Observation

[Rugerfan]

Why are pickups so tall now. I’m approx 6ft tall, avg length arms. I need a step stool to ck the oil in my 2013 2wd F150. Factory sized tires. Almost have to get on my tiptoes to get anything out of the bed.

I’m driving my father in law’s 2002 F150 2wd today. It’s no where near as tall. I checked the oil this morning with no issues. The bedsides don’t come to my chin. Yet it still feels like a truck.

Anyone else noticed the height difference on newer trucks?

[Diver43]

They have gotten even taller this last couple years. I can't reach anything in the bed of my 2024 Ranger.

[Rugerfan]

I knew the ‘68 I had wasn’t tall. But I didn’t realize the 2002 models weren’t tall either. Idk why they did it but it’s kinda aggravating

[Bigslug]

Remember the Toyota 4x2's that were basically car-height and were extremely popular? I think those went away when the 2nd generation Tacomas came along. Now they're all the 4x4 ride height, whether they're sold for an off-road purpose or not.

My Taco's a late 3rd gen, and since it's a 4x4 Off Road package, the extra height was a desirable thing - though I did add a set of AMP motorized-drop running boards in deference to age, a 70+ hunting buddy with two artificial knees, and a 4'-10" spouse with a bad one.

It does seem to me that the new 4th gen is even taller, but I'm gonna have to park next to one that I know is factory height to be sure.

I think the lifted look is just the "in" thing. It may be the last refuge of our "toxic masculinity".

[jbp-ohio]

No..........

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[Justsomedude]

They say that mens testosterone levels are getting lower by the year. Maybe it coincides with shrinkage.

[GrapeApe]

I know back in, IIRC 2008, when the dealer provided me a new 2wd Tundra, it was so tall I could barely touch the bottom of the bed. I could also rest my chin on the top rail standing straight up.
NOT a fan

[Rugerfan]

No..........

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Wow. That’s a huge difference. No wonder trucks are so expensive nowadays.

[jbp-ohio]

No..........

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Wow. That’s a huge difference. No wonder trucks are so expensive nowadays.

NHTSA's safety and CAFE standards are why trucks are so expensive.

"The final rule establishes standards that would require an industry-wide fleet average of approximately 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) in MY 2031 for passenger cars and light trucks.''

[shotgunshooter3]

They have gotten even taller this last couple years. I can't reach anything in the bed of my 2024 Ranger.

Bit of a derail, but how do you like the Ranger (besides the height)? A '25 Ranger with the 2.3 is on my short list to look at.

[Jay]

No..........

ca1aqxonbf0c1.jpg

Wow. That’s a huge difference. No wonder trucks are so expensive nowadays.

NHTSA's safety and CAFE standards are why trucks are so expensive.

"The final rule establishes standards that would require an industry-wide fleet average of approximately 50.4 miles per gallon (mpg) in MY 2031 for passenger cars and light trucks.''

What he said…

Trucks have gotten bigger. And taller. But don’t really sit much higher off the ground. One, people want big luxurious interiors with all the comfort. Two, there has to be more room to fit all the junk the trucks have to have for safety and emissions. The engines themselves aren’t really any bigger physically. But with all the crap on them, they take up a lot of space. 8 speed automatic transmissions aren’t small.

Emissions and safety standards have driven the cost of vehicles up substantially. By design, IMO. You can only get so much energy out of a gallon of gas or diesel. To meet emissions standards, you have to start cutting weight. And to meet a 50.4 MPG fleet average, you have to have electric/hybrid vehicles in the fleet to offset the trucks… essentially, they’re trying to drive trucks out of the market. When there is still a very big need for them in the market.

[Diver43]

They have gotten even taller this last couple years. I can't reach anything in the bed of my 2024 Ranger.

Bit of a derail, but how do you like the Ranger (besides the height)? A '25 Ranger with the 2.3 is on my short list to look at.

Fantastic
I have the XLT. If i had it to do over, I might get the Lariat but don't think enough is gained the the extra $s the Raptor costs. The low end power of that little engine is amazing. Road noise is low (for a truck) and steering and suspension are great. Each model has different bells and whistles, many i don't deem necessary but to get the wants you need to upgrade a little, like tow package and set seats and adaptive cruise control. One little note: the ranger is a tiny bit wider than the Chevy Colorado. Something like an inch, so a piece of plywood fits flat between the wheel wells. Give one a test, it's much easier to park at the LGS than a F 150