Six Compact Pickup Trucks That Could Disrupt the Market

Compact Pickup Trucks: The Next Big Thing?

Compact pickup trucks are a rare breed in North America, where mid- and full-size offerings dominate. However, the success of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick suggests a shift is underway, with more brands potentially jumping into the fray. Here are six models that could soon challenge the established players:

Current Market Leaders

• 2025 Ford Maverick
  • Base MSRP: $26,550
  • Engine: 2.5-liter hybrid inline-4
  • Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Horsepower: 191 hp @ 5,600 rpm
  • Torque: 155 lb-ft (ICE only)

• 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
  • Base MSRP: $28,650
  • Engine: 2.5-liter Inline-4
  • Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
  • Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
  • Horsepower: 191 hp
  • Torque: 181 lb-ft

This article explores compact pickup trucks poised to challenge the current market leaders, the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Some models already exist, while others are still in the rumor or concept stage. These six trucks represent potential competitors.

Contenders Ready to Rumble

1. Chevrolet Montana

   • Engine: 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-three
   • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
   • Power: 132 horsepower
   • Torque: 140 lb-ft

   This contender is already in the market but only in Brazil. With current exchange rates, the Montana could be priced around $23,800, making it cheaper than either the Ford or Hyundai. While the three-cylinder engine delivers just 132 horsepower, the Montana’s city-centric design may find a niche for delivery routes.

2. Alpha Wolf

   • Motor: Single electric motor
   • Range: 250 to 350 miles
   • Power: 134 to 201 horsepower (peak), 100 horsepower (continuous)
   • Torque: 258 lb-ft (peak), 118 lb-ft (continuous)

   With electric power and a retro design, the Alpha Wolf stands out. The Wolf Motor Inc. website indicates that mass production is in the works. Powered by a single electric motor, the Alpha Wolf could reach 350 miles of range, 201 horsepower at its peak, and 258 lb-ft of torque. If the Wolf can achieve these numbers, the $36,000 starting price could make it a winner against gas/hybrid counterparts.

3. Ram Rampage

   • Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
   • Transmission: 9-speed automatic
   • Power: 268 horsepower
   • Torque: 295 lb-ft

   Like the Chevy Montana, the Ram Rampage is currently only sold in Brazil. However, the Rampage boasts a robust 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Montana. This output exceeds even the more powerful EcoBoost version of the 2025 Ford Maverick. The Rampage could be a strong contender in the compact pickup truck market.

Potential Future Models

1. Toyota Stout
   • Engine: 2.0 or 2.5-liter inline-four
   • Transmission: 8-speed automatic or CVT
   • Power: 200 to 250 horsepower
   • Torque: 140 to 185 lb-ft

The revival of the Toyota Stout has been speculated for some time. Toyota’s current lineup lacks a compact pickup offering, and the Stout would fill this gap perfectly. Possible powertrains may include inline-fours like the 2025 Toyota RAV4, with both hybrid and non-hybrid options. Toyota South Africa’s Leon Theron hinted at a small truck in the LCV (light commercial vehicle) segment in the next few years.

1. Possible Nissan Compact Pickup Truck Revival
   • Motor: Single electric motor
   • Range: 149 to 212 miles
   • Power: 147 to 214 horsepower
   • Torque: 236 to 250 lb-ft

While no new small trucks are on the horizon from Nissan, the brand had a successful past in the compact truck market. In 2021, Nissan revealed the Surf Out concept, featuring futuristic styling and electric power. The current 2025 Nissan Leaf’s motor could potentially power such a model. An all-electric compact pickup could be an intriguing alternative if priced competitively.

1. Possible Kia Compact Pickup Truck
   • Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four (estimated)
   • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
   • Power: 191 horsepower
   • Torque: 181 lb-ft

Although the image provided features the mid-size Kia Tasman, Kia could enter the compact truck market with its own offering. Kia could potentially borrow the Santa Cruz’s platform and powertrains to speed up the process. The success of the Tasman could inspire a compact model from the Korean automaker.