Going off-roading is an exhilarating way to get closer to nature from the comfort of your truck, SUV, or crossover. An estimated 98 percent of SUV and crossover owners take their vehicles over mud and stones at least once yearly. Finding a vehicle suitable for your off-roading needs is essential to enjoying safe adventures.
Many experienced off-roaders choose compact pickup trucks. These trucks are small enough to navigate challenging obstacles while providing the power necessary to push through. Knowing your options is the first step toward finding the ideal adventure vehicle.
Fortunately, you’ve found the ideal place to identify your best options for a small and versatile truck. Continue reading to enjoy more adventures off the beaten path today!
1. GMC Canyon
The Canyon is a GMC mid-size truck. It’s a fantastic option if you want to take your travels off the pavement and onto the dirt. It’s a top choice for combining luxury with adventure in a convenient and robust package.
A potent turbocharged engine powers the truck, providing the power to overcome challenging terrain and obstacles. The design is another plus when shopping for a compact truck for city driving and off-road adventures.
The primary drawback of the GMC Canyon is the price. It’s a viable option to meet your needs, and you can also consider the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 if you require more power and a larger truck.
The go-to model is the GMC Canyon AT4X, which comes standard with four-wheel drive and a 2.7-liter turbo engine. This trim level’s MSRP is $56,995, but if it fits your budget, it’s one of the top compact pickup trucks for your weekend adventures.
2. Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is the more affordable cousin of the GMC Canyon, and it’s a fantastic small truck to consider if you’re looking to upgrade. The off-road capabilities are impressive straight from the showroom, and the manners and handling on paved roads are exquisite.
Your family will love the spacious cabin for comfort on long drives and extended periods on rocky roads. The Colorado also features an innovative and beneficial infotainment system.
A drawback that limits the Colorado when on the trail is a poor turn radius. It’s a model that is also limited to a crew cab. The gas mileage is better with the Colorado than the GMC truck, with an average highway of 22 miles per gallon.
The top trim level for a memorable off-roading experience is the ZR2. It has four-wheel drive and a potent turbocharged engine to meet your power needs. The price tag is steep, with the ZR2 starting at $48,295.
3. Jeep Gladiator
Jeep’s recent foray into the world of small pickup trucks is paying dividends with the Jeep Gladiator. Combining the benefits of the Jeep Wrangler with a vehicle with a bed is a masterstroke for off-roading and daily driving.
The Gladiator’s all-terrain benefits are impressive when taking it down dirt roads and off-road trails. The technology is also easy to learn with the Gladiator compared to similar compact trucks. It’s a truck worth considering if you’re new to off-roading and overlanding.
The most notable drawback of the Jeep Gladiator is its cost. It’s the most expensive option among compact pickup trucks for off-roading. The Rubicon package starts at $53,770.
The Gladiator Rubicon combines four-wheel drive with a V6 engine, producing ample power for all your favorite trails. The gas mileage is also near the top of the list for small pickup trucks. You’ll average 16 miles per gallon in town and 23 on the highway.
It’s worth noting that the Gladiator struggles on the pavement. The ride is unrefined, which could be a drawback if you have long drives to reach your favorite off-road trails.
4. Toyota Tacoma
Toyota trucks have a reputation for reliability and toughness; the Toyota Tacoma is the epitome of those descriptors. The truck is reliable and perfect for trails that take you miles from civilization or cell service. The Tacoma is also ready to hit the trail from the showroom.
Explore the trim levels to find a suitable option for your needs and wants. The trim levels allow you to build a rig from scratch or invest in the TRD Pro.
The main drawback of the Tacoma is the unrefined driving experience. Acceleration is lackluster, which won’t affect your experience on dirt roads and trails.
The gas mileage is decent, averaging between 18 and 21 miles per gallon. Most Tacoma owners opt for the TRD Off-Road package, which starts at $41,250.
5. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is worth considering if you want a truck to haul your toy hauler or camper while managing well on unmaintained mountain roads and off-roading trails. It has high payload and towing ratings compared to most small pickup trucks, and you’ll have several engine options.
The F-150’s lack of a diesel option and less refined ride on paved roads than other compact pickup trucks hold it back. The gas mileage also limits the F-150 from becoming a top option for off-road adventures.
The F-150 Tremor is the top trim package off-roaders purchase because of its impressive capabilities from the dealership. The Tremor package starts at $63,225.
6. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 shares many features with the Ford F-150, including muscle for hauling and towing cargo, toys, and more. The upper trim levels also offer luxurious interior touches. The suspension is also top-tier, providing an excellent ride on paved roads and other terrains.
A drawback to consider is the lack of a hybrid engine option. The Ram 1500 achieves worse fuel economy than other options. Still, its prowess as a compact pickup truck for city driving and off-road adventures makes it a winner.
Find the Ideal Compact Pickup Trucks for Your Future Adventures
Shopping for compact pickup trucks requires patience and research to find the ideal fit for your lifestyle and outdoor adventures. The best small pickup trucks combine comfort, off-road capabilities, and a smooth ride for daily driving. The top options for your next off-roading adventure are Toyota trucks and the GMC Canyon.
Buying the ideal car or truck will add quality and happiness to your life. Follow the latest trends and releases in the auto industry with our Auto content today!
