Why Girls Love Pickup Trucks, and How To Tell Which are the Best Trucks For Women

Some women grew up with trucks in the driveway. Others wanted to do all the things it takes a truck to do. And yet others wanted the freedom and possibility that a pickup truck promises. But, most women don’t choose a pickup because it can be impractical, or worse, rugged and uncomfortable.

Luckily for girls who dream of a truck there are more options for cute, muscular and versatile trucks than ever. No longer are they simply rough-and-tumble vehicles that leave you feeling rattled at the end of a drive; there are luxury options, style-inflected colors and trucks that drive more like a car.

Best trucks for style and design conscious women: Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Ranger Raptor

I still remember my dad’s first truck. It was a little Toyota from back in the day before they took on the Tacoma name. It was a beater that had seen better days, and at some point, it was either silver, white, or red… I’m not sure which color was the original because someone had pieced it all together. We called it the truck of many colors.

That little truck hauled firewood almost every weekend. I loved riding beside my dad when we’d take the truck out for a weekend to go fishing or to clean out a barn and bring home some *natural* fertilizer for the family garden.

Best trucks to bring back that heritage feel: Ford Maverick, Toyota Tacoma

When I was a tween my dad upgraded to a 1993 Dodge Dakota. That was the first vehicle I ever drove. One day he tossed me the keys and said: “Drive up and down the driveway while your brother picks up the big rocks and puts them in the back.” And I did. I’d driven the lawn mower plenty of times. I’d even learned to drive the John Deere tractor and mow the fields. But I’d never driven a car.

We went a few years without a truck, but we always had big vehicles. I took my permit test and drove home in our family’s 15-passenger van. I’m still the first one to offer to drive the moving truck, test drive the biggest newest pickup on the market, and any project that requires a truck is a good project in my book. Big vehicles are in my blood.

Best first truck experience: Honda Ridgeline, GMC Canyon

I guess I’ve always taken the term ‘girls love trucks’ for granted. Because in Texas, it’s a universal truth. But it turns out that trucks are universally popular in many places, especially in the South where trucks are part of the culture, and in places with vibrant farming and outdoor life communities. In recent years trucks have become popular family cars, and with the introduction of smaller trucks, they’ve become a better option for many women.

Best trucks for women who live in cities or suburban areas: Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz

“Biggest thing for me is ride height. Cars are too low to the ground for me. I like being able to have a higher view. I like a vehicle that is stronger and tougher and can handle just about anything you throw at it from hauling kids to lumber.” – April Ockerman,  SoccerMomLife.com

“I LOVE trucks! It was my first vehicle that I learned to drive in and I’ve been begging my husband to buy one – especially since we’re looking for a new vehicle! I love that you can throw all sorts of stuff in the back. I love that you are sitting up higher in traffic than a car – it makes me feel safer.” – Crystal Rapinchuk, SurvivingATeachersSalary.com

Best trucks for making a girl feel safe: Ford F-150, GMC Sierra

Ok, so the best trucks make us feel safer, taller, and more capable. They lift us up above the crowd so we can SEE where we’re going. And they’re crazy practical!

But I think it goes a lot deeper for some of us. I know when I used to drive an old ’84 Chevy around town, the looks of respect I’d get from guys always made me smile.

That feeling of confidence and independence trucks give us can’t be beat.

Best trucks for confidence and independence: Chevy Silverado, Nissan Frontier

“As a woman, sometimes I feel that I am underestimated. On the surface, my smaller stature may lead folks to think I’m not a force to reckon with, but just like my favorite Ram truck, there is a lot more going on under the hood. I’m strong, dependable and will fight for what I think is right. I like how trucks are a powerful tool to accomplish some very cool enterprises in life.

I love how the 2019 Ram 1500 Longhorn features luxury and intricate details, but also serious power under the hood and chassis. I have to admit, I feel stronger when I’m driving a truck, the extra muscle gives me more courage, it’s like someone’s got my back.” – Kimberly Shults, Stellantis

Best trucks that deliver at got-your-back feel: Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra

“I was a single mom for a while and had a Ford F250 – it enabled me to be independent, to haul anything, to go anywhere. Once you own a truck it is hard to go back to ANYTHING else. When you sit in a car you feel like you are sitting on the macadam, you are WAY to low to the ground. Sitting higher gives you the advantage of sight and safety.

There are so many advantages to haul and tow anything – antiquing and thrifting becomes a whole new ball game. It afforded me the privilege to take my kids fishing in my 14′ fishing boat.

It’s a truck or nothing. The only thing that compared even remotely to my truck was my Harley but of course for different reasons. My truck is like our off-grid lifestyle. Once you’ve been there – there is no going back. – Tammy Trayer, TrayerWilderness.com

Best trucks for off the grid life: Ford 250, Rivian R1T

Some of my friends are like me and don’t currently own a truck. Kristin and I drive trucks every chance we get. Whether it’s checking out the best trucks at the Texas Truck Rodeo, or a week-long loaner we’re reviewing, trucks make the day better.

“I don’t have a truck… yet… but I love them. I fell in love with the RAM 1500, and anyone who thinks driving a truck is dirty and rough really needs to sit inside the Longhorn Laramie for two minutes.” – writer Kristin Shaw

She’s right. And we get it. Life on the inside of a pickup truck will change your perspective. And you, too, will finally understand why girls love trucks.