Truck lovers generally have a favorite brand and model. After all, personal experiences with style, performance, and luxury impact consumers’ preferences. In the global truck market, however, only one pickup can be called the most popular truck in the world.

The Ford F-Series takes the cake

Based on data compiled from last year, the Ford F-Series is the dominant truck leader not only in the United States but also worldwide. It’s a lofty title Ford is proud to hold, with over 900,000 F-Series trucks sold. In 2017, almost 1.1 million sold globally.

Why is the Ford F-Series No. 1?

Trucks have come a long way, and Ford has been a pioneer in the space. With trucks now offering a variety of designs, engine sizes, and luxury features, the vehicles are not simply for working consumers anymore.

Ford has dominated in all categories, with strong models like the Raptor, and trim packages, like the Platinum Editions. They’ve managed to meet each buyer with a precise combination of size and comfort.

The race for second place is becoming more competitive though. Chevrolet and Dodge inch closer to each other in sales ranking. They’re also closing the gap toward Ford’s No. 1 spot.

Is it a fair assessment?

Just because the F-Series is the most popular truck in terms of sales, doesn’t mean there aren’t nods for other models. In fact, some may argue it’s not a fair assessment considering nearly all of the trucks sold were in the U.S. and Canada. There may be some home-field advantage to volume sales and performance data.

Popular trucks elsewhere in the world

A few trucks on the global stage are turning heads and winning various accolades in other countries. Consider the Toyota HiLux. This top-selling new vehicle wins Australia’s vote. A smooth combination of rugged capability and lifestyle readiness makes the HiLux an ideal fit down under.

Looking abroad at other popular trucks, we see no shortage of favorites. Isuzu is releasing the 2020 Isuzu D-Max, for example. This automaker has been absent from the U.S. for a while. But the updated D-Max is being launched in Thailand with tremendous buzz. It’s received a fresh look inside and out, as well as significant technology updates too.

The European market sales may seem small compared to the buying power of American consumers. In Germany, for example, only 10,000 pickups were sold a few years ago. However, this doesn’t mean new things aren’t coming.

Look for new models from Fiat, Renault, and Mercedes-Benz, as they try to take on the U.S. and Japanese manufacturers. Everyone’s talking about the Mercedes-Benz’s first-ever pickup truck, with plans to deliver it in Europe, Latin America, and Australia next year.

One thing is clear. Consumers’ buying habits are shifting. People who once reserved trucks for commercial use are now recognizing the function, luxury, and everyday benefits of the mid-size truck markets. And the foreign manufacturers are planning to deliver.

Congratulations to the Ford F-Series for holding the title of the most popular truck in the world. If you’re considering a new full- or mid-size truck in the near future, don’t be afraid to check out some of the other popular models.