New trucks are too **** big

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Towns03
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2:31p, 9/1/26
AG
I'm so sick of each subsequent truck I get growing in size. Yesterday I replaced a 2019 2500 with a 2026 2500. The bed sides are so high I can't see what's in it, much less grab something over the rail. Getting into the front seat is more of a climbing motion than a step and there's no chance it'll fit in any of the parking garages in town.


What's the value proposition?

It doesn't pull more
It doesn't carry more
It doesn't do any of its functions better.

Will function over form return to modern trucks?

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Canyon99
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2:38p, 9/1/26
AG
Then why get a new model? Sounds as if you bought something you don't like.
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Towns03
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2:42p, 9/1/26
AG
it's a work truck and we put a lot of miles on them. gotta get new hardware to stay out of trouble.
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AgGrad99
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In reply to Towns03 • 3:15p, 9/1/26
AG

Quote:
Will function over form return to modern trucks?

I doubt it.

However, they do offer mid-size options, which are about the same size as older trucks.

As an example, the current Ford Ranger is about the same size at the 90s F-150. If you want something the size of a Ranger, you can get a Maverick.

The Colorado isn't quite as big as the older Silverados...but not far off.

I saw an older Tundra next to a new Tacoma next to each other at a light, and the Tacoma's height dwarfed the old tundra.

It's odd that they needed to increase the size of everything, and replace them with other options...but I guess the market keeps buying them, so they'll keep making them bigger.
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MouthBQ98
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3:21p, 9/1/26
AG
Bros gotta doze. Need big space for…um…. All that emissions crap, turbos, and safety equipment that is crammed in there. The bigger they make the box and frame, the less MPG it needs to make based on the outdated mileage formula for trucks.
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TxAg20
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3:22p, 9/1/26
AG
Weird rule 1, but alright.
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Psycho Bunny
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In reply to Towns03 • 3:51p, 9/1/26
Towns03 said:
I'm so sick of each subsequent truck I get growing in size. Yesterday I replaced a 2019 2500 with a 2026 2500. The bed sides are so high I can't see what's in it, much less grab something over the rail. Getting into the front seat is more of a climbing motion than a step and there's no chance it'll fit in any of the parking garages in town.


What's the value proposition?

It doesn't pull more
It doesn't carry more
It doesn't do any of its functions better.

Will function over form return to modern trucks?


Sounds like a short person problem.

Congrats on the new truck.
My demon woke me up this morning and said bruh, I'm tired... So I handed him a Red Bull and said come on little buddy, we got bridges to burn and chaos to spread.
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sherminator
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3:58p, 9/1/26
put some high heels on so you can get a better glimpse of the truck bed
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Kyle Field Shade Chaser
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4:08p, 9/1/26
AG
This is weird. I hate the $100K truck I just bought.
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BrazosDog02
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In reply to Towns03 • 4:10p, 9/1/26
AG
There is a reason trucks are physically larger than they used to be. I have a 1977 F250 that is dwarfed by my other super duties and i wouldn't be surprised if a new Ranger is physically larger.

There are CAFE standards, regs and loopholes that are exploited by auto makers and you'll have to google more but it's has nothing to do with functionality. You can thank the gubmint.

My 2005 F250 is physically more capable than my 1977, but it's not more physically capable than my 2024 and my 2024 250 and 350 dwarf both.
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Tree Hugger
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4:11p, 9/1/26
AG
Quote:
Sounds like a short person problem.

My thoughts exactly.

I'm 6'7" and don't have a problem seeing in the bed of my truck,

Now, fitting into a Corvette or something....?

A short person can use a step ladder to access a truck bed. A tall person can't shrink to fit into a sports car.
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fixer
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4:49p, 9/1/26
2019 's had max towing of about 15,000 lbs. the 2026's are 22,000.

Just sayin
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agnerd
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5:49p, 9/1/26
AG
Dodge started this in 1994 when they went from this:

to this:

The results was they went from selling 78k/yr in 93 to 240k in 94 and 410k in 95.

