Should I Buy a Truck or an SUV?

Trucks and SUVs share many similarities – both offer exceptional versatility and the ability to handle varying terrain and weather conditions. While there is no denying that both segments offer models with near-limitless capability, these capabilities come with compromises. In this article we consider different criteria to measure a truck versus an SUV to find the right fit for your requirements.

Trucks

Trucks are primarily intended as work vehicles, and potential buyers require unmatched towing and hauling capabilities. Many full-size trucks offer over 12,000 pounds of towing capacity and a payload of 2,000 pounds. However, these selling points come at a cost to fuel economy and maneuverability. 

SUVs

SUVs are more for recreation and family use. Though they lack the overall power and towing capacity of full-size pickup trucks, they can still be used for transporting goods and possess significant towing capability.

Let’s start by reviewing the towing and hauling performance of trucks and SUVs.

Towing and Hauling Performance

Full-size trucks offer exceptional towing and hauling capability. The Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost has a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds, enabling it to tow fifth-wheel campers, large boats, and heavy trailers. With a 2,440-pound payload capacity, the F-150 can carry a ton of dirt, sand, or gravel in the truck bed. 

Mid-size pickup trucks are also capable haulers. When equipped with the optional Advanced Trailering Package and the upgraded 2.7L TurboMax engine, the mid-size Chevy Colorado pickup tows a best-in-class 7,700 pounds. The 2024 base model Colorado with these options starts at $37K.

Although trucks typically offer higher towing capacities – there are plenty of SUVs that tow on par with trucks. The 2024 Ford Expedition, which shares a platform with the F-150, tows up to 9,200 pounds.

But you don’t necessarily need to acquire one of the largest vehicles sold in the American market to tow significant weight. The Audi Q7 55 and Mercedes GLE tow up to 7,700 pounds while being similar in length to the smallest trucks sold in America. Even more remarkable is the similarly sized Lexus GX 550 that tows over 9,000 pounds, surpassing all midsize and compact truck tow ratings by at least 1,300 pounds. 

While the above models start in the $60K range, the popular midsize SUV segment is more affordable but still towing capable. This class is typically priced from $40K to $50K and includes the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Palisade which all tow 5,000 pounds. Surpassing those numbers are the Kia Telluride (5,500 pounds), the Ford Explorer (5,600 pounds), the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee – both of which tow up to 6,000 pounds.

Fortunately, towing requirements won’t limit buyers’ choices too much as you can acquire a luxury SUV, a sporty SUV, an off-road focused SUV, a mid-size truck, or a full-size truck to meet your needs.

Fuel Economy

Unsurprisingly, the power required to make these capabilities a reality diminishes the fuel economy of both trucks and SUVs relative to the average car. But fuel economy is a more noticeable weakness for trucks as being geared for low-end torque makes them less efficient than SUVs. Although some trucks and SUVs have similar miles-per-gallon ratings in the city, SUVs tend to get much better highway mileage. 

A recurring advantage for SUVs is simply choice – a vast selection of SUV models means a more diverse range of powertrains. With more EV, PHEV, and hybrid alternatives, environmentally friendly SUVs are easier to find. 

Cost

As automakers have upgraded trucks with more creature comforts and improved ride quality, well-equipped versions of full-size trucks are now priced similarly to luxury cars. 

The base model Ford F-150 XL starts at around $40K while a midrange XLT Super Crew with 4-wheel drive costs around $54,500 before options. The Lariat starts at around $63,000 and the King Ranch and Platinum trims start at almost $75,000. In the 1990s, the F-150 was priced similarly to a Toyota Camry, but now it’s in Mercedes E-Class territory. While the evolution of full-size trucks came with additional refinement and equipment, there are a lot of outstanding vehicles in the $50-$80K price point including from luxury brands that offer an improved dealership experience and a longer warranty.

