The Best Compact and Midsize Pickups in 2024

Published on April 29, 2024 in News by The Car Guide

Trucks rule, but not everyone needs or can afford to buy a full-size model. Compact and midsize pickups are the next best thing for a lot of people.

Which ones should Canadian drivers put at the top of their shopping list? The team at The Car Guide has analyzed all the various contenders and identified the best buys for 2024.

1. Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is our No. 1 pick again this year, although we fully realize that it comes from a different breed and therefore won’t meet the needs of every midsize pickup shopper out there.

What we love the most about it is the amazing versatility, from the multi-function tailgate to the lockable and weatherproof in-bed trunk. That and the SUV-like driving experience, which is similar to the Honda Pilot’s. Both are fundamentally quite close. Inside, the cabin has been refreshed for 2024 including a larger centre display.

Under the hood, the trusty 3.5-litre V6 from Honda delivers generous low-end torque despite the lack of a turbo, and it also proves surprisingly ferocious at higher revs. In fact, this mill feels more potent than its claimed 280 horsepower.

The unibody-based Ridgeline is great as a daily driver and for light chores. On the other hand, if you want a tough, hard-working truck with better off-road capability, consider a body-on-frame rival instead, because max towing is limited to 5,000 lbs and the new-for-2024 TrailSport model is probably not going to cut it.

2. Ford Maverick

A pleasant surprise since launching as a 2022 model, the Maverick is a perfect little truck for drivers who like the convenience of a cargo bed and appreciate the smoother ride of a unibody construction.

Based on the Ford Escape, the Maverick now comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower. Performance is more than satisfying considering the pickup’s size and aspirations.

The more fuel-efficient option is a hybrid powertrain achieving a combined 6.4 L/100 km. How impressive is that? Output is rated at 191 horsepower, but sadly, the only drive wheels are in the front.

The cabin is well designed and practical. Fit and finish could be improved, but overall, the Maverick is easy to live with. The short 4.5-foot cargo bed might be a deal-breaker for some, but for minor work, DIY hobbies and outdoor recreation, it’s generally long enough.

3. Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon

Third place in the segment this year goes to the GM twins. Completely redesigned for 2023, the Colorado and Canyon don’t offer as much selection as in the past, with only a double cab and 5.5-foot cargo bed available.

More importantly, the V6 is gone and replaced by a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine exclusively. Various output levels can be specified, mind you. There’s a tremendous amount of torque at your disposal, especially at the top of the lineup, but fuel economy isn’t great.

Need to tow? The base models can do no better than 3,500 lbs. For serious work, the more muscular Colorados and Canyons (up to 7,700 lbs) are what you want. And if you plan to venture deep into the woods or the mountains, the rugged Colorado ZR2 and Canyon AT4X, while expensive, are fantastic performers.

Whichever model you select, handling, capability and interior build quality are sure to put a smile on your face.