Most Popular Truck in America
Want to know the most popular pickup truck in America? We have all the best selling full size trucks right here:
Total new registrations of light trucks in the US broke 9 million and around 12 million in 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 truck in America: full-size pickup
| 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 |
In 2018 for every new automobile sold, 1.9 new light trucks sold.
In 2019 that jumped to 2.5 new light trucks sold for every new automobile. If you ask what is the best selling truck in America, it seems like they all are!
You can see in the chart the Ford F-series pickups continue their traditional dominance as the most popular pickup truck in the US.
Any list of best selling full size trucks starts with the F-150.
More top selling trucks in America
The Ram is not the most popular truck in America but it’s making a run for it. The Ram pickup probably won’t ever be the best selling truck in America but it “picked up” second place. That spot traditionally belongs to the Chevy Silverado, now at number 3.
The list continues with Chevy Silverado’s sister pickup, the GMC Sierra, at number four. Then you have the Toyota Tundra (#5), Nissan Titan and Titan XD (#6), and Honda Ridgeline (#7).
Believe it or not, the Ford F-series trucks are the most popular truck in America for over 43 years (as of 2020). Its reign started as the most popular truck in 1977, according to Ford. The first F-series, the Ford F1, was introduced way back in January, 1948, nearly 72 years ago. It took 29 years go move to the top of the best selling full size trucks list and has been there ever since.
America’s favorite truck is going electric, too. Ford has announced a new all-electric version of the F-150 and a hybrid version is available as a 2021 model. Called the “PowerBoost” this hybrid F-150 has a twin turbo EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine. This is coupled with a 10-speed auto transmission with an embedded electric motor.
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 pickup in America, mid-size
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, is number three. That beats the Ford Ranger.
A new American pick up truck: Gladiator
The new Jeep Gladiator comes in at #6 and first shipped in April 2019. The Gladiator starts out as a 2020 model year.
| 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. Is is a 2020 model and is already very popular.
We saw 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 is also 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?
Ehh, probably not.
But judging by the publicity around its November 2019 unveiling, it may be the most discussed truck in America.
It certainly stands out with a unique profile and all-electric drivetrain. With the optional Tri Motor AWD version you get acceleration from zero t0 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. And you get 7,500 lbs. towing capacity.
You can pre-order the Tesla Cybertruck now. Tesla claims production starts late 2021. The Tri Motor AWD trim version begins production in late 2022.
