View source for Pickup truck

{{Short description|Light-duty truck with an enclosed cab and an open cargo area}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
[[File:Ford F-150 crew cab -- 05-28-2011.jpg|thumb|2009–2012 [[Ford F-Series (twelfth generation)|Ford F-150]] Lariat SuperCrew full-size truck with [[Tonneau|tonneau cover]], four doors, and running boards]]

A '''pickup truck''' or '''pickup''' is a [[Truck classification#Table of US GVWR classifications|light or medium duty truck]] that has an enclosed [[cabin (truck)|cabin]], and a back end made up of a cargo bed that is enclosed by three low walls with no roof (this cargo bed back end sometimes consists of a [[wikt: tailgate|tailgate]] and removable covering).<ref name="def1">{{cite dictionary|title=Pickup |dictionary=Merriam Webster |url= http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pickup |access-date = 7 August 2014}}</ref> In [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], both pickups and [[coupé utility|coupé utilities]] are called [[ute (vehicle)|utes]], short for [[utility vehicle]]. In [[South Africa]], people of all language groups use the term '''''bakkie'''''; a diminutive of {{Langx|af|bak}}, meaning ''bowl'' or ''container''.<ref>{{cite web |title=bakkie - definition of bakkie in A Dictionary of South African English - DSAE |url= https://www.dsae.co.za/entry/bakkie/e00518 |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=dsae.co.za }}</ref>

Once a work or farming tool with few creature comforts, in the 1950s, American consumers began purchasing pickups for lifestyle reasons, and by the 1990s, less than 15 percent of owners reported use in work as the pickup truck's primary purpose.<ref name=Mueller>{{cite book|last=Mueller |first=Mike |title=The American Pickup Truck |date=1999 |page=9 |isbn=9780760304730 }}</ref> In North America, the pickup is mostly used as a [[Car|passenger car]]<ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Porter |editor-first=Bryan |title=Handbook of Traffic Psychology |year=2011 |publisher=Elsevier |page=222 |isbn=9780123819840 }}</ref> and accounts for about 18% of total vehicles sold in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|title = Vehicle Registration Data|url = https://hedgescompany.com/automotive-market-research-statistics/auto-mailing-lists-and-marketing |website = Hedges & Company|access-date = 6 February 2016}}</ref> Full-sized pickups and [[SUV]]s are an important source of revenue for major car manufacturers such as [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], [[General Motors]], and [[Stellantis]], accounting for more than two-thirds of their global pre-tax earnings, though they make up just 16% of North American vehicle production. These vehicles have a high [[profit margin]] and a high price tag; in 2018, [[Kelley Blue Book]] cited an average cost (including optional features) of US$47,174 for a new Ford F-150.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Matt|first=Degan|date=August 22, 2018|title=Pricing Your Next Ford F-150: It Could Cost $60,000 – or More|url= https://www.kbb.com/reviews/pricing-your-next-ford-f-150-it-could-cost-60000-or-more/ |work=Kelley Blue Book}}</ref>

The term pickup is of unknown origin. It was used by [[Studebaker]] in 1913. By the 1930s, it had become the standard term in certain markets for a light-duty truck.<ref name=zuehlke>{{cite book |last=Zuehlke |first=Jeffrey |year=2007 |title=Pickup Trucks |page=9 |publisher=[[Lerner Publishing Group|LernerClassroom]] |isbn=978-082256564-2 }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2021|reason=This book is part of the "Pull Ahead" series of books which is targeted towards children grades 4-6.|sure=yes}}

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==History==
[[File:1922 Ford Model T Pickup 2.jpg|thumb|A 1922 Ford Model T pickup]]
[[File:1961 International C-120 4x4 (cropped).JPG|thumb|A 1961 International Travelette]]

In the early days of automobile manufacturing, vehicles were sold only as a [[chassis]] and third parties added bodies on top.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Mueller|first1=Mike|title=Classic Pickups of the 1950s}}</ref> In 1902, the [[Rapid Motor Vehicle Company]] was founded by Max Grabowsky and Morris Grabowsky who built one-ton carrying capacity trucks in Pontiac, Michigan. In 1913, the [[Galion Godwin Truck Body Co.|Galion Allsteel Body Company]], an early developer of the pickup and [[dump truck]], built and installed hauling boxes on slightly modified [[Ford Model T]] chassis,<ref name="Encyclopediaof">{{cite web|title=Encyclopedia of American Coachbuilders & Coachbuilding|url= http://www.coachbuilt.com |work=Coachbuilt |access-date=10 April 2012}}</ref> and from 1917, on the [[Ford Model TT|Model TT]]. Seeking part of this market share, [[Dodge]] introduced a 3/4-ton pickup with a cab and body constructed entirely of wood in 1924.<ref>{{cite web|title=1918 to 1928 Dodge Brother Pickups|url= http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/history/segment1.html|access-date=26 May 2015|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190308024557/http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/history/segment1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1925, Ford followed up with a steel-bodied half-ton based on the Model T with an adjustable [[Trunk (automobile)#Door|tailgate]] and heavy-duty rear springs.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/history/ford_segment1.html |title=The History of Ford Pickups: The Model T Years 1925–1927 |website=PickupTrucks.com |access-date=4 June 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101130214819/http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/history/ford_segment1.html |archive-date=30 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Billed as the "Ford Model T Runabout with Pickup Body," it sold for {{USD|281}}; 34,000 were built. In 1928, it was replaced by the [[Ford Model A (1927–1931)|Model A]], which had a closed-cab, safety-glass windshield, roll-up side windows, and three-speed transmission.

