Upcoming Compact Pickups That Could Threaten The Ford Maverick's Dominance

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

The Ford Maverick is selling like hotcakes, so much so that Ford can't even keep up with the demand! Its only real current competition is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but this is a truck with a smaller bed and bigger price, albeit more features. The Santa Cruz can tow more but is also gas only, while the Maverick comes standard as a hybrid (with an EcoBoost hybrid option). Rated a solid nine out of ten, the Santa Cruz still trails the Maverick.

Further down the road are whispers of a few newcomers. Like the Maverick, these upcoming pickup trucks all have roots in the past. This means that they have an established following and fan base. The fact that Ford cannot produce enough Mavericks to meet demand leaves the company vulnerable to losing its stake in the compact truck market.

Despite the SUV and truck craze in America, compact trucks are suddenly making a comeback. People are looking for more of an economical utility vehicle suited for light off-road use and great for the city. This makes sense, given the lack of available options today, something that seemed lost in the surge for bigger and bigger trucks. Full-size four-door trucks are the norm, as hardly anyone sees a single-cab truck anymore, and even mid-sized trucks are as big as older full-size ones.

Most people do not necessarily need a large truck with a hefty price tag. They want something that can haul and tow, but in a smaller and more efficient package. That said, let's look at the future pickup trucks, hoping to fill the compact pickup truck niche.

Upcoming Compact Pickups That Could Challenge The Ford Maverick's Dominance

The information on this list has been updated to reflect any new developments regarding upcoming models, as well as to add more models that may pose a problem to the Maverick's hold on the small pickup market.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including KBB, MotorTrend, Hagerty, and USA Today.

Here's how Ford’s smallest pickup provides all the truck most people need with plenty of capability, all at an affordable price

You're not alone if you haven't heard of the Toyota Stout until now. Running from 1964-1967, the Toyota Stout is a pretty unique-looking old truck. As Ford has done with the Maverick, Toyota is following suit and taking a page out of history by developing a new vehicle. That's not the only thing that Toyota is copying, having seen the success of the Maverick.

Toyota is well aware of this new trend and well versed in making reliable, compact trucks, starting with the original 1980s Toyota Pickup. Of course, this led to the T100, then the recently updated Toyota Tacoma, and the Tundra. When other makers like Ford and Chevy were still selling compacts in dwindling numbers, the evolution of the Tacoma helped it become a bestseller.

Horsepower

278 horsepower

Torque

317 pound-feet

Curb Weight

1,896 pounds

0-60 MPH

8.0 seconds

Top Speed

130 MPH

Look for Toyota to copy Maverick's recipe. Starting with a name from the history books, a competitive price, and a similar size to the Maverick. It could potentially make use of the TNGA unibody platform of the RAV4 and Camry. This works best for urban use and light off-roading. Toyota may even consider a body-on-frame variant for those seeking to go more off the beaten path, but that would distance it from the Maverick, which is an unibody pickup.

The Stout could come with a four-cylinder engine, comparable to the Maverick, with a likely hybrid option too. Toyota already plans to have a hybrid option for all vehicles by 2025. So the Stout could definitely be a 40 MPG compact truck. The starting price would likely be competitive. The sooner Toyota can produce the Stout, the sooner it can take advantage of the market, with Maverick orders backlogged.

It might be a while before we see the Stout, or any Toyota compact pickup truck. The automotive giant has stated that it is considering adding a truck based on the Corolla to its lineup, but has yet to publicly acknowledge that it is developing a small truck. Consequently, reports suggest that the earliest we could see the Stout debut is in 2027.

Subaru is another brand known for its dependability, efficiency, capability, and affordability. The original Subaru Baja which ran from 2003-2006, was "a car-based compact truck ahead of its time." Seeing the shape of the market today, it appears time to bring this back to the American public. The brand's fundamental beliefs across the lineup are safety, drive quality, AWD, fuel efficiency, low center of gravity, and dual-function modes for all-terrain use.

Horsepower

210 horsepower

Torque

235 pound-feet

Curb Weight

3,750 pounds

0-60 MPH

7.6 seconds

Top Speed

130 MPH

An all-new Baja Wilderness edition could have a 2.4-liter turbo engine with 260 horsepower. It'd have extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and skid-plating armor underneath. This makes sense to exceed the capability of the original Baja, which was swept out of the market before, but perhaps now primed for a big return. Produced by a manufacturer famous for building cars with superior off-road capabilities, the revived Baja may prove very popular.

The Dakota was a mid-size "segment buster," the first mid-size truck. Although in 1987, it still seemed like a compact, a unique one at that. Dying in 2011, around the time of the Ranger and Colorado, this truck has yet to re-emerge in America as those two have. Many rumors about it have not come to fruition, and any speculation is based on the current Ram and Jeep Gladiator, two vehicles Ram would undoubtedly be familiar with as part of Chrysler back in the day.

