In the pickup trucks world, powertrains and towing capacity often dominate the conversation. But for many buyers—whether tradespeople, weekend warriors, or DIY enthusiasts—bed size is the real game-changer.
It determines not just what you can haul, but how efficiently you can do it. From construction materials to camping gear to motorcycles, a longer bed often translates into more utility, fewer trips, and less hassle.
That said, not all pickups are built with practicality in mind. Some prioritize passenger space or urban maneuverability, which leads to smaller beds that can fall short when it comes to real-world utility.
With cab configurations and trim packages impacting dimensions significantly, it’s not always easy to know where each truck stands without a deep dive.
This guide highlights both ends of the spectrum—the five pickups with the largest beds available from the factory, and five that offer surprisingly small beds, even if they’re great in other areas.
Whether you’re planning to haul drywall, furniture, or just want to know which truck gives you the best bang for your cargo buck, this breakdown will help you make the most informed decision possible.
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5 Pickups With Largest Beds
For truck buyers who put work before weekend cruises, bed length is king. A larger cargo bed means more hauling capacity, fewer tie-down headaches, and the ability to transport oversized materials without the need for trailers or awkward stacking.
Whether you’re a contractor loading up plywood sheets, a rancher hauling feed, or someone who simply doesn’t like limitations, a long bed can make or break your day-to-day productivity.
While most trucks today offer multiple bed sizes depending on the cab and trim, some models still stand out for their exceptional maximum bed lengths, especially in their regular cab or work truck configurations.
We’re not just talking about full-size pickups—some heavy-duty variants push bed lengths to over 8 feet, putting them closer to utility trailers than consumer vehicles in terms of volume and usability.
Choosing a truck with a long bed isn’t just about more square footage. It can impact how the truck handles, how it fits in garages or job sites, and even how fuel-efficient it is. But for many professionals and serious haulers, that trade-off is worth it.
This section looks at five pickups with the longest available beds currently sold in the U.S. We’ll focus on their maximum factory bed length, what body style or trim level it’s offered in, and what kind of owner it’s really suited for.
If your hauling needs outweigh your desire for backseat space or parking ease, these are the trucks that deliver on the one measurement that really matters—bed length.
1. Ford F-250 Super Duty Regular Cab — King of Cargo Space
When it comes to massive hauling capacity straight from the factory, few trucks can match the Ford F-250 Super Duty Regular Cab with the 8-foot bed. Built for serious work and engineered for toughness, this configuration is the epitome of utility-focused design.
With a cargo bed stretching just over 98 inches (8.2 feet), the F-250 Super Duty is tailor-made for contractors, landscapers, and fleet operators who need to move serious material—without a trailer.
This isn’t the truck for school runs or mall parking lots. It’s a heavy-duty hauler, and its massive steel box allows it to handle everything from lumber and sheetrock to ATVs and heavy tools with ease.
Payload capacity can exceed 4,000 pounds when properly equipped, and the large bed floor provides over 78 cubic feet of cargo space. For those who frequently load by forklift or carry oversized pallets, the F-250’s bed is wide, deep, and nearly unmatched in practicality.
Ford keeps things simple and work-oriented in this trim, especially in XL or XLT configurations.
That’s part of the appeal—it’s a no-nonsense work truck, available with gas or diesel powertrains, rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, and easy-access features like integrated bed steps and LED bed lighting.
Another advantage? The bed is completely flat, with few intrusions. That makes it easier to mount fifth-wheel hitches, slide in toolboxes, or load oddly shaped equipment.
Owners also praise Ford’s optional Tailgate Step and BoxLink system, which make accessing and organizing this massive bed far easier than you’d expect.
The F-250 Super Duty Regular Cab with the 8-foot bed is not for everyone. It sacrifices cabin space and some maneuverability in tight spaces.
But for those who truly use their truck as a tool—and not just transportation—it offers a level of utility that most modern pickups simply can’t touch.