In 1931, General Motors introduced light-duty pickups for both [[GMC (automobile)|GMC]] and [[Chevrolet]] targeted at private ownership. These pickup trucks were based on the [[Chevrolet Master#Trucks and buses|Chevrolet Master]]. In 1940, GM introduced the dedicated light-truck platform, separate from passenger cars, which GM named the [[Chevrolet AK Series|AK series]].<ref name=timeline>{{cite web|title=Trucking Timeline: Vintage and Antique Truck Guide |url= http://www.thetruckersreport.com/trucking-timeline-vintage-and-antique-truck-guide/ |access-date=26 May 2015}}</ref> Ford North America continued to offer a pickup body style on the [[1937 Ford|Ford Model 51]], and the Ford Australian division produced the first Australian [[ute (vehicle)|"ute"]] in 1932.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://archive.maas.museum/australia_innovates/index710e.html?behaviour=view_article&Section_id=1080&article_id=10085 |title=Australia Innovates: The Ute: 1934 vehicle with car cabin and utility tray |work=Powerhouse Museum |access-date=4 October 2021}}</ref> In 1940, Ford offered a dedicated light-duty truck platform, then upgraded the platform after [[World War II]] to the [[Ford F-Series (first generation)|Ford F-Series]] in 1948.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Dodge at first assumed heavier truck production from [[Graham-Paige]], while the company produced their light (pickup) trucks, initially on their sufficiently sturdy passenger car frames. But after switching to distinct, dedicated truck frames in 1936, Dodge/Fargo launched an extensive own truck range for 1939, marketed as the [[Dodge T-, V-, W-Series|"Job-Rated" trucks]]. These [[Art-Deco|Art Deco]]–styled trucks were again continued after World War II.

[[International Harvester]] offered the [[International K and KB series]], which were marketed towards construction and farming and did not have a strong retail consumer presence, and [[Studebaker]] also manufactured the [[Studebaker M-series truck|M-series truck]]. At the beginning of World War II, the United States government halted the production of privately owned pickup trucks, and all American manufacturers built [[Truck|heavy duty trucks]] for the war effort.<ref name="timeline" />

In the 1950s, consumers began purchasing pickups for lifestyle rather than utilitarian reasons.<ref name=timeline/> Car-like, smooth-sided, fenderless trucks were introduced, such as the Chevrolet Fleetside, the [[Chevrolet El Camino]], the Dodge Sweptline, and in 1957, Ford's purpose-built Styleside. Pickups began to feature comfort items such as power options and air conditioning.<ref name="Mueller" /> During this time, pickups with four doors, known as crew cabs, started to become popular. These pickup trucks were released in 1954 in Japan with the [[Toyota Stout#RK|Toyota Stout]],<ref name="VIM">"Toyota Vehicle Identification Manual", Toyota Motor Corporation, Overseas Parts Department, Catalog No.97913-84, 1984, Japan</ref><ref name="brochure228">{{cite web |year=1954 |title=Toyota Truck 48HP brochure No. 228 |url=http://members.iinet.com.au/~stepho/brochures/Toyota/Toyopet%20truck%20228 |access-date=17 June 2011 |work=Toyota |location=Japan |archive-date=14 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314061416/http://members.iinet.com.au/~stepho/brochures/Toyota/Toyopet%20truck%20228/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> in 1957 in Japan with the [[Datsun 220]], and in 1957 in America with the [[International Harvester Travelette|International Travelette]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 April 2017|title=The Evolution Of The Great American Pickup Truck, From 1925 To Today|url=http://www.dailydetroit.com/2017/04/21/evolution-great-american-pickup-truck-1925-today/|access-date=13 November 2020|work=Daily Detroit|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113224457/http://www.dailydetroit.com/2017/04/21/evolution-great-american-pickup-truck-1925-today/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other manufacturers soon followed, including the [[Hino Briska]] in 1962, Dodge in 1963,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/ram-history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070906125410/http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/ram-history.html |archive-date=September 6, 2007 |title=The 2007 Jeep Wrangler |website=Allpar |access-date=4 June 2007}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] in 1965, and [[General Motors]] in 1973.<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://media.gm.com/division/chevrolet/products/trucks/02chevy/02avalanche/heritage.html | title = Chevrolet Avalanche press release | access-date = 4 June 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070614223109/http://media.gm.com/division/chevrolet/products/trucks/02chevy/02avalanche/heritage.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 14 June 2007}}</ref>