The Dodge Rampage, which is the new name for the small-sized version of the Ram truck, has been launched in Brazil, but has yet to make a tangible presence in the U.S., though many reputable sources say it's very possible. The truck built for South America comes in four-wheel drive as standard at all trim levels, and since it has a ground clearance of over ten inches, the Rampage has plenty of height for off-road driving.

Horsepower

268 horsepower

Torque

295 pound-feet

Curb Weight

2,293 pounds

0-60 MPH

6.5 seconds

Top Speed

137 MPH

More than one powertrain makes sense, starting with a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four, since the Maverick utilizes an EcoBoost option. This engine has almost 300 horsepower and torque. A 2.0-liter turbo diesel comes as an option for consumers who are looking for a compact truck that can put in a full day's work of towing and hauling, and since the towing capacity can be as high as 4,500 pounds, most average jobs are no problem for the compact Ram truck.

There is currently no choice for a hybrid model, as the Maverick has, but it could still come within the next couple of years. Borrowing from the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass, coupled with the 1.3-liter engine, the Rampage EV could produce somewhere along the lines of 200 horsepower. Since the technology is already there for the company to use, it would not be too difficult for them to offer a hybrid model in the near future, or even a fully electric version to completely eliminate all the carbon pollution that the vehicle gives off.

Good news is coming in from South America though: the Rampage may make its way North soon. Reports claim that a top exec at Stellantis South America told reporters that the automaker would introduce a version of the Rampage in the U.S. to rival the Maverick. The executive allegedly brushed over Stellantis's plans to develop a smaller body-on-frame truck, raising excitement about the potential revival of the Dakota nameplate.

With a starting MSRP below $24,000, the 2024 Ford Maverick is the most budget-friendly truck available today

EV startup Alpha Motors Inc., currently in the testing phase of its prototype Wolf series compact pickups, is showing some great promise for people wanting to travel back to the size and styling cues of the '80s without giving up modern technology. The Alpha Wolf will be a ground-breaking truck within the industry; the Wolf will be one of the first compact all-electric trucks to hit the market.

Add TopSpeed to your Google News feed.

Google News

The Alpha Wolf will come from the factory with the choice of one or two electric motors for 2024, giving you either a rear-wheel drive compact pickup or an all-out four-wheel drive that can tear up some off-road trails of your choosing. Either way, the Alpha Wolf is low-geared, making it perfect for driving in off-the-beaten-path locations.

Horsepower

402 horsepower

Torque

516 pound-feet

Curb Weight

3,788 pounds

0-60 MPH

6.2 seconds

Top Speed

125 MPH

The towing capacity for the small truck is only rated to a maximum of 3,000 pounds, but considering the fact that it is a compact electric truck, it cannot be expected to tow a loaded-down dump trailer with a Bobcat. The estimated range for the Wolf will be around 275 miles or so, and it will offer a fast charging option for those who do not have the time or patience to wait overnight for the battery to come to a full charge.

The release date for the Alpha Wolf is unclear. A statement released to the press in December 2023 stated that the company received a patent allowance for certain parts of its truck. The release revealed that the Wolf is still in its testing and refinement phase. Though the company hasn't released information on the vehicle's availability to the public, you can reserve a unit of the Wolf via Alpha Motors' website.

For now, the Chevrolet Montana is only available in South American markets, but as the popularity of compact trucks continues to grow, General Motors will eventually have to throw its hat into the ring. Since they already have a small truck in production, it would be a little bit crazy on their part to design and build a completely new one for the North American markets. Granted, Chevy may change the name since there was a Pontiac Minivan around from 1997 to 2009.

The current South American Montana is built for fuel efficiency. Therefore, it does not have the power that the Ford Maverick has, nor does it have as much towing and hauling capacity. But that is not what the Montana is all about. According to the figures from the manufacturer, the Montana can get up to 40 MPG on the highway, but until the truck comes to the States, the EPA does not need to verify the numbers.

Horsepower

133 horsepower

Torque

155 pound-feet

Curb Weight

2,888 pounds

0-60 MPH

NA

Top Speed

NA

Under the hood of the Chevy Montana, you will find a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine that can push out up to 133 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. This inline-three cylinder engine is mated to the front drive tires (front-wheel drive pickup) by a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. As you would expect, the interior is loaded with modern tech and safety features, as well as Wi-Fi and OnStar services.

