The secret is out! People searched the most for pickup trucks on Cars.com out of all the car, truck, or SUV options. A recent survey shows that 16% of those actively searching for a new car on the website are considering a pickup truck. That’s up from 14% last year. Cars.com says the 2022 Ford Maverick truck is the most popular among potential buyers, thanks to the reasonable entry price.

People on Cars.com are searching for pickup trucks more than any other new car

According to a recent press release from Cars.com, America’s love for pickup trucks is stronger than ever. In fact, the 2022 Best of the Year award went to the brand-new Ford Maverick truck. People were on the car shopping website looking at the Maverick and made the top search at 14% of all new truck searches.

“Pickup trucks embody the American spirit — and for more than half of consumers, the word ‘American’ comes to mind when they think of the iconic style.”  

Jenni Newman | Cars.com editor-in-chief

In a recent pickup truck consumer survey, Cars.com found a few interesting tidbits about the current preferences for those in the U.S. Even though people are looking at new trucks; these customers still want a good deal. 62% of people noted that $40,000 was the maximum price for a truck. That is, except for in the Northeast part of the U.S. The budgets for 30% of those shoppers increased to $50,000.

One-third of those searching were considering an electric truck for the next purchase. About 34% of truck fans are also considering an electric truck at this time. But when it comes down to it, shoppers want a pickup truck that is lifestyle appropriate and has adequate towing capability.

It’s all about location, location, location for new pickup truck buyers

Those looking at pickup trucks didn’t seem too phased by the lack of options right now. 57% of respondents said that the inventory shortages wouldn’t change the timeline for purchasing a new vehicle. Fewer than 10% of potential buyers will wait for more inventory.

When it comes to the U.S., 49% of buyers came from rural areas, with 45% searching from the Southwest. 41% of buyers came from the Southeast, 39% in the Northeast, 37% in the Midwest, and 34% in the West.

Out of those respondents, 24% noted the pickup truck helped friends and family move. Others indicated that shopping had a significant impact on purchasing a truck. Being able to move large amounts of things frequently means a pickup truck is the right choice of vehicle.

Cars.com picked the Ford Maverick for the Best of the Year award

The Ford Maverick is the Best of the Year 2022 winner for a few reasons: versatility, affordability, and endless possibilities for drivers. Just because it starts at around $20,000 doesn’t mean it is a bare-bones, entry-level option. The interior has actual buttons, exciting colors, and more. People seem against touchscreen buttons for controls like the climate and audio, and the Maverick delivers on that.

Though it is a compact pickup truck, the bed still has room for lumber, thanks to built-in slots. Buyers can pick from a hybrid powertrain or a gasoline-only engine. The hybrid option gets an EPA-estimated 43/33/37 mpg for the city/highway/combined. The 2022 Ford Maverick has a 4,000-pound towing capacity and a 1,500-pound payload with the available trailer tow package.

Not only did the Maverick truck win the Best of award for the year, but it also won Cars.com’s Best Pickup Truck of 2022. Whatever truck you decide on, keep an eye on the compact pickup truck segment for more innovation.