Small Trucks With Long Bed: Best Picks & Buying Guide: Fast-Track Guide to Choosing Compact Trucks With Roomy Beds

Small trucks with long beds strike a balance between maneuverability and utility, making them a top choice for urban drivers, contractors, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. These vehicles offer greater cargo space for hauling gear, materials, or furniture, without the cumbersome handling of a full-size pickup. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best small trucks with long bed options in today’s market, their unique advantages, and key features to consider before making a purchase.

Best Small Trucks With Long Beds: Reviews & Top Picks

1. Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is known for its legendary reliability and strong resale value. The Access Cab and Double Cab Long Bed versions offer a 6-foot bed—among the longest in the midsize truck segment. With off-road capabilities and a choice of engines, it’s popular with both adventure seekers and tradespeople.

2. Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevy Colorado’s Extended Cab with the long 6’2” bed delivers generous cargo capacity. With impressive towing figures and a range of trims, it’s versatile for both work and weekend tasks.

3. Nissan Frontier

The redesigned Frontier offers a Crew Cab Long Bed with a 6-foot cargo box. Enhanced interiors and safety features add to its value proposition for those needing more space.

4. Ford Ranger

The SuperCab configuration comes with a 6-foot bed, which is ample for hauling while keeping the vehicle footprint manageable. Its turbocharged engine gives it a competitive edge in performance and efficiency.

5. GMC Canyon

Sharing its platform with the Colorado, the GMC Canyon offers a similarly sized long bed, along with premium trim levels for buyers seeking comfort without sacrificing utility.

Buying Guide: Key Factors to Consider

1. Bed Length: A long bed is typically 6+ feet in small trucks; measure cargo requirements to ensure it fits your needs.
2. Crew Cab vs. Extended Cab: Crew cabs provide more seating but a shorter bed, while extended cabs usually offer the longest beds.
3. Payload and Towing: Check the manufacturer’s specs to match the truck’s capacity with your intended use.
4. Drivetrain Options: Decide between 2WD or 4WD depending on conditions and usage.
5. Technology & Comfort: Many small trucks now offer modern infotainment, safety systems, and luxury options.

As a designer, I always advise clients to think functionally about their vehicles—especially when the car trunk becomes an integral part of home or workplace organization. Integrating a home designer mindset can actually help you visualize how your truck bed fits into your daily routine, maximizing storage and workflow efficiency.

Tips 1:

Consider using cargo organizers or bed extenders to make the most of your long truck bed. These small accessories can help keep tools, home improvement materials, or sporting equipment neatly arranged and easily accessible—mirroring the principles of effective space planning in interior design.

FAQ

Q: What is the longest bed available in a small truck?

A: Most small trucks offer a long bed option around 6 feet in length. The Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, for instance, provide beds measuring approximately 6’ or slightly longer.

Q: Are long bed small trucks harder to park?

A: They are slightly larger than short bed models but still much easier to park and maneuver than full-size pickups.

Q: Can I get a crew cab and a long bed?

A: Some models (like the Nissan Frontier) offer a crew cab with a long bed, but this combo may reduce bed length slightly compared to extended cab models.

Q: How does bed length affect towing and payload?

A: Longer beds can increase payload capacity, but always check the truck’s specific towing and payload ratings as these can vary by configuration.

Q: What should I consider when organizing my truck bed?

A: Use storage bins, bed dividers, or rails to keep cargo secure—similar to organizing spaces in home interiors for efficiency and ease.