What’s Up with Trucks?

The popularity of pickup trucks seems to grow every year, at least in the American market. What’s new and upcoming for this vehicle segment? Find out here and then check out the models with a test drive by paying a visit to the auto dealers of Beach Boulevard of Cars in Huntington Beach, California.

What is the Gas-Powered Standard?

Trucks are such big sellers that many automakers offer them, such as Toyota, Chrysler, and Nissan. One example provided by a conventional manufacturer is the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. With the available Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8, this workhorse hits 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum towing capacity approaches 23,100 pounds.

The 2019 Ram 3500 impresses as a behemoth that tows up to 35,100 pounds when equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins® Turbo Diesel inline-6. Making it easier to hitch the trailer is a dynamic centerline display that features hook-up assist. The Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension that ensures what you’re hauling stays level on different roads.

Even Jeep is jumping on the bandwagon with their 2020 Jeep Gladiator. This midsize is the only pickup currently available that encourages open-air riding when you strip off the top, fold down the windshield, and detach all four doors. This unique offering also tows up to 7,650 pounds and carries up to 1,600 pounds of payload.

What about a hybrid truck?

Hybrids promise fewer emissions and superior mileage, which is why they’ve caught on with sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. They’re much harder to find in trucks, although the Chevrolet Silverado had a hybrid version as early as 2004, which production discontinued after 2013.

The 2019 Ram 1500 includes a mild hybrid system that consists of an electric motor that generates an additional 130 lb.-ft. of torque on V6 and HEMI® V8 engines. Ford will be introducing a full F-150 hybrid in 2020 that includes a gasoline-electric motor that doubles as a mobile generator. Details are scarce other than the hybrid pickup will be built in Dearborn, Michigan.

Will there be an electric truck for US buyers?

Electric pickup trucks are even rarer than hybrids with only one or two small foreign manufacturers dabbling in that segment. As for American manufacturers, General Motors affirms that they have given a tiny bit of thought on building an electric pickup. Tesla has also wanted to make an electric pickup for a long time that would include a “dual-motor all-wheel drive, crazy torque, [and] a suspension that dynamically adjusts for the load.”

Ford confirmed it is working on a battery-electric version of the F-150 to which is set to arrive after the hybrid version is in production. Depending on when it sees the light of day, this electric pickup may be a first in the world of trucks and be sold in the USA. Speculation is that the electric F-150 will share parts with the upcoming crossover that is inspired by the Mustang, although a larger motor and larger battery pack will be necessary.

Trucks have become more luxurious, efficient, and now, greener.