If you follow along with automotive industry trends, you’ve likely heard about the best-selling pickup trucks. Everyone wants to know why the Ford F-150 has sold so well for decades, but what about models that don’t sell well? No one wants to buy these worst-selling pickup trucks; why is that?

What were the worst-selling pickup trucks of 2021?

According to GoodCarBadCar, the worst-selling pickup trucks of 2021 were the Nissan Titan, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tundra. Notably, the Hyundai Santa Cruz sold fewer monthly than the Tundra but was only available for a few months, so we’re not counting it. Moreover, the Titan and Canyon undersold every other model by quite a margin. For example, the Nissan Titan’s best-selling months were April and June, in which it sold 3,483 units. During the same months, Ram pickups sold 55,455 units each.

Next, the GMC Canyon is the second worst-selling pickup truck of the bunch. Interestingly enough, the Chevy Colorado, with which it shares just about everything, sold much better. GMC’s offering sold 1,736 units in May during its worst month, during which the Colorado moved 4,797 out of dealer lots. In conclusion, the Colorado is significantly more popular than the Canyon, despite most things being the same.

No one wants to buy the Toyota Tundra

Toyota is one of the most popular automakers globally. So why wouldn’t anyone want the full-size pickup truck in its lineup? In short, Toyota has fallen behind its leading competitors in this category. The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado continue to improve and innovate year after year. However, the Tundra feels a little behind the eight-ball, plus it’s expensive. For example, a base 2021 Tundra costs around $6,000 more than a base F-150.

Furthermore, at least in 2021, the Tundra was missing a lot of features rivals provide. For example, the 2021 Toyota Tundra was only available with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. While it’s fantastic to still have a V8 in 2022, most people want excellent fuel economy. Fortunately, the Tundra lineup gained a hybrid powertrain for 2022 but unfortunately dropped the V8.

What are the worst-selling pickup trucks of 2022? (so far)

As of March 1, 2022, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is the worst-selling pickup truck. However, GoodCarBadCar does not have statistics for many automakers yet. As of right now, the Santa Cruz, Honda Ridgeline, and Ford Maverick have sold the fewest pickup trucks. GM products like Chevy and GMC, Ram trucks, and Nissan models are missing from the website’s statistics. Please do what you will with that information, but we think the 2021 trend will likely continue. Though GCBC has the Hyundai compact pickup at the bottom of the sales list for 2022, Nissan and GMC products will probably fall behind.

Additionally, inventory problems have to be taken into account. For example, the Ford Maverick is very in-demand and receives many reservations. However, Ford isn’t currently capable of producing enough trucks to meet demand. In short, the Maverick’s low sales numbers are caused by a lack of supply more than a lack of demand.

What’s so bad about the worst-selling pickup trucks?

There’s no one thing, in particular, holding back the worst-selling pickups from moving to the top of the list. However, things like brand loyalty and popularity play a factor. For instance, the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 will likely remain in the top three best sellers no matter what the automakers do. That’s the type of reputation companies like Nissan, Hyundai, and GMC just haven’t earned as makers of excellent trucks.

Additionally, trucks aren’t what they used to be anymore. In recent years, the pickup segment shifted from work trucks with utility to luxury models for driving. Moreover, the best options do all of that exceptionally well and remain affordable. That’s why best-selling models like the Ram 1500 are often compared to luxury brands on the inside. GMC and Nissan models hide their high-end interiors behind a massive paywall, only available in the top trims. Even in the base model, most of the worst-selling pickup trucks are too expensive and don’t have towing capability or features to back them up.

No one wants to buy these worst-selling pickup trucks

What did you think are the worst-selling pickup trucks? In 2021 and 2022, it looks like the list will be very similar. If you’re in the market for a new pickup, chances are, these will be last on your list of choices. However, it’s worth noting that models like the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, and Honda Ridgeline are redesigned and well-reviewed. Sometimes, great sales aren’t a perfect indicator of quality. For example, Consumer Reports ranked Honda’s compact pickup truck as the best available option, but it isn’t the best seller.