The number of SUV choices gives SUVs an advantage from a cost standpoint as many desirable models under $50K offer impressive towing capabilities while serving double duty as family vehicles.

Versatility

Truck: Exterior Bed

The bed is one of the hallmarks that make trucks exceptionally versatile. Besides hauling bulk materials like dirt and gravel, you can also lay the tailgate down for extended loads like lumber and piping. Meanwhile, taller items, like furniture or bicycles, are not restricted by a roof. Truck beds serve many purposes, making them an appealing feature. Automakers offer a range of accessories for owners to get the most use out of their truck beds including bed extenders, bed covers, bedliners, bed dividers, and more.

SUV: Seating Capacity

Although handy, a truck bed comes at the expense of additional seating and interior cargo space. While a large truck with a crew cab can seat five, that is typically the minimum seating capacity of an SUV, as many SUVs seat seven or eight people. One of the advantages of an SUV is that you can carry a large family in a single vehicle. There is also flexibility in seating arrangements and with seats folded flat, you can haul an impressive amount of gear. 

Maneuverability

SUVs are certainly larger than cars, which makes them more challenging to park. However, they’re usually more maneuverable than a truck. Moreover, SUVs typically offer a smoother ride as they are usually equipped with softer suspensions than most trucks.

Pickup trucks tend to be wider than most passenger vehicles and have a relatively wide turning radius. They can be tough to maneuver in tight spots or to fit into narrow parking spaces. In addition to maneuverability challenges, outward visibility is obstructed in trucks given the height and size of the hood.

Truck Length 

One thing that sets trucks apart from SUVs is their length. Even the smallest new trucks sold in America (the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick, at 195.7 inches and 200.7 inches) are similar in length to popular three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. 

Using Toyota as an example, the midsize 4Runner SUV and Tacoma pickup truck share a platform, yet the Tacoma line measures 213 inches to 226.2 inches compared to 190.7 inches for the 4Runner. Hence the midsize Tacoma truck is actually longer than the full-size Sequoia SUV (208 inches). 

For full-size trucks, the F-150 ranges in length from 231.8 inches to 243.5 inches. So you’re driving around with up to an additional 4 feet of length compared to a three-row Ford Explorer. Thus, trucks occupy a large footprint complicating parking in public and home garages.

Which Should I Buy?

There are a lot of nuances to consider when narrowing down exactly which truck or SUV is right for you. Here are a few final thoughts to consider:

Choosing between a truck or an SUV comes down to priorities – if you need a vehicle for your business where you are towing and hauling frequently, you may be inclined to purchase a truck. If you have a family and tow 5,000 pounds, a three-row SUV is probably the better fit. 

While large trucks offer impressive towing and hauling, this comes with compromises to maneuverability, fuel economy, and price. Fortunately, mid-size and smaller trucks like the Honda Pilot-based Ridgeline, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, and the Ford Maverick offer a good balance for those requiring a truck bed while seeking SUV-like handling and comfort. 

As shown above, don’t count out the towing capabilities of an SUV. Another consideration with towing and hauling is frequency. For instance, if you only need to transport a boat at the start and end of the season, driving a large truck the other 363 days of the year might not make sense to you. 

Regardless of which vehicle you decide on, be mindful that trucks and SUVs offer varying capacities in the same model range. You must consider each detail in the configuration process to ensure you select the engine, bed length, cab size, and drivetrain combination to meet your requirements. As an example, three Kia EV9 SUVs may look identical to most customers on the outside, but one tows 2,000 pounds, another 3,500 pounds, and the third 5,000 pounds because of their different trim levels. Consult your dealer to ensure you are correctly configuring the truck or SUV for your needs. 

Matt Yantakosol is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and former consultant focused on the consumer aspect of the industry. He has traveled to New York, Detroit, Chicago, L.A., Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, and Tokyo Auto Shows to track and observe the newest industry innovations. In addition to JDPower.com, Matt's writing has appeared on Pcarmarket.com.

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