According to the 2018 New Vehicle Satisfaction Survey from the industry analytics company AutoPacific, almost 300,000 SUV buyers questioned whether to purchase a pickup truck instead. In comparison to 10 years ago, that represents an increase of around 220,000.
More than 8 million SUVs were sold in 2018 compared to slightly under 3 million trucks, but families and outdoor adventure seekers continue to be drawn to pickups because of their larger, quieter cabins and superior fuel economy.
Ford F- Series(F-150 Lightning)
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning offers strong payload and towing capacity, smooth ride quality, composed road holding, exhilarating acceleration, and outstanding fuel efficiency.
Pros: High-end vehicles have luxurious interiors, a diverse selection, and a hybrid powertrain is an option.
Cons: Firmer ride than Ram, fast price increases from base model, and big truck fuel consumption—aside from the hybrid—are all present.
Base powertrain: two electric motors and a 98-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 452 horsepower, 775 pound-feet of torque, and 230 miles of range
Available powertrain: two electric motors and a 131-kWh lithium-ion battery with 580 horsepower, 775 pound-feet of torque, and up to 320 miles of range
Drivetrain: four-wheel drive
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Whatever the battery pack, the Ford F-150 Lightning accelerates with assurance. The Lightning moves forward quickly and quietly, and even at higher speeds, its passing strength is still potent. While towing trailers are also made simple by this powertrain, the truck's operating range is significantly reduced while hauling heavy loads.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The smooth handling, sure-footed off-road capability, substantial payload, and towing capabilities, and robust engine lineup of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 make an impression.
Pros: A wide range of powerful engines, good pickup truck handling, and significantly increased tech features.
Cons: Can't match the ride comfort of the half-ton Ram, diesel isn't as efficient as predicted, and Super Cruise is only available on the top model.
Base Powertrain: turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque
Available Powertrain:
- turbodiesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque
- 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque
- 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque
Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
Transmission: standard eight-speed automatic; available 10-speed automatic
The Silverado's engines provide strong hauling capacity, confident passing power, and quick acceleration, albeit the ease with which they do so varies. The four-cylinder is more than competent for daily driving, but when pushed hard, it makes strained noises.
Ram 1500
A range of powertrain options is available in the 2022 Ram 1500, including a decent V6, authoritative V8s, an excellent diesel, and an uncontrollably potent supercharged V8 that could put the engines of many sports cars to shame.
Pros: Interior of the highest caliber, comfortable ride, and still incredibly capable on and off-road.
Cons: Fancier but more expensive than rivals, the design is almost anonymous, and the enormous touchscreen occasionally reacts slowly.
Base Powertrain: 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque (features eTorque mild-hybrid system that adds up to 90 pound-feet of torque)
Available Powertrains:
- 5.7-liter V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque
- 5.7-liter V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque (features eTorque mild-hybrid system that adds up to 130 pound-feet of torque)
- 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque
- supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque (TRX)
Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive.
Transmission: eight-speed automatic.
The V6 engine is suitable for city driving and highway travel, and it is effective when light hauling. Better acceleration and greater hauling capabilities are offered by the V8 and diesel engines. An eight-speed automatic transmission that provides quick, smooth shifts are standard equipment on all models.
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GMC Sierra 1500
Strong engines, well-balanced handling, strong brakes, and a comfortable ride are all features of the Sierra. Although some reviewers complain that the steering is a little slow in tight turns.
Pros: Excellent engine options, tons of cutting-edge technology, and the Denali brand now officially qualifies as opulent.
Cons: Compared to the Ram, the ride is less polished, it costs more, and Super Cruise is only available on Denali models.
Base Powertrain: turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
Available Powertrains:
- 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque
- turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
- 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque
Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic; 10-speed automatic
There are a variety of powerful turbo-four and powerful, torque-rich V8 engines available for the Sierra. The optional turbodiesel inline-six offers class-leading fuel efficiency and strong acceleration. The ideal choice for you will depend on your specific performance requirements and/or workload requirements.
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Toyota RAV4
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 boasts good gas mileage, is simple to operate, and is comfy, but its acceleration is subpar. The base four-cylinder engine sounds fantastic on paper, but it's only really adequate for the segment in practice, and it's also a little loud and buzzy.
Pros: Riding comfort, tough design, and a wide range of standard driver aid equipment.
Cons: The base model has few amenities, crude engine noises, and boring handling.
Powertrain: 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
Drivetrain: standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
The Toyota RAV4 has adequate power and provides smooth acceleration in the majority of circumstances. However, detractors claim the engine is noisy and crude, and views on the transmission are divided. The obedient four-cylinder may be raucous, especially when trying to pass on the highway, and the transmission in our test car appeared to stutter when it was time to downshift.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
There are three different powerplant options available for the completely revamped 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: V6, V8, and plug-in hybrid. All have enough power, but none will astound you.
