Should I Buy an SUV or a Truck?
If you’re not sure whether to go with an SUV or truck for your family, you’re not alone. SUVs and trucks both have a reputation for reliable traction, roomy interiors, and the latest safety tech to keep your loved ones safe. We’ve rounded up a few benefits for each segment, though, to help make your purchasing decision a bit easier.
Find Your Match: Browse the 2021 Chevrolet SUV lineup here
The case for an SUV
One of the most obvious reasons to choose an SUV is its larger seating capacity, explains J.D. Power’s Dustin Hawley. While the roomiest truck cabin tends to accommodate no more than five people, many SUVs have the space for seven or more passengers.
Additionally, SUVs tend to have a tighter turning radius than pickup trucks, states Hawley. This makes them easier to maneuver, so you can feel more relaxed behind the wheel when commuting or road-tripping with your family. And SUVs have a more balanced weight distribution than front-heavy trucks, giving them better handling in a variety of weather and road conditions, according to It Still Runs contributor Evan Gillespie.
SUVs also deliver better fuel economy than trucks. That’s especially true when it comes to highway efficiency ratings, says Hawley. If you and your family spend more time driving on the interstate than on city streets, an SUV will be the most economical choice.
The case for a truck
A truck might suit your family better than an SUV if you need something with more muscle and capability day in and day out. For starters, trucks are known for their potent powertrains and stalwart strength. If you need a ton of towing power to keep pace with your family’s active and adventurous lifestyle, a truck is the smarter choice.
An exterior truck bed is another appealing quality that this segment has over the SUV segment. If your family likes to help friends move across town or you regularly transport lumber and landscaping materials for home improvement projects, then the voluminous dimensions of a truck bed will give you the extra space you need. The open bed of a truck makes it easier to access cargo when you’re loading and unloading the vehicle, as Gillespie highlights.
Still not sure whether to bring home an SUV or a truck? Learn more about the Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado 1500 models. Then read this article to find out which GM SUV would best match your preferences and life phase.
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Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.