Are pickup trucks body-on-frame?
Pickup trucks are largely built on a body-on-frame chassis, especially the traditional full-size and midsize models. However, there are notable exceptions in today’s market that use unibody or unibody-like constructions, such as the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Maverick, and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
How pickup construction types differ
Two main approaches exist for the underlying structure of pickups. The choice affects durability, towing capability, ride comfort, and efficiency. Here is a breakdown of the two most common configurations in use today.
Body-on-frame (ladder-frame) construction
Before listing the examples, it helps to understand that this traditional layout uses a separate steel frame (a ladder-like chassis) to which the body is mounted. This design is known for rugged durability, easier repair after heavy damage, and strong towing/off-road performance.
- Ford F-Series (F-150 and related models)
- Ram 1500
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota Tacoma
- Nissan Frontier
- Ford Ranger
- Chevrolet Colorado
- GMC Canyon
In this list, you can see the mainstream nameplates that continue to rely on a traditional ladder-frame chassis. This approach remains common for trucks emphasizing heavy-duty towing, payload, and off-road capability.
Unibody or unibody-like construction
Before listing the examples, note that unibody systems integrate the body and the frame into a single stressed structure or use a highly integrated platform. These designs generally offer lighter weight, improved ride quality, and better fuel efficiency, but may trade some heavy-duty towing or rugged durability benefits.
- Honda Ridgeline (unibody pickup based on the Honda Pilot)
- Ford Maverick (compact unibody pickup based on the Ford Escape)
- Hyundai Santa Cruz (unibody pickup based on the Hyundai Tucson platform)
The unibody examples illustrate a growing segment of the market that prioritizes efficiency and on-road comfort, often appealing to urban or light-duty buyers who still want the practicality of a pickup bed.
Why the distinction matters for buyers
The construction type influences several real-world aspects: how a truck behaves on the highway, how comfortable the ride is, how much weight and stress it can handle during towing, and how repair or modification options look after a mishap. For professional workers or heavy-duty users, body-on-frame remains the standard choice. For households needing versatile utility with better daily drivability and efficiency, unibody options offer compelling advantages.
Summary
In summary, the traditional image of a pickup—sturdy, body-on-frame and ready for tough work—still holds true for most mainstream full-size and midsize trucks. However, a growing subset of the market now features unibody or unibody-like designs, such as the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Maverick, and Hyundai Santa Cruz, delivering improved ride quality and efficiency at the potential cost of some heavy-duty capability. Buyers should weigh their intended use, towing needs, and daily driving comfort when choosing between these construction approaches.
