SUV vs. Truck: How Do I Choose?

If you're torn between buying an SUV and a pickup truck, the best thing to do is learn the details of both. We analyzed towing, fuel economy, price, space, and maneuverability for these vehicle types so you can determine which best meets your needs.

What do trucks and SUVs have in common?

There’s a reason you’re struggling to choose between buying an SUV or a pickup truck: these two vehicles have a lot in common. Appealing to drivers who appreciate power and versatility, SUVs and pickups are for people who want a car more spacious and capable than a sedan. 

Both pickups and SUVs are often built with body-on-frame styles, in which the body and frame are two separate components welded together. Because of this, trucks and SUVs are generally more capable than unibody construction vehicles when it comes to towing and off-roading.

Trucks and SUVs frequently offer four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive capability, which, paired with their spacious interiors, makes them popular among families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Towing

When choosing between an SUV and a pickup truck, towing capabilities might top the list of your priorities. Because trucks and SUVs both come in different shapes and sizes, it can be hard to nail down a solid answer to which is better at towing.

Different SUVs and trucks have various capabilities depending on their size. Smaller SUVs typically have towing capacities ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 pounds, whereas compact trucks like the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds.

Large SUVs, such as the Jeep Wagoneer, can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The Ford Expedition, which can tow between 6,000 and 9,000 pounds, is another popular choice for SUV enthusiasts with boats or trailers.

These numbers are impressive but pale in comparison to large truck models like the Ford F-350, which can tow up to 24,900 pounds. Big trucks have higher towing capacities because their larger engines, stronger frames, and reinforced suspension systems are built to handle heavier loads safely.

If you spend your weekends towing your boat to the lake or a trailer to your favorite campground, remember that pickup trucks are generally better at pulling heavy loads.

Fuel economy

Two things are true about SUVs and pickup trucks: these vehicles are large and great for transporting cargo or a large number of passengers. However,  larger, heavier vehicles aren’t typically known for their fuel efficiency.

The difference in fuel economy between these two vehicle types is negligible, but SUVs have the upper hand. SUVs don’t have to contend with beds that drag, improving their aerodynamics and giving them a slight advantage over trucks in the fuel economy department. SUVs have more hybrid options, earning them another point in the fuel economy category. Currently, there are only five hybrid truck models available on the market.

Price

The large size of trucks and SUVs compared to sedans means these vehicles often come with hefty price tags, too. Like any vehicle, the price of trucks and SUVs can vary greatly based on size, features, and technology.

Naturally, smaller vehicles are less expensive. Small and mid-sized pickups, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Nissan Frontier, typically cost buyers between $25,000 and $40,000.

Some of the market’s largest pickups, such as the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, cost between $39,000 and $72,000. Huge SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, on the other hand, start around $62,000 and can soar over $80,000.

While both trucks and SUVs can get pricey, SUVs are often the more affordable option overall. Their broader range of sizes and trims offers buyers more flexibility to find a model that suits their budget without compromising comfort or capability.

Storage

Roominess is one of the qualities that may have drawn you to trucks and SUVs in the first place, but it’s important to note that SUVs and pickup trucks approach space very differently.

SUVs often have rear seats that can fold down to expand storage, which is excellent for big grocery hauls or carting tons of luggage on road trips. SUVs have more seating than pickups, and large families will appreciate models that can seat six to eight people. 

When it’s time to transport larger items, like furniture, bikes, or bags of concrete, pickup trucks are the superior option. Pickup truck beds regularly exceed 60 inches in length, and their exterior location makes them ideal for storing dirty, oversized, or cumbersome equipment.

Drivability

What’s the use of a good vehicle if driving it is a pain?

When it comes down to it, a vehicle’s maneuverability is more important than almost anything else. Due to their larger size, trucks and SUVs tend to be more challenging to maneuver than standard sedans. 

SUVs usually have tighter turning radii than trucks, so they’re more agile when you need to navigate turns, narrow roads, or crowded parking spots. Trucks are also longer than SUVs, with small pickup trucks often measuring similar lengths to three-row SUVs, making them harder to park.

If you spend a lot of time in urban areas, you’ll likely find that an SUV feels more manageable on the road than a pickup. 

So, which should I buy?

Choosing a new vehicle is a weighty decision, so it's important to consider your options carefully. We’ve summarized this article’s findings in a chart to simplify the process.

Buy an SUV or truck with Transwest

Now that you know the ins and outs of these two vehicle types, it’s time to find the one that suits you best. Explore our online inventory or visit a Transwest location today to discover the SUVs and trucks we offer.

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