From Workhorses to Weekend Getaways: The Rise of Pickups in Car Sharing
Pickup trucks aren’t just vehicles in America—they’re a lifestyle. For decades, they’ve been hauling gear, towing trailers, and getting folks out into the wild or across town with a mattress strapped in the back. But lately, pickups have found a new role: short-term rides through car sharing.
That might sound surprising. After all, trucks used to be all about ownership—something you bought for the long haul. But times are changing. These days, people want flexibility. They want to drive a truck when they need it, not pay to own it year-round. That’s where car sharing steps in. Now you can grab a pickup for the weekend, use it to move a couch, or take it camping, then drop it off when you’re done—no strings attached.
Pickup Demand Is Growing—But Not Everywhere
Regional Trends: Where Pickups Dominate and Where They Don’t
Here’s the deal: pickups are hot in some places and barely on the radar in others. Head to Texas, Arizona, or Nevada, and you’ll find pickups all over car sharing apps. It makes sense—these are states where wide roads, outdoor living, and DIY projects are part of everyday life. Need a truck for a job or a weekend at the lake? It’s probably a click away.
But hop over to cities like Boston or New York, and it’s a different story. Tight parking, traffic, and high fuel prices mean pickups just don’t make as much sense. People are more likely to book a compact SUV or sedan for getting around the city.
Still, the suburbs are a different beast. Around places like Chicago, Atlanta, or even outside D.C., pickups are way more practical. You’ve got space to park, more room to drive, and more reasons to haul stuff. That’s why car sharing platforms are starting to balance their fleets based on local needs—and pickups are gaining ground where they fit naturally into daily life.
What Car Sharing Companies Offer Pickups Today?
Turo, Getaround, and Other Peer-to-Peer Giants
Peer-to-peer platforms have totally shaken up how people access trucks. Apps like Turo and Getaround let regular folks list their own vehicles—so suddenly, you’re not stuck with just one or two corporate models. You can rent everything from a beat-up work truck with a few scratches (but tons of character) to a shiny new electric Rivian R1T that’s barely broken in.
Want to try out a Ford F-150 before you buy one? You can. Need a Ram 1500 for a weekend in the mountains? No problem. These platforms are packed with options, especially in places like Denver, Salt Lake City, or Austin, where adventure is just part of the culture.
And there’s something cool about renting from a local host who actually knows their truck. Some even throw in extras—tie-downs, blankets, or rooftop tents—because they’ve been there, done that, and want you to have a great trip too.
Traditional Car Sharing Networks Catching Up
Old-school car sharing companies are catching on, but they’re not quite there yet. Zipcar, for example, has started rolling out pickups in select markets. You might find a Ford Maverick or a Honda Ridgeline available by the hour—but only in cities where demand is high enough to make it worth their while.
Then there’s U-Haul. You know them for moving vans, but they’ve quietly been in the car sharing game too, especially with pickups meant for hauling, not cruising. The vibe is definitely more utility than fun, but when you need a truck to get stuff done, it gets the job done.
Why Americans Choose Pickups in Car Sharing
Function Over Form—And a Bit of Fun
So why do people rent pickups instead of sticking with a car or SUV? Because sometimes, you just need a truck. You might be moving into a new apartment, grabbing some furniture off Facebook Marketplace, or heading out for a long weekend with a bunch of camping gear. A sedan just isn’t going to cut it.
But it’s not all about utility. Sometimes, it’s just for fun. There’s something about hopping into a big truck that makes you feel like you’re going somewhere—even if it’s just Home Depot. A lot of folks use car sharing to test drive a pickup they’ve been eyeing, or just to break out of the usual daily driver routine. It’s a little taste of freedom, wrapped in chrome and horsepower.
And the best part? You get all the perks without the commitment. No monthly payments, no insurance stress, no finding parking for something the size of a boat. Rent it, use it, return it. Simple.
Who’s Actually Renting Pickups? A Look at Real Users
Not everyone who rents a pickup is hauling lumber or towing a boat. In fact, you’d be surprised how wide the crowd is. College students in cities like Austin or Ann Arbor rent them for weekend moves. Young professionals in Portland or Denver use them for snowboarding trips or to haul bikes and gear into the mountains. Families grab one to pick up furniture from IKEA, or help their kid move into a dorm.
