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Truck makers aren’t standing still. How could they? Surprising new players are planning entries into the truck segment over the next few years, which translates to tons of activity, yes, and that even includes electric pickups.
How many of these future trucks (and van) did you know about?
More on future cars:
- Future Cars! 2020 and Beyond
- Future SUVs! 2020 and Beyond
What’s Now
Ram 1500 Rebel TRX
What’s New: Ram won’t officially confirm it, but who wouldn’t want a 707-hp Hellcat-powered high-speed off-road SRT Ram TRX? The 2016 concept made its debut on the previous platform/body with a 575-hp 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi and a none-too-subtle T. rex–inspired name meant to intimidate Ford’s lesser Raptor. Response was positive, so the truck is now on the FCA product rollout calendar for 2022. Mules have been spotted (and heard with the telltale supercharger whine), and rumors have circulated that there may be a base-model TRX with around 520 hp in addition to that Hellcat-powered range topper.
What’s Not: The 2022 Ram Rebel TRX will be based on the all-new Ram 1500, the MotorTrend 2019 Truck of the Year. Official press photos of the concept’s interior clearly show the clock set to “7:07,” and FCA is famous for fortune-telling Easter eggs.
When: 2022
How Much: $55,000–$85,000 (est)
Ford Transit
What’s New: A claimed 53 percent of the van, including two new engines (3.5-liter V-6 and 2.0-liter twin-turbodiesel I-4), a 10-speed automatic, optional all-wheel drive, the dash, infotainment system, myriad driver assistance and safety systems, and 28 additional body configurations (including a five-passenger crew van), for a total of 92. The 50/50 torque-split AWD system comes with either gas V-6 and doesn’t alter the floor or ride height.
What’s Not: The basic architecture and the rip-snorting 310-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 carry over (with auto stop/start added). Also likely to continue—Ford’s sales dominance of the full-size van market.
When: Fall 2019
How Much: $34,500 (est)
What’s Next
Ford F-150 EV
What’s New: Ford’s perennial best-seller is about to undergo its most radical change yet. As part of Ford’s push to electrify its lineup, the F-150 pickup will eventually be offered with an all-electric powertrain. Ford hasn’t committed to when that will happen, but it’ll likely be well after the debut of the F-150 hybrid, which is scheduled for next year. Combining decent range with the F-150’s legendary capability will be a big challenge.
So what about an electric Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra? Both brands are considering it.
What’s Not: The F-150’s aluminum body, which will be more important than ever in counteracting weight from heavy battery packs.
When: 2025 (est)
How Much: $60,000 (est)
Rivian R1T
What’s New: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Although many EV startups promise the world only to crumble before their first car gets out the door, Michigan-based Rivian seems to be doing this right. The R1T electric pickup will be its first model. Powered by an electric motor at each wheel, the R1T will be available in 402-, 700-, and 754-hp versions. Multiple battery packs will be available, too: 105-, 135-, and 180-kW-hr packs with a claimed 240-, 310-, and 410-mile range. Rivian also promises exceptional off-road capability with a standard air suspension, plus semi-autonomous capability on-road. The R1T also sports unique touches, such as a front trunk and an innovative cargo area between the rear seat backs and the pickup’s bed.
When: 2020
How Much: $60,000 (est)
Hyundai Santa Cruz
What’s New: The Santa Cruz’s design has evolved and will look completely different from the concept that originally appeared at the 2015 Detroit auto show. Smaller than the offerings in the midsize pickup segment, the Hyundai Santa Cruz will be the first compact unibody truck to come since the Subaru Baja ended production in 2006. Expect Hyundai’s new Smart Stream 2.5-liter I-4 to come standard along with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What’s Not: Hyundai loves to name its utility vehicles after cities and regions (or make reference to one), so it’s only fair that it continues the tradition with its first pickup.
When: 2020
How Much: $25,000 (est)
Volkswagen Amarok/Tanoak
What’s New: This is tricky. The latest news in the Ford/VW alliance has the replacement for the VW Amarok sharing the next-gen Ford Ranger platform—with Ford developing and building pickups for both companies. But executives from both automakers said an Amarok won’t come to the U.S. Instead, VW has hinted we might see something more akin to the Tanoak concept (shown), which is based on VW’s MQB unibody platform and has a 276-hp 3.6-liter VR6 engine shared with the Atlas large crossover.
What’s Not: The MQB platform stretches across numerous vehicles with its front-transverse-engine, front-drive layout. Think of an Atlas with the third row and cargo area replaced with a bed.
When: U.S. launch in 2022, if it comes
How Much: $28,000 (est)
The post Future Trucks! 2020 and Beyond appeared first on Motortrend.
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