In 1961 in the UK the [[British Motor Corporation]] launched an Austin [[Mini#Mini Pick-up (1961–1983)|Mini Pickup]] version of the original 1959 Mini. It was in production until 1983.
[[File:Mini pickup ADO8547.JPG|thumb|Mini Pick-up]]

In 1963, the US [[chicken tax]] directly curtailed the import of the [[Volkswagen Type 2]], distorting the market in favor of US manufacturers.<ref name="nyt1">{{cite news|title=Light Trucks Increase Profits But Foul Air More than Cars |newspaper=The New York Times |first=Keith |last=Bradsher |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/30/business/license-pollute-special-report-light-trucks-increase-profits-but-foul-air-more.html |date=30 November 1997 |access-date=28 April 2010}}</ref> The tariff directly affected any country seeking to bring light trucks into the United States and effectively "squeezed smaller Asian truck companies out of the American pickup market."<ref name="atrop">{{cite web|title=Global Vehicles and Thailand Argue Against 'Chicken Tax' On Imported Pickups |work=Autobytel |first=Benjamin |last=Hunting |date=10 March 2009 |url= http://www.autobytel.com/auto-news/global-vehicles-and-thailand-argue-against-chicken-tax-on-imported-pickups-105325/}}</ref> Over the intervening years, Detroit lobbied to protect the light-truck tariff,<ref name="nyt1"/> thereby reducing pressure on Detroit to introduce vehicles that polluted less and that offered increased fuel economy.<ref name="nyt1"/>

The US government's 1973 [[Corporate Average Fuel Economy]] (CAFE) policy set higher fuel-economy requirements for cars than pickups. CAFE led to the replacement of the [[station wagon]] by the [[minivan]], the latter of which belonged in the truck category, which allowed it to comply with less strict emissions standards. Eventually, CAFE led to the promotion of [[sport utility vehicle]]s (SUVs).<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2007/04/06/DI2007040601383.html |title=Greenhouse Real Wheels |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=22 June 2007 |first=Warren |last=Brown |date=13 April 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2004/08/29/AR2005032405083.html |title=The Station Wagon Stealthily Returns |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=22 June 2007 |first=Warren |last=Brown |date=29 August 2004}}</ref> Pickups, unhindered by the emissions controls regulations on cars, began to replace [[muscle car]]s as the performance vehicle of choice. The [[Dodge Warlock]] appeared in Dodge's "adult toys" line,<ref name="Mueller"/> along with the Macho Power Wagon and Street Van. The 1978 [[Gas Guzzler Tax|gas guzzler tax]], which taxed fuel-inefficient cars while exempting pickup trucks, further distorted the market in favor of pickups. Furthermore, until 1999, light trucks were not required to meet the same safety standards as cars,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Eddington |first1=Julia |title=Why Trucks Aren't as Safe as Cars |url= https://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/1762/why-trucks-arent-as-safe-as-cars/ |work=The Zebra |access-date=29 October 2019 |date=16 July 2015}}</ref> and 20 years later, most still lagged behind cars in the adoption of safety features.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Atiyeh |first1=Clifford |title=Three Pickup Trucks Ace IIHS Crash Tests, Yet Many Aren't As Safe As They Should Be |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a26894769/full-size-pickup-trucks-crash-test-iihs/ |work=Car and Driver |access-date=29 October 2019 |date=21 March 2019}}</ref>

In the 1980s, the compact [[Mazda B-series]], [[Isuzu Faster]], and [[Mitsubishi Forte]] debuted. Subsequently, US manufacturers built their compact pickups for the domestic market, including the [[Ford Ranger (North America)|Ford Ranger]], and the [[Chevrolet S-10]]. [[Minivans]] make inroads into the pickups' market share.<ref name="Mueller"/> In the 1990s, pickups' market share was further eroded by the popularity of SUVs.<ref name="Mueller"/>

Mid-sized electric trucks had been tried early in the 20th century<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.chuckstoyland.com/category/automotive/early-electric-cars/trucks/truck-auto-car/ |title=Electric truck |work=Autocar |location=US |date=14 June 1923 |access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> but soon lost out to gasoline and diesel vehicles. In 1997, the [[Chevrolet S-10 EV]] was released, but few were sold, and those were mostly to fleet operators.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stumpf |first1=Rob |title=Forget the Cybertruck: Get Yourself a Factory 1997 Chevrolet S-10 Electric Pickup |url= https://www.thedrive.com/news/31349/forget-the-cybertruck-get-yourself-a-factory-1997-chevrolet-s-10-electric-pickup |work=The Drive |access-date=1 October 2022 |language=en |date=13 December 2019}}</ref>

