Finding the Right Quarter Ton Pickup Truck for You

When it comes to finding the perfect pickup truck, a quarter ton model offers unique advantages over half ton and heavy-duty trucks, such as easier maneuverability, better fuel efficiency, and lower costs. These benefits make quarter ton pickups an ideal choice for those who need a capable yet practical vehicle. Whether you’re navigating city streets or handling light-duty tasks, the advantages of a quarter ton pickup can be significant. At Cars.ca, we’re here to help you find the perfect quarter ton truck to meet your needs, with access to a wide range of inventory from all OEMs. Let us guide you on the road to your ideal pickup.

What’s the difference between quarter ton, half ton, three-quarter ton and one ton Pickups?

Pickup trucks have traditionally been categorized by “tons” (1/4-ton, 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, 1-ton, etc.), which originally referred to their payload capacity—the amount of weight the truck can safely carry in its bed and cabin. While these ton ratings are somewhat outdated today and no longer strictly correspond to exact payload capacities, they still serve as a useful guide for classifying trucks into general categories.

The Best New Quarter Ton Pickup Trucks on the Market in 2025

• Chevrolet Colorado
• Ford Maverick
• Ford Ranger
• GMC Canyon
• Honda Ridgeline
• Hyundai Santa Cruz
• Jeep Gladiator
• Nissan Frontier
• Toyota Tacoma

While ‘best’ is subjective, these models are renowned for their maneuverability, fuel efficiency and lower costs. Let’s
explore why quarter ton trucks often stand out compared to other truck sizes:

Handling & Maneuverability

You want a pickup, but you might be concerned about driving something that’s a hassle to park and maneuver. That’s where a quarter ton pickup comes in. With its smaller size, it offers better handling and easier parking than larger ½ ton and heavy-duty trucks, making it perfect for urban driving and tight spaces.

Fuel Efficiency

It’s no secret that pickups can be gas guzzlers. If fuel costs and maintenance are on your mind, a quarter ton pickup truck is a smart choice. Thanks to its lighter weight and smaller engine, it offers improved fuel economy over its heavy-duty counterparts. This makes it an ideal option for those who want a truck’s versatility without the hefty fuel bills.

Purchase & Maintenance Costs

If you’re working on a budget, a quarter ton pickup is the way to go. These compact/mid-size trucks typically come with a lower initial purchase price and reduced maintenance costs compared to larger models. If you don’t need the high towing and payload capacities of a heavy-duty truck, the savings on parts and insurance premiums can make a quarter ton pickup the perfect, cost-effective choice for you.

Find your ideal quarter-ton pickup in our new inventory! Perfect for everyday tasks with impressive power and efficiency, start your search now at Cars.ca.