2. Ram 3500 Regular Cab Long Bed — Heavy-Duty Hauling Done Right
If you’re in the market for maximum bed length and heavy-duty capabilities, the Ram 3500 Regular Cab with the 8-foot box deserves serious consideration.
It’s one of the most formidable workhorses on the market, combining industrial-grade strength with a straightforward design that prioritizes cargo utility.
Its long bed spans over 98 inches and offers a flat, durable loading surface that professionals trust across job sites, farms, and commercial fleets.
What makes the Ram 3500 stand out isn’t just the size of the bed—it’s the payload capacity and torque-rich engine options that pair with it.
When properly equipped, this pickup can support payloads of up to 7,680 pounds, which is among the highest in the class. That means this isn’t just a long bed; it’s a bed that can handle serious weight, whether you’re loading gravel, timber, or machinery.
With its regular cab layout, the Ram 3500 puts all of its physical footprint into cargo space, making it ideal for businesses that prioritize function over family-hauling flexibility. It’s also available with dual rear wheels (dually setup), giving it a wider stance and added stability for massive loads.
Ram’s attention to bed functionality is also noteworthy. The available RamBox Cargo Management System adds built-in, lockable side compartments to the bed walls, giving owners dry, secure storage without sacrificing floor space.
Additionally, LED lighting, spray-in bedliner options, and a factory gooseneck prep package round out its utility-focused design.
One caveat: maneuvering this beast takes some practice. At over 21 feet long with the long bed and standard wheelbase, tight urban parking lots and residential driveways aren’t its strong suit.
But if you’re running heavy loads on wide-open job sites or long highways, that’s a trade-off most heavy-duty users are happy to make.
For buyers who need a true work truck that maximizes both space and strength, the Ram 3500 Regular Cab with its 8-foot bed delivers in every way that counts.
3. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Long Bed — A Blue-Collar Giant
For buyers who want serious cargo space without venturing into commercial-grade extremes, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD with the long bed strikes an ideal balance.
This heavy-duty pickup, especially in its Regular Cab or Double Cab configurations, comes with an 8-foot bed that offers enormous utility for contractors, landscapers, and anyone who regularly hauls oversized loads.
The bed length measures 98.27 inches, putting it right in line with the biggest work trucks on the road. But it’s the Silverado’s thoughtful engineering and robust construction that elevate it.
The bed features 12 standard cargo tie-downs, rated at 500 pounds each, and an available Durabed spray-in liner that enhances durability against dings, corrosion, and heavy use.
Add in available LED perimeter lighting and an EZ-Lift tailgate, and you’ve got a setup that’s not just big—it’s user-friendly.
Under the hood, the Silverado 2500 HD offers a 6.6-liter gasoline V8 or a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8, with up to 401 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque respectively.
Paired with a sturdy 10-speed Allison transmission (in diesel trims), this powertrain combination gives the truck both the strength and the confidence to carry large, heavy loads with ease.
The payload rating reaches up to 3,900 pounds, depending on the trim and configuration. Whether you’re moving roofing shingles or transporting ATVs for the weekend, this long bed can handle it with room to spare.
Additionally, Chevy’s CornerStep rear bumper and BedSteps—standard on many trims—make it easy to climb in and out, even with a full load.
Despite being built for work, the Silverado 2500 HD doesn’t feel spartan inside. Especially in higher trims like LT and LTZ, the cabin offers modern tech, smartphone integration, and comfortable materials, making long days behind the wheel less tiring.
For drivers who want a bed that’s tough, long, and thoughtfully designed, the Silverado 2500 HD Long Bed delivers reliable performance and immense cargo flexibility—all backed by Chevy’s reputation for rugged dependability.
4. GMC Sierra 3500 HD Long Bed — Luxury Meets Utility
If you’re looking for a long-bed truck that combines heavy-duty performance with high-end refinement, the GMC Sierra 3500 HD Long Bed is a standout choice.
