Tiny Trucks, Big Impact: Your Ultimate Guide to Compact Pickups in 2025

Are compact pickup trucks worth buying in 2025? Yes, they’re a fantastic choice if you want an affordable, fuel-efficient truck that’s easy to park and handles daily tasks like hauling groceries or gear. 

Small pickup trucks are having a moment, and it’s no wonder why! These affordable trucks 2025 are shaking up the market, blending car-like comfort with just enough truck toughness. Over 450,000 Ford Mavericks and Hyundai Santa Cruzes have sold since 2021, with 2024 being their best year yet—130,000 Mavericks and 32,000 Santa Cruzes moved off lots. 

So, why are we seeing a surge in popularity of the compact pickup trucks? People are fed up with oversized, gas-guzzling full-size trucks that cost as much as a luxury car (think $65,000 on average, per most expensive trucks lists). Even midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma are getting bigger and pricier, leaving a gap that compact pickups trend fills perfectly. They’re easier to drive, park, and fuel up, making them ideal for city folks or anyone tackling everyday chores like mulch runs or IKEA hauls. Plus, with options like the Maverick’s hybrid engine, they’re eco-friendly too, aligning with best hybrid trucks vibes. Let’s break down the only two players in this game: the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.

What Makes the Ford Maverick a Top Pick?

The 2025 Ford Maverick is the undisputed champ of small pickup trucks, rocking a 9.1/10 from MotorTrend and a perfect 10/10 from Car and Driver. Starting at just $28,590, it’s a wallet-friendly powerhouse that’s hard to beat for value. Its standard 2.5-liter hybrid engine (191 hp, 155 lb-ft) paired with a CVT delivers an impressive 42 mpg city, earning it a spot among the best hybrid trucks. For those craving more zip, the optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, rivaling some fastest pickup trucks. 

With the Tow package, it hauls up to 4,000 pounds and carries 1,500 pounds of payload—perfect for hauling bikes, lumber, or camping gear. The 4.5-foot bed fits 18 sheets of plywood flat, and clever under-seat storage keeps your tools tidy.

The Maverick’s interior is a vibe, with funky colors and textures that stand out from boring truck cabins. The 2025 refresh brings a 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus new trims like the sporty Lobo (lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels) and off-road-ready Tremor (all-terrain tires, skid plates). Nearly 60% of Maverick buyers are new to Ford, showing its crossover appeal. It’s not perfect—rear legroom is tight, and towing lags behind the Santa Cruz—but its efficiency and affordability make it ideal for urban dwellers or small business owners. 

Want to make it your own? Check out best truck accessories for bed liners or cargo organizers. Whether you’re a contractor or a weekend adventurer, the Maverick’s versatility and low cost make it a no-brainer.

Ford Maverick Specs

Why Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the stylish underdog, blending SUV comfort with truck utility, earning an 8.5/10 from MotorTrend and 9/10 from Car and Driver. Starting at $30,245, it’s built on the Tucson SUV platform, offering a smooth, car-like ride that’s a breeze to park in tight city spots. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder (191 hp, 181 lb-ft) gets 22/26 mpg (city/hwy), but the optional 281-hp turbo four-cylinder with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission tows a class-leading 5,000 pounds and hits 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. 

Its 1,749-pound payload capacity beats the Maverick, ideal for hauling dirt bikes or landscaping supplies. The 4-foot bed is smaller but comes with a lockable tonneau and in-bed trunk for secure storage.

Inside, the Santa Cruz feels like a luxury truck with a premium cabin, especially on higher trims with dual 12.3-inch screens for gauges and infotainment, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Hyundai’s Blue Link for remote start or locking via your phone. 

The 2025 XRT trim adds rugged flair with all-terrain tires and red tow hooks, perfect for light off-roading. About 75% of buyers are new to Hyundai, many trading in bigger trucks for this sleek crossover-truck hybrid. The lack of a hybrid option hurts its fuel economy compared to the Maverick, and higher trims get pricey, but its towing power and refined ride appeal to those wanting a posh yet practical truck. Boost its utility with accessories like a bed extender. If you’re a city driver who occasionally hauls heavy loads, the Santa Cruz is your match.

Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs

What’s Next for Compact Pickups?

The compact pickups trend is just heating up. Toyota might revive the Stout with a 200–250-hp hybrid engine, while the Chevrolet Montana and Ram Rampage (sold in Brazil) could hit the U.S. Electric options are coming too—Slate Truck aims for a $20,000 EV by 2026, and the Alpha Wolf promises 350 miles of range, shaking up the best electric trucks scene. Nissan’s Surf Out concept and a potential Kia compact also loom. With full-size trucks getting pricier and harder to park, small pickups are the practical, wallet-friendly future.

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