The 12 BEST Pickup Trucks In 2024!

Ford Maverick best compact/small pickup

The Ford Maverick is a pretty unusual pickup because it exists in a class of just two, competing only against the somewhat more expensive Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Based on the Ford Escape’s crossover framework, the Maverick is among the most affordable cars the Blue Oval brand sells. It moves away from the traditional bodyonframe structure typical of large trucks, embracing a unibody design that also takes cues from the Bronco Sport. That positions it below the midsize Ranger into the Ford pickup lineup.
And even so, the Maverick is surprisingly capable, comfortable and small enough to fit into a suburban garage or downtown parking space. We love the practical cabin layout, the zippy acceleration of the turbo four, and the solid truck utility.
Although your old man might not consider it a truck, the Maverick comes in a fourdoor crew cab configuration, with a reasonable 4.5foot bed that can handle as much as 1500 pounds of payload.

The heart of this “minibeast” is either a turbocharged 2.0liter or a hybrid 2.5liter, with the latter being an addedcost option. The 2.0liter fourcylinder makes a spunky 250 horsepower delivered to the front wheels by an eightspeed automatic transmission as standard. Allwheel drive is also available at an added cost. Equipped with the right accessories, this Maverick is capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds.

The hybrid powertrain makes 191 horsepower combined, but it only comes with frontwheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

On the road, the Maverick delivers a spirited punch. The 2.0liter can reach 60 mph from a standstill in about 6 seconds, while the hybrid needs a lot more motivation with about 7.7 seconds. Nonetheless, both versions get the job done quite nicely, both on tarmac and rough terrain. Moreover, Ford went ahead and gave the Maverick a Tremor OffRoad package that improves its offroad prowess even more.

The cabin is nicely configured, and most models offer a generous list of features for a very good price. For almost $28k, you can buy the XLT trim, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, 17inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear underseat storage compartments, a power lock for the tailgate, sixspeaker stereo system and an 8inch touchscreen.

All models come with four fullsize doors and a comfortable back seat. With the Lariat trim, starting at over $35K, you get a lot more amenities, such as dualzone climate control, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging, 8speaker B&O premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, blindspot monitoring with rear crosstraffic alert, and evasive steering.

Fuel efficiency is great, especially for the hybrid Maverick. EPA estimates 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The nonhybrid, however, is rated at only 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with frontwheel drive.


Toyota Tacoma the midsize jack of all trucks

Toyota’s popular midsize pickup, Tacoma, receives a full revamp for 2024, sporting a more muscular, really goodlooking style, better suspension and revised powertrains. Building on its longstanding good reputation, the 2024 Tacoma remains a proper workhorse for truck enthusiasts looking for a jack of all trucks.

A turbocharged 2.4liter fourcylinder powers every 2024 Tacoma. However, there are multiple configurations. The base entrylevel SR model produces 228 hp and 243 lbft of torque and it comes standard with an 8speed automatic transmission. Rearwheel drive is standard, but you can also upgrade to fourwheel drive with lowrange gearing.

In the middle of the powertrain line, we find a 278 hp and 317 lbft of torque configuration, paired with the same eightspeed automatic. Power drops slightly to 270 hp if you opt for the sixspeed manual transmission.

Topping the line, we have a hybrid. Toyota likes to call it iForce Max, and it pairs the same 2.4liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor and battery pack, increasing total output to 326 hp and 456 lbft of torque. You will find it as an option on the TRD Sport, TRD OffRoad and Limited trims, and as standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter. Yes, this powertrain replaces the old 3.5liter V6, but don’t pout just yet, because the hybrid might be just as good, especially in the lowrev areas. For example, the V6 needed around 4,600 rpm to muster 265 lbft of torque, while the hybrid can punch out 317 lbft from as low as 1,700 rpm. Moreover, the hybrid manages a 7.2second 060 mph run, which is about 0.4 seconds better than the old V6.

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