5 Nicest-Looking Small Trucks That Fit Your Budget

Small trucks have become the vehicle of choice for many buyers because of their versatility, seating capacity, and affordability. Most midsize or compact pickups today are equipped with adequately powerful engines, roomy cabs, and safety features that can rival their full-size counterparts. We’ve compiled a list of (relatively) cheap small trucks that deliver on quality and performance.

2021 Ford Ranger

MSRP Base Range: $24,820 – $33,785

There are several reasons why the Ford Ranger has remained an iconic pick in the midsize pickup category. It’s versatile, powerful, and affordable. The 2021 Ford Ranger delivers the same value as previous generations but offers additional performance boosts with its Tremor Off-Road package, which takes the Ranger’s all-terrain capabilities to the next level. From its dynamic twin power dome hood down to its high wheel arches, the 2021 Ranger is a pickup built for adventure. You can comfortably pack up to four people in it and up to five people with the SuperCrew model. Under the hood, there is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine capable of reaching 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The Ranger’s incredible horsepower and torque enable it to tow 3,000 to 3,500 kg. The Ranger’s handling is a little stiff, however, which can sometimes feel sluggish and unresponsive. You can still improve the Ranger’s ride quality by replacing its steering and suspension components with aftermarket performance parts from CarParts.com.

Browse our wide 2021 Ford Ranger catalog for OE-grade parts and accessories and shop now!

2019 Honda Ridgeline

MSRP Base Range: $28,675 – $40,500

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline drives like no other. Its superb ride quality, versatile cargo storage, and upscale interiors make it one of the best pickup trucks in its segment. Despite its limited off-road capability, the Ridgeline’s fully independent rear suspension performs well on washboard dirt roads and delivers a more stable driving experience. The stout V6 engine allows the Ridgeline to reach 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. It’s not bad considering the Ridgeline’s consistent performance in various driving situations. Thanks to its advanced traction management system, the Ridgeline can adjust to different road conditions with the push of a button.

Honda fans may notice a similarity in design between the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot because of the former’s curved headlight and grille assembly. On the front end, the large Honda emblem conceals the sensors for the vehicle’s cruise control and lane keep assist systems. The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is available in six trim levels: the RT, Sport, RTL, RTL-T, RTLE, and the Black Edition. All trims are equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. If you want more safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, consider buying the RTL-E. Some of its functional upgrades include a sunroof, LED headlights, driver-seat memory settings, a heated steering wheel, a power-sliding rear window, parking sensors, and LED cargo lights. It’s simply the best version of the Ridgeline.

Want to make your ride more unique? You can customize your 2019 Honda Ridgeline with genuine aftermarket parts and accessories from CarParts.com.

2019 GMC Canyon

MSRP Base Range: $20,275 – $40,075

The 2019 GMC Canyon is a well-rounded pickup truck that offers a smooth ride and superior towing capability of 3,500 kg with an upgraded turbo diesel engine. Manufactured by General Motors, the Canyon shares a similar engine lineup and cargo capacity with its sister truck, the Chevrolet Colorado. The only noticeable difference between the two is the styling. The Canyon looks more like a traditional truck than the Colorado. Its blocky build, chrome accents, and sculpted body lines give the Canyon its high-end appearance. You can choose from five different trim levels: SL, Canyon, SLE, SLT, and Denali.

For maximum comfort, we suggest going for the Denali trim, with its upgraded interiors, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and seven-speaker Bose premium stereo. A fully-upgraded Denali with a 3.6-liter V-6 boasts better steering and braking compared to other midsize rivals. Reviewers all across the board love the Canyon’s confident handling when cornering. If you love the ruggedness of a true GMC truck and the creature comforts of a luxury-class vehicle, the 2019 GMC Canyon is an excellent option for you. Just be sure to keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance to ensure a safe ride.

Here at CarParts.com, we offer OE-grade 2019 GMC Canyon replacement parts at competitive prices, so you can keep your truck in near showroom condition.

2018 Toyota Tacoma

MSRP Base Range: $25,300 – $44,050

At one point, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma was at the top of people’s lists as the best compact/midsize pickup truck. Can it still compete with new releases in 2021? We certainly think so! The Tacoma has always been a reliable off-road and utility vehicle, with an impressive storage capacity and family-friendly features. The 2018 model continues the Tacoma’s legacy with six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. Starting with the base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the entry-level SR offers two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive as well as an extendable cab. This trim includes a sliding rear window, sturdy composite bed, and a backup camera attached to the tailgate release handle while the inside comes with all modern conveniences that shoppers have come to expect from a high-end Toyota pickup. If you’re looking for a tougher crew cab with more off-road capability, the 4WD TRD Off-Road should be high on your list. It borrows a lot from the TRD Sport, namely the 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed manual transmission. The result is an enjoyable driving experience on and off the road.

Taking your truck out on the trail can wear out its components over time. Fortunately, CarParts.com has an extensive 2018 Toyota Tacoma parts catalog that includes, so you can replace your faulty or worn-out parts anytime.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado

MSRP Base Range: $25,200 – $44,200

If you’re looking for a compact truck that can do it all, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is the perfect choice. It has excellent steering and handling, intuitive cabin controls, and the highest towing capacity of any truck in its class. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine is somewhat lacking in power, but the available 3.6-liter V6 and the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engines can turn the Colorado into a workhorse capable of towing nearly 3,500 kg. Like the GMC Canyon, the Colorado has no problems navigating curvy roads due to its fine suspension tuning. There’s no alternative for a true off-roader like the 4WD ZR2. This trim is equipped with a V6 engine, raised suspensions, 17-inch all-terrain tires, fender flares, front winch provisions, and rear recovery points. Inside the cabin, there’s plenty of legroom and storage. The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado may not be the cheapest truck in this list, but the build quality more than makes up for it.

Getting a high-performance truck shouldn’t burn a hole in your pockets. These are just some of the more affordable but nicest-looking small trucks to buy this 2021.

Get a Compatible Shock Absorber or Strut Assembly for Your Truck

Your truck often damages or wears out its shocks or struts, especially if you take it off-road. Suspension problems make driving unpleasant and are costly to repair, so it’s best to get compatible parts immediately. Good news–CarParts.com makes it easy to find a replacement shock absorber or strut assembly that fits your truck.

CarParts.com gives accurate and extensive information on parts fitment for our shock absorbers and strut assemblies. You can set the vehicle selector to find parts according to year, make, model, and engine. The search results will show the most compatible products in our extensive catalog of parts and accessories, and ordering one of those parts takes only a few clicks. Customers in the continental US who place their order by 12 p.m. ET. can also get their new shock absorbers or strut assemblies in only a few business days.

Whether you need shocks or struts, CarParts.com has your back. Don’t miss out on the best deals on shock absorbers and strut assemblies, and order what you need today!