#1 2009 Nissan Frontier
Reviewers complimented the Nissan Frontier's refined ride and excellent off-road performance, as well as its smooth powertrains, when it was new. The standard four-cylinder engine provided decent acceleration, but most reviewers preferred the optional V6. The Frontier achieves up to 19/23 mpg in the city and highway, which is significantly less than other competitors. The Frontier comes with a four-cylinder engine, a manual or automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The Frontier's V6 engine comes with a manual or automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. The 2009 Frontier can tow up to 6,500 pounds when fully equipped.
Features and Specs
- Seating: 4-5
- Mileage- City- 14-19
- Mileage- Highway- 19-23
- RWD, 4WD
- 152-261 Horsepower
Score
- Critics' Rating: 9.3
- Performance: 8.8
- Interior: 7.9
- Total Cost of Ownership: 8.9
- Safety: 8.2
- Overall: 9
#2 2010 Honda Ridgeline
Reviewers lauded the 2010 Honda Ridgeline when it was new, claiming that its ride was unusually comfortable for a truck. While the Ridgeline handles well on conventional roads, it isn't the best off-road truck, according to test drivers, as it lacks the off-road aptitude of certain rival compact trucks. The base V6 engine in the 2010 Ridgeline is powerful enough in most situations, according to most critics. All-wheel drive is standard, as is an automatic transmission. The Ridgeline gets 15/20 mpg in the city and highway, which is somewhat better than the Ford Explorer Sport Trac but not as excellent as a similarly equipped Toyota Tacoma. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is low by class standards.
Features and specs
- Seating: 5
- Mileage- City- 15
- Mileage- Highway- 20
- 4WD
- 250 Horsepower
Score
- Critics' Rating: 8.7
- Performance: 8.0
- Interior: 7.7
- Total Cost of Ownership: 8.5
- Safety: 9.7
- Overall: 8.9
#3 2012 Honda Ridgeline
The V6 engine of the 2012 Ridgeline is regarded to deliver plenty of power by reviewers. Four-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission are standard. According to the EPA, the 2012 Honda Ridgeline scores 15/21 mpg city/highway, which is close to similar four-wheel drive compact pickup truck fuel efficiency figures. The 2012 Ridgeline boasts a pleasant, car-like ride and quick handling, according to most critics. The Ridgeline can pull up to 5,000 pounds, which is less than most other compact trucks' maximum towing capacity.
Features and specs
- Seating: 5
- Mileage- City- 15
- Mileage- Highway- 21
- 4WD
- 250 Horsepower
Score
- Critics' Rating: 8.5
- Performance: 7.9
- Interior: 7.2
- Total Cost of Ownership: 8.6
- Safety: 9.7
- Overall: 8.8
#4 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2016 Colorado is an excellent used compact pickup truck option. The Colorado's powerful available engines and class-leading towing capacity provide plenty of usefulness. The cabin is spacious and furnished with high-quality materials. While the Colorado has a high dependability rating, other competitors score higher in crash tests.
Features and specs
- Seating: 2-5
- Mileage- City- 15-22
- Mileage- Highway- 17-31
- 4WD, RWD
- 181-305 Horsepower
Score
- Critics' Rating: 9.5
- Performance: 8.5
- Interior: 8.4
- Total Cost of Ownership: 8.7
- Safety: 8.8
- Overall: 8.7
#5 2013 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma 2013 is a reliable used vehicle. It can tow more than rival compact pickups and has pleasant seats. The Tacoma features a comfortable ride, and variants with available four-wheel drive have good off-road capability. Critics awarded the Toyota Tacoma our Best Compact Truck for the Money in 2013 when it was new.
Features and specs
- Seating: 3-5
- Mileage- City- 15-21
- Mileage- Highway- 19-25
- 4WD, RWD
- 159-236 Horsepower
Score
- Critics' Rating: 9.3
- Performance: 7.8
- Interior: 7.8
- Total Cost of Ownership: 9.0
- Safety: 8.4
- Overall: 8.7