Are you considering leasing a vehicle that can handle your rugged adventures and daily commutes? Look no further than the mighty pickup truck!
Although pickups are undoubtedly an American phenomenon, they've increased in popularity in the UK and Europe in recent years, and now there's plenty of choice on the market.
Whether you're hauling equipment or heading out for a weekend getaway with the family, leasing a pickup truck could be your perfect partner.
In this blog, we explore the highs and lows of leasing a pickup truck to ensure your next ride is a joy, not a burden.
We discuss:
A pickup truck is a versatile vehicle designed with a separate cabin and rear cargo bed. You can spot a pickup truck a mile away thanks to its rugged build and powerful performance, making it ideal for heavy-duty and everyday use.
Typically, they feature an open-top rear that can be used to transport everything from equipment to luggage.
Versatility and Utility
Pickup trucks are renowned for their versatility. Whether you need a vehicle for towing, hauling large items, or simply need a reliable and robust mode of transport on varied terrains, a pickup truck can meet these needs.
Their ability to switch between personal and work use makes them an attractive choice for many drivers.
Latest Features and Technologies
Pickup trucks are some of the most advanced vehicles on the market, featuring advanced technology and safety features. This ensures you enjoy the best-in-class comfort, performance, and safety.
For example, the Ford Ranger has a 10-inch portrait touchscreen display as standard, while the Toyota Hilux uses Toyota's Safety Sense Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
Comfort and Style
While pickup trucks of yesteryear weren't the most comfortable vehicles on the market, a lot has changed recently. Interiors are now very plush and mirror car interiors, the best example being the Volkswagen Amarok.
Most pickups are also available in a double-cab layout, which offers five seats and plenty of space for passengers.
Safety
By virtue of their size and road presence, pickup trucks are very safe vehicles. They are very assured when on the road and can handle themselves well in all conditions.
However, they also feature a whole host of safety features (depending on the model), such as adaptive cruise control, brake assist, parking sensors, and collision assist.
Fuel Economy
Pickup trucks are built for towing and hauling, so naturally, they're not the most economical or eco-friendly vehicles. On average, for a diesel pickup truck, you'll be looking at a fuel economy in the low 30s for miles per gallon.
However, in recent years, pickup trucks have become more fuel-efficient. Electric pickup trucks like the Maxus T90 EV have shaken up the sector by offering up to 220 miles of range on a single charge.
Load Bed Needs a Cover
Another thing to consider when choosing a pickup truck is that the load bed is usually exposed to the elements. That means a lot of wind and rain for us in the UK.
Most pickups don't come standard with a load bed cover, so if this is something you'll need, you must add it yourself.
Manoeuvrability
Due to pickup trucks' larger dimensions, they can be challenging to park and manoeuvre through narrow streets. This is worth considering if you often parallel park on the side of the road or in inner-city car parks.
You should also consider where you'll be driving your pickup. If you find yourself driving in a city a lot of the time, a pickup truck won't be the most practical vehicle option.
Ride Comfort
While modern pickups have drastically improved ride comfort, they still offer a slightly rougher ride compared to passenger cars.
This is partly due to their sturdy construction and suspension, which are designed to meet the wide range of demands on a pickup truck.
The Ford Ranger is probably the go-to pickup truck on the market. It's perfect for both individuals and businesses with its superb haulage capabilities, excellent off-road performance, and intelligent cabin.
It has a gross payload of up to 1,200kg and is powered by either a 2.0 or 3.0-litre petrol engine, the latter of which maxes out at 292hp.
If you're looking for a smart and sophisticated pickup truck, look no further than the Volkswagen Amarok. Arguably the most premium pickup truck on the market, the Amarok is both practical and luxurious.
It has a payload of just over a tonne, a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, and a pair of digital displays on the dashboard. The standout feature is its portrait touchscreen infotainment screen, which mirrors a tablet and is seriously impressive.
The Toyota Hilux is a seriously impressive vehicle that's stood the test of time. Offering unmatched reliability and an impressive load area, it's an excellent choice for businesses looking for a rugged and capable vehicle.
The Hilux can carry more than a tonne in the load bed and tow over 3.5 tonnes. It also has selectable four-wheel drive with high and low-range gearing for tackling demanding conditions.
The Isuzu D-Max is a throwback to those classic pickup trucks we all know and love. More basic than others on this list, the D-Max is ideal for those looking for a no-nonsense pickup truck.
The D-Max is the only vehicle Isuzu offers in the UK, so it is no surprise that it more than fits the bill. It comes with loads of safety features, a well-built and reliable interior, and superb off-road capabilities.
While other pickups might raise a few eyebrows, the D-Max goes under the radar and still does the job.
The Maxus T90 EV is the first fully electric pickup truck available in the UK. It boasts a rugged design, a practical payload capacity, and up to 220 miles of range on a single charge.
You'd think that an electric powertrain would decrease a pickup's capabilities, but not for the D-Max. It has a payload of up to a tonne and a towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes.
Its powertrain is made up of a 150kW electric motor that's powered by an 88.5kWh battery.
Pickup trucks are undeniably attractive vehicles to drive, especially if you need a vehicle that covers all bases. While they offer unparalleled utility and robustness for hauling and towing, they also come with their own set of challenges.
The decision to choose a pickup truck when leasing should be weighed against factors such as fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability, cost, and comfort.
A pickup truck is an excellent choice for those needing a versatile vehicle that can handle both work and fun.
Looking for more motoring advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of guides to help you, such as Servicing Your Leased Pickup Truck and How Does Van Leasing Work?
We are also one of the UK's largest car and van leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, check out our van leasing deals or call 0345 811 9595.
