Best Compact Truck for Towing
Compact trucks have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, fuel efficiency, and ability to handle both everyday driving and tough tasks like towing.
Whether you’re looking for a truck to haul your trailer, boat, or camper, the best compact truck for towing can offer a solution that doesn’t sacrifice power for size.
In this article, we will explore some of the best compact trucks for towing in 2025 and discuss what makes them stand out in the towing category.
What to Look for in the Best Compact Truck for Towing
When choosing the best compact truck for towing, there are several factors that should be considered.
Unlike full-size trucks, compact models typically have lower towing capacities, but they still offer a great balance of power and efficiency. The key specifications to keep in mind include:
- Towing Capacity: This is the most important consideration. A truck’s towing capacity refers to the maximum weight it can safely pull. Always ensure the truck can handle the weight of your trailer, boat, or equipment, and consider future needs if your towing requirements increase.
- Engine Type and Power: Look for engines that provide adequate torque. Diesel engines, while less common in compact trucks, can offer more towing power than gasoline engines, but gasoline engines are generally more fuel-efficient.
- Payload Capacity: This refers to the truck’s ability to carry weight in the bed, which can be important when towing heavy loads. Higher payload capacity can support a larger trailer.
- Transmission and Drivetrain: Automatic transmissions with four-wheel drive (4WD) are often preferred for towing because they provide better control and traction in various driving conditions.
- Safety Features: Features such as trailer sway control, a tow-haul mode, and enhanced braking systems are essential for safe towing.
The Top Compact Trucks for Towing in 2025
Now that we understand what to look for in a best compact truck for towing, let’s explore some of the best compact trucks for towing in 2025 that combine power, efficiency, and versatility.
1. 2025 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has long been a favorite among those looking for a compact truck that can tow with ease.
In 2025, the Tacoma continues to be one of the best compact trucks for towing, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,800 pounds when properly equipped.
This makes it one of the best in its class for pulling heavy loads like trailers and boats.
Key Features:
- Towing Capacity: 6,500 pounds
- Engine Options: 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
- Drivetrain: Available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) for better towing control.
- Fuel Economy: The Tacoma’s fuel efficiency stands out in the mid-size truck category, offering up to 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
Tacoma’s off-road capabilities also make it ideal for towing on rugged terrain, while the available towing package provides integrated features like trailer sway control for added safety.
2. 2025 Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger has re-established itself as one of the best compact trucks for towing with a perfect balance of power, fuel efficiency, and modern technology.
In 2025, the Ranger offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds with its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, making it an excellent choice for those who need towing capabilities without moving to a full-size truck.
Key Features:
- Towing Capacity: 7,500 pounds
- Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifting for towing.
- Fuel Economy: 21 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, making it one of the more fuel-efficient compact trucks.
The Ford Ranger is equipped with advanced towing features such as a class IV trailer hitch receiver and an available tow package with an integrated trailer brake controller, which helps in maintaining control while towing.
3. 2025 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet’s Colorado continues to be one of the best compact trucks for towing. With its 2.7-liter engine, it delivers a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, making it a great option for people who require both a practical truck for everyday use and serious towing performance.
Key Features:
- Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds
- Engine: 2.7-liter with 310 horsepower and 4430 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth towing performance.
- Fuel Economy: 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway.
The Colorado offers a range of towing aids like trailer sway control, a heavy-duty cooling system, and an available integrated trailer brake controller.
These features, combined with its refined driving experience, make the Colorado one of the best compact trucks for towing in 2025.
4. 2025 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline may not be the most conventional choice when it comes to towing, but it deserves a mention as one of the best compact trucks for towing, thanks to its unique features and versatility.
It offers a unibody construction, which provides a smoother ride compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. The Ridgeline’s towing capacity is impressive for its size, reaching up to 5,000 pounds.
Key Features:
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission for seamless towing.
- Fuel Economy: 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway.
The Ridgeline’s bed also features a built-in, lockable storage compartment, which is great for securely storing towing accessories or gear.