Ford, Chevy, and eventually Toyota all followed. They realized that the more you make your truck look like an 18-wheeler, the more you sell. Trucks have been creeping taller up front ever since. It's not necessary, and actually makes gas mileage worse. As you make the front taller, you have to lift the body and bed to match to make it look right. In OP's photo, you can see that the hood is sitting higher than the bed. Very poor traditional design aesthetic, but truck buyers love anything that looks big and imposing. As long as people keep buying trucks with taller hoods, manufacturers will continue to buy them. This meme from 2020 sums it up best:


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Psycho Bunny
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5:51p, 9/1/26
WTF is this

My demon woke me up this morning and said bruh, I'm tired... So I handed him a Red Bull and said come on little buddy, we got bridges to burn and chaos to spread.
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Complete Idiot
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6:34p, 9/1/26
It's not the government, and it's not driven by true need, it's driven by our society's belief bigger is better and everything has to grow, grow, grow. Short of having a job that requires it, or lifestyle needs on a weekly basis, I don't know how people drive those monstrosities around on a daily basis and actually enjoy it. I like driving RV's and box trucks and anything big on occasion, but daily is a drag. Led me to get rid of a monster Excursion I had that I was using as a daily, back before I went the multiple vehicle route.
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Mas89
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In reply to Towns03 • 6:45p, 9/1/26
AG
I'll never to back to driving a 2500/ 250 daily. Half ton is just so much smoother, easier to get in/out, and rides better. Bed cover to keep stuff dry. Older 16 F250 stays connected to whatever trailer we are currently using for hauling and makes a good extra if needed.
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idAg09
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7:06p, 9/1/26
Bet that '26 looks a lot cooler than that '19! Post a side by side
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kyledr04
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8:17p, 9/1/26
AG
For gm the big advantage to hd is the gas engine has no afm
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FIDO*98*
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In reply to Towns03 • 9:40p, 9/1/26
AG
Towns03 said:

Will function over form return to modern trucks?


This is the most functional truck for I'd guess 90+% of truck owners




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Milwaukees Best Light
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In reply to Mas89 • 10:19p, 9/1/26
AG
Mas89 said:
I'll never to back to driving a 2500/ 250 daily. Half ton is just so much smoother, easier to get in/out, and rides better. Bed cover to keep stuff dry. Older 16 F250 stays connected to whatever trailer we are currently using for hauling and makes a good extra if needed.

3/4 tons are for the help. Jefes drive a comfortable half ton.
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to Complete Idiot • 10:22p, 9/1/26
AG
Quote:
It's not the government,

Uh, yeah, it is. The bigger the "footprint" of the pickup, width by length, the lower the CAFE standaards.

Typical government program, the rules intended to produce higher fuel milage have driven it down.
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JSKolache
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10:28p, 9/1/26
AG
3/4 and 1 tons used to look the exact same, back before the super duty craze. They keep getting bigger cuz dudes keep thowing money at the big 3 to make them, no matter the cost. 2026 Silverado is like 6" taller than a 2006. Most of that is from wheels, 17s/18s as the norm evolved into 20/22s. It's comical.
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to Towns03 • 10:34p, 9/1/26
AG
Towns03 said:
I'm so sick of each subsequent truck I get growing in size. Yesterday I replaced a 2019 2500 with a 2026 2500. The bed sides are so high I can't see what's in it, much less grab something over the rail. Getting into the front seat is more of a climbing motion than a step and there's no chance it'll fit in any of the parking garages in town.


Tend to agree. I had a 2004 1/2 ton pickup I used on the farm. Bought a 2002 crew cab duramax about 4 years ago to pull my RV. I bought my daughter's used 2015 3/4 ton to replace the 2004, and it was a lot bigger.

Decided to upgrade the RV, so upgraded to a 2025 Denali crew cab Duramax. Sold the 2015, kept the 2002 and its now the farm pickup.


The 2002 and 2004 were pickups. The 2015 barely is a pickup. The 2025 is a freaking truck. It dwarfs the 2002. I have tens of thousands of miles driving bobtail grain trucks, that's exactly what it feels like. Tall, wide, can't see over the front, can't see the left side. Hard to park, turning radius just slightly smaller than the Titanic, kind of scary in traffic.

I'm six foot tall, and whatever is in the bed is a mystery to be until I use the side step to see in.

I was changing the fuel filter today. I can go under the truck on a creeper, even with my fat belly, without jacking it up.

