Top Compact Trucks For 2012

If you are in the market for a new truck you may be wondering if you should invest in a full-size truck or one of the many compact trucks that are offered by the leading truck manufacturers.  Understanding the difference between mid size, full-size, and compact trucks will help you determine what vehicle will suit your needs.  You can shop online for compact trucks, and you can use the Internet to compare prices, features, and vehicle specifications.  As you shop and compare compact trucks, it is a good idea to make a list of the features that you desire.

About Compact Trucks

Compact trucks, when compared to larger full-size trucks, might prove smaller, but these vehicles are coveted by a number of consumers because they are associated with so many advantages.  Compact trucks are fuel-efficient options that offer the consumer the ability to tow or haul personal items.  First, a compact truck typically tows up to 3000 pounds whereas a larger truck offers greater towing capacity up to 10,000 pounds or more.  With a compact truck, you can still get towing features while you gain the advantage of an improved fuel economy. 

Compact trucks are made with engines that host 4, 5, 6, or even 8 cylinders, however, a majority of the compact trucks available have four and six cylinder engines.  Trucks hosting the smaller engines will use less gasoline.  There are also compact trucks that operate off diesel instead of gas.  When you are looking for a compact truck to buy, you should consider the fuel efficiency or EPA fuel economy ratings.  Understanding the miles per gallon you can get in the city and on the highway when operating the vehicle will help you understand the long-term costs of operation associated with the truck. 

As you compare truck prices, consider the safety features that the truck offers as well, since these safety inclusions will have a direct impact on how much have to pay for vehicle insurance.  Today's compact trucks are crafted with a number of superior safety features.  If you access information about the performance in crash tests, you will find that these compact vehicles usually rate quite well.  However, if you opt for a compact truck that hosts rear jump seats, you must bear in mind that these seats do not offer a good deal of protection in the event of an accident.  Further, another consideration you face when buying a compact truck is the fact that the cabs can be less spacious than the tabs found on larger trucks with super cabs, extended cabs, or spacious crew cabs.  If you are willing to compromise a little bit of interior space for the advantages of fuel efficiency, towing capabilities, and superior safety, a compact truck is an ideal investment.

The Best Compact Trucks - Chevrolet Colorado

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is an attractive option among compact trucks.  The vehicle is reasonably priced, and it hosts the 3.7 liter five cylinder engine that offers V-8 performance.  The interior of the vehicle is moderately stylish.  The Colorado is offered with an automatic or manual gearbox and delivers 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.  It comes with rear wheel drive, Bluetooth® connectivity, traction and stability control, and you can get a satellite radio if you purchase the option.  Features of the Colorado include tilt adjustable power steering, cruise control, AM/FM stereo, two speakers, and a mast antenna.  This vehicle measure 67.6 inches wide by 64.9 inches high by 192.4 inches long.  It has a ground clearance a 7.7 inches, and you can tow up to 4000 pounds.  The engine generates 185 hp and 190 foot pounds of torque when in operation.  In terms of safety inclusions, the truck comes with four-wheel antilock brakes, child seat anchors, front head airbags, ventilated a rear drum brakes and front disc brakes, daytime running lights, engine immobilizer features, driving lights, front fog lights, dusk sensing headlamps, stability control, and traction control.  For more information visit http://www.cars.com/chevrolet/colorado/2012/expert-reviews/?revid=57508.

The Best Compact Trucks - 2012 GMC Canyon

The 2012 GMC Canyon is a compact truck fitted with 16 inch steel wheels, all season tires, chrome finish bumpers, and variable intermittent wipers.  The truck comes with cargo tied downs and measures 67.6 inches wide by 64.9 inches high by 192.4 inches long.  It has a ground clearance equaling 7.7 inches.  This vehicle, like the Colorado, can tow up to 4000 pounds.  Under the hood, the truck has a 2.9 liter in-line four motor with a double overhead cam and 16 valves.  The engine generates 185 hp and 190 foot pounds of torque.  This gas operated truck comes with a five speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive.  It offers the consumer 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.  Mechanical options offered with the truck include a four speed automatic transmission and an engine block heater.  Safety inclusions include four-wheel antilock brakes, a front head airbag, daytime running lights, an engine immobilizer, dusk sensing headlamps, stability and traction control, and electronic brake force distribution.  For more information visit http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/GMC_Canyon/.

The Best Compact Trucks - Toyota Tacoma

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is fitted with 15 inch steel wheels, all season tires, a full-size matching spare tire, intermittent wipers, cargo tie downs, and trailer wiring.  The vehicle measure 72.2 inches wide by 65 inches high by 190.4 inches long.  It has a ground clearance equaling 8.1 inches.  The vehicle can tow 3500 pounds.  Under the hood is a 2.7 liter in-line four engine with 16 valves and a double overhead cam.  It can generate 159 hp and 180 foot pounds of torque.  The Tacoma has a rear wheel drivetrain and a five speed manual transmission.  It offers 12 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.  Safety features include four-wheel antilock brakes, front head airbags, side-mounted airbags, child seat anchors, stability and traction control, and electronic brake force distribution.  For more information visit http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/toyota_tacoma_2011.