Several factors may prevent or delay the Montana's U.S. premiere. However, there is cause for optimism. The Montana arrived in Mexico in August 2023, which is as close as you can get to the United States from the south. Though Chevrolet hasn't announced anything regarding the Montana's arrival in the U.S., we might see the compact truck on our roads soon.

It was mentioned earlier that the Alpha Wolf was one of the first all-electric compact trucks to hit the market, but in the grand scheme of things, it will be second if it comes out on time. The first EV compact truck was the Canoo Pickup, which came from another startup company based in the United States. In the first few years, the company decided to focus on selling their electric trucks and vans to fleet customers, such as Walmart and NASA, but if you check their website, you will see that they are taking orders from the public now.

One of the unique design characteristics of this compact truck is its interior. Once you get settled into the seat, you will look forward to an empty space because the Canoo has no dashboard. Everything runs through the central computer system, so the controls and gauges go through the main information center.

Horsepower

300 horsepower

Torque

332 pound-feet

Curb Weight

4,453 pounds

0-60 MPH

6.3 seconds

Top Speed

125 MPH

The drivetrain will be the choice of a rear or all-wheel drive, depending on whether you want a pickup with one or two motors installed. Obviously, with two motors, the truck will have more power. Currently, the Canoo van uses the same power setup. With one motor you will push about 300 horsepower, and with dual motors, you will be able to get up to about 500 horsepower. Not the powerhouse that the big full-size trucks offer, but when you opt for a smaller truck, power, and torque are not primarily what you are looking for.

Canoo has struggled since 2021, when it was valued at a staggering $5 billion. However, there are signs of hope for the startup as it has started delivering vans to fleet buyers like Walmart in November 2023. The company hasn't begun pickup deliveries, despite investing money in developing new truck variants, including the 'American Bulldog', which broke cover in November 2023. Nevertheless, Canoo assured the public that pickup truck variants still form part of its product plan.

The compact pickup powerhouse, that is set to soon reshape South America's truck scene

The word is that Kia is working on a mid-sized truck in Australia to take on the Ford Ranger and the Ford Ranger Raptor, but this year it will not be released in the States. It is a shame, but the Mohave will have to be left to the people of Australia for now while Kia considers whether they want to jump into the compact truck ring while it is hot.

The truth is that Kia already has a compact foundation that they could use for the truck if they decide to do so. The Kia Sportage, as you may know, is one of the most dependable SUVs on the market when it comes to the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It would be easy enough to take the current Australian Mohave SUV, use the Sportage foundation, and make a compact truck that would literally take the industry by storm.

Horsepower

187 horsepower

Torque

178 pound-feet

Curb Weight

3,543 pounds

0-60 MPH

9.3 seconds

Top Speed

130 MPH

That may not be something that happens within the next couple of years, though, because Kia has their hands full gearing up for the 2025 debut of the Kia Tasman. Kia's upcoming mid-size offering is set to rival the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux in Australia. For now, Kia may stay out of the compact truck segment, but keep a watchful eye on them because it would not take much effort for them to surprise the entire world with a knockout punch to the rest of the players within the compact truck industry.

Another possible, but not confirmed, compact truck that may be introduced to the American marketplace will be the Nissan Surf Out. The executives at Nissan have not verified that a compact truck is in the works, but for a few years now, they have been considering an EV compact truck to add to their lineup of pickups. The concept truck that Nissan showed to the world in 2021 was an off-road compact truck that they named the Nissan Surf Out, so the design and technology are there, and it is ready to go.

Nissan, collaborating with Mitsubishi, plans to usher in a new era of innovation, style, and efficiency, with Nissan's Ambition 2030 plan calling for 19 new EVs by 2030. This could have been expedited by the collaborative efforts of Fisker, who was in talks with Nissan about potential funding - which would have led to some innovative joint efforts in Nissan's factory. However, a deal was not made, and the entire Nissan-Fisker venture is reportedly dead.

Horsepower

201 horsepower

Torque

NA

Curb Weight

3,741 pounds

0-60 MPH

8.5 seconds

Top Speed

116 MPH

Since the Surf Out is only a concept truck, there are no figures on the type of drivetrain that would be used. Other than that, it would be all-electric. You would likely have the choice of one motor for a rear-wheel drive truck, or a dual-motor setup to offer you an all-wheel drive pickup. Since the pickup is designed for off-road driving, it is safe to say that it would also have an upgraded suspension system.

The latest Hyundai Santa Cruz has not only gained some reputable commendations, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick, it also offers America's best warranty. The ability and size of the Santa Cruz are definitely its glaring qualities, as it boasts respectable fuel economy, ample power for its small stature, and numerous ways to utilize the available space, both inside and out. Simply put, the Santa Cruz is a top choice for hobbyists who favor a bit of economy over raw pickup power.