By 2023, pickup trucks had become strictly more lifestyle than utilitarian vehicles. Annual surveys of Ford F-150 owners from 2012 to 2021 revealed that 87% of the owners used their trucks frequently for shopping and running errands and 70% for pleasure driving, whereas 28% used their trucks often for personal hauling (41% occasionally and 32% rarely/never) and only 7% used them for towing while 29% only did so occasionally and 63% rarely/never did. The 1960s–1970s Ford F-100 was typically a regular cab and consisted of mostly 64% bed and 36% cab, while by mid-2000s, crew cabs were largely becoming the norm and the bed was shrunk to accommodate the larger cab, and a 2023 F-150 consisted of 63% cab and 37% bed.<ref name="Axios_20230123">{{Cite web |title=Pickup trucks have gotten bigger, higher-tech — and more dangerous |url= https://www.axios.com/ford-pickup-trucks-history |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=axios.com |date=23 January 2023 |last1=Chase |first1=Will |last2=Whalen |first2=Jared |last3=Miller |first3=Joann |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128050135/https://www.axios.com/ford-pickup-trucks-history |archive-date=28 January 2025 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==International markets==
While the [[Ford F-Series|Ford F-150]] has been the [[List of automobile sales by model|best-selling vehicle in the United States]] since 1982,<ref>{{cite news|title=Auto sales reach six-year high of 15.6 million vehicles sold, Ford F-Series takes the lead |url= http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/auto-sales-reach-six-year-high-demand-peaked-article-1.1567645 |newspaper=NY Daily News |date=6 January 2014}}</ref> the Ford F-150, or indeed any full-sized pickup truck, is a rare sight in Europe, where higher fuel prices and narrower city roads make it difficult to use daily.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Do Europeans View the Ford F-150 Pickup Truck? |url= http://www.carscoops.com/2013/06/how-do-europeans-view-ford-f-150-pickup.html |work=Carscoops |access-date=20 June 2015|date=6 June 2013 }}</ref> In the United States, pickups are favored by a cultural attachment to the style, lower fuel prices, and taxes and regulations that distort the market in favor of domestically built trucks.<ref name="nyt1" /> As of 2016, the [[IRS]] offers [[tax break]]s for business use of "any vehicle equipped with a cargo area&nbsp;... of at least six feet in interior length that is not readily accessible from the passenger compartment".<ref>{{cite web |title=Electing the Section 179 Deduction |url= https://www.irs.gov/publications/p946/ch02.html#en_US_2013_publink1000107394 |work=IRS |access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref>

In Europe, pickups represent less than 1% of light vehicles sold,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://qz.com/373364/mercedes-is-making-a-fancy-pickup-truck-for-europeans/ |title=Mercedes is making a fancy pickup truck—for Europeans |last=Mirani |first=Leo |date=31 March 2015 |access-date=30 September 2016}}</ref> the most popular being the [[Ford Ranger (T6)|Ford Ranger]] with 27,300 units sold in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/16/europes-best-selling-pickup-might-surprise-america.aspx |title=Europe's Best-Selling Pickup Might Surprise Americans |work=The Motley Fool |last=Miller |first=Daniel |date=30 September 2016 |access-date=30 September 2016}}</ref> Other models include the Renault Alaskan (a rebadged [[Nissan Navara]]), and the [[Toyota Hilux]].

The [[NOx Law (Japan)|{{NOx}} law]] and other differing regulations prevent most pickups from being imported to Japan, but the [[Japanese domestic market]] [[Mitsubishi Triton]] was available for a limited time. The most recent pickup truck for sale in Japan is the [[Jeep Gladiator (JT)|Jeep Gladiator]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gladiator （グラディエーター） |url=https://www.jeep-japan.com/gladiator.html |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=Jeep |location=Japan |language=ja-JP}}</ref>

In China (where it is known by the English [[loanword]] as 皮卡車 or 皮卡车 (pí kǎ chē), the [[Great Wall Wingle]] is manufactured domestically and exported to Australia.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://chinaautoweb.com/2011/02/chinese-pickup-truck-sales-led-by-great-wall-wingle-surged-48-to-378000-units/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804194249/http://chinaautoweb.com:80/2011/02/chinese-pickup-truck-sales-led-by-great-wall-wingle-surged-48-to-378000-units/ |archive-date=4 August 2012 |title=Chinese Pickup Truck Sales, Led by Great Wall Wingle, Surged 48% to 378,000 Units in 2010 |website=ChinaAutoWeb.com |access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> In Thailand, pickups manufactured for local sale and export include the [[Isuzu D-Max]] and the Mitsubishi Triton. In Latin and South America, the [[Toyota Hilux]], Ford Ranger, [[Volkswagen Amarok|VW Amarok]], [[Dodge Ram]], [[Chevrolet S-10]], [[Chevrolet D-20]], and [[Chevrolet Montana]] are sold.

In [[South Africa]], pickups account for about 17% of the passenger and light commercial vehicle sales, mostly the Toyota Hilux, [[Ford Ranger (T6)|Ford Ranger]], and Isuzu KB ([[Isuzu D-Max]]).<ref>{{cite web|title = Hilux dethroned: SA has new top bakkie|url = http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SAs-top-bakkies-Toyota-Hilux-dethroned-20141202|website = Wheels|access-date = 6 February 2016|date = 2 December 2014}}</ref> The [[Volkswagen Amarok]] and [[Nissan Navara]] are also sold.

