Compact versus Large Pickup Trucks

Small to Mid-size Pickups Compared with Large Full-Size Pickup Trucks

Pickup trucks fit into two categories: compact, small or mid-size and large or full-size trucks. These categories are pretty self explanitory but let Cheap-Used-Trucks.com highlight a few of the differences between the two.

Compact Trucks
You can still find four-cylinder engines and manual transmissions, but V6 engines and automatics now dominate the class, with a few models even offering V8 power. These smaller trucks are more capable than ever, but compared to full-size offerings, they still fall short in terms of towing and hauling capacities. But if your truck needs don't include 3,000-pound payloads or dragging around 4-ton trailers, compact trucks can provide a far more maneuverable and less expensive alternative.
Large Trucks
Full-size pickups more than sufficient for getting the job done. Almost all models provide 2WD and 4WD variants; regular, extended and crew cab body styles; and a range of bed lengths.

Compact Truck Models

In brief the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma offer a traditional rugged body-on-frame construction, can be driven on-road and off-road, and interior comfort. The Honda Ridgeline is best suited to paved roads. The 2009 Hummer H3T is a four-door short-bed truck based on a regular H3 SUV. The Dodge Dakota offers a full-size towing capability in a midsize package with Mitsubishi Raider being a version of the Dakota. Well known and respected the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins offer V8 for 2009. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a crew cab pickup based on the Explorer SUV. And finally the Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series providing an inexpensive off-roader.

Large Truck Models

To sum them up the Toyota Tundra offers high capacity towing capabilities, with the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 being contractor-friendly but civilised. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra twins have towing capacities in excess of 10,000 pounds on the 2009 revamps. The Nissan Titan is a brawny V8, while the Chevrolet Avalanche is a SUV feel pickup truck and the Cadillac Escalade EXT more for the luxury-minded.

Compact and Large Pickup Truck Comparison

Your truck needs and usage will help determine which type of pickup truck to buy. Keep these 4 key points in mind when making your decision.

Operating Costs:
Compact trucks are relatively fuel-efficient and cheaper to insure because of their low buy-in cost. As you add size and cylinders, expect a corresponding increase in fuel and insurance costs. Adding four-wheel drive to any truck will add to annual operating costs as well.
Towing Ability:
Compact trucks can tow between 3,000 and 7,000 pounds, depending on how they're equipped. Full-size trucks can tow as much as 12,000 pounds with certain engines and suspension configurations, although most range between 8,000- and 10,000-pound capacities.
Engine/Fuel Economy:
Compact trucks offer four-, five- and six-cylinder engines that deliver respectable mileage. Full-size trucks offer six-cylinder engines on base models, but most trucks use V8 or even V10 engines that return marginal fuel economy numbers at best. Most full-size trucks also offer diesel engines that provide plenty of towing power and better mileage.
Price:
Base model compact trucks are some of the cheapest vehicles on the market, but loaded premium models can run into the low $30Ks. Full-size trucks range from the low-$20Ks to the low $50Ks.

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