SUV vs Truck – Which is Best for You?
When you shop with Serra Traverse City, you have endless options. We carry seven different brands throughout all of our locations near Bellaire, so finding a vehicle that fits your budget and lifestyle is simple. If you desire rugged capabilities or a bit more space, you're more than likely comparing trucks and SUVs. But what's the advantage of a truck vs. SUV? Do SUVs get better gas mileage than trucks? It's hard to say that either trucks or SUVs are outright better, but we can say that each vehicle type suits the needs of different drivers. Kick off your research with our SUV vs. truck guide below!
What's the Advantage of a Truck vs. SUV?
Both trucks and SUVs offer larger-than-life capabilities. Each option delivers versatile benefits that make life on the Kalkaska streets easy. That said, there are reasons why you might favor a truck over an SUV or vice versa. To help you decide which you want to bring home to Lake City, here's a side-by-side look at how trucks and SUVs compare in everyday driving:
| Everyday Need | Pickup Truck | SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Performance | Stronger engines built for hauling and towing | Efficient engines, with available hybrid and electric powertrains |
| Size & Configurations | Multiple bed lengths and cab styles | Compact, crossover, midsize, and full-size options |
| Passenger Seating | Seats up to five or six in crew cab configurations | Seats five, with available third rows for up to eight |
| Cargo Space | Open bed for tall, bulky, or messy loads | Enclosed cargo area that keeps gear dry and secure |
| Towing | Higher towing ratings for boats, campers, and trailers | Light to moderate towing, with stronger ratings on full-size models |
| Parking & Maneuverability | Longer wheelbase takes more room in tight spots | Shorter footprint for downtown parking and busy lots |
| Fuel Economy | Lower on average, especially in heavy-duty models | Higher on average, with hybrid and electric options |
| Best For | Towing, hauling, and work-ready versatility | Family trips, daily commutes, and all-season comfort |
The right pick depends on what you carry, who rides with you, and how often you tow.
Do SUVs Get Better Gas Mileage Than Trucks? Truck MPG vs. SUV MPG
As we mentioned in our pros and cons of both trucks and SUVs, gas mileage is a big factor. Do SUVs get better gas mileage than trucks? On average, SUV mpg ratings are stronger than truck mpg ratings. Highly-efficient non-hybrid or EV SUVs can achieve mpg ratings in the low thirties, but a typical SUV mpg rating sits in the mid to high twenties.
Pickup truck mpg stats generally sit right around twenty miles per gallon. If you're looking for a heavy-duty truck, you're probably going to get combined MPG ratings in the mid to low teens.
Pick the Right Fit for Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan winters along US-131 and M-72 call for confident traction, and both trucks and SUVs offer available four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive plus higher ground clearance for snowy roads. The bigger difference comes down to how you spend your time off.
A pickup truck makes sense when you tow a boat to Torch Lake, haul firewood, or load up landscaping supplies for weekend projects. The open bed handles dirty or oversized cargo, and crew cab models still leave room for passengers.
An SUV fits best when your weekends revolve around family and gear. Enclosed cargo space keeps skis, coolers, and luggage protected, and available third rows give everyone room to ride together. Before you shop, think about:
- Daily Passengers: How many people ride with you most days
- Typical Cargo: What you haul and how often it needs weather protection
- Towing Needs: How heavy your boat, camper, or trailer is
- Parking: Where you park at home, work, and around town
Answering these questions points you toward the vehicle type that fits your routine.
FAQs
Is a truck or SUV better in snow?
Both handle snow well with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and winter tires. SUVs often have the traction edge when unloaded, since their weight is spread more evenly than a truck with an empty bed.
Can an SUV tow as much as a truck?
Usually not. Full-size, body-on-frame SUVs can tow many boats and campers, but pickup trucks generally offer higher maximum towing ratings thanks to stronger frames, rear axles, and heavy-duty configurations.
Is a truck or SUV better for families?
An SUV is usually the better family pick. Available third rows, easier entry, and a smoother ride suit school runs and road trips, while crew cab trucks work for five-person families that also tow.
Find Your Fit with Serra Traverse City!
If you want a spacious vehicle that offers flexibility and efficiency, a new SUV is right up your alley. On the other hand, if you need a rugged vehicle that can produce strong towing specs and offers tons of cargo space, you should select a pickup truck. No matter which side of the SUV vs. truck debate you land on, you can shop with ease at Serra Traverse City! Contact us to find your next set of wheels. Our diverse selection of trucks and SUVs ensures you'll secure an option that matches your wishlist!
*Source: Consumer Reports