How Long Until Midsized Trucks Abandon The Traditional Frame And Move To Unibody Construction?

Once upon a time, midsize sport utility vehicles like the Ford Explorer meant truck-like, body-on-rail construction. Not anymore. Today, there isn’t a truck-based midsize ute to be found as SUVs dominate vehicle sales and consumers demand the same ride quality as the sedans they replaced.

Will midsize pickups follow suit?

The unibody 2017 Honda Ridgeline, now in its second generation, has reignited speculation among manufacturers and industry analysts that the next generation of midsize pickups won’t be based on traditional truck platforms, but on car-like unibodies like their SUV siblings.

dumpsty - 5/23/2016 2:33:38 PM

+2 Boost

What a midsized truck is being offered in the US or NA market, unibody platform is cool. The vehicle can take advantage platform sharing, fuel consumption savings, better ride quality, better interior, etc.

In less-developed regions where function-over-form is definitely the key, BoF tends to be much tougher & can withstand the various needs.

TomM - 5/23/2016 3:42:35 PM

+3 Boost

For tasks that require a TRUCK - a body on frame will continue to be available. However - most trucks - and SUVs - are being used as cars - albeit with poor comparative gas mileage in comparison to cars. SO - anything that can reduce the weight will increase gas mileage and be worthwhile. Still - I doubt that the full size truck will go to uni-body in my lifetime.

MDarringer - 5/23/2016 6:57:33 PM

+1 Boost

Crossover pickups are a question of when not if.

A Jeep Comanche pickup off the Cherokee would be great, as would a Ford Ranchero off the Escape, or an El Camino off the Equinox.

jameswisrik - 5/24/2016 9:05:22 AM

-2 Boost

Honda Ridgeline and GMC Canyon/Colorado...are for the fat,lazy,old,welfare liberal Clinton/Obama supporters that give Walmart 70% of its profits.

Fortunately, TACOMA is here to save the day and fight for Freedom! LETS MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!