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Group of friends getting bicycles from back of pickup truck
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

1. Toyota Tacoma

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$18,998$52,998
Estimated combined MPG18 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Useful truck bed has power outlet and moveable tie-down cleats
  • Consummate off-road agility
  • Six-speed manual transmission option for the V6 top trim

Cons

  • Steering feels heavy on urban surfaces
  • Some will find the higher step-up a challenge
2022 Nissan Frontier 4x4 Pro4X

2. Nissan Frontier

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$15,998$39,998
Estimated combined MPG19 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Smooth ride
  • Stable and secure handling
  • Helpful storage spaces for small items

Cons

  • Limited rear-seat space
  • Cluttered infotainment system
  • Heavy steering
2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT

3. Chevrolet Colorado

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$15,998$49,998
Estimated combined MPG18 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Swift acceleration with upgraded engines
  • Stout towing abilities
  • Capable ZR2 off-road trim

Cons

  • Lackluster base engine power
  • Uncomfortable rear seats
  • Available only with a four-door cab and five-foot bed
2022 Ford Maverick XLT

4. Ford Maverick

CarMax owner rating

4.9

Price range*$23,998$35,998
Estimated combined MPG24 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Hybrid engines provide impressive economy
  • Off-road Tremor package

Cons

  • Less towing and hauling capability than midsize rivals
  • Only one cargo bed size
  • Bumpy ride
2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL

5. Honda Ridgeline

CarMax owner rating

4.7

Price range*$16,998$42,998
Estimated combined MPG21 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Clever bed configurations
  • Spacious crew cab
  • Upscale interior

Cons

  • Doesn't offer as much utility as similar vehicles
  • Not very off-road focused
  • Relatively small touchscreen
2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

6. Jeep Gladiator

CarMax owner rating

4.8

Price range*$26,998$53,998
Estimated combined MPG19 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Unique convertible truck
  • Powerful off-road
  • Spacious back seat

Cons

  • Bumpy on-road ride
  • Disappointing acceleration
  • No diesel option for 2024
2022 Ford Ranger XLT

7. Ford Ranger

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$20,998$37,998
Estimated combined MPG21 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Turbocharged engine does not disappoint
  • Dimensions make city driving easier
  • Seating upfront is well-padded and comfortable

Cons

  • Climate control functionality can be frustrating
  • Bumpy ride
  • Cab storage options are limited
2023 GMC Canyon AT4

8. GMC Canyon

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$17,998$52,998
Estimated combined MPG(data not available)
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Plenty of trim and feature options
  • Sophisticated handling across diverse terrain
  • Passenger-pleasing interior
  • Intuitive infotainment tech

Cons

  • No additional cab or bed length options
  • Doesn't go easy on fuel
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Premium

9. Hyundai Santa Cruz

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$22,998$34,998
Estimated combined MPG22 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Comfortable ride
  • Capable enough for most truck buyers
  • Lots of standard tech features

Cons

  • The rear seats are uncomfortable
  • Tough to see out the back
  • Pricier than its main rival

Ready to find your compact pickup?

How we ranked this list

To create our "Best Of" lists, our analysts look at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period, from September 2023 through February 2024. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.

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RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy.

Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.