==Design and features==
[[File:2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat Powerstroke turbo diesel 6.7L V8 rear, Hagerty 6.1.19.jpg|thumb|alt=Alt|A Ford F-350 with four rear wheels {{Nowrap|(a "dually")}} and an extended cab with rear-hinged doors]]

In the United States and Canada, nearly all new pickups are sold with [[automatic transmission]]s. Only the [[Jeep Gladiator (JT)|Jeep Gladiator]] and the [[Toyota Tacoma]] are available with manual transmissions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mays |first1=Kelsey |title=Which New Cars Have Manual Transmissions? |url= https://www.cars.com/articles/which-new-cars-have-manual-transmissions-437905/ |website=Cars.com |access-date=8 October 2021 |date=16 July 2021}}</ref>

A regular cab, single cab or standard cab, has a single row of seats and a single set of doors, one on each side.

Extended cab or extra cab pickups add an extra space behind the main seat, sometimes including smaller [[jump seat]]s which can fold out of the way to create more storage space. The first extended-cab truck in the United States was called the ''Club Cab'' and was introduced by Chrysler in 1973 on its Dodge D-series pickup trucks. Extended-cab trucks either have just a single set of doors with no direct access to the extended portion of the cab, very small (half-sized) rear doors that are rear-hinged which can only be opened after the front doors are open, or small (three-quarter-sized) front-hinged doors.

A crew cab, or double cab, seats five or six and has four full-sized, front-hinged doors. The first crew-cab truck in the United States was made by International Harvester in 1957 and was later followed by Dodge in 1963, Ford in 1965, and Chevrolet in 1973. However, they were originally available only with three-quarter-ton or one-ton models (such as Ford F-250/F-350), while half-ton trucks like Ford F-150 would not become available in four-door configuration until 2001, by which time crew cabs also started overtaking regular/extended cabs in popularity.<ref name="Axios_20230123" />

[[Cab-over]] or [[cab forward]] designs have the [[Cabin (truck)|cab]] sitting above the front [[axle]]. This arrangement allows a longer cargo area for the same overall length. An early cab-forward, drop-sided pickup was the [[Volkswagen Type 2|Volkswagen Transporter]], introduced in 1952. This configuration is more common among European and Japanese manufacturers than in North America. The design was more popular in North America in the 1950s and 1960s, with examples including the [[Chevrolet Corvair]] Rampside and Loadside, [[Dodge A100|Dodge A-100 and A-108]], [[Ford E-Series|Ford Econoline]], and [[Jeep Forward Control|Jeep FC-150 and FC-170]].

A "dually" is a North American colloquial term for a pickup with four rear wheels instead of two, able to carry more weight over the rear axle. Vehicles similar to the pickup include the [[coupé utility]], a car-based pickup, and the larger sport utility truck (SUT), based on a [[sport utility vehicle]] (SUV).

The terms half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton are remnants from a time when the number referred to the maximum cargo capacity by weight.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pickup truck buying guide |url= http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pickup-trucks/buying-guide.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150527042813/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pickup-trucks/buying-guide.htm |archive-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=deviated |work=Consumer Reports |access-date=28 August 2022 }}</ref>

In North America, some pickup trucks may be marketed as heavy duty (eg [[Ram Heavy Duty (fifth generation)|Ram Heavy Duty]]), super duty (eg [[Ford Super Duty]]) or simply "HD". This is typically a pickup truck with higher payload and/or towing capabilities than is standard for their size. While synonymous with "dually" or [[Pickup truck#Full-size pickup truck|full-size pickup truck]]s in North American, none of those are requirements. Dually is not available on Ram 2500 or Ford F-250 and is optional on Ram 3500 or Ford F-350, but those pickup trucks are all heavy duty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Ford Super Duty® Truck {{!}} Pricing, Photos, Specs & More |url=https://www.ford.com/trucks/super-duty/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ram Trucks Australia - 2500/3500 Laramie Crew Cab |url=http://www.ramtrucks.com.au/vehicles/2500-3500-laramie-crew-cab/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Ram Trucks Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref> Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up HD is a heavy duty [[Pickup truck#Mid-size pickup truck|mid-size pickup truck]] with a two tonne payload.<ref>{{Cite web |title=maxx-hd |url=https://auto.mahindra.com/pick-up-trucks/maxx-hd |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=auto.mahindra.com |location=India |language=en }}</ref>

Some pickup trucks have an opening at the rear of the cab to increase cargo capacity lengthwise without increasing overall vehicle length or wheelbase, which reduces break over, approach, departure angles and increases turning radius. This feature is referred to as a mid-gate due to it being located in the middle of a pickup truck, as opposed to the tail-gate, which is located as the rear/tail of the vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Great Moments in Midgate History |work=Car and Driver |date=5 January 2022 |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g38666490/midgate-truck-history/}}</ref>

