Being the most researched vehicle can mean a lot of different things. Did something new get announced recently? Did something terrible happen and headlights are catching on fire? Maybe consumers just really want a specific type of vehicle. Regardless of the reason, researching vehicles ahead of time is always a good idea. Online outlets, reviewers, and even previous owners can give information about vehicles you’ll never hear from a dealership. One of the most popular places to go for insider vehicle information is Motor Trend. Motor Trend compiled a list of the most researched vehicles for the month of September, and every single one is either a truck or SUV.

Why are trucks and SUVs the most popular?

The most popular researched vehicles in America are such because they’re also the most purchased. Crossover SUVs and pickup trucks are the most purchased segments in America by a wide margin. Pickup trucks and SUVs are the most popular type of vehicle in 48 of 50 states in the US. That’s why it’s no accident that a list like this would be void of any cars. People want to know more information about the vehicles they’re purchasing, and they’re only purchasing trucks and SUVs.

Pickup truck – 2022 Rivian R1T

A booming and popular model of truck, and for good reason. The Rivian R1T is the first fully electric truck to hit the road. Though it comes with a massive price tag, the pickup has a ton to offer. This one is likely being researched by people interested in buying it as well as many more who just want to check out the details. Electric trucks are all the wave, and the R1T’s 300-mile battery makes it very appealing. It has off-road capability, 835 horsepower, and a 4.5-foot bed.

Though the bed lacks in size, the R1T has a frunk as well as a gear tunnel between the rear seats and bed. It has plenty of cargo space, and the technology is quite advanced. After Motor Trend drove the Rivian R1T along the 5,000 miles plus Trans-America Trail, they called it “the most remarkable truck we’ve ever driven”.

Crossover – 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

As the name of this one might suggest, it’s an electric crossover that’s as cool as a Mustang. Ford benchmarked this vehicle against the Tesla Model Y, and the will be its fiercest competition. What would a Mustang be if it couldn’t move quickly? The Mustang Mach-E can travel up to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and complete a quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds. Surely just the same of this vehicle makes it receive more searches than others in its class. It’s a unique electric vehicle, which is currently a major interest for most people.

Crossover – 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

This is one of the more interesting highly-searched vehicles on the list. Many of the vehicles on the list are new or just overtly different from other vehicles. This one is just another year of Subaru’s crossover SUV. The main reason for it receiving much attention is that it leads the subcompact SUV rankings on the website. It comes with standard all-wheel drive and 8.7-inches of ground clearance. It also received a second engine option this model year, that provides owners with a little more power.

Full-size SUV – 2022 Lincoln Navigator

A midcycle refresh during the fourth generation of the Lincoln Navigator got it all the attention it could ever want. Added to Lincoln’s full-size SUV are hands-free driver-assist, ActiveGlide, and exterior design updates. Heated and ventilated second-row seats are now standard, and massaging seats are optional. Even more, technology was added in the front and rear, as well as optional tow packages. Maximizing the power of the Navigator comes at a price, but it has the capability to be one of the best in its class.

Pickup truck – 2022 Toyota Tundra

This pickup truck received a full redesign for the new model year. The Japanese automaker’s full-size truck was in need of a serious refresh, and it got one. The off-roading capability has been enhanced, and the exterior design has been completely changed. This is the first time it received a complete redesign like this in over a decade, so people being curious is understandable.

SUV – 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

New for the 2021 model year the plug-in hybrid RAV4 adds a lot to the Toyota SUV lineup. Its EPA-estimated 42 miles on a single charge gives it the highest EV range of any plug-in hybrid SUV. For those looking to buy a plug-in hybrid, it instantly becomes one of the best available options. Combine that with the safety and reliability most would expect from Toyota, and you’ve got one of the most popular vehicles of September 2021.

SUV – 2021 Genesis GV80

One of the newest luxury brands on the market, Genesis is attempting to dominate the standard gas-engine space before its big electric lineup release in a few years. The GV80 has a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, high-end materials throughout the interior, and a sleek exterior design. The 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four base engine is capable of producing up to 300-hp. It also manages to come in priced under $70,000 at its highest trim level, placing it well below average in the luxury SUV segment.

SUV – 2021 Ford Bronco

How much time do you have? So much has happened with this vehicle it’s quite obvious why it’s one of the most-searched-for vehicles in the world. On top of having a ridiculous amount of demand surrounding it, it’s been a heap of trouble for most people. The Bronco Raptor leaked, then was confirmed, it’s being upsold for well over $100,000 by dealerships, and dealers were creating fake customers to get more inventory. If you get the opportunity to buy a Bronco at retail price nowadays, you should do it even if you don’t want one. These things are being sold for well over what they’re worth, and the supply is not coming to meet the demand any time soon.

SUV – 2022 Kia Telluride

The winner of the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award probably received all this attention for that reason exactly. One of the best SUVs in its class across the board, the Telluride just released its 2022 model year. It comes with a 3.8-liter V6 making 291-hp. It’s also extremely spacious and drives luxuriously despite being priced just over $30,000.

Pickup truck – 2022 Ford Maverick

The Ford F-Series pickup trucks have been the most popular vehicles in America for, well, a really long time. It’s no coincidence that when the same automaker announces its smaller, hybrid sibling, it becomes quite popular. The Maverick is everything someone would need in a compact pickup truck. Add onto it the hybrid powertrain and an extremely low price, and you’ve got yourself a very popular truck.

Most of the vehicles making this list were there because of new announcements. Something significant changed, the vehicle was completely redesigned, or it’s just a really good model. The thing every one of them has in common is that they’re all trucks or SUVs. In some way, this type of vehicle managed to snag all ten spots on the list. They’re far more popular than standard cars, especially in America. That’s why Motor Trend is used to research SUVs and trucks so much more than other vehicle types. We expect a trend like this to continue for many months to come, especially heading into the end of the year.