Should You Buy a Truck?

There's a reason why trucks are one of the most popular vehicles in America year after year, and it goes beyond their rugged looks and muscular frames. Trucks offer unique advantages that no other class of vehicle can match, making them a beloved part of U.S. automobile culture. From their open beds offering versatile hauling capabilities to their robust build ready for any terrain, trucks provide a distinctive driving experience. So if you're still pondering their popularity, perhaps it's time for a closer look at the undeniable appeal of the classic pickup truck.

1. Need for horsepower

Even though most cars, including sports cars, don't need a lot of power to run well, trucks are a different story. Because trucks are built to do tough jobs, they usually have a lot of horsepower, even if they're not the biggest or strongest around. For example, the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline both start with horsepower in the 270-280 range. While having lots of horsepower isn't everything, it's still one of the most important things when it comes to how well a vehicle can perform.

2. The tailgate

Cars have trunks and hatchbacks, and they're pretty handy. But, being honest, nobody throws a party in the name of a trunk or hatchback. The tailgate of a truck, on the other hand, is more than just a door to the truck bed. It's an idea, it's a vibe, and yes, it's the perfect spot to sit, swing your legs and enjoy a cold one during concerts, BBQs, or just hanging out in the parking lot before a big game.

3. Towing capacity

With a truck, pulling heavy haul is way easier, smoother, and less tiring for the vehicle. This is because trucks have lots of torque, which greatly improves their towing capacity. Basically, the ability to tow heavy loads is what makes a great pickup truck.

Cars and SUVs can be fitted with hitches, but if you tow stuff regularly, you really need a truck. Powerful trucks, such as the GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, or the RAM 1500, are like strong tugboats on wheels, capable of pulling twice their own weight. This is why truck owners are willing to overlook things like fuel economy. They know when it comes to heavy lifting, a truck is the best tool for the job.

4. Haul items you wouldn’t be able to transport otherwise

That sedan with the fold-down seats or the “super flexible” crossover might seem like it can handle anything. But try moving some long 2×4s, 4×4s or 6×6s, and you'll quickly see their limits. It's the same story with big items like lounge chairs, mattresses, or sheets of drywall.

5. Power in compact sizes

Truck manufacturers are now packing all that power, torque, and towing capabilities into much smaller engines. Not long ago, big trucks always meant V-8 engines. But V-6 engines, especially turbocharged ones, have come a long way. They're so good now that you can get the same performance with two fewer cylinders. 

If you've been avoiding trucks because you think they have huge engines that drink gas and are bad on fuel economy, things have changed. The balance between power and fuel efficiency you've been waiting for might be here already. Plus, manufacturers offer now hybrid trucks like the RAM 1500, or all electric trucks like a Rivian R1T and a Hummer EV.

But if you're not a fan of these smaller engines, don't worry. If you want a big engine in a compact-size truck, try the Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel 16 engine. The RAM has  420 horsepower, 1,075 pound-feet of torque, can carry 6,570 lbs, and can tow an impressive 37,100 pounds.

1. Trucks are huge

The majority of trucks have definitely grown in size. Some of this is because all cars are getting larger due to added safety features like airbags and crumple zones. But it's also because most trucks these days have four doors, and they still need room for a decent-sized bed in the back.

A lot of roads in the U.S. and parking spaces were designed before these giant trucks became popular. For that reason, if you live in a busy area, owning a pickup can be quite a hassle. It can be tough to park, tricky to navigate in tight spots, and sometimes, it's a real squeeze to fit into garages.

2. Trucks are expensive

Trucks today are way more fancy and comfortable than their simple, old-school ancestors. They're in high demand, with customers who really want and need them. Plus, off-road add-ons can be quite expensive. And due to a tax on foreign-made trucks, the market's not likely to see cheaper competition anytime soon.

Even before the pandemic hit, truck prices were already climbing, with the average cost of a full-size truck nearing $50,000. Now, that number is inching closer to $60,000.

If you don’t have the budget right now for a truck, consider a car subscription from FINN. With FINN, you can get access to all the latest trucks with a simple monthly payment that covers the cost of the car, as well as insurance, registration, and roadside assistance. 

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3. Not the best family car

Taking trips with kids requires a lot of planning—and a lot more gear. In a truck, there's not much secure or weatherproof space for all their things, except inside the cab. You can shell out big bucks for a fancy cover for the truck bed. But even then, it's tricky to safely store everyday items in the bed and even harder to retrieve them.

4. Off-road challenges

One of the big selling points for pickups is the potential for off-roading. But they're not always the best choice for this kind of adventure. Because of their size, there are limits to the types of trails you can tackle with a full-size truck. They also have longer wheelbases than SUVs, which isn't ideal for off-roading – shorter wheelbases allow for tighter turns and make it easier to get over obstacles. For example, the Jeep Wrangler can handle terrain that the Jeep Gladiator struggles with.

5. Triple-digit gas bills

Expect to shell out over $100 every time you fill up a truck from empty. And don't be surprised to see the fuel gauge drop quickly. Even though truck manufacturers have made great advancements in fuel-saving technologies – like cylinder deactivation and turbocharging – you're still driving a large, heavy vehicle, and that's going to cost.

Forget about those official fuel economy numbers once you attach something to your trailer hitch. You're basically using a big, heavy vehicle to pull another big, heavy object. This is particularly true if you have a smaller turbocharged engine. Every time you step on the gas to move the load or climb a hill, your engine is burning extra fuel to give you the power of a bigger engine.

If you want to buy a truck, weigh the pros and cons to help you make the best decision possible.

What are the benefits of owning a truck?

• Trucks are designed to pull heavy loads, making them perfect for towing trailers, boats, or other vehicles.
• Trucks offer a wide range of uses, from hauling heavy loads to off-road adventures.
• Unmatched engine performance.
• Enhanced visibility through the higher seating position.
• Modern trucks are equipped with the same comfort and technology features found in luxury cars.

Trucks offer benefits that no other type of vehicle can match, which is why they've become a staple of American car culture. They're the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. year after year, and for good reasons. Trucks have sturdy frames built for tough tasks, open beds perfect for hauling anything from furniture to camping gear, and powerful engines that can handle heavy loads. If you've only considered cars before, it might be time to check out what trucks bring to the table. You might just find that their strength, versatility, and rugged charm are exactly what you're looking for.

If your lifestyle involves regular heavy-duty work, outdoor adventures, or you need extra space for hauling, a truck could be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you're mostly driving in the city and fuel efficiency is a top priority, a smaller car might better suit your needs.

But what if there was a way to enjoy the benefits of a truck without the commitment of ownership? With FINN, you can access a truck whenever you need one, without the costs and responsibilities that come with owning a vehicle. It's a flexible solution for those who want the utility of a truck on their terms.

If you're looking for alternatives to trucks, there are plenty of options that can meet your needs for space, utility, and performance. Consider these alternatives:

1. SUVs: These offer similar power and capacity as trucks but with more passenger space. Check out FINN's best family cars for some great SUV options.
2. Vans: If you need to transport large items regularly, vans offer enclosed cargo spaces that protect your belongings from the elements.
3. Crossovers: These are a mix between cars and SUVs, offering more cargo space than regular cars but better fuel efficiency than larger SUVs.
4. Hatchbacks or Station Wagons: These can offer surprising amounts of cargo space, especially with rear seats that fold flat. For city driving, you might want to consider the vehicles listed in FINN's best city cars.
5. Compact Trucks: If you like the utility of a truck but want something smaller, consider compact trucks. They offer the best of both worlds – the versatility of a truck in a more manageable size.