Crew Cab model.
2021 GMC Canyon
The next compact pickup truck on our list is the 2021 GMC Canyon. This model offers a great and stylish exterior, and it has excellent workhorse abilities. However, it has many cons, and one of them is a low safety score for the class. On the other side, this premium midsize truck shares many elements with the full-size GMC Sierra, which is excellent. The new LED running lights and projector-beam headlights are present, and they are complemented by muscle flared fenders.
The more attractive design has the Canyon Denali. This variant comes with the prominent grille, 20-inch wheels, and polished exhaust tip. Besides, the manufacturer also offers a rugged off-road AT4 model enhanced by red recovery hooks, aggressive tires, and specially tuned off-road suspension.
In terms of performance, like the above Chevy Colorado, the new 2021 GMC Canyon offers the same engines. There are precisely three of them, starting with a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 200 horsepower. Optionally, one can get a more potent 3.6-liter V6, delivering 308 horse, or a 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-4 producing 181 hp. The base model costs around $27,000, while the fully loaded Denali can top $50,000.
2021 Toyota Tacoma
The most favorite and one of the best-selling models in the U.S. is definitively the new 2021 Toyota Tacoma. This midsize truck has great off-road prowess, and it offers rugged styling. It also has plenty of standard safety aids and a very spacious cabin that’s filled with many advanced techs. The Tacoma got a freshening last year, including a redesigned grille and a new taillight design. Like before, this truck will continue to be offered in dozen of trims: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
The most basic SR model is a great choice if you want to save some money. This trim includes 16-inch steel wheels, heated exterior mirrors, 4-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the TSS-P safety system. However, stepping in just one trim above, you can get a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel, keyless entry, fog lights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. For those buyers with big pockets, the range-topping TRD Pro offers more than you can imagine. It features special wheels, Fox shocks, skid plate, cat-back exhaust, a leather interior with heated front seats.
Under the hood, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma deploys two different engines. Standard is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces models 159 horsepower. Power is routed as standard to rear wheels (2WD) or all four (4WD) optionally. A better choice is definitively optional 3.5-liter V6 that offers nearly 120 more horses and a significant boost in torque. Both engines can be had with eider the 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The 2021 Tacoma Tacoma SR Access Cab begins at $26,150, while 4-wheel-drive Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab costs around $47,000.
2021 Jeep Gladiator
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator is a unique truck that mixes traditional retro styling design and modern ones. If you didn’t know, this truck is just two years old, and it keeps pretty well with nowadays models. Like the famous Jeep Wrangler, the new Gladiator comes with the same 7-slot grille, foldable windshield, and removable doors. However, the main difference between these trucks is the 5-foot bed. Depending on trim level and package, the appearance of this pickup will vary. For example, the base Sport trim includes steel wheels, a body-colored grille, a soft top, and cargo bed lighting.
The Mojave and Rubicon models as available as well, and they have larger fender flares to house big all-terrain tires. On the inside, the Jeep Gladiator Sports cloth upholstery, 5-inch infotainment display, and lockable storage behind the rear seats. Moreover, Overland adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tinted rear glass, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a large 7-inch infotainment touch screen.
As for the engine, the Jeep Gladiator is available with a gasoline-fueled 3.6-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, choosing either the Sport, Overland, or Rubicon trims, buyers will get a 3.0-liter diesel V6 that produces 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission available on both engines. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator in Sport trim costs $35,040, while Rubicon and Mojave trims, both priced from $45,370.
2021 Nissan Frontier
Lastly, we are finishing our list of the most reliable small trucks with the 2021 Nissan Frontier model. The new Frontier comes redesigned and is more reliable than ever before. From the information that we got, later this year, a new generation of the 2022 Nissan Frontier is expected to be released. In the meantime, the 2021 Frontier is a great choice to consider if you need an attractive and spacious truck. Last year this model was redesigned, featuring a revised grille, LED headlights, and taillights. On top of that, the cabin is roomy, and depending on Cab configuration, buyers can get either Crew Cab with regular doors and roomier rear accommodations or King Cab with a 6-foot bed.
In basic S trim, the new model includes 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry/ignition, cruise control, cloth upholstery, infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and much more. The Pro-4X is the best option for off-roader fans. This package has Bilstein off-road shock absorbers, all-terrain tires, skid plates, body-colored bumpers, satin chrome grille, and Pro-4X badges.
Unfortunately, beneath the hood, the Nissan Frontier is available with a solo engine. In addition, it employs an excellent 3.8-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower. This engine is still competitive and the best in class. It’s connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission, and it offers the best towing capacity of 6,620 pounds. The Nissan Frontier starts at 28,000 in the standard form, and it can pass 40k with the Pro-4X Crew Cab model.