Its smooth ride and comfort levels make it an excellent choice for those who don’t need extreme towing capacity but still want a reliable and capable truck.
5. 2025 Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier remains a solid choice for those seeking a compact truck with solid towing capabilities.
In 2025, the Frontier offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,150 pounds, which makes it one of the more capable options in the compact truck category.
Key Features:
- Towing Capacity: 7,150 pounds
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission for optimal towing performance.
- Fuel Economy: 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway.
The Frontier is also equipped with a Tow-Haul mode, which adjusts the shift points of the transmission to improve towing performance and prevent engine strain.
With its reliable performance, it’s an excellent option for those seeking a workhorse that can handle both daily driving and towing tasks.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Compact Truck for Towing?
When it comes to choosing the best compact truck for towing in 2025, the options are plentiful.
Each truck we’ve highlighted provides a unique set of features and towing capabilities that cater to different needs.
Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, towing capacity, or off-road capabilities, there’s a compact truck out there that meets your needs.
For maximum towing capacity, the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado are at the top of the list, both offering towing capacities of 7,500 pounds.
The Toyota Tacoma is another solid choice, with great off-road potential and a towing capacity of 6,800 pounds.
On the other hand, the Honda Ridgeline offers a smoother ride with 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, while the Nissan Frontier is a reliable choice with a towing capacity of 6,720 pounds.
Ultimately, the best compact truck for towing will depend on your specific needs—whether that’s for hauling boats, trailers, or equipment, as well as the driving conditions you typically encounter.
Make sure to carefully consider the towing capacity, engine power, and safety features before making your final decision.
By keeping these factors in mind and choosing the right truck for your needs, you’ll be equipped with a powerful, efficient, and reliable companion for all your towing tasks.
Sources
Edmunds Top Rated Vehicle Awards 2025: Edmunds has announced its Top Rated Vehicle Awards for 2025, recognizing the best new vehicles in various categories based on rigorous testing. The Ford Ranger was distinguished as the Top Rated Truck, highlighting its powerful engine, towing capability, smooth ride, and quality interior. AP News
U.S. News & World Report – Best Trucks for Towing: U.S. News & World Report provides a comprehensive list of trucks with the best towing capacities for 2025, including compact models. This resource offers detailed information on towing capacities, engine options, and other relevant specifications. U.S. News Cars
Automotorblog – Top Picks for Best Trucks for Towing in 2025: Automotorblog’s team of journalists has selected the 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor as a top choice for towing, emphasizing its performance capabilities and towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds. Automotorblog
Drivin’ Vibin’ – The 5 Best Compact Trucks for Towing in the USA: This article discusses the top compact trucks for towing, including the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma, providing insights into their towing capacities and features. Drivin’ & Vibin’
iSeeCars – Best Small Trucks for Towing for 2025: iSeeCars analyzes various small trucks and ranks them based on their maximum towing capacities, offering a valuable comparison for potential buyers. iSeeCars
TrueCar – 9 Midsize Trucks with Best Towing Capacity for 2025: TrueCar provides a list of midsize trucks with the best towing capacities, including detailed specifications and comparisons to assist in making an informed decision. TrueCar
MotorTrend – The Best Trucks for Towing: Every Pickup Segment’s Leaders: MotorTrend offers an in-depth analysis of the most capable towing machines in each pickup segment, including compact trucks, highlighting their towing capacities and performance. MotorTrend
CARFAX – Best Trucks for Towing in 2024 & 2025: CARFAX provides insights into the best trucks for towing, including information on towing capacities and features that enhance towing performance. CARFAX
The Verge – Chevy’s Cheapest Silverado EV Now Starts at $57,095: This article discusses the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, highlighting its towing and payload capacities, and its position in the market. The Verge
The Wall Street Journal – 2024 Chevrolet Colorado: A Midsize Pickup Punches Above Its Weight: The Wall Street Journal reviews the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, focusing on its towing capabilities and performance. WSJ