Most Popular Trucks in America
Here are the most popular full-size pickup trucks in America in 2019, through the third quarter (September 30).
Total new registrations of light trucks in the US broke 9 million and is projected to be around 12 million for 2019. Pickup trucks broke 2 million and is projected around 2.8 million for the year. (Note: the definition of a “light truck” is defined by GVW and includes pickups, SUVs, CUVs and some station wagons).
Most popular trucks in America: full-size
| Full Size Pickup | 2019 Sales |
|---|---|
| 1. Ford F-Series pickup | 580,000 Units |
| 2. Ram pickup | 416,000 Units |
| 3. Chevrolet Silverado pickup | 395,000 Units |
| 4. GMC Sierra pickup | 162,000 Units |
| 5. Toyota Tundra pickup | 90,000 Units |
| 6. Nissan Titan/Titan XD pickup | 30,000 Units |
| 7. Honda Ridgeline pickup | 27,000 Units |
Last year at this time there were 1.9 light trucks sold for every automobile. In 2019 that jumped to 2.5 light trucks sold for every automobile.
You can see in the chart the Ford F-series pickups continue their traditional dominance as the most popular pickup in the US.
Notably the Ram pickup has “picked up” second place, traditionally held by the Chevy Silverado, which comes in at number 3.
The list rounds out with Chevy Silverado’s sister pickup, the GMC Sierra, at number four, followed by the Toyota Tundra (#5), Nissan Titan and Titan XD (#6), and Honda Ridgeline (#7).
Believe it or not, the Ford F-series trucks have been the most popular truck in America for over 42 years (as of December 2019). Its reign as the most popular truck began in 1977, according to Ford. The first F-series, the Ford F1, was introduced way back in January, 1948, nearly 72 years ago.
America’s favorite truck is going electric, too. Ford has announced a new all-electric version of the F-150 is coming in the future, and a hybrid version will be available as early as 2020.
The most popular fuel for full-size pickup trucks is gasoline or flex fuel. Diesel fuel is used in the heavy-duty versions of these trucks and ranges from 12% of all trucks sold (Chevy Silverado) to high-teens (GMC Sierra and Ford F-Series) to 20% (Ram and Nissan).
Most popular mid-size pickups in America
In the mid-size pickup category, you can see how Toyota dominates. It easily outsells the second most popular mid-size truck, the Chevy Colorado.
Another import, the Nissan Frontier, comes in at #3 beating the Ford Ranger.
The new Jeep Gladiator comes in at #6 but it has only been shipping for a few months.
| Mid Size Pickup | 2019 Sales |
|---|---|
| 1. Toyota Tacoma pickup | 176,000 Units |
| 2. Chevrolet Colorado pickup | 98,000 Units |
| 3. Nissan Frontier pickup | 53,000 Units |
| 4. Ford Ranger pickup | 46,000 Units |
| 5. GMC Canyon pickup | 28,000 Units |
| 6. Jeep Gladiator pickup | 18,000 Units |
Keep your eye on the Jeep Gladiator mid-size pickup (also known as the Jeep JT). It resembles a Jeep Wrangler JLU Unlimited with a pickup bed attached. It started shipping in May 2019 as a 2020 model and is already very popular.
There were a lot of Gladiators at the 2019 SEMA Show, such as this one sporting the overland style, complete with mounted tent.
With 18,000 sold in less than half a year, 2020 could see the Gladiator threaten the Ford Ranger’s position, especially with incentives offered by FCA. The Gladiator will also be very versatile if you want to go off-road or just look the part.
Will the Tesla Cybertruck ever be the most popular truck in America?
Probably not.
But judging by the publicity around its November 2019 unveiling, it may be the most discussed truck in America.
With a unique profile and all-electric drivetrain it certainly stands out. With the optional Tri Motor AWD version it’s claimed to accelerate from zero t0 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. And have 7,500 lbs. towing capacity.
Tesla claims the Tesla Cybertruck will be in production in late 2021. The Tri Motor AWD trim version is expected to begin production in late 2022.
