While the allure of a V6 or V8-powered pickup is undeniable, these engines often represent overkill for many consumers. Smaller, four-cylinder engines provide adequate power and superior fuel economy, and when equipped with turbocharging, can even match the acceleration of a V6. Although most four-cylinder pickup trucks are compact, a few full-size models are available with this engine type.
This article explores the best 4-cylinder pickup trucks for the 2025 model year. Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors.
1. Hyundai Santa Cruz
- BuzzScore: 7.8/10
- Base MSRP: $28,650
- Engine: 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo
- Horsepower: 191 hp (2.5L) | 281 hp (2.5L Turbo)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz, one of only two compact pickup trucks available in America, has driving dynamics reminiscent of a car and boasts a comfortable, high-tech interior. Its bed may not be the largest, but it skillfully bridges the gap between a compact crossover and a full-sized truck.
The Santa Cruz offers two four-cylinder engine options:
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder: 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque
- 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque
As the numbers show, the turbocharged engine delivers far better performance. However, opting for the turbo will add cost, while the base non-turbo Santa Cruz starts at just $28,650. We test-drove the XRT trim, which comes with the turbo engine and Hyundai’s impressive all-wheel-drive system. While it may not be a mini Ranger Raptor and could use better ground clearance, it’s still capable in slippery conditions. The turbocharged engine provides abundant power coupled with swift and seamless gear shifts – not quite sports car quick, but enough to enjoy and merge onto a fast-moving highway or navigate gaps in traffic with ease.
– Ian Wright, CarBuzz
2. Ford Maverick
- BuzzScore: 7.4/10
- Base MSRP: $26,550
- Engine: 2.5L I4 Hybrid | 2.0L Turbo I4
- Horsepower: 191 hp combined (2.5L Hybrid) | 238 hp (2.0L)
A direct competitor to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Ford Maverick also provides a choice of two four-cylinder engines, including a hybrid. This hybrid powertrain offers the best fuel efficiency among all pickup trucks, with a combined rating of 37 mpg. Furthermore, the base 2025 Maverick starts under $27,000, making it the cheapest new pickup available in America.
For drivers who prioritize performance over gas mileage, a potent 238-horsepower turbo engine is also available. Engine options include:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid: 191 horsepower combined
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: 238 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque
The Maverick presents a more traditional pickup truck appearance than the Santa Cruz, but both feature a unibody design. This design makes them easier to drive but less capable than body-on-frame pickups. The Ford Maverick’s straightforward interior controls and larger bed capacity (compared to the Hyundai) also appeal to many truck enthusiasts.
Because it’s built on a unibody design shared with the Escape and Bronco Sport, the Maverick drives more like an SUV than a truck. Traditional truck buyers may criticize the unibody construction, claiming the Maverick isn’t a “real truck,” but buyers who don’t plan to tow large boats or haul heavy materials will enjoy the Maverick’s car-like driving manners.
– Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
Other Four-Cylinder Pickups
Several other pickups feature four-cylinder engines, spanning the mid- and full-size segments. These 2025 models will be added to this list once their full ratings become available:
- Toyota Tacoma
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Canyon
- Ford Ranger
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Ford
What To Consider When Buying A 4-Cylinder Pickup Truck
If you’re considering a 4-cylinder truck purchase, here’s what to consider:
Pros
- Less expensive to buy
- Turbocharged engines deliver V6-like power
- Better fuel economy
- Smooth operation due to balanced firing order
- Less harmful to the environment
- Hybridized four-cylinder truck options
Cons
- 4-cylinder trucks are usually base models with fewer features
- May not tow or haul as much as a V6 or V8
- Usually standard on smaller trucks, resulting in less cargo space
- Only one manual pickup is left in America
Sources: Ford, Hyundai
