10 Awesome Concept Trucks That Should Have Gone Into Production

For every one truck that makes it out of the design studio to the showroom floor, several others never get past the concept stage. Concept trucks are where manufacturers let loose—showcasing radical new styling, testing next-generation powertrains, and envisioning what the future of trucks may look like—barring that cost, regulations, and change-avoidant consumers wouldn’t get in the way. 

Concept trucks range from mild to wild. While some practical designs preview a manufacturer’s future technology and design language, others exist purely to spark conversation and leave mouths agape. And then there’s the heartbreaks of the concept world—the trucks that looked so promising and captured massive attention, only to end up shelved indefinitely. 

In this feature, we dive into some of the coolest concept trucks that never made it to production, but certainly should have. From grounded designs to whacky, eccentric pickups, stay tuned for this overview of radical concept trucks that almost were. 

In the time of played-out, bubbly pickups, the 2000 GMC Terradyne concept stood out as a rugged, futuristic truck that looked like it rolled straight out of a sci-fi movie. Designed as a hyper-futuristic yet heavy-duty pickup, the Terradyne featured armored panels, massive proportions, and a sleek, minimalist interior that emphasized digital displays over traditional analog gauges—a big deal in the early twenty aughts. 

The Terradyne was GM’s attempt to explore what the next generation of pickup may look like—something that was more industrial and utilitarian than what the current market offered. Unfortunately, the GMC Terradyne was too extreme, too expensive, and too bold for its time. The radical truck still helped pave the way for GM’s future styling cues and design. 

Looking for subtlety? Then the Ford Mighty Tonka definitely wouldn’t have been the truck for you. Built in collaboration with toy brand Tonka, this concept was a lifted, monstrous F-350 engineered to celebrate childhood imagination and raw power. Oversized tires, vibrant yellow paint, and massive proportions made the truck virtually impossible to ignore. 

The Mighty Tonka even appeared in the late Toby Keith’s music video for the song “Who’s Your Daddy,” which further reinforced Keith’s ongoing collaboration and partnership with Ford. 

While the Mighty Tonka concept sparked some interest among truck fans, it was never a serious candidate for production. Instead, it was a marketing exercise and crowd pleaser that showcased the nation’s affinity for large, brash pickups. 

While the Ford Atlas looked highly futuristic upon its debut, the truck likely looks familiar to Ford truck owners today. Designed as a preview of the next-generation F-150, the concept showcased several styling cues and advanced tech features that would land on the upcoming aluminum F-150, like a bold new grille, squared-off styling, 360-degree cameras, and adaptive cruise control. 

Though the Atlas never officially went into production, much of its DNA did. As one of the more practical concepts on this list, the Atlas served as a test mule for design and technology that’d eventually show up on future production vehicles. 

Not to be confused with Power Stroke-powered F-Series trucks, the 1994 Ford Power Stroke concept was a unique, forward-thinking chassis used to showcase the all-new 7.3L turbo diesel engine, built in collaboration with International Navistar. 

The concept never reached production due to its highly futuristic design and next-generation technology. However, it helped to demonstrate the potential of the new powerplant—the 7.3L Power Stroke—which would go on to become one of the most legendary engines Ford ever offered. 

The Super Chief was Ford’s attempt at marketing a potential tri-fuel pickup, powered by a V10 engine capable of running on gasoline, E85 (ethanol), or hydrogen. The futuristic truck, based on a Super Duty chassis, offered immense luxury, style, and tech. However, it never officially hit the market. 

Despite the push for the research and development of hydrogen technology, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s notorious hydrogen-powered Hummer H2 SUT, infrastructure was never built out, and the technology was never widely adopted. The Super Chief was less realistic, but rather a rolling statement about the possibilities of alternative fueling. 

Inspired by Jeep’s classic Forward Control trucks from the 1950’s and ‘60s, the Jeep Mighty FC looked like a hybrid between a JK Wrangler and a Forward Control. Sporting a classic cab-over design, portal axles, and extreme off-road capabilities, the Mighty FC was purpose-built for crawling over extreme terrain. 

The problem with this concept was practicality. Cab-over trucks don’t align well with modern safety standards, and since the truck’s niche appeal made it tough to justify mainstream production, it never made it past the concept stage. Still, the Mighty FC remains one of Jeep’s most beloved concepts. 

The Dodge Rampage concept blended muscle-car attitude with the utility of a compact pickup truck. Designed as a sporty unibody truck, the Rampage aimed to attract younger buyers and first-time truck owners. 

It’s no secret that the ute craze never caught on in North America. Despite strong interest, the Rampage found itself in the concept graveyard. Rising fuel costs and shifting consumer needs led Dodge to pursue other vehicle segments, leaving the Rampage forever a concept. 

The Dodge M80 was a rugged midsize concept inspired by 1930s and ‘40s styling, featuring sweeping fender flares, removable panels, and four-wheel drive. The concept served as a precursor to the midsize off-road truck renaissance, as evidenced by models like the Ranger Raptor and Colorado ZR2. 

At the time, the midsize truck market wasn’t flourishing, and Dodge was prioritizing full-size pickups. The Dakota-based M80 never made it to showroom floors, though elements of its styling lived on in models like the Dodge Nitro SUV. 

The Ram 5500 Long Hauler was a purpose-built heavy-duty pickup, engineered for long-distance towing. Essentially a factory-built hotshot rig, the Long Hauler featured massive fuel tanks, heavy-duty axles, and long-haul comfort features. 

Unfortunately, the Long Hauler fit only a niche market. This lack of mass appeal, mixed with the truck’s high cost, limited the need for mass production. Still, the concept demonstrated just how far Ram could take a light-duty pickup and equip it with heavy-duty capability.

The Dodge Power Wagon concept revived a legendary name with modern amenities and muscle. Inspired by the legendary Power Wagon pickups of the 1940s, this revised model featured sweeping flares, unique body lines, and an off-road-inspired drivetrain. From locking differentials to trail-ready suspension, the Power Wagon concept was itching to dominate trails. However, the truck never made it to the showroom floor—at least, in its concept form. 

Years later, Dodge released the Power Wagon Ram, which featured off-road-ready suspension and drivetrain components. The modified Ram quickly became one of the most off-road-friendly factory trucks, helping to revitalize the Power Wagon name. 

While these concept trucks never made it to dealership lots, you don't need a manufacturer’s design studio to build something truly unique. At RealTruck, we help truck owners turn everyday pickups into head-turning builds—more eye-catching than even the coolest concept trucks. 

From lift kits and wheels and tires to lighting and exterior accessories, RealTruck offers parts designed to help you create a custom rig that’ll turn heads everywhere it goes. Whether you’re after dominant street presence, rugged off-road performance, or the ultimate work truck, RealTruck has the parts and accessories you need to build your dream truck.