And it’s not always about need—it’s also about curiosity. A lot of people just want to see what it’s like to drive a truck. Maybe they’ve always owned sedans. Maybe they’re thinking about buying a pickup next year. Renting through a car sharing app gives them a low-stakes way to try it out.
Then you’ve got the hobbyists—people who like to garden, build, or camp. They might not need a pickup every day, but when it’s time to get dirt, tools, or kayaks, a truck makes life a whole lot easier. For them, having access to a pickup without the full cost of ownership is a game-changer.
Owning vs. Sharing: Why Trucks Make More Sense on Demand
Let’s face it—owning a pickup isn’t cheap. Between the monthly payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance, you could be sinking hundreds of dollars each month into a vehicle you only really need a few times a year. That’s where car sharing makes a ton of sense.
When you rent a pickup through a platform like Turo or Getaround, you’re only paying for the time you actually use it. No oil changes, no tire rotations, no annual registration. And let’s not forget—pickup trucks aren’t exactly fuel sippers. If you’re not using one every day, why spend all that money to keep one parked in your driveway?
Car sharing flips the script. You get all the muscle and flexibility of a truck—only when you need it. It’s a smart move financially, and honestly, it’s pretty freeing to not have to worry about all the “extras” that come with ownership.
The Challenges: Fuel, Parking, and Availability
Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing. Pickups aren’t the easiest vehicles to manage in a city. Trying to squeeze into a downtown parking garage with a full-size truck? That’s a white-knuckle experience. And let’s not even start on gas prices—especially if you’re driving in California.
Some platforms are starting to offer electric pickups, like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Rivian, which helps with fuel. And hosts are getting smarter—offering contactless drop-offs, better instructions, and sometimes even suggesting where to park.
Still, if you want a pickup on a Saturday afternoon in peak moving season, good luck booking one last minute. These trucks go fast—so if you know you’ll need one, it’s worth locking it in ahead of time.
Electric Pickups: The Future of Truck Sharing?
Electric trucks are starting to roll into the car sharing world, and they’re turning heads. The Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are two big names leading the charge, offering serious power, long range, and that futuristic feel that makes people want to try them just for the experience.
For city-based users, electric pickups solve a lot of the usual complaints. They’re quieter, better for the environment, and cheaper to fuel (if you even call charging “fueling”). Plus, they often come with all the tech—driver assist, huge screens, extra storage—that makes the ride feel more premium than your typical gas guzzler.
Still, electric trucks are new territory. Charging infrastructure isn’t perfect, and not everyone knows how to handle one yet. But give it a couple more years, and we’ll likely see them become a staple in urban car sharing fleets, especially as more people get comfortable behind the wheel.
How Car Sharing Is Changing the Pickup Market Itself
Car sharing isn’t just giving people access to pickups—it’s shifting how pickups are bought and used in the first place. More and more private owners are buying trucks not for personal use, but specifically to rent them out. Some folks in cities like Phoenix or Charlotte list two or three pickups on Turo as a side hustle, choosing models based on what gets booked the most.
That kind of feedback loop is powerful. Demand drives what’s available. If renters prefer four-door crew cabs with bed covers and Bluetooth, guess what hosts are buying? Trucks that match that wishlist.
It’s also changing the used truck market. When vehicles rotate frequently through renters, hosts are more mindful about maintenance, presentation, and features. Some trucks even come with custom branding or extra perks to stand out in the crowd. What started as “just sharing your vehicle” is quickly becoming a small business model—and pickups are at the heart of it.
The Future: Are Pickups the Next Big Thing in Car Sharing?
Looking ahead, it’s clear pickups are carving out a real spot in the car sharing world. Not just as a niche option, but as something that fits the way people actually live. Whether you’re tackling a weekend project or heading out for an off-the-grid adventure, trucks bring something different to the table—something people want access to, but don’t necessarily want to own.
With electric models rolling out and younger drivers embracing short-term use over long-term commitment, the trend is only growing. Platforms are adapting, renters are exploring, and trucks? They’re just getting started.
Because in the end, it’s not just about getting from point A to B. It’s about what you can do along the way—and for that, a pickup might just be your best ride yet.