==={{anchor|Stepside|Fleetside|Flareside|Styleside|Sweptline}} Bed styles===
{{Multiple image
| header = [[Chevrolet C/K (first generation)]], Stepside and Fleetside comparison
| width1 = 222
| caption1 = Stepside (1964)
| image1 = 1964 Chevrolet C-10 Stepside in Blue, rear left.jpg
| width2 = 255
| caption2 = Fleetside (1965)
| image2 = 1965 Chevrolet C20 fleetside pickup, rear left.jpg
}}

The cargo bed can vary in size according to whether the vehicle is optimized for cargo utility or passenger comfort. Most have fixed side walls and a hinged tailgate. Cargo beds are normally found in two styles: stepside or fleetside. A stepside bed has fenders that extend on the outside of the cargo area; originally these were just fenders attached to a cargo box. This style used to be the standard design, as it was cheaper to manufacture. A fleetside bed has wheel wells inside of a double-walled bed, and most are usually designed to match the cab's styling. The two types of bed have been given a variety of names by different manufacturers; "Stepside" and "Fleetside" originate with Chevrolet but are also frequently used by Dodge as well as GMC. GMC has also used "Wideside" instead of Fleetside, while Dodge has also used "Utiline" and "Sweptline" for the two types. Ford uses "Flareside" and "Styleside", respectively. Jeep has used "Sportside" and "Thriftside" for the separate fender style, and "Townside" for flush designs.<ref name=MTbeds>{{cite web | url = https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/what-is-a-stepside-truck/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210613110649/https://www.hotrod.com/articles/what-is-a-stepside-truck/ | archive-date = 2021-06-13 | work = [[Hot Rod (magazine)|Hot Rod]] | title = Stepside vs Fleetside Truck Beds and What's the Difference? | first = Steven | last = Rupp | date = 2021-02-19 | publisher = Motor Trend Group, LLC }}</ref> International Harvester called the two types "Standard" and "Bonus-Load".

The first fleet-sided pickup truck was the [[Crosley]] in the 1940s,{{citation needed|date=November 2023|reason=Was it the first or was there something before it?}} followed by the 1955 [[Chevrolet Cameo Carrier]]. Early pickups had wood-plank beds, which were largely replaced by steel by the 1960s. In many parts of the world, pickups frequently use a dropside bed – with a flat tray with hinged panels that can be raised separately on the sides and the rear. The fleetside has gradually fully replaced the earlier, separate-fender look: The last time Chevrolet and GMC used the Stepside style was on the 2005 Silverado and Sierra 1500 models; Ford last used the Flareside style on the 2009 F-150.

==Safety==

{{See also|Autobesity}}

Consumer pickup trucks sold in the US have increased in weight by 32% since 1990.<ref>{{cite tweet |last1=DeGood |first1=Kevin |user=kevin_degood |number=1166359839855054850 |title=Weight of pickup trucks since 1990 |access-date=11 April 2023 |date=27 August 2019}}</ref> Also, cabins have grown and risen further from the ground and grill and hood sizes have increased over time. These changes mean that a modern standard pickup truck has a {{cvt|7-10|foot|m|order=flip|1}} longer blind spot in front of its grill than most other vehicles as well as increased blind spots behind and to the side. The [[Ford F-250]] has a hood almost {{cvt|6|feet|m|order=flip|1}} from the ground. It may be impossible to see a small object such as a child as far as {{cvt|15|feet|m|order=flip|1}} in front of the vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Segall |first1=Bob |title=Millions of vehicles have unexpected, dangerous front blind zone |url= https://www.wthr.com/article/news/investigations/13-investigates/13-investigates-millions-vehicles-have-unexpected-dangerous-front-blind-zone/531-9521c471-3bc1-4b55-b860-3363f0954b3b |website=Wthr.com |access-date=11 April 2023 |date=25 April 2019}}</ref> A total of 575 children in the US died in front-over deaths between 2009 and 2019, most by their parents. This is an 89% increase in mortality from the previous ten years. Additionally, US car-related fatalities went up by 8% and pedestrian casualties increased by 46% between 2011 and 2021. While the reasons for this increase are complex, Consumer Reports partially attributes this number to increased truck size and prevalence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kieth |first1=Barry |title=Which New Cars Have Manual Transmissions? |url= https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/the-hidden-dangers-of-big-trucks/ |work=Consumer Reports |location=US |access-date=11 April 2023 |date=8 June 2021}}</ref> Chuck Farmer from the US [[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]] has found large pickup trucks to be as deadly or deadlier than muscle cars and "... are work trucks, and people should not be using them primarily for commuting, because they kill so many other drivers."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Samilton |first1=Tracy |title=American muscle cars, large pickups, are most deadly vehicles on road, insurance institute finds |url= https://www.michiganradio.org/public-safety/2023-07-13/american-muscle-cars-large-pickups-are-most-deadly-vehicles-on-road-insurance-institute-finds |access-date=16 July 2023 |work=Michigan Radio |date=14 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

