Pickup trucks are some of the most popular vehicles in America. It’s no surprise since they’re luxurious, drivable, powerful, capable, and now fuel-efficient. Moreover, these popular models are getting better and better by the year-maybe even more than other segments. Some features are very convenient to have in your pickup truck. Here are seven futuristic features you’ll want soon.

1. Crawl Control

Although most pickups have all-wheel drive, sometimes it isn’t enough. You might need crawl control if you’re driving through mud, snow, sand, or another off-road terrain. Specifically, Kelley Blue Book says Toyota’s crawl control is the best of the bunch.

Both Toyota trucks, the Tacoma and Tundra, now offer the automaker’s crawl control system. It makes it easy to get out of sand, over rocks, and climb or descend hills. Drivers only need to adjust speed and steer without touching the brake or gas and let the truck do everything else.

2. Trail Turn Assist

Next, KBB likes Ford’s Trail Turn Assist system. Furthermore, the truck feature makes driving around narrow curves a little bit easier while off-roading. It engages the inside rear wheel brakes to help reduce the truck’s turning radius.

As a result, Ford trucks can turn along tight trails easily with low speed and high steering angles. Trail Turn Assist is available for the 2021 and 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor while equipped with four-wheel drive.

3. CrabWalk

One of the most popular futuristic truck features introduced recently is GMC’s CrabWalk feature. This truck feature is available on the new 2022 GMC Hummer electric pickup. It allows all four wheels to turn in the same direction on up to a 10-degree angle.

As a result, the Hummer EV can move diagonally, just like how a crab walks. While this might sound useless, it’s actually a nice truck feature to have. Driving along narrow trails or extreme off-road paths sometimes requires maneuvering your vehicle from an awkward angle.

It’s rumored that the Tesla Cybertruck will steal crab walking from GMC if it ever comes out.

4. Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Next, another of Ford’s best futuristic truck features is Pro Trailer Backup Assist. As you might’ve guessed from the title, it’s perfect for pickups pulling trailers of any kind. Simply put, it makes reversing with a trailer in the rear much easier.

Owners only need to put the truck in reverse to activate the feature. Then, there’s a knob they must rotate to either side depending on which way you want the trailer to back up. Once it’s moving, the driver can release the knob; then, the system will control the steering wheel and guide the trailer where you want it to go.

The driver can continue to monitor the side mirrors and, of course, retake control if necessary. Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available on many Ford SUVs and trucks, starting with the 2016 model year.

5. Tank Turn

Another of KBB’s favorite pickup truck features is Rivian’s Tank Turn. The Rivian R1T truck and R1S SUV will have the feature when using their quad-motor. It allows the vehicles to turn 360 degrees the way a tank would. Moreover, the quad motor sends power to each wheel independently and immediately. As a result, the driver can spin the vehicle in place in a full circle.

Although it seems very niche, there are instances where Tank Turn could be handy. KBB also noted that Mercedes-Benz and Ford have similar features in the works for future models.

6. Fancy tailgates

Fancy tailgates are some of the most popular new truck features in recent years. Fortunately, nearly every automaker has implemented its version of a tailgate with features at this point. The most prominent example is GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate, included in models like the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500.

These features turn the tailgates into more than just a cargo box blocker or door. For example, a foldable inner gate for easier loading/unloading, a full-width step for climbing inside, a load stop, an outward-opening surface to use as a desk, and more.

7. Home Integration System

Possibly the most futuristic truck feature is Ford’s Home Integration System. The only pickup truck with this feature is the Ford F-150 Lightning. However, we expect nearly every other electric pickup to use the same idea in the coming years. For now, only the Lightning can power your home.

If the power goes out from a storm or for some other reason, owners can use the F-150 Lightning to get it back on. When rationed and linked to the home’s electrical box using Ford’s Home Integration System, it can last up to 10 days. For pickup owners who live in areas where natural disasters like hurricanes are common, it could be the perfect truck feature.

Futuristic truck features

In conclusion, pickup trucks are changing every model year. With electric trucks on the rise for the first time, automakers are taking advantage and innovating. Some futuristic truck features, like powering your home or crab walking, are currently exclusive to EVs. However, other outstanding features, like the MultiPro tailgate or trailer backup assist, are available on many modern models. Which of these futuristic features do you want on your next truck?