Generally, there are considered to be two basic size classes of pickups. While they were once "compact" and "full size", the formerly compact pickups grew to such dimensions that the term "midsize pickup" appeared to classify them. These "midsize" pickups slot between full-size pickups like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, and the recollection of pickups in a size that haven't been produced in years. But despite the oddity of this definition, the smaller-size pickups in four-door crew cab form reviewed here seem worthy in dimensions and power of a bigger-than-small name.

The six models of pickup included here (listed on the right-hand side of the page) expanded to nine vehicles evaluated when three of the six offered multiple engine options. All are priced under $30,000, have four full-size doors, and have at least five cylinders mated to an automatic transmission. Unless otherwise noted, they all include four-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive, air conditioning, power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, a six-disc CD changer, a sunroof, a power driver's seat, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and torso and head-protecting side airbags as reviewed here.

Compact/midsize crew cab pickups try to combine everyday comfort and usability as a daily driver and people-carrier with the functionality of a traditional pickup. Their increasing interior space and capability also makes them a value alternative to full-size models.

The vehicles in this group all seem to perform this basic function in one way or another. Read on to see which ways they do and don't, and which delivers the best blend of virtues.

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