Best Used Small Pickup Trucks

A compact pickup truck can be a great vehicle to split between work and fun. Their smaller frames are easier to move around city parking lots, and you can often expect the same features and dependability as you would from a full-size or midsize pickup. Considering the strength you need from a truck, a used compact option may be the right fit — especially if you’re looking for low-cost opportunities. 

So how do you pick the right one? Let our experts at #1 Cochran help narrow down your options with a list of the best, most reliable used small pickup trucks.

What Are the Best Used Small Pickup Trucks?

After a year, the average vehicle loses about a quarter of its sale value. If you look at recently made pre-owned vehicles, you will see many that have nearly the same features at a much more affordable price. However, some options end up lasting longer and requiring less maintenance as they get older. When picking a used GMC or Chevy, try selecting a small used pickup with the following features:

• Advanced safety features included standard.
• High horsepower engine and towing capacity.
• Multiple bed and cab body sizes.
• A stylish exterior design and multiple interesting trim levels.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado

Image via Flickr by motorblog

The Colorado has proven to be one of the most reliable small pickups. Alongside slight improvements to the crash protection features, the 2017 Colorado’s 3.6-liter V-6 engine has been optimized for new fuel economy numbers: 22 city mpg and 30 highway mpg. There’s also a new eight-speed automatic transmission for a smoother driving experience. The trailer brake controller is available as an option on the V-6 engine as well. The car’s Teen Driver mode included standard on all trims allows parents to monitor their kid’s driving speed, distance traveled, and the engagement of any active safety features.

The 2017 Colorado’s front cloth seats also gained heating functions, and many models come with the Chevy MyLink 7-inch touch screen, making for a great infotainment system. Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 pounds to 7,700 pounds, and bed length ranges from 61.2 inches to 74.4 inches.

2021 GMC Canyon

You’ll get a fantastic package on any GMC Canyon, but the 2021 model got some notable changes that increased its value. Updates from previous models include chrome assist steps, open-pore ash wood trim on the interior, heated and ventilated seats, and new 20-inch alloy wheels. Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 lbs to 7,000 lbs and bed length ranges from 61.7 inches to 74.4 inches.

Among several model name changes, the Canyon also gained a new AT4 trim, which replaces the All Terrain X and provides the most luxurious off-roading experience in a midsize truck. This version rides on 31-inch off-road tires and a customized suspension, and it adds a locking rear differential, larger grille, dark chrome accents, and red recovery hooks.

Whether you opt for the regular extended cab or four-door crew cab body styles, GMC offers a good set of diverse trim levels and powerful engines. The AT4 and Denali can be fitted with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, sporting 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. You can also find trims with a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel with 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The more common, standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine also gets 181 horsepower, plus 191 pound-feet of torque.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado

While the 2017 edition of the Colorado remains great, the 2019 upgrade marks the entry of the new Chevy infotainment system. By 2019, the Colorado also had the Active Tow assist feature carried over from the 2018 edition and a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels. The 2019 version also gets a standard six-way power driver seat, heated setting wheel, rear parking sensors, Type A and C USB ports, an in-cabin passenger microphone, and an available HD rear-vision camera. Just like in prior years, towing capacity is 3,500 to 7,000 pounds and the max bed length is 74.4 inches.

2017 Toyota Tacoma

Although the 2016 model sparked an entirely new generation, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma has more models in the market and a few interesting additions. It includes a new TRD Pro trim level to support off-roading with features like off-road suspension, a 1-inch raise, and aluminum front skid plates, plus distinctive interior and exterior details.

The Tacoma can’t quite match the features inside a Chevy or GMC, but it’s still a great offer. A 6.1-inch touchscreen is standard on the SR trim, while higher levels have an available navigation system, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. Qi wireless charging, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert are also options in higher trims. Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 pounds to 6,400 pounds, and bed lengths range from 60.5 inches to 73.7 inches.

2017 GMC Canyon

The 2017 GMC Canyon lets you save more money on a luxury model. Much like the 2021 edition, you’ll get a choice of three powerful engines, the best towing capability in its class, smooth handling, and a comfortable ride. The Canyon features a better cabin than the usual compact car at the starting trim level, to say nothing of the top-class Denali. Very similar to the 2021 model, you can expect a towing capacity range of 3,500 to 7,000 pounds and a maximum bed length of 74.4 inches.

The infotainment system is intuitive to operate and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2018 edition of the Canyon made the infotainment system standard across the board, so if you prefer to save money on a more analog vehicle, keep an eye out for the 2017 Canyon’s no-touch-screen version.

#1 Cochran has a diverse used truck inventory you need to find a preferred make and model. We especially recommend any of our available Chevy and GMC pickup trucks, whether you’re after something compact, full-size, or super-duty. Browse our pre-owned inventory today to see the complete range of trucks on sale. You might also find a fitting deal with one of our certified pre-owned trucks.

We make it easy to find the most reliable used small truck for your needs. Contact us online for more information or call our expert sales department at 877-360-5063.