Why American Drivers Consistently Choose Trucks

Did you know that trucks and SUVs make up nearly 80% of all new vehicle purchases in the United States? This is likely because both vehicle types offer a level of utility, pragmatism, and comfort that is worthy of envy. The latest pickup trucks to hit the market don’t just supply drivers with a transportation solution for getting them and all their passengers from point A to point B but also a cargo-carrying hauler that can handle more weight and bulk than any other consumer vehicle. If you're still deciding between a pickup truck or another body style, check out our guide to the perks of owning an SUV, and keep reading for a quick review of why so many drivers opt for a truck.

Practicality and Utility of a Truck Bed

Whether you’re a tradesperson who needs a vehicle for hauling materials and equipment or an everyday driver who occasionally needs a truck bed for DIY projects, moving across town, or picking up new furniture, its usefulness can’t be denied. Most truck beds have a cargo capacity that is far higher than sedans and matches or surpasses that of full-size SUVs. In addition, they don’t have to lose any passenger space by folding down seats in order to take advantage of their full capacity.

Pickup trucks are great for carrying bulky or heavy items in the truck bed and have payload capacities that allow them to load up motorcycles, dirt bikes, or just pounds of dirt for big landscaping or gardening projects. Even if you could fit these items into an SUV, let’s face it, you wouldn’t want to.

Towing Capacity

The towing capabilities of pickup trucks are one of the areas where they truly shine. When you hitch a trailer to a model like the GMC Canyon of the Sierra 1500, you expand the amount of weight it can carry by thousands of pounds. The HD models can tow 20,000 or even up to 36,000 pounds with the right configurations. This is a feat SUVs, minivans, and sedans can’t match. For tradespeople, this means being able to tow huge equipment, cattle, and materials with ease. For families, it means easily towing the boat to the lake or hitching up a camper for an outdoor adventure.

Comfortable Interior Designs

Opting for a truck used to come with a huge trade-off – power and performance in exchange for comfort. Now, most truck models offer both in equal measure. Models like the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali have interiors lined in materials like full-grain leather, open-pore wood, and chrome accents. The cockpit features heated and ventilated seats, available messaging capabilities, a premium sound system, and a huge infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. If you want a model that can pull double duty as a family vehicle and a work truck, opt for a crew cab model of any GMC pickup, and you’ll likely find that it satisfies all of your needs.

Capable On and Off the Road

The ground clearance, suspension system, and handling capabilities of GMC trucks provide a smooth driving experience on the road. Still, when it’s time to leave the pavement behind, they’re ready for the challenging terrain. If off-road environments are common for you, the AT4 and the AT4X models are a great option. These models offer factory-installed suspension lifts, underbody protection like skid plates, steel bumpers, and Multimatic™ DSSV dampers.

Reliability and Trade-In Value

One of the best features of pickup trucks is reliability. Gas models can last as long as 300,000 miles with proper maintenance, while some diesel models have been known for even greater longevity, clocking up to 500,000 miles on the road before they need to be retired. This makes pickup trucks a great investment. If you continue to use your new vehicle until the end of its lifespan, you can expect decades of utility. On the other hand, drivers who choose to trade in a pickup truck later will likely find that it has depreciated at a much slower rate than other vehicle types. If you’re interested in exploring the truck options available in Houma, LA, visit us at Barker Buick GMC today.