Some Argue the Most Satisfying Trucks Aren’t Really Trucks
I’m stirring the pot with some controversy today. If you’re into trucks then you’ve probably heard angry rants about how the Honda Ridgeline or Ford Maverick not being real trucks. But the 2024 Ford Maverick and similar options rank as the most satisfying pickup trucks to buy.
What are the most satisfying mid-size trucks for 2024?
According to Torque News, the most satisfying trucks you can buy in 2024 are the Ford Maverick, Maverick Hybrid, Honda Ridgeline, and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Each of these trucks have a common feature that some drivers use to claim they aren’t really trucks. They all have a unibody design and are based on SUVs.
The Santa Cruz is based on the Tucson, the Maverick is based on the Escape, and the Ridgeline is based on the Pilot.
The unibody design is often criticized because the body and frame are one piece. Traditional trucks have a body-on-frame build, which can make them easier and cheaper to repair.
Plus, these satisfying trucks only have AWD instead of 4×4. The unibody frame limits suspension travel and it’s not as strong or durable.
As a result, trucks with a unibody frame may have a lower towing capacity and may not be as capable for off-roading.
However, the unibody frame has its benefits to consider as well. Unibody frames often provide more comfort on the road and sportier handling.
Plus, they can make trucks more affordable by being cheaper to build and more fuel-efficient. Some unibody trucks save space to provide more passenger and storage space too.
The 2023 Ridgeline starts at $38,800 while the 2023 Toyota Tacoma starts at $28,800. The Ridgeline gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. The Tacoma gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 23 mpg on the highway.
Comparing the compact Ford Maverick and Santa Cruz to mid-size trucks doesn’t seem fair, but the unibody Ridgeline is the second most expensive truck in its class and doesn’t have a massive fuel economy benefit.
The Maverick Hybrid may get an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway, but this model can’t be paired with AWD or the tow package, so it loses a lot of its truck capabilities.
While the Ridgeline and Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs, the Maverick maxes out at 4,000 lbs. The Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 77,000 lbs.
So, these trucks are making people happy because they are comfortable and can be more fuel efficient. But rivals offer more practical uses.