With its 8-foot bed, the Sierra 3500 HD doesn’t just match other trucks in physical capacity—it adds a layer of premium features and comfort that many utilitarian pickups don’t offer. This makes it ideal for buyers who need maximum space but don’t want to sacrifice ride quality or cabin experience.
The 8-foot cargo bed offers over 83 cubic feet of volume, making it a legitimate hauler for everything from building materials to livestock feed to outdoor gear.
Available in Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab body styles, the long bed configuration is most effective in the Regular Cab, where bed length is prioritized over cabin space.
However, even the Crew Cab Long Bed version retains full-length hauling capacity while offering four doors and ample interior space.
Like its Chevrolet sibling, the Sierra 3500 HD offers the Durabed system, complete with roll-formed high-strength steel, integrated cargo tie-downs, and LED lighting.
GMC goes a step further with available MultiPro Tailgate, which transforms into six different positions to act as a step, workbench, load stop, and more—ideal for those who use their bed for more than just hauling.
The Sierra 3500 HD also supports massive payload capacities, often exceeding 4,000 pounds, and can be ordered in a dually configuration for enhanced stability and weight distribution.
Under the hood, the available 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 paired with a 10-speed Allison transmission delivers 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, giving you more than enough muscle for both cargo and trailer duties.
While it’s undeniably big, the Sierra 3500 HD surprises with its on-road composure, especially in higher trims like SLT and Denali. With soft-touch materials, advanced tech, and a quiet cabin, it’s as comfortable as it is capable.
If you need long-bed capacity but don’t want to feel like you’re in a bare-bones fleet truck, the GMC Sierra 3500 HD Long Bed is the perfect blend of brawn and sophistication.
5. Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab with 6.5-ft Bed — The Middle Ground Heavyweight
While most long-bed champions come from the Big Three, the Nissan Titan XD deserves a spot on this list for its smart compromise between payload utility and everyday drivability.
With its 6.5-foot bed in Crew Cab configuration, the Titan XD offers the largest standard bed among non-HD crew cab pickups—a valuable balance for buyers who want more room in the bed without stepping up to a full heavy-duty truck.
The Titan XD’s bed measures 78.7 inches long, which may not match the 8-foot giants in terms of pure length, but its width, depth, and smart features make it one of the most functional beds in its class.
The truck also rides on a heavier-duty frame than the standard Titan, providing greater structural integrity and stability, especially under load.
Payload capacity ranges from 1,800 to 2,400 pounds, depending on drivetrain and trim. That’s more than most light-duty pickups, and sufficient for everything from landscaping tools and power equipment to dirt bikes and job-site gear.
The bed comes equipped with the Utili-track Channel System, which allows for flexible tie-down positioning, as well as LED lighting, a 120V power outlet, and a dampened tailgate—features that make the Titan XD as functional at night or on remote sites as it is during the day.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 that pumps out 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
It’s strong enough for both bed loads and trailering, though not quite in the same league as diesel-powered HD trucks.
Where the Titan XD really excels is usability. It’s easier to park, less punishing on fuel, and more comfortable to drive daily than larger HD rigs—while still offering a generously sized, highly usable bed.
For truck buyers who don’t want to go full heavy-duty but still need more than a short bed can offer, the Nissan Titan XD with its extended 6.5-foot bed is a smart, capable middle-ground option that checks the boxes for work and comfort.
5 Pickups With Smallest Beds
While many truck buyers focus on utility and cargo volume, a growing number of modern pickup shoppers are more interested in daily drivability, comfort, and passenger space than bed length.
That shift in priorities has led to a rise in short-bed pickups, especially in the midsize and lifestyle-oriented segments.
For urban drivers, weekend adventurers, or anyone who rarely hauls large items, these trucks offer just enough utility without the bulk or parking headaches of full-size models.
The smallest pickup beds in the U.S. market often measure under 5 feet in length, especially in crew cab models where the priority is rear passenger room.
