Truck vs. SUV: Which one should you get?

Trucks vs. SUVs: What are the key differences?

Here are a few differences that could affect your decision when buying a new vehicle:

Purpose

Trucks are intended to be used for work tasks, including heavy-duty hauling and towing. SUVs are primarily used for transporting passengers in comfort.

Off-roading capability

If you plan on off-roading, a truck may be more suitable for wide-open terrain and steep inclines, while an SUV may be more successful in comfortably transporting people and gear through trails with tighter turns and less space.

Passenger space

Trucks generally have less space for passengers than SUVs. Depending on the model and cab size, trucks can comfortably seat two to six passengers. Depending on the model, SUVs are capable of comfortably seating up to eight passengers.

Towing capacity

Because trucks are specifically designed for heavy-duty work tasks, they're able to tow more than a typical SUV. A truck is typically capable of comfortably towing trailers, boats, and campers. Some SUVs are capable of towing the same things, but their capabilities are more dependent on make and model.

Fuel efficiency

The powerful engines and large frames of trucks make them less fuel efficient than most standard SUVs. Gas mileage, however, varies widely depending on the size, capabilities, and usage of your vehicle, so it's important to research the fuel efficiency of specific makes and models.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates SUVs more favorably than trucks when it comes to overall safety. When assessing the safety of a truck or SUV, compare ratings and look for advanced safety equipment, including crash prevention systems and automatic emergency braking.

Do SUVs last longer than trucks?

SUVs generally last longer than trucks, but both types of vehicles are among the most durable on the road, according to an analysis of more than 402 million vehicles by iSeeCars. Sixteen of the top 30 longest lasting vehicles are SUVs, while eight of the top 30 are trucks.

Trucks vs. SUVs: Which costs more?

Sale price

While it depends on the make and model, selected features, and the state of the market, the sale price for a truck tends to be less than the sale price for an SUV. Trucks can approach similar prices to SUVs if you're looking at heavy-duty models, larger engines, or higher trims. Some smaller SUVs, however, such as a Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage, often sell for less than trucks.

Repair costs

Repair costs depend more on your usage and particular model than your vehicle type. A truck or SUV that goes off-roading and tows heavy loads may need more frequent maintenance and repairs. On average, according to RepairPal, full-size trucks have an annual repair cost of $936, while full-size SUVs average $784.

Insurance costs

Insurance rates depend on several factors, including your age, location, driving record, vehicle usage, and vehicle type. Truck and SUV models with low safety ratings, high repair/replacement costs, and higher rates of insurance claims may cost more to insure on average.

SUVs are cheaper to insure than other vehicles, according to Car and Driver, because SUVs are more likely to include modern safety technologies, including wireless smartphone connectivity for hands-free driving, lane change alerts, and rear cameras that help drivers make smarter decisions.