Pickup trucks often outlast cars. Some popular truck models prove to be more reliable over time than some cars. Are pickup trucks really built better than sedans and coupes, or is the choice between the two vehicle classes just a matter of preference?

Are pickup trucks really better built than cars?

What words come to mind when you think of a pickup truck? Trucks are synonymous with reliability and hard labor. Today, modern trucks are providing value in different areas, such as ride comfort and premium cabin materials. The average pickup truck costs more than a sedan or coupe. Does that automatically entail that more time, money, and effort goes into the production of trucks? Should you always choose a pickup truck over a car?

According to a study conducted by iSeeCars.com, truck-based SUVs account for a large percentage of the longest-lasting vehicles. Models like the Toyota Tundra and Honda Ridgeline can last for over 200,000 models. Today, many other pickup trucks can also last for over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Trucks appear on the list of longest-lasting vehicles, but some cars are featured as well. Models like the Toyota Avalon and Toyota Prius are even more commonly kept past 200,000 miles, according to the data compiled by iSeeCars.com. Based on the data, we can’t conclude that all pickup trucks are built to last longer or be more reliable than cars. That being said, there are several cases to make for pickup trucks being the better purchase between the two vehicle classes.

Cars aren’t as popular as they used to be

The modern automobile has evolved, and so has the automotive industry and modern consumer. Cars were once the most popular vehicles in America. Today, SUV models are much more common. This is due to several factors, including pricing, cabin and cargo space, and overall practicality and utility.

SUVs aren’t the only vehicles more popular than cars. Trucks have become more popular as well. Another study by iSeeCars.com found that the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 led new vehicle sales in 2021. Edmunds found Ford F-Series models to be the most popular vehicles in 19 different states in 2021. Automakers have been moving away from building cars and producing more SUVs and trucks to meet the demand for these vehicles.

Ford and Hyundai are making sedan alternative pickup trucks

The pickup truck vehicle class is becoming even more dominant as automakers like Ford and Hyundai begin to produce the smallest trucks yet. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz sent shockwaves through the industry because of their unique designs.

The Ford Maverick is a sedan alternative because it is incredibly small, affordable, and fuel-efficient. It starts at just $19,995. The Maverick is a standard hybrid vehicle with a gas engine option. It achieves an incredible 42 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Trucks may not be definitively built better than cars, but they have become the more popular vehicle thanks to the needs of the modern consumer.