Riding in the bed of a pickup truck is prohibited in some US states, or is permitted only under narrow circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deminski |first=Jeff DeminskiJeff |date=2024-11-06 |title=What's legal for pickup trucks in 20 states is illegal here in NJ |url=https://nj1015.com/whats-legal-for-pickup-trucks-in-20-states-is-illegal-here-in-nj/ |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=New Jersey 101.5 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Legislature |first=Cal |title=California Vehicle Code section 21712 (2025) |url=https://california.public.law/codes/vehicle_code_section_21712 |access-date=2025-11-13 |website=California.Public.Law |language=en}}</ref>

==Uses==
[[File:1974 Dodge D200 pickup - camper special (4880939128).jpg|thumb|1974 [[Dodge D200]] with camper]]

In the United States and Canada, pickups are used primarily for passenger transport. Pickup trucks are often marketed and used for their hauling (utilizing cargo bed) and towing (utilizing body-on-frame design and long wheelbase) capabilities.

Equipping pickup trucks with a [[camper shell]] provides a small space for [[camping]]. Slide-in [[truck camper]]s can offer a pickup truck the amenities of a small [[motorhome]], but still allow the operator the option of removal and independent use of the vehicle.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=BdQDAAAAMBAJ&q=Camper+shell&pg=PA124 |pages=124–127, 228 |title=Campers, 12 ways to add comfort and convenience |first=Tom |last=Stimson |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=May 1967 |volume=127 |issue=5 |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref>

Modified pickups can be used as improvised, unarmored combat vehicles called a [[Technical (vehicle)|technical]].

Pickup trucks are used to carry passengers in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. In Thailand, most [[songthaew]]s are converted pickup trucks and flatbed trucks. In Haiti, [[tap tap]]s are also converted pickup trucks.

Towing with pickup trucks is separated into two categories: conventional towing (bumper pull) and in-bed (heavy duty) towing. Conventional towing mounts the hitch at the rear of the pickup truck, in-bed towing mounts the hitch directly above or in front of the rear axle. [[Tow hitch#Weight-distributing hitch|Weight distribution hitch]] falls under conventional towing. [[Trailer (vehicle)#Fifth wheel and gooseneck|Fifth wheel and gooseneck]] fall under in-bed towing.

==Sizes==
[[File:2025 Growth in truck size.svg |thumb|In the U.S., pickup trucks have grown in size and function, from workhorses to family vehicles with many technological features.<ref name=Axios_20230123/> By the 2010s, small pickups had nearly vanished and in the 2020s full-size trucks made up a majority of U.S. sales.<ref name=Axios_20230123/> Safety advocates are concerned with larger trucks' mass and driver blind spots.<ref name=Axios_20230123/>]]

===Kei/Mini truck===
{{Main|Kei truck|Mini truck}}
{{See also|Side-by-side_(vehicle)#Agriculture|l1=UTV}}

Kei trucks are a Japanese class with a maximum length of {{cvt|3400|mm|in|0}}, a maximum width of {{cvt|1480|mm|in|0}}, a maximum height of {{cvt|2000|mm|in|0}}, and a maximum displacement of {{cvt|660|cc|0}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.j-spec.com.au/lineup//Hijet_Truck/S500/id-415 |title=Daihatsu Hijet Truck (S500 series) |work=J-Spec Imports |location=Australia |access-date=2023-12-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-a-kei-truck |title=What Is A Kei Truck? |first=Dustin |last=Hawley |website=J.D. Power |location=US |date=2022-11-24 |access-date=2023-12-17}}</ref>

In some countries, mini trucks are similar to, or slightly bigger than, kei trucks. In other countries, eg the United States, mini trucks are another name for any pickup smaller than full-size pickups.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

[[Side-by-side (vehicle)#Agriculture|UTV]]s are of similar size and serve similar roles in developed countries but are typically restricted to off-road and rural areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ultra-light utility vehicle: Registration, uses and equipment |url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/vehicle-registration/conditional-and-seasonal/vehicle-sheets/ultra-light-utility-vehicle-registration-uses-and-equipment |website=NSW Government |location=[[New South Wales, Australia]] |date=2021-01-29 |access-date=2024-02-27}}</ref>

===Compact pickup truck===
Typically, a [[unibody]] pickup truck is built on [[Compact crossover SUV|compact SUV]] [[Car platform|platform]] or a compact passenger car platform. Examples include the [[Hyundai Santa Cruz]] and [[Ford Maverick (2022)|Ford Maverick]]. [[Subaru]] also produced the [[Subaru Baja]] based heavily on the [[Subaru Outback]] (Legacy) [[Station wagon|wagon]] and [[Subaru BRAT]] based on the [[Subaru Leone]] wagon using a unibody construction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All SUBARU Baja Models by Year (2003-2006) - Specs, Pictures & History |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/subaru/baja/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=autoevolution |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Niedermeyer |first=Paul |date=2021-02-26 |title=Curbside Classic: 1982 Subaru BRAT - The Young Man's Choice Of Pickup In Those Terrible Times |url=https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-asian/curbside-classic-1982-subaru-brat-the-young-mans-choice-of-pickup-in-those-terrible-times/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Curbside Classic |language=en-US}}</ref> Other variations include the [[Holden Crewman]] and [[Holden One Tonner]] which are based on a [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan platform]] but use a part-[[monocoque]], part [[Chassis|chassis frame]] construction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MODELS info |url=https://holdencrewmanenthu.wixsite.com/crewman/models-info |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Crewman |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=NEWTON |first=GoAutoMedia-BRUCE |title=First look: One-Tonner back in black |url=https://www.goauto.com.au/future-models/holden/commodore/ute/first-look-one-tonner-back-in-black/2003-02-28/15896.html |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=GoAuto |language=en}}</ref>

