Classic vs Modern Pickup Truck Designs: Which Do You Prefer?

The evolution of design from the classic ’50s looks to sleek and modern is down to changes in technology, what you the driver wants and automotive innovation – a bit like how iPhones are smoother than ever and less, well… brick-shaped.

Classic pickups can send waves of nostalgia through the most hardened of truck fan, with their simple, rugged designs, while modern trucks are addictive with advanced features and swooping lines, until they’re not… we’re looking at you, Tesla.

Classic Pickups

It was mostly function which decided the design of classics like the fondly remembered 1950s Ford F-100 or the Chevrolet C10.

The boxy shapes, chrome accents and large, round headlights are no longer seen on today’s trucks. Their interiors were strictly minimal, with basic controls and vinyl bench seats – and no large screens to inform/entertain/distract.

The whole design philosophy was about being durable and functional, it really is ‘function over form’. Their simplicity and mechanical reliability have made these classics enduring icons of automotive history – just ask Jay Leno.

Modern Pickups

Compare this to today’s pickups – there’s a stark difference.

The pristine interiors and high levels of tech have been carried over form the world of cars.

It’s leather seats, no vinyl, and touchscreens fire-up driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist – all as standard. They’re more like cars than ever before (is that a bad thing?)

This comes an emphasis on safety with features such as multiple airbags, advanced braking systems and 360-degree cameras.

One of our favourite modern pickups is the 2024 Ford Super Duty. We say this because its design harks back to boxier F-150s of old but with a modern twist. Just look at the C-shaped headlights.

While classic pickups charm with their rugged, no-nonsense approach to design, modern trucks make the most of new tech to improve efficiency and add to their sleeker profiles.