Did you know that the top three selling vehicles in the United States are all pickup trucks? Whether you’ve ever considered the convenience of a truck for more capacity, or prefer a smaller vehicle, this is a year to keep an open mind for your next vehicle purchase, as we examine three of the current trends for pickup trucks in 2022. 

Trend: Compact Trucks 

Since the introduction of the SUV, we’ve seen smaller, compact SUVs become more and more popular. The same trend is now happening with trucks, creating a brand-new market of compact pickup trucks. While current midsize pickup trucks are getting larger, there has been an increase in manufacturers bringing new compact pickup models to market, including recent or soon-to-be-released models from Ford, Hyundai, and Volkswagen to name a few. 

Some of the reasons consumers may look at compact trucks versus SUVs include cargo space, fuel efficiency, and price. However, these are not the previous versions of compact pickup trucks. While current pickups are built body-on-frame construction, newer ones will be built unibody, or in one piece, on car platforms, according to Good Car Bad Car. With 67% of the market open to considering a compact truck over a compact SUV, this is a new truck trend that is sure to heat up. 

Trend: Electric Vehicle (EV) Trucks 

At the end of 2021, approximately 2.5 million vehicles in the United States were electric vehicles. And less than 2000 of those were trucks! This is a serious innovation in trucks that cannot be dismissed, as automakers realize that truck owners still want their spacious, practical rides but EV is also appealing to truck owners. Some of the many reasons as a truck owner to consider EV trucks include: 

•    The average EV produces emissions equal to a gasoline vehicle that gets 88 mpg—significantly better than the 21 mpg for a truck, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
•    No emissions make EVs healthier for the environment and for you, thanks to less air pollution. Even if your electricity comes from a coal-fired power plant, your carbon footprint will still be smaller.
•    With no moving parts, EVs requires far less maintenance than traditional vehicles, saving you money in the long run. The battery, electric motor, and electronics are mostly hands-off, and you need to replace fewer fluids. Regenerative braking also reduces brake wear.
•    EVs support powered accessories in the vehicle and some new truck models also let you plug in power tools and other equipment.

Two of our favorite contenders if you’re considering an EV truck are the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, and if you are willing to wait, the forthcoming 2024 Ram 1500 EV. 

Trend: Luxury Trucks 

Trucks are often thought of as work vehicles; however, there has been an uptick in luxury trucks – with all the bells and whistles one can imagine. Whether it’s for a smoother and quieter ride, the latest technology, or luxury trimmings such as all leather, chrome, heated and massaging seats, touchscreen infotainment options and upgraded speakers, consumers are waking up to the options that are available in new trucks. 

Brands such as Ram, Ford, Toyota and Nissan are leading the trend for luxury aka “gentleman farmer” trucks. 

While most truck purchases sales in 2022 will still be in the mid-to-full-size range, these are three trends that may give you a reason to consider a truck for your next purchase.