Which Truck Is The Most Popular In Your State?
If you pick up the Kelley Blue Book to determine the most popular vehicles in each state due to new registrations, one thing is going to stand out: trucks reign supreme. It’s hardly surprising: there’s nothing more American than a pickup truck.
Even since the first Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line in 1925, the truck has improved the way that we live and work. They started out as blue-collar workhorses designed to carry produce and supplies along wide unpaved roads and now, thanks to a growing emphasis on luxury and comfort, trucks are as majestic as they are capable. According to Consumer Reports, pickup sales are the hottest they’ve been in over a decade, especially among families.
We took the top 10 most popular trucks of 2019 and ran them through Google Trends to see which trucks were searched for the most by which states. Here’s what we found.
1. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling truck, although it didn’t hit the top spot for most googled in any state. The F-150 line has six different models with V6 and V8 engines offering superior highway fuel economy and a military-grade aluminum-alloy cab and bed. From sleek but sturdy work trucks with an 8-foot bed and regular cab to family-friendly four-doors with a more compact body, Ford makes an F-150 available for practically all budgets.
2. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the country’s second most popular pickup truck. Its V6 engine, 6-speed transmission, and towing capacity of 6800 lbs deliver the strength and power needed to safely navigate long roads and unique landscapes, which is probably why it is also the most popular truck in the following West Coast states:
- California
- Hawaii
- Oregon
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
3. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 won Truck Trend’s Pickup of the Year award for 2019. Your peace of mind is our top of mind. According to the Ram Trucks website, the 2019 version has been fully redesigned with a high-strength steel frame and multiple safety and security features. Combined with its powerful V6 and V8 engines and 8-speed transmission, it’s easy to see why the Ram 1500 was searched for more than any other truck in the following states, all of which are known for their long and winding roads:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Wyoming
4. Chevy Silverado
The Chevy Silverado may have come in fourth place, but it takes the top spot for the number of states searching for a premium-quality pickup. The 2019 model is described as bigger, stronger, and lighter than previous-generation Chevys, and its choice of engines ensures reliable towing capacity over rugged terrain while maintaining fuel economy. The Chevy name appears to be so widely trusted that the Silverado is the most searched truck in the following states:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
5. Chevy Colorado
The Chevy Colorado, while not as popular as its Silverado cousin, is still the fifth most-searched pickup truck. It’s a mid-sized vehicle with 4-wheel disc brakes and powerful engine options that give it full-sized capability. The Colorado appears to be one of those pickups that can do the job whether you’re towing a camper or bringing your kids home from soccer practice.
6. Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra didn’t emerge as a state favorite like the Tacoma, but with its smooth but rugged build and 50 and 38-gallon fuel tanks it’s built for long distances. The Tundra also has a towing capacity of 10,200 lbs, making it a popular choice for weekend camping and worksite transportation.
7. GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra took the top spot in Maine. With a maximum horsepower of up to 420 and towing capacity of 12,100 lbs, and an innovative six-function tailgate that makes loading and unloading much easier, this pickup is a natural choice for backroads and highway transportation alike.
8. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is similar to the F-150 in that it’s a bestseller that didn’t quite make it onto a most-popular list for any states. According to the manufacturer, the 2019 line has been “tested under more extreme conditions” than the average driver would ever likely encounter and has been specially designed for off-road travel, which may be why it’s a popular vehicle for extreme weather driving.
9. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize truck available with an extended cab or four-door crew cab with 5-foot and 6.1-foot beds. The most popular model is the Desert Runner, which combines a two-wheel drive with features designed for a speedy yet safe off-road travel experience. While Edmunds only gave it a six out of 10 for onboard technologies, it ranked considerably higher for comfort, build, and travel.
10. GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon has been described as a downsized version of the GMC Sierra, as the design and ability are similar. It is often purchased with the exclusive General Motors diesel four-cylinder that can tow up to 7700lbs without compromising on fuel efficiency. Quality interior materials and infotainment system make the Canyon suitable for family and work time alike.
Trucks and Safety
While pickup trucks can be safer to drive than many other vehicles, there are still safety concerns that owners should be aware of.
To begin with, parking can be more difficult due to the long beds and tall hoods. When maneuvering into a tight spot on a city street or in a crowded mall lot, it’s easy to graze or bump nearby vehicles.
Other concerns include:
- More Challenging For Inexperienced Drivers: If you’ve never driven a pickup before, it’s easy to underestimate its size and overestimate its maneuverability. Routine tasks like turning, stopping, parking, and backing up can be more difficult, especially if you are towing a trailer.
- Trailer Hitch Problems: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 50,000 hitch accidents occur every year. When operators are inexperienced or distracted, they can fail to hitch their camper, boat, horse trailer, or other towed vehicle correctly, resulting in a serious road accident.
- Cargo Coming Loose: When cargo is being loaded into the bed of a pickup, inexperience, haste, or inattention can all cause the cargo to be improperly secured. If it spills while rounding a corner or accelerating, it can cause property damage or secondary accidents that lead to death and serious injury.
- Rollover Accident Risk: Pickup trucks have one of the highest passenger vehicle rollover rates in the U.S. Although any vehicle can roll over under the right (or wrong) conditions, pickup trucks are taller and have a higher center of gravity, which increases the risk of a catastrophic accident.
Accident cases involving both commercial and personal pickup trucks are complicated, with negligence and liability being difficult to prove. If you have been injured in a collision involving a pickup truck, the truck accident attorneys at Kuvara Law Firm can fight for the compensation you need and are entitled to under California law. We have over four decades of experience in protecting the rights of injured clients. For a free consultation, call us today at 1-800-4-INJURY.
