Fuel efficiency rules are idiotic now. The automakers used to classify everything as a truck to get around fuel efficiency regulations. The PT Cruiser being classified as a truck was the last straw, so the regs were changed beginning in 2012 to base fuel economy off of vehicle footprint to keep automakers from reclassifying vehicles. But that change had the consequence of effectively outlawing small trucks. Suddenly a sedan has less-strict economy standards than a compact van or truck.
Notice how the small truck segment disappeared in 2012, and when the Ranger came back in like 2018-ish, there were models of it larger than older F150s? It’s because the manufacturers learned they could just make the trucks bigger to get around standards.
It’s also why around 2021/2022 all the compact cargo vans (NV200, Transit Connect, ProMaste4 City) were discontinued. The regulations essentially outlawed small vans designed to haul heavy loads.
If you actually need a car, this one is the most important cost saving measure:
Fuel efficiency rules are idiotic now. The automakers used to classify everything as a truck to get around fuel efficiency regulations. The PT Cruiser being classified as a truck was the last straw, so the regs were changed beginning in 2012 to base fuel economy off of vehicle footprint to keep automakers from reclassifying vehicles. But that change had the consequence of effectively outlawing small trucks. Suddenly a sedan has less-strict economy standards than a compact van or truck.
Notice how the small truck segment disappeared in 2012, and when the Ranger came back in like 2018-ish, there were models of it larger than older F150s? It’s because the manufacturers learned they could just make the trucks bigger to get around standards.
It’s also why around 2021/2022 all the compact cargo vans (NV200, Transit Connect, ProMaste4 City) were discontinued. The regulations essentially outlawed small vans designed to haul heavy loads.