Pros: Strongly attractive appearance, generous basic safety features, and a luxurious interior on high-end versions.
Cons: The highest trims are more pricey than the outgoing model, all-wheel drive is not standard, and a thirsty V-8 is an option.
Base Powertrain: 3.6-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque
Available Powertrains:
- 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque
- turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor with a combined 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque
Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
The V6 engine is not a particularly remarkable motor, but it does its job whether you're driving in the city or on the highway. The acceleration provided by the V8 is substantially better. With both engines, the eight-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifts. The Grand Cherokee can haul up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped.
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Toyota Highlander
Although it prefers comfort over agility and isn't an SUV that lends itself to slicing corners, the 2022 Toyota Highlander offers composed handling. For a midsize SUV with a V6 engine, it has a powerful engine and good fuel efficiency.
Pros: attractive appearance, available as a hybrid, standard driver-assistance technologies.
Cons: Sluggish driving habits, a small third row, and a cluttered dashboard.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque
Drivetrain: standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive.
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
The Highlander has ample power for interstate travel and rapid acceleration from a stop. The transmission shifts smoothly, and the engine is generally responsive. The Toyota Highlander responds almost immediately when you press the accelerator, unlike some SUVs that can be slow to do so.
Toyota Camry
In terms of midsize sedans, the 2022 Toyota Camry has excellent performance chops thanks to a spirited V6 engine choice, good fuel economy, and a refined yet fun ride. The Camry feels more rigid than the previous model.
Pros: Numerous fuel-efficient powertrains, an abundance of standard driver aids, and TRD increase the enjoyment factor.
Cons: Not as polished as top competitors, not particularly speedy with the four-cylinder, and polarizing styling both inside and out.
Base Powertrain: 2.5-liter four-cylinder with between 203 and 206 horsepower and 182 and 186 pound-feet of torque.
Available Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque
Drivetrain: standard front-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
The V6 offers heartier acceleration with a zero-to-60 mph speed in under six seconds, making it the better choice for drivers seeking a more passionate vehicle. Shifts in the eight-speed transmission are seamless. The majority of the time, the Camry is conservative. Regular pavement imperfections, no matter how big or tiny, are well absorbed.
Honda Accord
For its well-balanced driving dynamics, the 2022 Honda Accord receives accolades. The Accord accelerates quickly and can turn with assurance, but it also has a smooth ride and gets high gas mileage.
Pros: The infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use, and the chassis is light.
Cons: Entry-level versions aren't as quiet inside as more expensive ones, and sloping rear pillars cause blind spots. Interior storage is only acceptable.
Base Powertrain: turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque
Available Powertrain: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque
Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
Transmission: continuously variable automatic (CVT) with the 1.5-liter engine; 10-speed automatic with the 2.0-liter engine
The standard 1.5-liter engine propels the Accord through traffic and up to highway speeds, and it is paired with an elegant CVT. Thanks to its robust power and quick-shifting 10-speed transmission, the 2.0-liter propels the Accord toward sports sedan territory, although at the expense of decreased fuel efficiency.
Toyota Corolla
The 2022 Toyota Corolla checks all the boxes for a commuting vehicle. It offers excellent fuel economy in both the city and on the highway, is simple to park and maneuver in confined situations, and rides smoothly on bumpy roads.
Pros: fuel-efficient drivetrains, a spacious back seat in a sedan, and a variety of standard driver aids.
Cons: Low fun factor, hatch offers less interior and baggage space, and an unrefined engine sound.
Base Powertrain: 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque
Available Powertrains: 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque
Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
Transmission: standard continuously variable automatic (CVT); available six-speed manual
There are two different engine options for the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla's standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine struggles to move it quickly and makes a harsh noise while accelerating quickly. Under hard acceleration, the engine sounds laborious, although the continuously variable transmission's simulated gear changes serve to lessen the droning sound that is typically associated with a CVT.
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Here’s what we recommend - Expert Advice
Even though one quarter doesn't necessarily indicate a pattern, it's interesting to compare the top 20 selling cars and trucks from the first quarter of 2022 to the same period in the previous year. While certain well-liked trucks and EVs have risen in popularity, some long-popular models have abruptly vanished.
The findings highlight the shift to electric cars and the rush toward pickups, SUVs, and crossovers. On the other hand, fewer passenger cars, especially little ones, are being produced. Naturally, there were also other factors at play, namely the dearth of brand-new cars as a result of the current computer chip scarcity.
FAQs
Q.1 What is the #1 selling car in America?
Answer - Ford F-Series, 726,004 Sold.
Q.2 What is the best-selling car right now?
Answer - Total Units Sold: 70,335, Ford F-Series.
Q.3 What SUV sold most in 2022?
Answer - Toyota RAV4.
Q.4 Which car is best in the SUV segment?
Answer - Hyundai Tucson