The 2024 Santa Cruz offers itself with either a turbo or non-turbo 2.5-liter inline-four. The non-turbo example produces 191 horses and 181 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo unit makes 281 horses and 311 pound-feet of torque. With HTRAC AWD available, the Santa Crus can be equipped to handle a wider array of terrains and environments, which only adds to its already capable suite.

Horsepower

191-281 horsepower

Torque

181-311

Curb Weight

3,775-4,192 pounds

0-60 MPH

6.2-9.2 seconds

Top Speed

122-139 MPH

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at 26,900 for the base SE model, while the range-topping Limited trim starts at $41,320. The top trims include more amenities and features than the base model, as expected, though there aren't many available options to elevate the base model's experience. So, those looking to keep the price tag manageable while also enjoying more modern comforts will have to spring for the next step-up in trims, the SEL, which features an Activity Package that includes a wireless charger, larger interior screens, and more.

As the demand for small trucks continues to grow, a select group of individuals is embracing a very different type of pickup, the Japanese Kei Trucks

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is another contender for the small truck spotlight, as it has struck a chord with adventure enthusiasts and those who favor Honda's solid engineering as well as a bit of extra utility in a daily driver. While now riding on the larger Honda Odyssey minivan underpinnings, the Ridgeline has long been in contention with the compact pickup giants, which include the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and a few of the previously mentioned models on this list.

The lone powertrain option, a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, motivates all 2024 Ridgelines. Its modest power and composed road manners pair well with the added utility of a pickup, making for a unique combination of work, hobby, and commuting viability. That said, unlike some of the more off-road-focused models mentioned, the Ridgeline is most at home on the road, though it doesn't mind the occasional trail hiking. The TrailSport trim adds a few off-roading features, including beefier tires and more underbody protection, though the humble Ridgeline is suited, at best, for light off-roading.

Horsepower

280 horsepower

Torque

262 pound-feet

Curb Weight

4,420 pounds

0-60 MPH

6.0 seconds

Top Speed

111 MPH

The cabin is a welcome sight, featuring quality materials and comfortable seating. The Ridgeline also squeezes more passenger space out than most in its class, which is a key aspect for those who have families. The tech is contemporary and the standard safety and driver assist suite, Honda Sensing, is up-to-date. And while nothing in the cabin is breathtaking, the appearance, feel, and design application are tasteful and modern. If you really want bells and whistles, the higher trims include premium leather and a premium sound system.

While not often considered "compact", the fact is that pickups are getting bigger. This fact is observed in many models that were once smaller, including the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and yes, the Jeep Gladiator. Often mentioned in both the compact and mid-size pickup conversation, the Gladiator is a special blend of classic Jeep looks and capability, with a touch of pickup attitude.

To say the Gladiator is capable would be to state the obvious, though the 2024 model offers some of the most advanced tech, most capable mechanics, and the toughest components available. This makes it more than just a small pickup. To add to that sentiment, Jeep offers the Gladiator in numerous trims, including the Mojave, Rubicon, and a few tough-terrain-rated models, which feature varying degrees of tuning and component combinations to achieve noteworthy results in varying conditions.

Horsepower

285 horsepower

Torque

260 pound-feet

Curb Weight

4,640-5,009 pounds

0-60 MPH

7.2 seconds

Top Speed

97 MPH

The standard 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 mill is found under the hood of all 2024 Gladiators. Standard four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission are par for the course when it comes to capable off-roaders, though an eight-speed automatic transmission is available. The true differences reside in the axles and suspension components, which vary between trims. The standard includes heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles, a disconnecting front axle, and heavy-duty shock absorbers. The Rubicon X features heavy-duty Dana 44 Wide front and rear axles, and Tru-Lok front and rear axles, to name a few of its specs.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Your comment has not been saved

The one thing still missing for small trucks is a 6 foot bad, which really matters. I don't need 4 doors (I've owned 3 extra cab Tacomas) but I need a 6 foot bed for hauling lumber and sleeping in the back (I'm 6 feet tall). Four door trucks with mini-beds are popular ONLY because there is nothing else available.

With strong demand for the Ford Maverick, the case for Toyota's very own compact pickup is now stronger than ever, and here's what you need to know

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid holds a reputation for affordability and high efficiency, so let's see how much a three-year old model is worth today.

Toyota hybrid vehicles can offer tremendous value, and here are 10 models you should consider buying used.

Solid-state batteries are the hottest thing in EVs, and here's how the SSBs from two different companies stack up against each other.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a practical, budget-friendly compact car that offers high fuel economy, but one hybrid sedan is outselling it.

With vehicle reliability being a usual concern, see which turbo SUVs won't leave you stranded.