Pickup trucks are renowned for their expansive storage capabilities, unparalleled off-road prowess, and impressive power.
Nevertheless, numerous truck enthusiasts and potential buyers may seek a truck that offers easy accessibility, both getting in and out of the vehicle.
Here are nine trucks that facilitate easy entry…
Table of Contents
1. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is the easiest pickup truck to get into, thanks to its ease of access, low step-in height, and 7.6-inch ground clearance.
Incorporated in the model are wide-opening doors for both the driver and passenger in front and the people in the second row.
The door handles and interior grab handles are also strategically placed, making opening and closing doors hassle-free.
This model, which debuted as a 2006 model year, has stood strong as one of the go-to trucks in the market due to its superior ride and handling.
It also offers a versatile two-way tailgate, large lockable in-bed trunk, and a handsomely crafted interior.
There are 4 trim levels to choose from: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. Base pricing ranges from around $40,000 to $48,000.
Notable safety and driver assist features are as follows:
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Multi Angle Rearview Camera
It also received a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (based on standardized crash tests).
2. Chevrolet Colorado
Second on the list is the Chevrolet Colorado, with a total ground clearance of just 7.9 inches, is one of the top picks in terms of ease of entry and exit.
The model’s compact design focuses on ease of access. This is combined with doors that open wide, as well as supportive seats that are easy to hop onto and adjust to user preferences.
The Colorado fits into the pickup truck market as the top choice for those looking for a practical, affordable, and compact truck that can perform just as well as its bigger counterparts.
The most recent model year is available in 5 total trims: Work Truck (WT), LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2. Starting prices fall between approximately $31,000 and $48,000.
All variants are powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that comes in 3 different output levels:
- Turbo – 237 horsepower, 259 pound-feet of torque
- Turbo Plus – 310 horsepower, 391 pound-feet of torque
- Turbo High Output – 310 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque
It is up to you to decide which to go for. Just take note that a larger output would always result in higher fuel consumption.
3. Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick comes in at 3rd. It has a modest ground clearance of 8.3 inches, tons of functionality, and comfortable adjustable seats.
The truck comes in with one of the lowest step-in heights (for the segment) which makes it easier for people to get inside and out of the vehicle without the need for extra steps or modifications.
The young buck on the streets is the Maverick. It comes in at affordable base prices without compromising on standard equipment, towing capability, and off-road capacity.
There are 3 trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Base pricing ranges from around $25,000 to $36,000.
The most selected version is the midrange XLT trim, with a starting price of $27,910.
Regardless of which trim you go with, you will be getting a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that either delivers power to the front only (standard) or to all wheels (optional).
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4. Ford Ranger
The slightly larger Ford Ranger is 0.1 inch higher than its smaller and younger brother, the Maverick. It comes in at 8.4 inches of ground clearance but due to its size, has wider doors (and door openings) and a more spacious interior.
The driver’s seat allows for a customized feel for entry and exit for the driver. It comes with either a 6-way manually adjustable seat or an 8-way power adjustable seat, depending on the trim selected.
The model also offers a 43.1-inch legroom in front and a 34.5-inch legroom at the back, providing better clearance for individuals with longer legs.
This popular pickup truck has long been known for its quick acceleration, long list of standard (and optional) safety features, and perfect size for both city trips and off-roading adventures.
There are 3 trim levels to choose from: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Base pricing ranges from about $31,000 to $39,000.
All versions are equipped with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine (270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque) mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the rear or all 4 wheels.
5. Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz, a relatively new entrant in the pickup truck segment, has a total ground clearance of 8.6 inches, which should be a good sweet spot between managing rough terrain and accessibility (getting in and out).
It is also worth noting that this truck has lowered door sills which facilitates smoother entry and exit.
Rated as a top truck finalist in many reputable automotive sites, this relatively fresh pickup truck reinvigorates the compact truck segment by providing a unique, funky exterior design, a fun and memorable driving experience, and all the other towing and off-road capabilities that enthusiasts have come to expect out of a pickup truck.
It comes in 5 different trim levels: SE, SEL, Night, XRT, and Limited. Base pricing falls between approximately $28,000 and $42,000.
The entry-level SE and SEL trims are fitted with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque).
The mid-range to top-spec Night, XRT, and Limited have a juicier engine – a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque).
6. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier has a total ground clearance of 8.9 inches. It is slightly higher than the previously discussed pickup trucks but the tradeoff is better comfort during off-road excursions.
This truck’s door openings have been carefully designed to allow easy entry and exit, even when individuals are carrying large items as they board the vehicle.
The step-in height has also been optimized (lowered) to reduce the effort required to step into and out of the vehicle.
This model is a legend in the segment, having been produced since the 1998 model year.
It stands strong and able thanks to its smooth ride quality, stable and secure handling, and strategically placed storage spaces.
The most recent model year comes in 5 trims: S, SV, PRO-X, PRO-4X, and SL. Starting prices fall between around $33,000 and $41,000.
Our favorite safety and driver assistance features are as follows:
- Intelligent Cruise Control
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
- Intelligent Around View Monitor
7. Toyota Tacoma
Coming in at a 9.4-inch ground clearance, wide-opening doors, and tons of seat adjustment features is the Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the pickup truck segment known for its reliability and durability.
As an optional feature, owners can avail of side steps or running boards to have an additional step between ground level and vehicle level for less strain on the legs.
This is particularly good for people who find the Tacoma a bit too high but still prefer it over others because of the ride comfort it provides.
This truck may show signs of its age (through its exterior design and styling) but there is no doubt that what it packs under the hood is top-notch.
There are a total of 6 main trims: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
The entry-level SR and SR5 come standard with a massive 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine (159 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque).
All others (TRD Sport to TRD Pro) have an even beefier 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.
Across the trim lineup is a 6-speed automatic transmission, but the versions that carry the V6 engine can also come with a 6-speed manual transmission.
8. GMC Canyon
The premium-looking GMC Canyon takes 8th place as it has a 9.6-inch ground clearance. It might be difficult to get into and out of (compared to the previous models on this list) but should not pose a significant challenge to those of average and below-average height, especially when considering the variety of accessibility features available.
There are optional side steps that can be purchased with the vehicle, adjustable seat height for the driver, and a wide opening clearance for both sets of doors (front and rear).
This truck has plenty of power, a respectable maximum towing capacity, and a roomy interior.
There are 4 available trim levels: Elevation, AT4, Denali, and AT4X. Base pricing ranges from around $38,000 to $57,000.
All trims are powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
This output allows this truck to tow up to 7,700 pounds (when properly equipped), which is more than enough to bring a standard camper or boat along.
9. Jeep Gladiator
Last but not least is the newbie Jeep Gladiator. It has a 10-inch ground clearance which makes the step-in height the highest on this list, but it is still one of the better options in terms of getting into and out of, especially when compared to the vehicles that belong to the larger pickup truck segments.
Due to its relatively high step-in height, this truck often comes with sturdy side steps or rock rails which not only add to the rugged aesthetic but also provide much-needed practicality and ease of entry (and exit).
Seats are also ergonomically designed and the legroom is just big enough to provide reasonable clearance for the driver or passenger to slide in and out of the seat.
This truck justifies its “Gladiator” moniker. It is strong and intimidating but equally practical and efficient.
There are 4 main trim levels (with tons of variations in between): Sport, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave.
The high-end Rubicon version is the most popular. While it is quite distinct from the well-known Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Gladiator Rubicon holds its own in the off-road performance department.
Notable safety and driver assistance features include the following:
- Collision Warning Plus
- Blind Spot Monitor with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Rear Parking Sensors
