If you're in the market for a larger vehicle, should you choose a pickup truck or an SUV? Here at Hyundai of Longview, we've made the comparison to help you make the decision that's best for your transportation needs.
Cargo Capacity and Flexibility
If you need to do a lot of hauling and towing, a pickup will probably be your best bet. Pickups can generally handle much heavier loads than SUVs. In addition to their capacity, pickup beds can easily handle a wide variety of loads, from rocks and dirt to lumber or large sofas. It's relatively easy to fill a pickup bed, too - just open the tailgate or load your cargo over the side.
SUVs often contain plenty of cargo room as well, but they're not quite as flexible - you probably shouldn't shovel gravel in the back of an SUV or load it with a muddy off-road motorbike. If your main cargo is more likely to consist of groceries or luggage you want protected from the weather, though, an SUV's cargo space would meet your needs.
Passenger space
If you plan to transport multiple passengers, you'll need a pickup outfitted with an extended cab or an even larger crew cab. Depending on the model, you might be able to carry as many as five or six passengers in a larger cab configuration. However, pickups typically aren't designed to haul many passengers, so you might have to pay more for comfortable interior features that would be taken for granted in smaller vehicles.
Mid-size and full-size SUVs typically provide more flexible and comfortable passenger space than pickups, making them more suitable as family haulers. SUVs are typically built lower to the ground as well, making them more accessible to passengers of all ages and sizes. Some models even offer a third row, providing the kind of passenger room that a pickup isn't able to match.
Other Factors
In addition to cargo and passenger considerations, you'll also want to weigh factors like fuel economy, maneuverability, and engine power when choosing between a pickup and an SUV. Trucks tend to be more powerful and suitable for rugged jobs, while SUVs are more efficient and designed for daily driving.
Here at Hyundai of Longview, we'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have, and we can even recommend vehicles for you to test drive based on your needs and priorities.