These short beds typically serve more casual hauling needs—moving small furniture, weekend camping gear, or tools for light-duty DIY projects.
While they won’t replace a worksite-ready HD long bed, they still provide a balance of flexibility and convenience that appeals to many.
Moreover, small beds are often paired with unibody platforms, car-like ride quality, and modern interiors that mirror crossovers more than traditional trucks.
Vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick are leading examples, bridging the gap between sedan and truck with clever design and city-friendly proportions.
In this section, we’ll highlight five pickups with the smallest beds available in the U.S. We’ll break down the actual dimensions, what body styles they come with, and why these bed sizes may actually be a benefit to certain drivers.
Whether you’re downsizing from a full-size truck or just need a utility vehicle that can still fit in your garage, these compact-bed pickups prove that smaller doesn’t always mean less capable—it just means smarter for your lifestyle.
1. Hyundai Santa Cruz — The Shortest Bed, the Smartest Use
Leading the pack in bed compactness, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a pickup designed for people who want truck utility—but without the bulk.
With its standard 4.3-foot bed, the Santa Cruz holds the title for smallest truck bed on the U.S. market. Yet, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a compelling option for urban drivers and outdoorsy weekend warriors.
Unlike body-on-frame trucks, the Santa Cruz rides on a unibody crossover platform shared with the Hyundai Tucson.
That makes it nimble, easy to park, and extremely comfortable on the road. But its truck bed—though short—offers some cleverly engineered features that make the most of its compact size.
The composite bed resists dents and rust, and it comes with an integrated tonneau cover, underfloor lockable storage, sliding cargo rails, and rear corner steps. In other words, it’s not just short—it’s smart.
At just over 52 inches long, the bed is best for light-duty hauling. Think bikes, camping gear, potting soil, and grocery runs—not full-size lumber or major job-site tools.
Still, the Santa Cruz can handle a payload of up to 1,753 pounds, which is surprisingly high for its class and far more than what many small SUVs can carry inside.
Under the hood, Hyundai offers two powertrains: a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and a more robust 2.5L turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower.
The turbo version also offers all-wheel drive and over 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, giving it some real versatility beyond just urban driving.
The real appeal of the Santa Cruz lies in its ability to bridge the gap between sedan, SUV, and pickup. It’s a great fit for those who want open-bed utility without sacrificing efficiency, ride comfort, or style. And unlike larger trucks, it fits easily in suburban garages and downtown parking spots.
If you want a vehicle that delivers truck function in a fun, stylish, and efficient package—and don’t mind a smaller bed to get there—the Hyundai Santa Cruz makes a solid case as the ultimate lifestyle pickup.
2. Ford Maverick — Compact, Capable, and Cleverly Designed
When Ford launched the Maverick, it reignited America’s interest in compact pickups—and it did so with a short, 4.5-foot bed that’s more functional than it first appears.
Built on the same platform as the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, the Maverick embraces a crossover-based unibody architecture, giving it impressive fuel efficiency, smooth ride quality, and city-friendly proportions. Yet, despite its small size, the Maverick’s bed is remarkably useful.
Measuring 54.4 inches in length, the Maverick’s FlexBed system makes creative use of limited space.
The composite bed features multiple tie-down points, slots for 2x4s and 2x6s to build custom dividers or shelves, and prewired 12V access points for adding accessories like lighting or small electronics.
Ford even encourages DIY customization with videos and templates, appealing to both younger buyers and crafty weekenders.
Its compact bed is ideal for hauling garden supplies, bicycles, sports gear, or small furniture—not commercial tools or bulky payloads.
However, the Maverick still boasts a payload capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, and the optional tow package allows towing up to 4,000 pounds, making it more capable than it looks on paper.
Powertrain options further widen its appeal. The base model is a 2.5L hybrid, delivering 42 mpg in the city, a remarkable figure for any pickup.
