Discontinued Trucks That Deserve an Epic Comeback
The automotive industry has seen some truly legendary trucks come and go. While some models evolved with the times, others were discontinued, leaving a gap that still hasn’t been filled. Whether they were discontinued due to shifting market trends, fuel efficiency regulations, or simply changing consumer demands, these trucks had a dedicated fanbase and would make incredible revivals in today’s market.
Here are some discontinued trucks that deserve a second chance—and what they might look like if they made a comeback.
1. Ford F-150 Lightning (The Original Performance Truck)
While Ford did revive the Lightning nameplate for its electric F-150, diehard truck enthusiasts still crave the original concept—a high-performance, gas-powered street truck.
First introduced in 1993 and later revamped in 1999, the F-150 Lightning was an SVT-engineered performance truck that packed a supercharged 5.4L V8, producing 380 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque in its final years. It was an instant classic among muscle truck enthusiasts, offering sports car acceleration in a full-size truck body.
How it Could Return:
A modern Lightning revival could bring back the gas-powered street truck formula, possibly with Ford’s EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 tuned for high output or even a supercharged Coyote V8. A lowered stance, aggressive styling, and track-ready suspension could make it a true muscle truck once again.
2. Chevrolet Avalanche (The Versatile Truck-SUV Hybrid)
The Chevy Avalanche was one of the most unique trucks on the market from 2002 to 2013. Its Midgate design allowed owners to expand the bed into the cabin for extra cargo space, making it incredibly versatile.
It combined the comfort of an SUV with the functionality of a truck, offering a smooth ride, innovative storage solutions, and plenty of passenger room. Despite strong sales, it was discontinued as truck buyers shifted toward more traditional pickups.
How it Could Return:
With the rising popularity of overlanding and adventure vehicles, a revived Avalanche could target outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rugged truck-SUV hybrid. A new Midgate system, an off-road package, and modern tech could make it a standout in today’s market.
3. Dodge Dakota (The Midsize Truck That Punched Above Its Weight)
The Dodge Dakota was ahead of its time when it debuted in 1986, offering V8 power in a midsize truck—a rarity back then. It was a workhorse, an off-roader, and even a muscle truck in its R/T trim.
Despite its strong reputation, the Dakota was discontinued in 2011 as demand for midsize trucks faded. However, the midsize market has made a huge comeback, and the Dakota’s absence is glaringly obvious.
How it Could Return:
With midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger dominating the market, a modern Dakota could carve out its space with Hemi V8 or turbocharged inline-six power, off-road capability, and muscle truck DNA.
4. Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup (A Global Off-Road Icon)
While Toyota recently brought back the Land Cruiser in the U.S., the Land Cruiser Pickup—also known as the 70 Series—remains forbidden fruit for American buyers. Sold in various global markets, this truck is an absolute legend for its durability, off-road prowess, and reliability in extreme conditions.
How it Could Return:
With Toyota’s focus on off-road vehicles, a U.S. release of a Land Cruiser-based pickup could take on the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger Raptor. If Toyota outfitted it with a turbo-diesel or hybrid powertrain, solid axles, and extreme durability, it could be an overland adventurer’s dream.
5. GMC Syclone (The Original High-Performance Turbo Truck)
If there’s one truck that enthusiasts would love to see return, it’s the GMC Syclone. This turbocharged all-wheel-drive monster from the early ‘90s was a true performance truck, capable of outrunning sports cars of its era.
Equipped with a 4.3L turbocharged V6 producing 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, the Syclone shocked the industry with its 0-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds—faster than many Ferraris of the time.
How it Could Return:
A modern Syclone could take advantage of turbocharged technology, lightweight materials, and AWD performance tuning. Imagine a twin-turbo V6 or even an all-electric high-performance variant delivering instant torque and supercar-like acceleration in a lightweight truck body.
6. Lincoln Mark LT (Luxury Pickup Done Right)
The Lincoln Mark LT was Lincoln’s attempt at a luxury pickup in the early 2000s, based on the F-150. While it didn’t gain as much traction in the U.S., it was a hit in Mexico, where it continued production until 2014.
Luxury pickups are now more popular than ever, with models like the GMC Denali Ultimate, Ram 1500 Limited, and Ford Platinum proving there’s a huge demand for high-end trucks with premium features.
How it Could Return:
A modern Lincoln Mark LT could cater to buyers looking for next-level luxury in a truck. Imagine a plush interior with massaging seats, high-end wood trim, and a premium sound system, combined with serious towing capability and a hybrid or electric powertrain.
Which Discontinued Truck Do You Want to See Return?
Whether it’s a high-performance street truck, an off-road legend, or a versatile hybrid, the trucks on this list had something special that made them stand out. With the truck market booming, now might be the perfect time for some of these icons to make a comeback.
Which truck would you bring back?
