Well, whatcha can pull depends on what you buy and where you’ll be towing it.
You’re correct, there’s no such thing as a real compact pickup anymore.
The Ford Maverick is about the smallest and well, not much of a truck. CVT and AWD optional.
For sure any gasser Moho will do better pulling a midsize truck than a full size. And the midsize trucks are big enough to be real comfortable now. Unless you’re an extra large person. And they’re quite capable for household truck stuff and smaller trailers.
Now a little single cab 1 wheeler peeler midsize pickup is ALOT lighter than a full zoot crew cab 4x4 if that’s what you’re after. Just make sure what you need to do to tow it how you want to. IE whether it can be flat towed or not.