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Should I Buy an SUV or a Truck?

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smiling family sitting in back of car
SUVs and trucks have different strengths to suit different types of families

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

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe driving on a country road
The Chevrolet Tahoe has the seating room and reliable performance that you crave in a family-hauler
Photo: Chevrolet

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

Front side view of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 towing a trailer
The Chevrolet Silverado fits well with a family that works hard and plays harder
Photo: Chevrolet

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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