There are a lot of people who don't need backseats, don't need a full-size pickup for towing or very heavy items, but need to be able to carry 4x8 sheet goods, large furniture, or sports equipment like bikes, kayaks, etc.
IMO there are very few people who actually need a pickup truck for towing or very large/bulky items, but they're still very popular since there aren't great alternatives in the US due to the chicken tax.
I've packed a Saturn Vue full of hay. My wife is better than I am at it: I used to be able to fit 7 small square bales, she's been able to fit 9 more consistently.
However, the fact that it can be done doesn't mean it's the vehicle for the job. We have a pickup truck, but I'm not a big fan of them.
Same here with a Subaru Forester. Even though I have a giant diesel RAM pickup we typically use the Subie to haul stuff since it's easier to get stuff in and out.
The RAM is so tall it's unwieldy to get stuff in and out of the bed. I really need to sell that thing and get something practical.
>but need to be able to carry 4x8 sheet goods, large furniture, or sports equipment like bikes, kayaks, etc.
I'd argue you can do most of those things with an SUV or really any car with a roof-rack. I rarely need a back seat but I do appreciate having interior space to keep/transport camping gear etc. in my car. An open bed will tend to work better for some large awkward items but this isn't even that big a bed and you can always rent a truck or trailer for a day.
But really, I'm making a largely rationalist argument and a lot of people in the US just want a pickup.
I really wish someone would bring back truly small trucks like the old Rangers, or even something like an el Camino. Having a truck is really nice sometimes, but driving a tank around every day seems just silly.
I agree, but I'd be somewhat satisfied if trucks just weren't so damn tall now. It sucks to have to climb into or flop up onto the side of the bed just to reach your tools. Lots of older trucks weren't made this way.
IMO there are very few people who actually need a pickup truck for towing or very large/bulky items, but they're still very popular since there aren't great alternatives in the US due to the chicken tax.