===Mid-size pickup truck===
Typically, a [[body-on-frame]] pickup truck of a similar size to a [[SUV#Mid-size SUV|mid-size SUV]]. Examples include the [[Ford Ranger (T6)|Ford Ranger]], [[Toyota Hilux]], and [[Isuzu D-Max]]. This is usually the largest size pickup sold or manufactured in countries outside North America.

===Full-size pickup truck===
{{See also|Truck_classification#%22Ton%22_rating|l1=Ton rating}}
A [[body-on-frame]] pickup truck with an exterior width of more than two meters (excluding mirrors and/or widebody/flares for [[Pickup truck#Design and features|dually wheels]]).

There is no clear definition for what is too large to be a pickup truck. Most of the time the line is drawn where the features or target market of a truck no longer primarily serve private owners (eg Ford F-550 and larger), or a CDL (commercial driver's license) is required. Examples of exceptions include [[International XT]], F650{{sic}} SuperTruck and [[Tractor unit|prime mover]] to pickup truck conversions.

==Gallery==
<!-- please see talk page before making changes-->
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Datsun 220 Pickup (9394962243).jpg|Early compact [[Datsun Truck]]
File:Volkswagen Type 2 pickup truck with left dropside panel folded down.jpg|[[Volkswagen Type 2]] with single [[cab over]] and a drop side bed with the left panel folded down
File:1961 Chevrolet Apache 10 in Tartan Turquoise, Front Right, 06-11-2022.jpg|1961 [[Chevrolet Apache]] with a step-side bed
File:Chevrolet C-K.JPG|Chevrolet [[Flatbed truck|flatbed]] with four wheels on the rear axle ("dually") for improved towing
File:F-250 utility service truck.jpg|Ford F-250 extended cab fitted with an aftermarket utility bed
File:Songthaew in Trat 01.jpg|[[Songthaew]] conversion
File:Suzuki Carry 1989.jpg|1990 [[Suzuki Carry]], a [[Kei truck]]
File:2006 Holden VZ Ute Thunder S 01.jpg|2006 [[Holden Ute]], a car-based [[coupé utility]]
File:Ford Ranger Gendarmerie.jpg|[[Ford Ranger]] double cab in French [[National Gendarmerie]] livery
File:Truck bed liner using permanent ArmorThane polyurethane spray-on protective coating.JPG|[[Chevrolet Colorado]] flat-sided pickup truck showing wheel well intrusion into bed
File:Nissan Titan King Cab 003.JPG|[[Nissan Titan]] showing the function of an extended cab's rear-hinged doors
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Flatbed truck]]
* [[Kei truck]]
* [[List of pickup trucks]]
* [[Panel van]]
* [[Pickup truck racing]], a form of [[auto racing]] using modified versions of pickups mostly on [[Oval track racing|oval tracks]]
* [[Roadster utility]]
* [[Rolling coal]]: some pickups are modified to produce more [[diesel exhaust]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Abel |first=David |title=Rules have diesel enthusiasts fuming|url= https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2014/07/27/diesel-truck-enthusiasts-roll-coal-protest-environmental-regulations/rAMeh2yyrZ8GeKWemcJFWM/story.html |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=28 July 2014 |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref> Modifications may cost from $2,000 to $5,000.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dahl |first=Melissa |title=Why Pickup Truck Drivers Are Paying $5,000 to Pollute More |url= http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/07/why-people-are-paying-5000-to-pollute-more.html |work=Science of Us |date=24 July 2014 |access-date=11 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kulze |first=Elizabeth |title='Rollin' Coal' Is Pollution Porn for Dudes With Pickup Trucks |url=http://www.vocativ.com/culture/society/dicks-pick-trucks-meme-rollin-coal/ |work=Vocativ |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=11 May 2016 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505193322/http://www.vocativ.com/culture/society/dicks-pick-trucks-meme-rollin-coal/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Self-driving truck]]
* [[Cutaway van chassis]]
* [[Chassis cab]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last1=Wakely |first1=Joel |title=The Passion for Utes: An Australian Obsession |date=2022 |publisher=Woodslane Press |location=Warriewood, NSW |isbn=9781925868968 |url={{GBurl|m89QzwEACAAJ}}}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Pickup trucks}}

{{Automobile configuration}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pickup Truck}}
[[Category:Car classifications]]
[[Category:Pickup trucks| ]]
[[Category:Light trucks]]
[[Category:Culture of the United States]]