Last Updated on November 14, 2023
SUVs and trucks are two types of vehicles available on the market. Both vehicles fall under the same class, with plenty of ground clearance, a mid-sized to large body, and off-roading skills. When it comes to an SUV vs truck, the majority of individuals are actually unaware of the differences between them.
Make no mistake, these two vehicle types are distinct. Each has been designed to serve a specific purpose and each has their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Trucks are primarily meant for work, but SUVs are mainly intended for family use, which makes them ideal for road trips.
SUV vs Truck
Choosing between a truck and an SUV when shopping for a new vehicle might be challenging. If you're still unsure on SUV vs truck, here are some insights to help you decide which of the two is best for you, according to your needs and preferences.
SUVs
A sport utility vehicle, or SUV, is a type of vehicle that integrates road-going passenger car features with off-road vehicle attributes, including four-wheel drive and greater ground clearance. SUVs, often known as four-wheelers, are often distinguished by their elevated ride height, enormous body size, and rugged appearance.
SUVs can be used for a variety of tasks. They're ideal for passenger vehicles, but they're also handy for loading smaller items into the back. SUVs are frequently compared to a combination of a car and a truck. The SUV's origins can be traced back to the 1930s when military vehicles were first manufactured.
In the 1940s, four-wheel-drive station wagons were also introduced. The 1984 Jeep Cherokee is considered to be the father of modern SUVs. It had a blocky appearance that looked like a large station wagon with plenty of ground clearance.
Numerous models succeeded the Cherokee, resulting in a surge in sales in the 1990s and early 2000s. Body-on-frame construction was used in the early models, and some modern versions are currently available with a unibody design.
Pros of Buying an SUV
- Seating Capacity:
SUVs have far greater passenger space than trucks. Although a big truck with a crew cab can accommodate five people, an SUV's seating capacity is roughly the same.
Compact SUVs may only have five seats. However, many other SUV models can accommodate at least seven or eight passengers.
- Improved Gas Mileage:
SUV fuel efficiency is dismal when compared to that of the average vehicle, but it’s still superior to the ordinary truck. Because most trucks are designed for low-end torque, they are less economical at high speeds and consume more gas.
Despite the fact that many SUVs and trucks have comparable urban mileage ratings, SUVs obtain significantly higher highway efficiency on average. An SUV will nearly always outperform a truck in terms of fuel economy.
- Maneuverability:
SUVs are unquestionably larger than automobiles, which makes parking more difficult. They are, nevertheless, far more maneuverable than trucks, which have a larger turning radius.
This is frequently due to a truck's longer, narrower structure. Furthermore, when not loaded down or towing, SUVs often have softer springs, unlike many trucks, resulting in a smoother ride.
- Safety:
An SUV is a practical family vehicle, which is why it’s evident that an SUV has more safety measures than a truck. However, in road accidents, both are better than smaller cars. Unlike SUVs, trucks lack a full-sized rear seat, which is one of the safest elements for a passenger in the event of an accident.
There are more safety features found in SUVs, such as traction control, side airbags, and anti-lock brakes, which aren’t available in trucks. In comparison to a truck, an SUV provides better safety. And are trucks safer than cars? Check out the recent study.
Cons of Buying an SUV
- Higher Insurance Premiums:
SUVs are considered a high-risk vehicle type because of their high probability of getting into accidents, and, as a result, insurance for them is more expensive. SUVs attract higher insurance rates, so you should expect a 10% to 20% increase in your premiums.
- Cost:
SUVs can cost significantly more than trucks. However, this can also depend on the vehicle model and vehicle size you choose.
For example, midsize SUVs and trucks, both cost around $32,000. Full-size SUVs, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $60,000, whereas the average full-sized truck costs just over $46,000.
- Risk of Dangerous Flipping:
SUVs have a slightly increased danger of tipping over since they’re higher off the ground. Even though many SUVs have systems that prevent this, it is still something to think about.
Trucks
A truck is a motor vehicle that’s used to move cargo, carry specific payloads, or carry out other utilitarian tasks. Trucks come in a wide range of sizes, power, and configurations, but a large proportion of them are built on a body-on-frame platform. This means that they have a cabin that’s separate from the payload component of the vehicle.
Work is among the most common reasons why people buy a truck. As a result, the majority of individuals will consider the towing capacity. You need to think about your needs if you’re considering purchasing a truck.
Trucks have been around for much longer than SUVs. The first truck model was introduced in the early 1900s. Larger models are available, with off-road capability and more driving height. When they first arrived on the scene, they were mainly used as a farm utility to assist in the transportation of crops to market.
During the Second World War, several manufacturers shifted their focus away from pickup trucks and onto more heavy-duty trucks. As a result, the truck market saw a major transformation in the 1950s.
Rather than using trucks for farming and building, customers bought them as a status symbol. Manufacturers went away from rough designs and toward smoother vehicles with more luxurious features.
Pros of Buying a Truck
- Powerful Engine:
Trucks are vehicles that undoubtedly have some of the most powerful engines. Although many SUV and truck models are from the same manufacturer and use the same power plant, truck vehicles frequently have diesel engine choices that can be upgraded.
- Towing Capabilities:
Although SUVs have the capabilities of towing many modest loads compared to most vehicles, they don’t have towing equipment. Trucks, unlike SUVs, can tow considerably larger cargo, such as huge 5th wheel RVs. With an SUV, this is just not possible.
- Storage Bed:
One aspect that makes trucks so useful is the storage bed. You can put the tailgate down for long loads like timber and pipes, in addition to having the potential to transport large items like gravel and dirt. Truck beds can perform a number of functions, rendering them versatile and appealing.
Cons of Buying a Truck
- Poor Gas Mileage:
Trucks are huge, functional vehicles, so it's understandable that they burn a lot of gas. Although some truck models may get up to 25 miles per gallon on the road, as the capacity and features of your vehicle increase, so does the fuel economy. Overall, many trucks aren’t fuel-efficient and don’t have great gas mileage.
- Limited Seating:
The inside of most conventional pickup trucks can only accommodate two or three people, and having three people necessitates the usage of the middle bench seat. This might be inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Also, whenever you need to carry young children, the two door style truck can be problematic. On the other hand, a four door style truck may offer seats for five people.
- Limited Maneuverability:
Pickup trucks are typically broader compared to most passenger cars, resulting in a tighter turning radius. They might be difficult to maneuver in areas that have limited parking space or in congested areas. When operating a vehicle with a dual rear axle, maneuverability is very difficult.
- Requires A Lot of Handling:
A truck's handling cannot be compared to that of an SUV, since they vary greatly. The reason for this is that a truck transports enormous loads and hence necessitates a great deal of handling. In an empty truck, the weight is always concentrated at the front.
This is because the engine and the driver become the primary load. The traction causes the truck to become delicate and need more handling.
SUVs have a balanced weight distribution from front to back, which makes them easy to maneuver. Many SUVs also have all-wheel drive, which makes them more efficient to operate.
Conclusion
When it comes to an SUV vs truck, your specific needs as a customer determine the type of vehicle you should purchase. Both SUVs and trucks should be compared and contrasted using the pros and cons outlined above to see which is a better fit for you.
If engine power or towing capacity are your top priorities, a truck may be the way to go. If you require better fuel economy or more seating capacity, an SUV may be the best option.
Although making a final decision can be complicated, these fundamental advantages and disadvantages should provide you with enough information to start narrowing down your options and decide which of the two is ideal for you!
