We’ve all seen people who spend tons on full-size pickups that they’ll only use to go to their desk jobs, grocery stores, and gyms. But, hey, whose business is it what others do with their money? “No one’s” — that’s who. If you’ve always wanted a truck but can’t really justify getting a vehicle loan for such a behemoth, consider these 15 trucks for people who don’t need them.
Honda Ridgeline
Are you looking for a truck that rides more like a passenger car than a traditional pickup? If so, consider the Honda Ridgeline. A Car and Driver reviewer says the Ridgeline is “a pleasant midpoint between a useful work tool and weekend toy schlepper.” You’ll get a truck with a car-like ride and a decent-sized truck bed.
Subaru Baja
While the Subaru Baja has been discontinued for a long time, it is still available on the used vehicle market. The Baja is a four-door, four-passenger, AWD vehicle that Subaru manufactured for the 2003 to 2006 model years. Its small truck bed adds some versatility.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Another car-like truck is the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The ride and handling are more car-like than truck-like. While the bed size isn’t much to write home about, it’s a bed nonetheless. And, let’s face it, the bed size is enough for most. It’s a good option if you want a truck but don’t need one.
Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a truck, but it’s small enough for non-truck people. According to Edmunds, the Ford Maverick isn’t a car masquerading as a truck. It’s a truck designed to do truckish things. But it’s not a cumbersome beast like many full-size trucks. For the 2024 model year, the Ford Maverick offers a payload capacity of 1,500 lbs.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a great option for Jeep Wrangler fans who want more cargo space. For the 2024 model year, the vehicle maker offers different engines. You can get a 3.6-liter V6 with an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual tranny. It’s also available with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 paired with an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic tranny. The Jeep Gladiator is a Jeep with a tuck bed, and it could be a good option for people who want — but don’t need — a truck.
Rivian R1T
EV maker Rivian has a lineup of just two vehicles, but Consumer Reports says the company has the happiest vehicle owners out of any vehicle company. The pickup has comfortable seats, plenty of room, and many innovative features. Its ride and handling are more car-like than truck-like.
Ford Ranger
Do you want a truck that isn’t a chore to use as a daily driver? If so, consider the Ford Ranger. For the 2024 model year, it comes with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder or 4.0-liter V6 engine. Offering a towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs, the Ford Ranger is no slouch.
Nissan Frontier
Autoblog says the Nissan Frontier has good handling for a pickup truck. Since it’s a mid-sized truck, you can use it more easily for everyday tasks. It won’t be a chore to park when going to a grocery store or back into your garage at home.
Toyota Tacoma
Handling is something non-truck people consider when buying a truck. Edmunds says the 2024 Toyota Tacoma has “light and accurate” steering. It’s sort of the Swiss Army knife of trucks, and packs enough features and capabilities to meet the needs of many buyers.
GMC Canyon
The 2024 GMC Canyon is described as easy to drive — which is a must for people who want a truck but don’t need one. It’s also available in off-road trims should you want that option…just in case. Car and Driver calls it “a compelling mid-size truck.”
Chevrolet Colorado
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado’s “ride quality is comfortable on most road surfaces,” says U.S. News & World Report. The reviewer says it offers great tow ratings, rugged off-road trims, and pleasant handling.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ford manufactured the Ford Explorer Sport Trac for the 2001 to 2010 model years — though there was no 2006 model year. It was the first mid-sized pickup truck made by the company. With four doors, room for five passengers, and secure and responsive handling, the vehicle is an option for people who want but don’t need a truck. It’s an interesting SUV-truck hybrid.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning is a full-size electric pick-up truck. But the EV offers a more refined ride than many full-size internal combustion engine trucks. Tom’s Guide writes that the EV “drives smoothly.” If you’ve never driven an EV truck, consider taking one on a test drive.
Chevrolet SSR (Super Sport Roadster)
Another vehicle that belongs on this list is the Chevrolet SSR. Its production run was so short you might have missed it. Chevrolet made it from 2003 to 2006. The Chevrolet SSR is a pickup truck and a retractable hardtop convertible.
Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota pickup, referred to as the Ram Dakota near the end of its production run, was available for the 1987 to 2011 model years. It’s a mid-size pickup that might be the right size if you don’t need a truck. You can find them inexpensively on the used vehicle market.
Many People With Big Trucks Know They Don’t Need Them
People have the right to buy whatever vehicle they want — even if it’s a full-size truck with towing, payload, and other specs they won’t ever use. However, considering that trucks tend to cost more than cars, it makes sense to think long and hard before buying a behemoth of a vehicle.
Consider These 15 Trucks for People Who Don’t Really Need Them
If you want a truck while knowing you don’t need one, consider the 15 options on this list. They can give you the handling and ride quality you want and some truck capabilities.
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