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Are you shopping for a new compact truck? This segment of small pickup trucks is the perfect alternative for people who don’t need massive full-size models. There are many great options, but U.S. News only loves one compact truck. Find out why U.S. News loves the 2022 Honda Ridgeline more than every other model.

U.S. News’ best compact truck

White Honda Ridgeline, the only compact truck U.S. News loves.
2022 Honda Ridgeline | Honda

U.S. News‘ best overall compact truck is the 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Not only is it number one overall, but it also has a wider margin between it and the second-place model than any other score on the list. Honda’s compact truck received an 8.3/10 overall, far better than the second-place Chevy Colorado, which scored a 7.7/10.

Speaking of the Colorado, it isn’t the only pickup that came in second. U.S. News gave the Chevy model the same score as the Ford Ranger and GMC Canyon. In short, each of these models is fine, but only one is superb. U.S. News only loves the 2022 Honda Ridgeline enough to put it .6 points ahead of the following three models overall.

What does U.S. News love about the 2022 Honda Ridgeline?

A red 2022 Honda Ridgeline parked outdoors.
2022 Honda Ridgeline | American Honda Motor Co., Inc

U.S. News loves many different things about the 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Firstly, the upscale cabin is a highlight every reviewer seems to mention. The Ridgeline interior rivals luxury vehicles, so you’ll never feel like you’re inside a rugged pickup truck. Next, the five-seater is roomy enough that everyone is comfortable. Many similarly-sized models offer rear seats with little to no comfort for passengers, but the Ridgeline is excellent.

Next, every Ridgeline uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. U.S. News calls the powertrain “robust” and loves the ride and handling it offers. Honda’s compact truck’s smooth ride and luxurious interior are enough to land it on top of the rankings.

When comparing vehicles, you’ll want to know if the top-ranked model can handle the best of the best. For many years, the most popular truck in the segment has been the Toyota Tacoma. In 2022, that remains true, but the Tacoma is no longer what it once was. Overall, Toyota’s compact pickup falls short in a few categories, coming in last on U.S. News’ list.

For example, the Ridgeline beats it in performance, interior, and safety. Although the Tacoma has a slight edge in reliability, it isn’t by much. U.S. News dislikes the Tacoma’s underpowered base engine, stiff suspension, and tight rear-seat space. All of these are areas where the Ridgeline excels. Toyota’s popular model requires updates, especially on the interior, which many find outdated.

U.S. News only loves 1 compact truck

In conclusion, there’s only one compact truck that U.S. News loves. Overall, a few have the same overall score, and a few fall short, but one pickup consistently impresses the reviewer. Moreover, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline is the best compact truck available. Other experts, like Consumer Reports, agree and list the same interior quality and space as huge advantages. Are you interested in buying the only compact truck U.S. News really loves?

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Section Editor - SUVs

Tim Harding

Having spent half a decade managing the reconditioning and marketing processes for upwards of 400 vehicles monthly, Tim is no stranger to the automotive industry. He has a deep understanding of the many different types of vehicles on the road today and brings to the table valuable insight into the industry itself.

Tim earned an Associate’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Marketing specialization from Ashford University. Tim joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2021, and his work can also be seen at Gamepur, Overtime Heroics, and Pro Game Guides.

Tim is most inspired by the constantly changing automotive industry. He looks forward to a future when cars, particularly electric vehicles, look and operate completely differently than they do today. Tim’s content draws on this inspiration while also providing MotorBiscuit readers with useful consumer advice.