Why Many Women Love Driving Pickup Trucks

None of the automobiles produced for American drivers is more strongly linked with manhood than a full-size pickup truck. They have long been seen as vehicles for men because of their utility features and powerful engine.

The brawny looks and beefy tires appeal more to men. Trucks often stand out from the crowd because of their size. But nowadays, more and more women prefer driving pickups and loving them.

Women can drive trucks too

Women’s involvement in what is considered a “male territory” has been met with a bit of resistance. Pickup trucks have become a staple vehicle for the southern part of the U.S. But they’re not just for cowboys and cowgirls because even hardworking moms in the urban areas prefer driving a truck.

Hedges & Company researched the demographics of buyers for full-size pickup trucks. Indeed, most pickup truck buyers are male, but that does not stop women from buying pickups for themselves.

• Fifteen percent of those who bought GMC Sierra are women.
• Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado both got 16 percent of women buyers.
• Nineteen percent of women have bought Ram 1500 pickup trucks, making it the most popular full-size truck among female buyers.
• Toyota Tundra did pretty well with female buyers with 17 percent.

Automotive News has also written about Ram’s sales. In 2010, only 12.5 percent of women bought their full-size pickup trucks. Female drivers who own pickup trucks may seem like a tiny fraction compared to men. But in 2015, the numbers climbed to 14.4 percent. Today, some pickup truck brands sell 1 in 5 pickup trucks to women.

Marketed to women

After attaining the highest record sales for female drivers, Ram tried to market their trucks more to women. They worked with several country music stars such as Miranda Lambert and Kellie Pickler to broaden their appeal to women. They hired GZ Entertainment Marketing to create a commercial music video with Miranda Lambert. Her “Roots and Wings” peaked at the 5th spot on iTunes’ hit chart.

Ram also gave Laramie Longhorn pickups to some country music artists, which they later auctioned off for charity after a year. The pickup truck was also featured in Nashville's Ram Jam country music festival.

Why do women like pickup trucks?

Let's tackle why pickup trucks are an excellent choice for more female drivers.

Let you remember good childhood memories

Did your dad ask you to help him clean the truck and teach you how to wipe the windows? Is it still vivid in your memories how excited you were when your dad drove downtown to get some groceries? Did you sit in the truck bed when you helped him gather firewood? Some girls who have a dad that owns a pickup will most likely love the same vehicle when they grow up.

You may have loved sitting beside your dad when he took the vehicle out to go fishing. Pickup trucks instilled good memories for those who grew up with a truck enthusiast dad.

The ride height makes you feel safer

Sedans have low ground clearance, so they won't give a higher view when you drive them. It’s frightening to go beside a semi-truck or other larger automobiles if you drive a smaller car.

Trucks sit up higher so you will see objects at farther distances, and it’s easier to detect cars getting close. For some women, vehicles with a taller ride height make them feel safer. Taller ride height provides an increased level of safety because you can view every angle when driving. As a result, it makes you more aware of your surroundings and prevents collision risk.

The larger wheels lift the truck higher, increasing its ground clearance. A higher ground clearance and ride height enable the wheels to absorb road shocks and have more vertical room to travel. If the suspension parts scrape against the surface obstacles when you drive on uneven roads, it can damage the chassis and underbody.

Pickups have unique safety features

Back then, pickup trucks were seen as dangerous vehicles due to their lack of safety features. However, today’s models are manufactured with safety-assist technology such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warnings, and other features. They alert the drivers to potential hazards and dangers to avoid collisions. Safety features are beneficial to women who use their vehicles for daily driving.

Trucks let you handle various tasks

Compared to other vehicles, pickup trucks are more reliable. They have off-road and towing capabilities that let you drive them wherever you like—whether concrete, gravel, sandy, or muddy locations. You don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the middle of nowhere because your pickup truck can handle the outdoors.

You can use it to haul heavy objects, transport grocery bags, or a vehicle to pick up your kids from school. Women like a tough vehicle that can handle anything you throw at it.

Cargo beds are more spacious than a car trunk

Pickup trucks are known for their large beds, which lets you put items of various shapes and sizes than a car trunk. You can fit luggage, mattress, furniture, appliances, and almost anything into the space. Having more space in your vehicle makes travel more accessible and more efficient.

Customizable using many accessory options

Installing mods and upgrading some parts improves the style and performance of the vehicle. There’s a myriad of automotive products available to help you customize your truck. You can find them at auto supply shops near you or online auto parts stores. Here are some truck accessories you may install to make your driving experience more convenient and comfortable:

• Tonneau covers: Truck beds usually are open, so you need to put an accessory to keep your belongings safe and dry while on the road. Tonneau covers shield your items from dust, dirt, and moisture. They also block the UV rays that can fade the pain of the flatbed.
• Bed liners: If you typically use the truck bed for putting your groceries, shopping bags, and other items, then it is prone to scratches and dents. Bed liners are designed to protect the surface of the bed.
• Floor mats: This accessory helps protect the flooring from dust, dirt, and spills. If you let your kids ride your vehicle, this accessory is recommended.
• Floor liners: Same as the purpose of floor mats, the liners give maximum protection to pickup’s interior flooring. Unlike the flat design of the mats, the floor liners are custom-molded to cover even the sides near your vehicle's door sill. Water and dirt will not seep through because of the thick material with grooves and channels.

There are many other truck accessories that you can add to make your pickup truck more functional and stylish.

• Running boards: Aside from enhancing the looks, this provides a safe stepping platform when entering and exiting the vehicle. With this simple yet functional accessory, kids can safely climb in and out of the truck. Most running boards are made with anti-slip protection to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.
• Mud flaps (also called in other names such as splash guards or mudguards): Mud, small rocks, dirt, and other elements can accumulate on the vehicle’s underside as the tires constantly contact the road. Mud flaps keep the debris away from the fender and other suspension parts. They provide hassle-free protection to the vehicle’s underside and can withstand the changing weather.

• Bug shields: If you usually drive with the windows down, there’s a chance that small rocks get thrown by other vehicles’ tires on the highway that will hit your truck. Bug shields add style while protecting your pickup truck by blocking flying debris.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to organize the stuff piling in your truck bed or inside the cab. Cargo management products will help you organize and sort items for easier access.

• Bed Basket: This cargo management product takes organizing to the next level. Climbing up and crawling onto the truck bed takes a lot of effort whenever you need to get your gears or supplies. Bed baskets help you organize the stuff you usually put in your truck’s bed. Just pull the handle, and it will roll your items out like an accessible drawer.
• Toolboxes: This truck accessory serves as protection for your valuables. Toolboxes are not just for tools. You can use it to put other things and turn them into a reliable storage solution on your truck bed. It is bigger than the standard toolboxes, giving you more room for equipment and other items.

Many truck accessories can make your pickup truck more functional and stylish. You can turn your pickup truck into a comfortable family car, an adventure buddy, or a reliable work rig with the right accessories.

Aside from the convenience and comfort, many women love driving a pickup truck because it makes them feel empowered and gives a sense of freedom.