For those wanting more power, a 2.0L EcoBoost turbo engine is available, offering 250 horsepower and optional all-wheel drive. This combination of utility and efficiency makes the Maverick uniquely positioned in today’s truck market.
Inside, the Maverick continues its practical theme with clever storage compartments, a roomy back seat, and a straightforward infotainment system.
It’s less about luxury and more about delivering value, practicality, and functionality—traits that resonate especially well with first-time truck buyers or those downsizing from larger rigs.
The Ford Maverick isn’t trying to be a full-size hauler. It’s designed for people who want just enough truck to get the job done, without the gas bill or garage-filling bulk. For those users, its short bed isn’t a limitation—it’s a smart fit for modern life.
3. Honda Ridgeline — Midsize Truck with a Versatile 5.3-Foot Bed
The Honda Ridgeline may be a midsize truck, but its 5.3-foot bed is among the shortest in its class—particularly in crew cab configuration, which is the only way it’s offered.
However, what the Ridgeline lacks in bed length, it makes up for in smart utility, excellent comfort, and innovative storage features, making it a well-rounded option for those who want truck versatility with SUV practicality.
The bed itself measures 63.6 inches long and is 60 inches wide, enough to accommodate standard 4×8 sheets of plywood laid flat with the tailgate down—something most short beds can’t do.
But what really sets it apart is the in-bed trunk, a lockable, watertight storage compartment hidden beneath the bed floor. It’s large enough to hold tools, groceries, or even ice and drinks for tailgating, thanks to its integrated drain plug.
Another standout feature is the dual-action tailgate, which can swing open sideways like a door or fold down traditionally.
This makes loading and unloading easier, especially when accessing the in-bed trunk. Add to that bed lighting, power outlets, and durable composite bed materials, and you have a cargo space that punches above its modest length.
Under the hood, the Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and paired with standard all-wheel drive.
It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and carry a payload of 1,583 pounds, offering enough muscle for most lifestyle and light commercial tasks.
Where the Ridgeline really shines is on-road. Thanks to its unibody construction, it drives more like a crossover than a traditional pickup—smooth, composed, and responsive.
Inside, the cabin is spacious and refined, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Honda Sensing safety features included across all trims.
While its 5.3-foot bed won’t impress hardcore work-truck buyers, it’s more than sufficient for camping trips, weekend yard projects, and general home improvement runs.
For many buyers, especially those using a truck as a daily driver, the Ridgeline offers a compelling mix of utility, comfort, and reliability.
If you value versatility over sheer cargo volume, the Honda Ridgeline proves that a shorter bed doesn’t have to mean fewer capabilities.
4. Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab Short Box — Urban-Friendly Utility
The Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab Short Box is a pickup built for drivers who want midsize truck capabilities without a full-size footprint.
With a 5.2-foot bed (61.7 inches), it ranks among the shortest beds offered in the U.S. pickup market—especially when paired with the crew cab configuration, which prioritizes interior passenger space.
Despite its limited cargo length, the Colorado’s bed is thoughtfully designed to remain useful for everyday needs. It includes multiple tie-down points, corner steps integrated into the bumper, and a tailgate with an available EZ-Lift and Lower system.
The available GearOn™ utility rack system adds storage flexibility, especially for bikes, ladders, or light work equipment.
While not ideal for long construction materials or large-volume loads, the bed is more than capable for hauling camping gear, mulch, or home improvement supplies.
The 2024 Colorado is offered with a single powertrain: a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine tuned to different output levels, with the top variant delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque—strong numbers for a midsize truck.
The Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,684 pounds, meaning its compact bed doesn’t limit its work credentials.
The interior is modern, user-friendly, and far more refined than earlier generations. With a large infotainment display, digital gauge cluster, and wireless smartphone connectivity, the Colorado feels more like a rugged SUV than a bare-bones work truck.
Safety tech is also up to date, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert available on higher trims.
