There’s a Woman at the Wheel: Why Women Are Driving Pickups

It shouldn’t surprise you when there’s a woman at the wheel. Why women are driving pickups varies from person to person, but here are some general reasons.

Shea Rumoro
09/28/2023 02:31 PM

According to Ford’s 2020 Great American Truck Survey, 46 percent of truck owners are women. This trend signifies a shift in societal norms and perceptions about vehicle preferences. When there’s a woman at the wheel, do you wonder why more women are driving pickups? Continue reading for some possible explanations.

A Sense of Safety

Safety is a primary consideration for many women when choosing a vehicle. Pickup trucks, with their robust build and elevated driving position, offer a sense of security that smaller vehicles may not provide. The height advantage allows for better visibility on the road, which can enhance the driver’s experience.

A Boost to Confidence

Driving a pickup truck can boost a woman’s confidence. The size and power of these vehicles can make one feel more assertive and in control on the road. Moreover, the ability to navigate different types of terrain with ease further bolsters confidence, encouraging more women to opt for pickups.

Freedom, Empowerment, and Self-Sufficiency

Pickup trucks are perfect for hauling personal belongings, helping friends move, or undertaking DIY projects. Owning a pickup truck means not having to rely on others for such tasks, promoting a sense of independence among women drivers. Women drivers get a lot done with their pickups, and as proud pickup truck owners, they care for their trucks, from getting oil changes on schedule to maintaining their truck bed liners.

Cultural Identity and Nostalgia

For some women, driving a pickup truck is a matter of cultural identity or nostalgia. In certain regions, like the South, a large percentage of people drive big pickups because they’re the most practical vehicles for rural areas. Also, many women may have grown up around trucks and feel a strong emotional connection to them.

The rise in women driving pickup trucks is a testament to changing societal norms and the appeal of these vehicles. Whether it’s for safety, confidence, empowerment, or cultural identity, more women are getting behind the wheels of pickups and embracing the freedom they offer. As this trend continues, it will be interesting to see how vehicle manufacturers cater to this growing demographic of drivers.

Image credit: file #227530534 Portrait of woman sitting in pick up truck By Cavan for Adobe