Why, they are so much larger these days people don’t want the wasted space and added cost. No, they aren’t the same price or cheaper than a mid size truck. These trucks are 80% the size (about the same size as a mid-late 90’s full sizer with is fantastic) and about 80% of the price as well both retail and with discounts these things get.
For example an AT4 Canyon with leather stickers for about $42k well equipped (gas 3.6), you can get it for $36k after discounts. A Sierra At4 stickers for $62k well equipped (gas 6.2) and you can get it for about $52k after discounts. I don’t know about you but many people that are shopping $16k is a big difference in payments. Many don’t care about all the room, there are some options you can’t get on the canyon but that is only a few like cooled seats (you can get it on the Denali Canyon), adaptive cruise and dual climate control or HUD.