Will vans ever disappear? Here are 5 reasons why they won’t
In the US auto market, pickup trucks reign supreme. These open-bed workhorses deliver the capacity, versatility and reliability we desire. You see these trucks everywhere. They are on farms, in cities, on construction sites and by the lake. Pickup trucks have been around for over a century, and we can confidently say they will be around for another century. Here’s why.
1. Pickup Trucks Offer Unparalleled Versatility
Buying a truck is much more complicated than most vehicles. You’ll find multiple cabin configurations, powertrains, bed lengths and trim levels. All of these things help give you the versatility you want when driving your truck. There is always a pickup for everything you need; all you have to do is find the right one.
2. They are sturdy
Automakers expect us to use trucks for heavy lifting, heavy work and tough hauling. Whether it’s the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, or Chevy Silverado, these trucks are built with durability and toughness you can’t find in a car or SUV.
3. The trucks are surprisingly comfortable
Modern pickups have built-in features that smooth out the ride. Older models are harder on the road but still offer a respectable level of comfort. Some vans have a crew cab, which is ideal for a family to spend time together. The level of comfort offered keeps everyone happy while riding to your family’s favorite destination.
4. They are timeless
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It’s true, pickup trucks have been around for a long time and aren’t going away anytime soon. When you see a truck, you know it’s there to get things done. It could be as simple as bringing the grill and drinks to the tailgate party or hauling a load of lumber to the job site.
5. Trucks switch to electric vehicles
We already have the GMC Hummer EV, the Ford F-150 Lightning and the RIvian R1T. It won’t be long before the Tesla Cybertruck arrives along with the Chevy Silverado EV. Every automaker that builds trucks is working on an electric version, and some that haven’t been in the truck market before may enter it with an electric model.
Which brand of pickup truck is the best?
Not all brands make vans. US News and World Report rank the top seven truck brands on the market. Some of the top brands won’t surprise you, but others might. These rankings from lowest to highest are:
- Toyota
- Nissan
- Chevy
- GMC
- Honda
- Ford
- RAM
The biggest surprise is that Honda comes third. The Honda Ridgeline is the only truck that this brand currently offers, but it is enough to put the brand in third place.
What is the most reliable used van to buy?
Because pickup trucks are so durable and useful, many hit the used truck market multiple times. If you’re considering a used pickup, here are the models recommended by US News:
- Chevrolet Colorado 2018
- 2018 GMC Canyon
- 2017 Toyota Tacoma
- 2019 Ford Ranger
- 2017 Honda Ridgeline
- 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- Ram 1500 2018
- 2017 Toyota Tundra
- 2017 Nissan Frontier
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2019 Ford F-150
- 2019 Nissan Titan
It is a solid mix of midsize and full-size pickups that could let you easily enjoy the ride and have the capabilities you want.
What is the best-selling van?
As for 40 years, the Ford F-150 is the best-selling pickup truck on the market. Last year Ford sold more than 700,000 F-150s in the United States. This truck is the symbol of excellence in the half-ton pickup market, boasting the highest towing numbers at 14,000 pounds while offering efficient powertrains in various models.
Have you been afraid of trucks dying?
I hope you came into this article understanding that trucks are some of the most popular vehicles on the market today. In fact, the three best-selling vehicles last year were all half-ton pickups. It will take a much stronger paradigm shift than electric vehicles and emissions reduction to make trucks disappear.
Proceed to the next article and learn more about buying a used truck.
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