Truck vs SUV: Which Is Right for You?

The decision about whether to buy a truck or SUV can be a difficult one, if you aren’t already committed to one or the other. Both offer versatility and capability, but they can serve different purposes and lifestyles.

Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, transporting family members or navigating city streets, choosing whether a truck or SUV is your best option starts with understanding how each fits your needs.

This guide provides 10 factors to consider when deciding whether a truck or SUV is the better fit for you.

Edge: SUV (if you’re hauling people more than cargo).

One of the most important questions to ask when deciding between an SUV or truck is how you plan to use the vehicle.

• Work and utility. If you're regularly towing trailers, transporting large items or driving in rugged environments, a truck—especially a full-size model—is more likely to offer the durability and strength you need.

• Family and commuting. SUVs, particularly midsize and full-size models, are more comfortable for everyday driving and family life. With more passenger seating and enclosed cargo space, they’re ideal for daily errands, school runs and road trips.

» MORE: Best SUVs of 2025

Edge: Truck

Trucks generally have the upper hand for towing capacity. Full-size models like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado can tow over 13,000 pounds when properly equipped. Midsize trucks have less towing power—usually up to 7,700 pounds—but that’s still enough for small trailers, boats or campers. Trucks also have a higher payload capacity, which is the total amount of weight a vehicle can haul, including the driver, passengers and any other cargo.

SUVs vary in towing capability. The full-size Nissan Armada can tow up to 8,500 pounds, but midsize and smaller SUVs are more limited. In most cases, if towing and hauling heavy loads is common for you, a truck might make more sense.

Edge: SUV

SUV designs tend to focus more on transporting people. SUVs have two or three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven or eight passengers. They also offer an enclosed cargo area—often with seats that fold down to expand the space, making them ideal for groceries, strollers or luggage.

Trucks usually prioritize cargo flexibility over passenger comfort. Even crew cab trucks with four doors may not offer as much rear legroom as an SUV. However, their open bed allows for transporting oversized items, like lumber or landscaping materials.

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Edge: SUV

Today’s SUVs often feel more like sedans than trucks when it comes to ride quality. They have car-like handling and suspension, which makes them great for long drives, city commutes and everyday errands.

Most trucks, particularly those designed for towing or off-road use, have stiffer suspensions and a taller ride height. That translates to a firmer, sometimes rougher ride—especially when not carrying a load.

Edge: Truck

Fuel economy depends on the capabilities, size and weight of the specific vehicles you’re comparing. For trucks and SUVs in the same size classification, trucks tend to be slightly more fuel-efficient.

The average fuel efficiency for non-hybrid compact SUVs is 28 mpg for city/highway driving combined, with midsize SUVs at 22 mpg and full-size SUVs at 20 mpg, according to automotive research company iseecars.com.

In comparison, iseecars.com says non-hybrid trucks get an average of 30 mpg for compact models, 21 mpg for midsize and 22 mpg for full-size. One reason trucks may burn less fuel than SUVs of the same size is that trucks often weigh less.

Still, even within size categories, there can be a lot of variation in vehicle fuel efficiency. Also, the options you choose—such as a more powerful engine or a hybrid powertrain—will affect your actual mpg. Midsize hybrid SUVs can fall within a 35–40 combined mpg range, while the few midsize hybrid trucks on the market get about 23—24 mpg.

Edge: Truck

An important distinction to make is whether you want a vehicle for daily driving that can go off-road or you intend to tackle serious off-road terrain as a primary activity.

Midsize and full-size trucks have more model options built specifically for extreme off-roading. Many truck models also offer standard or available off-road packages, like all-terrain tires and upgraded suspension, to handle rocky trails and deep mud or snow with ease.

Certain SUV models and trims are also capable of going off-road and managing poor weather conditions, but you’re likely to find more SUV options that prioritize comfort and style over rugged performance.

Regardless of your choice between a truck or SUV, compare models to determine whether off-road packages and 4WD are standard or available at an additional cost on the trim you’re considering.

Edge: SUV

Because of their focus on passengers and families, SUVs often offer more comfort and tech features, especially in higher trims. Panoramic sunroofs, heated and ventilated seats, premium audio systems, advanced infotainment and connectivity are commonly available.

Many trucks have come a long way in this area, with newer models boasting more tech and convenience, but some base trims still lack features you will find as standard on SUVs.

If you’re choosing a vehicle for a family with high-tech needs, an SUV may be your better option.

» MORE: What's the difference between an SUV and a crossover?

Edge: SUV

A vehicle’s size will have a greater effect on parking and maneuvering than whether it's an SUV or truck. It makes sense that a compact SUV will be easier to drive in city traffic than a full-size truck. But, when you compare trucks and SUVs in the same size classification, there are some differences.

• Full-size trucks can be about a foot longer than a full-size SUV, and require more room for turning, which adds to the difficulty of pulling into a tight area. 

• Midsize SUVs usually have a shorter wheelbase (distance between the front and rear wheels) and less length overall, making them easier to maneuver. 

If most of your driving is done in congested and tight areas, an SUV may be your better choice, but the size of the SUV or truck should also be a determining factor.

Edge: Truck

Pricing depends on vehicle size and added options, like 4WD, towing packages or upgraded trims, but, in general, the entry-level trims for trucks cost less than SUVs. And both have models that retain their value well.

Trucks like the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Silverado have strong resale performance, according to data analytics company J.D. Power. And popular SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride also hold value, particularly in family-friendly markets.

Use sites like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to research a fair price and typical resale value for the SUV or truck models you’re considering.

» MORE: Check out our free auto loan calculator

Edge: SUV

The size of a large truck can make it safer than smaller vehicles on the road, but SUVs are the clear winner when it comes to crash test safety ratings. More SUVs have earned the designation of Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In fact, in recent IIHS safety tests, most small pickup trucks have performed poorly in protecting back seat passengers^[0]

Also SUVs often come with more advanced safety tech as standard when compared to trucks. Trucks may offer the same safety features, but only as an optional upgrade.

» MORE: SUV Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Final thoughts about trucks vs. SUVs

The choice between a truck and an SUV ultimately depends on your lifestyle, priorities and how you plan to use the vehicle. If you need more power, durability and the ability to tow or haul, a truck may be the better fit. But if comfort, flexibility and family-friendliness are more important, an SUV might be your best bet.