Nearly the entire class of compact pickups is new. Nissan, Dodge, Chevrolet and GMC all have new models, redesigned from the ground up. (Only the aging Ford Ranger remains from the old school, competing almost entirely on price.) This newest generation of trucks is no longer compact, and many manufacturers now consider them midsize.

Their increased size brings roomier cabs, improved ride quality and increased stability. But manufacturers have gone well beyond that. More power and increased refinement are now part of the picture as well. All of them are available in the increasingly popular crew cab configuration, and their larger size makes this a more compelling choice; the newest crew cab models are practical alternatives to a sedan, something that wasn't really true with the previous generation of compact pickups. These trucks still offer more maneuverability than a full-size pickup, while providing serious hauling and towing utility.