QOTD: Are Compact Pickups Worth Pursuing?

True compact pickups don’t exist in any showroom near you or I, but that doesn’t stop some of us — your author, for example — from eyeballing the black, regular cab Mazda B2600 4×4 that just blasted past on a snowy city street, motoring unimpeded to its destination like a boss that it is. (This recent event may have elicited a lustful “Mmmmm…” from yours truly.)

While we can’t scratch that compact pickup itch at any new car retailer, that won’t be the case forever. In two year’s time, we could have two compacts on the market. The question today is: will there be a receptive audience when they arrive?

Ford confirmed its plans for a sub-Ranger pickup last week, though the 21st century version of the little rigs we loved in the ’80s now boasts unibody architecture. In Ford’s case, a platform likely borrowed from the overseas-market Focus. That means front wheel drive (as a starting point) and an independent rear suspension.

Hyundai’s protracted process of turning the Santa Cruz concept vehicle into a production model should bear fruit before too long, with the four-door (probably clamshell-doored) pickup aimed at the sporty/youth market. Better price it accordingly, guys. The reason Hyundai sat on the fence for so long is that company brass viewed the prospect of carving out a new niche in a big truck-loving America as daunting and risky. No kidding. Still, the Santas Cruz will have company, and it’s possible others may join.

Possible, but, barring two surprise hits, maybe not probable.

Certainly, recent growth in the midsize market shows the desire for something smaller than an F-150 or Silverado, though one wonders at what point the public’s enthusiasm dries up. A modern-day compact pickup must be able to handle a certain amount of abuse while tackling sporadic truck-like duties, even if its day job involves getting a lone occupant to a suburban office park. A Baja-like bed won’t cut it. And if that occupant has kids, their vehicle needs to handle those hauling duties, too.

Pickups are now the family car, and we like our family cars big and non car-like. Ideally, with all-wheel drive, cavernous cabin, and maybe a third row.

Is there hope for the currently nonexistent compact pickup, or have the public’s tastes and expectations strayed too far?

[Image: Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY-SA 3.0)]