Where this truck really fits in is suburban and city environments, where a shorter wheelbase and smaller bed make maneuvering and parking easier.
It’s ideal for drivers who want the towing and off-road abilities of a pickup without the day-to-day compromises of a larger truck.
The Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab Short Box may not haul drywall with ease, but it delivers plenty of value to buyers who need a balance between personal use and occasional work tasks—and for them, the smaller bed is a feature, not a flaw.
5. Jeep Gladiator — Adventure-First Truck With a Modest Bed
The Jeep Gladiator is a unique midsize pickup that blends off-road capability with open-bed versatility, but its 5-foot cargo bed is one of the shortest among trucks in its class.
Built on a modified Wrangler platform, the Gladiator appeals to a specific kind of buyer: someone who values adventure, customization, and trail performance over sheer cargo volume.
Measuring exactly 60.3 inches in length, the bed isn’t built for hauling sheetrock or oversized job-site equipment. Instead, it’s designed to carry camping gear, off-road recovery tools, coolers, bikes, and everything you’d take on a rugged weekend trip.
The available spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, and three-position tailgate enhance usability, while the optional tonneau cover and cargo management system provide extra convenience for organizing smaller items.
Despite its short bed, the Gladiator is still a workhorse in disguise. It offers up to 1,710 pounds of payload capacity and 7,700 pounds of towing capability when properly equipped, matching or exceeding other midsize pickups.
Power comes from a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, or an optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that delivers 442 lb-ft of torque and improved fuel economy. For 2024, the Gladiator drops the diesel option, but gains a refreshed interior and tech upgrades.
What makes the Gladiator stand out isn’t just its short bed—it’s what comes before it. The cabin is a four-door Wrangler experience, complete with removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and roof options that include hardtop, soft top, or no top at all.
No other truck offers that kind of open-air freedom. Inside, you’ll find Jeep’s latest Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional off-road trail cams for tackling tough terrain.
For buyers who want a truck that doubles as a rugged SUV, the Jeep Gladiator offers something no other short-bed pickup can: a lifestyle. It may not haul sheet lumber, but it will haul your gear to the mountaintop—and let you enjoy the ride with the wind in your face.
If you’re after adventure, versatility, and standout looks, the Gladiator shows that even a small bed can carry big personality.
When it comes to pickup trucks, size does matter—but it’s not always about being the biggest.
The bed of a truck is one of its most defining features, and choosing the right one can make a major difference in everyday usability, parking ease, fuel efficiency, and overall satisfaction.
As we’ve seen, pickups with the largest beds, like the Ram 2500 Mega Cab Long Bed or Ford F-350 Super Duty, are built for heavy-duty hauling, job site demands, and long items like lumber, ladders, or even ATVs.
These trucks are best suited for contractors, ranchers, and serious adventurers who need maximum cargo space and don’t mind sacrificing maneuverability or city convenience.
On the other end of the spectrum, pickups with the smallest beds—such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz or Ford Maverick—are optimized for urban living and lifestyle use.
Their compact beds make them easy to live with, especially in tight parking situations or crowded neighborhoods.
While they may not haul drywall or full-size equipment, they shine in weekend getaways, DIY runs, or light hauling duties, often offering clever design features like lockable storage, dual-action tailgates, and customizable bed dividers.
What this comparison highlights is that there’s no universal “best” truck bed size—only the one that suits your life. If your daily needs involve long loads and rugged utility, going big makes sense.
But if you’re balancing truck function with daily drivability, a shorter bed might be the smarter option. Today’s market gives buyers more choices than ever, and manufacturers have gotten savvy at building beds that serve specific lifestyles.
Ultimately, whether you’re loading up tools for work, bikes for a trail trip, or just a few bags of mulch from the garden center, there’s a pickup truck tailored for that task.
The key is knowing what you’ll use it for—and choosing the bed that fits both your needs and your lifestyle.
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