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Why Young People Loves Compact-Sized Pickup Trucks?

Reasons Why You Should Consider a Compact Truck

By Jen DemkinPublished 2 years ago 5 min read
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Photo Credit: Saud Ol-Olayan

Some people might say there is nothing wrong with large trucks. But it seems the younger generation is disagreeing. According to analysts, many younger drivers flock to get compact-size pickup trucks.

Larger trucks seem to only appeal to the older generation, while compact pickups are becoming more and more popular these days. So why do young people prefer them over larger models?

Small truck

Small trucks sound like an oxymoron. The word ‘trucks’ has a connotation of something large and heavy-duty. Compared to smaller cars like sedans and wagons, compact-size trucks have many distinctions.

You could only see a lineup of full-size pickups in dealerships back then. But times are changing—so is the buying decision of consumers.

Photo Credit: William Oliver

Reasons

In a Forbes article, they featured CarGurus Consumer Insight. They surveyed from May and October 2020. Seventy-eight percent of respondents say the costs of brand-new trucks looked higher than average, while sixty-seven percent answer that the new truck selections are worse than usual.

Ford Maverick was the clear favorite with 38 percent, while Hyundai Santa Cruz got 25 percent. However, 37 percent of the respondents say that Maverick or Santa Cruz do not spark their interest. So, what are the reasons behind this trend?

Size

Younger drivers do not automatically go for the biggest model available. Instead, they consider getting compact pickup trucks even if it's not as roomy as other variants. They are not as small as sedans and not as big as full-size models.

Some truck buyers believe that the longer the bed, the better. Most mid and full-size are admired for their bed lengths. They offer more space for cargo and other purposes. You can use them to transport various things, including sports equipment like kayaks and surfboards. Compact trucks have shorter beds than standard ones, so expect a limited space when you need to put any load onto them.

Design

Only a few automakers offer compact trucks in the automotive market. They are more of a car-based perspective than a widebody setup.

Smaller-sized unibody trucks are more affordable than mid and full-size trucks with body-on-frame construction. Mid-size and large SUVs and trucks are manufactured using a body-on-frame design. The frame is mounted on the chassis, which carries the powertrain.

On the other hand, compact trucks and other smaller cars have unibody construction. The structure and body of the vehicle are made as one piece.

Photo Credit: William Oliver

Style

Compact pickups appeal to young people because of their sporty vibe.

Santa Cruz started as a concept vehicle with a striking design. Hyundai turned that into a production model, which helped them climb the truck rankings. Ford promotes the Maverick as the most affordable rig in their truck lineup. They are marketed as a versatile and fun pickup breaking all the stereotypes.

Cost of ownership

Today, pickups have become more expensive because of the high demand. That made many truck buyers mindful when it comes to price and availability. Owning a compact truck is often cheaper to buy and maintain than more prominent models. Both Santa Cruz and Maverick are offered in a low-cost package.

Fuel economy

Gas mileage is better with smaller trucks, and it is essential for younger drivers trying to save money—the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the tank. Since the fuel price usually increases, filling up a large tank will surely cost a lot of bucks.

The demographic that loves the compact trucks consists of teenagers, college-age, and young adult drivers. They operate on a minimal budget. Furthermore, they are more focused on value and tend to be more frugal than the older generations. They want a fuel-efficient vehicle and won’t hurt their pockets to fill up the tank.

The hybrid powertrain of Maverick has an estimated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating of 42 mpg city. The fuel tank capacity of Santa Cruz with its front-wheel drivetrain is 17.7 gallons and delivers 26 mpg highway, 21 mpg city, and 23 mpg combined. The turbocharged version has estimates of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Off-road capability

According to a MotorBiscuit article, the Santa Cruz is not great for off-roading “just yet.” Although the ground clearance is 8.6 inches (enough for off-roading), it’s not well-equipped to handle the rough terrains.

But Ford made sure their Maverick is built for outdoor adventure and can endure the rugged trails. You can enjoy driving on a rocky two-track, graded dirt road, slick grass, and even climb a rutted hill. Their FX4 package adds a decent off-road capability as it includes front tow hooks, underbody skid plates, 17-inch aluminum wheels, all-terrain tires, and more.

Usability

Compact trucks are pretty easy to drive around the city streets, like how you can drive a sedan with ease in areas with narrow paths. Compared to full-size pickup with long beds, shorter beds make maneuvering and parking in tight spaces easier. Parallel parking a truck with a 22-foot-long bed can be challenging.

Photo Credit: Saul Ol-Olayan

Bed length and capacity

When it comes to towing, bed lengths matter—that’s why long beds will give more stability while driving at varying speeds. They have a longer wheelbase that provides a smoother towing experience. They are the best choice if you have a fifth wheel, so people with travel trailers or campers use them to enjoy a smoother ride.

Short bed trucks can still haul a trailer when equipped with suitable towing products. They can safely tow moderately heavy loads like adventure gears. When appropriately equipped, the Hyundai Santa Cruz has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. when appropriately equipped.

The towing capacity of a standard Ford Maverick is 2,000 lbs. But its AWD model equipped with towing package and turbo engine will double the towing capacity to 4,000 lbs. You can load up with camping gear, bikes, motorcycles, kayaks, personal watercraft, and other stuff you’ll need to transport wherever your adventure is.

Moreover, it can be challenging to find many options of tonneau covers for compact trucks. Available covers are typically made for mid to full-size beds.

New-age lifestyle

Consumers have the enthusiasm and growing interest in electric pickup trucks, but the younger demographic prefers a compact and user-friendly model. The sales of electric cars are not yet fully rolled out, so buyers have limited choices and may stick with fuel-running vehicles.

With the increasing prices and the inventory problems for best-sellers due to chip shortage—smaller, more lifestyle-driven trucks appeal to younger buyers. Compact pickups have the utility features of larger pickup trucks, but the younger buyers particularly like their size. They are seen as a symbol of independence and give drivers a sense of power.

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About the Creator

Jen Demkin

Hi, I'm Jen from 4WheelOnline. My fascination with vehicles started in my childhood. I like cars more than dolls. I enjoy writing about automotive industry news, vehicle maintenance tips, and more.

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