I guess that's something.

And I wouldn't buy one without the folding power steps.


When not pulling the RV, it stays in the barn. My 2002 crew cab is so much more fun to drive.
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GAC06
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In reply to FIDO*98* • 12:08a, 9/2/26
AG
FIDO*98* said:
Towns03 said:

Will function over form return to modern trucks?


This is the most functional truck for I'd guess 90+% of truck owners






Proud of you
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GAC06
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In reply to The Ex Officio Director • 12:17a, 9/2/26
AG
The Ex Officio Director said:
Towns03 said:
I'm so sick of each subsequent truck I get growing in size. Yesterday I replaced a 2019 2500 with a 2026 2500. The bed sides are so high I can't see what's in it, much less grab something over the rail. Getting into the front seat is more of a climbing motion than a step and there's no chance it'll fit in any of the parking garages in town.


What's the value proposition?

It doesn't pull more
It doesn't carry more
It doesn't do any of its functions better.

Will function over form return to modern trucks?


Sounds like a short person problem.

Congrats on the new truck.


He must be short.

I wonder if he counts the bar when he lifts like everyone else.
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Rattler12
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8:08a, 9/2/26
350 V-8, 4 speed automatic, power disc brakes, bucket seats......what's not to like

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Complete Idiot
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In reply to CanyonAg77 • 8:16a, 9/2/26
CanyonAg77 said:
Quote:
It's not the government,

Uh, yeah, it is. The bigger the "footprint" of the pickup, width by length, the lower the CAFE standaards.

Typical government program, the rules intended to produce higher fuel milage have driven it down.

Volume of production counts, people have to buy it. People want to buy it, which I personally don't understand but the people have voted through their purchases.
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Aston 91
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In reply to agnerd • 8:23a, 9/2/26
AG
Interesting historical point you make with the Dodge. I didn't realize the sales numbers increased that dramatically with the redesign in the mid '90s. I remember seeing it previewed in some auto magazine before its release. I also remember taking that magazine out to the maintenance shop of the chemical plant that I worked in at the time and all the mechanics and machinists laughing with me at how ugly we thought it was. Guess there were lots of people that disagreed.
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Mark Fairchild
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In reply to Towns03 • 9:08a, 9/2/26
AG
Toens03: Howdy, gotta agree with you! Just bought a 2026 RAM 1500 Tungsten. And like all the new stuff, it is huge. I am mostly struck by size of other trucks trying to get out of the HEB parking lot. There are times when Super Dutys or Duallys are parked that there is barely any room to get around them, add a hitch and you nearly are pinned in. If trucks get any bigger, parking lots will have to be changed to accommodate them or special sections made for trucks only!
Gig'em, Ole Army Class of '70
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to Mark Fairchild • 9:41a, 9/2/26
AG
I think the United Supermarket chain in the panhandle/South plains has figured that out. Wide spaces that easily fit the behemoth pickups
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javajaws
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10:13a, 9/2/26
AG
How would people ever hang their truck nuts on their bro dozers if there wasn't 12" of clearance?!?
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Ben Franklin
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schmendeler
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10:37a, 9/2/26
AG
I hate to break it to you but continuing to purchase vehicles that get bigger each iteration is the wrong way to tell manufactures that you want them to build smaller vehicles.
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to Complete Idiot • 11:22a, 9/2/26
AG
Quote:
People want to buy it, which I personally don't understand but the people have voted through their purchases.


Not so sure. Exactly where can you buy a 1/2 ton pickup that isn't the size of a semi truck?

I needed (or wanted) a new 3/4 ton diesel crew cab to pull an RV

ME: I want a 2026 version of this with a more powerful motor and the new electronics



DEALER: (Rick Harrison voice) Best I can do is:

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schmendeler
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11:37a, 9/2/26
AG
Both a Ford ranger and a Chevy Colorado can be optioned to tow at least 7,500 pounds which is in line with basic towing capabilities for 1/2 ton full size trucks from the early 2000's.
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CanyonAg77
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In reply to schmendeler • 12:02p, 9/2/26
AG
2000 GMC 1500 rated at 9,500 pounds, the 2026 GMC Canyon rated about 7700

I'd say rated at 80% is a pretty big difference
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