Crash safety standards… the reason why most vehicles have gotten slightly larger
People wanting an all in one vehicle (unfortunately it’s sales that drive design on this front)
Towing capacity (in this case). An F250 is a benchmark when it comes to heavy hauling. People that buy these things and don’t use the tow capacity are dumb. It’s a shit ride without a load since it’s…designed for hauling.
Right, the F250 is basically a small semi in disguise, you can even put a fifth wheel in the bed to tow campers and whatnot.
Problem is that a lot of people get these for “work”, but then literally never tow anything with it bigger than what a Ford Ranger can tow.
#1 doesn’t explain the whole story, but yes, part of it is because American auto manufacturers, and NHTSA crash testing, focuses way too much on occupant safety. So does the IIHS to a lesser extent. Peak individualism.
#2 is true, people want their vehicles to do hypothetical things as a virtue signal, but it’s like getting a jeep and literally never taking it off road except to jump a curb at your local Tim Hortons because the queue was too long. When I need a pickup truck… I rent a pickup truck. Wow! And save money the rest of the year and enjoy my sporty compact hatchback that is comfortable and is way cheaper on gas and safer for everyone around me.
Can’t imagine having to rent a truck each time but I use mine 3-4 times a week lately to haul shit on my trailer and I just bought a 30’ travel camper… different strokes.
Otherwise, it’s an old but pristine Saab or a light weight manual RWD sports car for me.
Yeah, I get that for sure.
There are three things at work here
Right, the F250 is basically a small semi in disguise, you can even put a fifth wheel in the bed to tow campers and whatnot.
Problem is that a lot of people get these for “work”, but then literally never tow anything with it bigger than what a Ford Ranger can tow.
#1 doesn’t explain the whole story, but yes, part of it is because American auto manufacturers, and NHTSA crash testing, focuses way too much on occupant safety. So does the IIHS to a lesser extent. Peak individualism.
#2 is true, people want their vehicles to do hypothetical things as a virtue signal, but it’s like getting a jeep and literally never taking it off road except to jump a curb at your local Tim Hortons because the queue was too long. When I need a pickup truck… I rent a pickup truck. Wow! And save money the rest of the year and enjoy my sporty compact hatchback that is comfortable and is way cheaper on gas and safer for everyone around me.
Can’t imagine having to rent a truck each time but I use mine 3-4 times a week lately to haul shit on my trailer and I just bought a 30’ travel camper… different strokes.
Otherwise, it’s an old but pristine Saab or a light weight manual RWD sports car for me.
You’re the exception, owning a truck makes sense for you.
I’m also the exception here, I shouldn’t own a car near downtown Montreal but I need one to drive out for work across the province.