Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay
When it comes to your next vehicle purchase, there are a few things you might already know you want: more room for your gear, generous space for your family, or increased power as you head out on the open road. Trucks and SUVs both meet those needs, so you’ll want to decide which is right for you.
While trucks and SUVs used to be distinct enough to easily note the differences, now they’re similar in everyday handling, seating, comfort, fuel economy, and even towing. With trucks and SUVs so evenly matched, how do you know which is a better choice? Use the details in this article to begin figuring out your answer.
Start by Asking Questions
Trucks and SUVs can have a lot in common, so it’s essential that you ask yourself the right questions to determine which you should purchase.
Will I Be Using My Vehicle for Work?
Some jobs require heavy lifting. You haul tools, building supplies, and other materials that weigh down the average vehicle. You need strength and stability as you move from location to location. A truck may be your better choice to give you room and flexibility as you move throughout your days.
How Large Is My Family?
You have an expanding family; two car seats will be the norm for the foreseeable future. Or maybe you go from transporting your kids from school to their favorite activities and to picking up your elderly parents for appointments and checkups. The largest SUVs can hold up to eight people comfortably, which could be perfect for all your daily activities.
How’s the Weather?
When snow isn’t a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence but rather a way of life, you need additional ground clearance. You might even want to be a part of the solution — snow plow, anyone? In this case, a large truck could be suitable.
What Are Your Personal Preferences?
Sometimes, you’re simply pulled in the right direction. You create your pros and cons list, which guides you in one direction. Yet no matter the result, your heart tells you something else. Sometimes, you just have to go with your instinct. Buy the truck or SUV of your dreams.
What Are Your Hobbies?
When we purchase vehicles, it’s about finding something that fits our lifestyles. For some, trucks can help us lead better lives. For others, only an SUV will do. Do you have a four-legged friend who loves to tag along? If you have a big dog, you’ll need lots of space and more headroom. Do you love to take the road less traveled? You’ll need additional ground clearance and a drivetrain that supports off-roading. Have lots of equipment? Pulling campers or boats requires extra towing capacity. Both trucks and SUVs have their advantages; in the end, it may come down to a specific list of features that help your vehicle support your hobbies and goals.
The Difference Between Trucks and SUVs
In some cases, the choice is obvious. You might need a truck for work, and nothing else will do. Yet, with an urban life, an SUV might be better for navigating city streets. There’s enough crossover in your life that you could sway either way. Consider the following when making your decision.
Comfort
While manufacturers have worked to make trucks more comfortable, they can still be more unwieldy to drive. SUVs have more room for passenger seats and create comfort. While full cabs may offer more passenger seats, they also have shorter beds, which can take away the level of utility you need.
Maneuvering
Trucks can require a different mindset to drive. And if you purchase full-sized, it can be tricky maneuvering into parking spaces. While the biggest SUVs might take up more space, they’re designed to drive like cars. You’ll have a freer range and be able to manage traffic and parking lots more easily.
Gas Mileage
If fuel economy is on your wishlist, you’ll probably want an SUV. Trucks are designed for performance. They handle large loads and provide power when you need it most. The tradeoff is gas mileage. Many SUVs can far surpass what trucks can get in the city and on the open road. There are smaller trucks that can compete with some SUVs, but in most cases, SUVs win the miles-per-gallon category.
Safety
Trucks are built to take everything a road can dish out. Sometimes, there isn’t a road at all — and trucks can easily navigate that. That’s because they’re built for usability. However, trucks carry more of their weight in the front and tend to be elevated, which puts them at higher risk for single-vehicle accidents such as spins and rollovers. Because they’re marketed to families, SUVs tend to include more enhanced safety technology than trucks.
Which Is Right for You?
With so many options on the market today, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Ask yourself a few questions, weigh your options carefully, and select the vehicle that can serve your needs best. Truck or SUV? They can both be excellent additions to your life.