In 2012 the federal fuel economy standards were changed to no longer consider the classification of vehicle, but just its footprint. So suddenly a Corolla had less-strict fuel economy requirements than a small truck.

So the Ranger, Dakota, S-10, etc were all discontinued, and manufacturers learned that the easiest way to meet fuel economy standards was to make the vehicles bigger every time the requirements increase.

It’s also why around 2022, every small cargo van (NV200, Transit Express, ProMaster City) stopped being produced. It’s also why the Maverick has the “standard” model as the hybrid while the one you can actually find at the dealers is the “upgrade” traditional engine.

A truck is only slightly more expensive to produce than a sedan when all costs are taken into account, but can be sold at a higher price.

The main difference between a truck and a sedan is a few hundred pounds of metal. Both have the same cost in labour to manufacture, as well as equivalent R&D cost. In some cases, trucks have lower R&D because they aren’t expected to change as much from year to year, so the engineering cost of re-designing parts/panels/etc. just isn’t there.

I blame both considering how often I see people brag about how big their trucks are. Motherfucker you’ve got a short bed and extended cabin, and you’re out here talking about an engine like you need to be able to go 90 while hauling an oversized trailer.

Sure you can’t buy a small truck anymore, and it’s getting harder to buy compact cars, subcompacts, and even full sized sedans, but it’s not like all trucks sold today are that big.

I blame lack of regulation.

Well not only “big = more expensive” the larger engines also have lower efficiency requirements. It’s much easier to make cars bigger and more “chugging” because they don’t have to meet the efficiency standards and because it’s bigger they can charge more.