Now that the time has come for you to consider buying a new vehicle, you may have narrowed down your decision to either buy a truck or an SUV. Though they are similar in many ways, they are also quite different.
There are many factors to consider when comparing trucks and SUVs, such as price, performance, fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, and driving experience. On the one hand, trucks tend to be more powerful and capable of hauling heavy loads, making them ideal for work or off-road use. On the other hand, SUVs are generally better for hauling groups of people and typically have more trunk space for hauling compared to a basic Sedan.
Considering that trucks and SUVs have similarities but also different strengths, it’s ideal to consider what you want to prioritize before choosing between an SUV and a truck. Since you’ll have many factors to consider before signing on the dotted line, here are some reasons you may want to buy an SUV or a pickup truck.
Passenger Space
One of the first things you should consider is what you plan on using your vehicle for the most. For example, if you intend on using your vehicle to transport your kids, family members, or other folks here and there on a regular basis, an SUV may be your best bet over a pickup truck. SUVs have two back benches providing room for seven to eight passengers. The back bench area is often outfitted with temperature controls separate from that in the cab so individuals in the back can maintain whatever temperature they want. Some newer SUVs even have USB charging ports built into the side of the wall.
When considering passenger space in a truck, it is important to take into account factors such as size, comfort, and functionality. Many trucks offer plenty of room for up to five passengers, making them ideal for families or groups of people who need to travel together on a regular basis. However, compared to SUVs, trucks often lack the same luxuries or comforts. Typically trucks have limited temperature control. Additionally, some people complain about the lack of leg room in a lot of trucks. With that being the case, make sure that you actually sit in the back seat before buying a truck to ensure that you and your loved ones would be comfortable sitting in the back.
Storage and Hauling
Should you be needing a vehicle to haul large items such as furniture, lumber, or other things that may be big and bulky, it makes perfect sense for you to buy a pickup truck rather than an SUV. Along with having more room for hauling, a pickup truck usually also has better-towing capabilities, meaning you can haul a trailer or even a boat or camper around with your truck. Additionally, you may have items that are shaped strangely or are taller than your vehicle. As long as you properly tie down the items, you’ll be able to haul them in a truck.
When it comes to storage capacity, SUVs have several advantages over trucks. Compared to pickup trucks, SUVs typically have larger trunk spaces that can accommodate large items with ease. They also tend to have more flexible seating arrangements, allowing you to remove the back benches in order to create even more space for cargo. Additionally, SUVs’ storage space is covered so you can drive through wind and rain knowing that everything in the back is staying dry and intact.
Easy to Drive
While both an SUV and a truck will be easy to drive, the SUV tends to get a slight edge in this category. In most instances, it will be easier for you to maneuver an SUV in and around tight spots like parking lots and narrow roadways. However, if you are wanting maximum power for your vehicle, a truck may be better, since the engines in today’s pickup trucks are regarded as being the most powerful on the road.
Sticker Price
Since motor vehicle prices have risen dramatically over the past year or so, you may be on a tight budget in terms of how much you can spend to purchase a new vehicle. If so, a pickup truck should probably get the nod over an SUV. On average, you can expect to pay about $60,000 for a new SUV, while a new pickup truck’s price averages around $46,000.
When comparing the cost of owning a truck vs an SUV, there are several factors to consider. On the one hand, trucks tend to be more affordable than SUVs in terms of the initial purchase price and fuel costs. Trucks are also typically easier to maintain and have higher resale values than SUVs. However, SUVs may be better when it comes to the cost of auto insurance and in some cases, it can be better regarding gas mileage as well.
Other factors you should consider when making this decision include your auto insurance costs, gas mileage, reliability, and how you expect to be using your vehicle on a day-to-day basis. By taking everything into consideration and shopping around for the best deal, you can drive away with a vehicle you’ll love for many years.