At Jarret Scott, we know power and performance. And we also know that the perfect truck for you will meet your needs without incurring unnecessary costs! Truck segments help you narrow down your options by hinting at each model’s price, size, and capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- For a fuel-efficient take on trucking, check out compact trucks like the Ford Maverick!
- Midsize trucks offer a smaller footprint for drivers who don’t require the capabilities of a bigger, more expensive pickup.
- Full-size trucks are popular for their incredible muscle, versatility, and cutting-edge features.
- Heavy-duty trucks are meant for drivers who require maximum towing and hauling capabilities!
Compact Trucks
Compact trucks are a relatively new economy option, with low starting prices and a thrifty performance. Right now, the Ford Maverick is technically the entire compact truck segment. The Santa Cruz, an SUV-style vehicle with a small truck bed, is also a great option. (Hyundai says it’s not a truck, but rather an “adventure vehicle.”)
Although they’re smaller than other models, these trucks are tough. Every Ford Maverick can haul max payloads of 1,500 pounds. Hybrid Mavericks can tow up to 2,000 pounds, and models with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine can tow up to 4,000 pounds.
If you install an aftermarket trailer brake controller to the Santa Cruz, it can tow max loads of 5,000 pounds. Otherwise, Hyundai’s adventure vehicle can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Payloads max out at 1,411 pounds.
Unlike most other trucks (excluding the midsize Honda Ridgeline), compact models feature a unibody design. This makes them easy to handle in a tight spot, if not quite as capable on the trail. Instead of rear-wheel drive or true four-wheel drive, compact trucks are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Midsize Trucks
Midsize trucks are significantly stronger than compact pickups, but they’re also more expensive. Whereas the 2024 Ford Maverick starts at $23,815, the 2024 Ford Ranger starts at $32,670. But you get what you pay for! For midsize trucks, max tow ratings can reach 7,500 pounds or more, depending on model, body style, and equipment. Max payloads may reach an estimated 1,600 pounds.
Midsize pickups are a great choice for drivers who want a truly rugged performance but, at the same time, don’t need the extra muscle of a more expensive full-size truck. You can equip midsize trucks — including the Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma — with genuine four-wheel drive (except for the Honda Ridgeline, a unibody truck that offers front- or all-wheel drive), along with trail-friendly upgrades like off-road shocks and all-terrain tires.
Full-Size Trucks
The full-size truck segment is very popular. Not only are these trucks bigger and more powerful than the aforementioned models, they’re also more versatile. For example, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 are both available with three cabin options and three bed sizes. Each truck’s list of trim models include a basic work truck, off-road-ready options, and loaded luxury models. Full-size trucks also tend to be available with an impressive list of powertrain options, allowing drivers to prioritize anything from fuel economy to top-tier towing performance.
As you probably guessed, full-size trucks continue the trend of delivering both a stronger performance and weightier price tags. America’s best selling truck, the F-150, currently starts at $36,570. Properly equipped, the F-150 can tow best-in-class loads of up to 13,500 pounds and max payloads of 2,445 pounds.
Heavy-Duty Trucks
When it comes to towing and hauling, heavy-duty trucks are a few cuts above the rest! These pickups typically offer your choice of a strong gas- or diesel-powered V8 engine. To take towing to the next level, heavy-duty trucks are available with dual rear wheels and setups for a gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing.
Typically, heavy-duty trucks are available with different weight ratings that signify increasing strength. As you move up the list of Ford Super Duty trucks — the F-250, F-350 and F-450 — you’ll enjoy greater towing capabilities, which max out at 40,000 pounds. Depending on equipment, the Super Duty can haul payloads of up to 8,000 pounds!
Your New Truck
As you can see, there are quite a few ways to truck around town. Whether you’re on a budget or in need of heavy-duty muscle — or anything in between — there’s a truck that’s perfectly suited for your needs!