A Used Truck or SUV: Which Vehicle Best Fits Your Needs?

Shopping for a used vehicle that ideally suits your needs comes with many questions and potential research. Many customers looking for a used car dealer come to us at Eskridge Honda and inquire whether a used truck or SUV is better suited for them. There is no straightforward answer we can give—choosing between a used truck or SUV depends on personal preference and what you’re looking for in a vehicle. These are some of the questions that our sales team gets asked that we think will help. We have an excellent selection of used trucks and SUVs and take great pride in helping people decide which is best for them. Keep reading to explore which option might be best for you, and if you still need help, we invite you to visit us here at Eskridge Honda and let us walk you through our extensive selection.

Which Is Better for Fuel Economy?

Used trucks and SUVs have many different powertrain options ranging from four-cylinders to V8s. If fuel economy is an important factor in choosing a vehicle, there are a few other factors you should be aware of. Compact SUVs and scaled-down pickup trucks with gas-powered engines offer decent fuel economy, depending on the size of the engine. Many models also come with front-wheel drive (FWD), which can also improve fuel economy. However, more hybrid, electric (EV), and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) SUVs are available than pickups. Many modern SUVs also come with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) designed to improve fuel economy in city driving situations.

It’s also important to remember that many trucks are built for performance and recreation, with less emphasis on fuel economy. On the other hand, SUVs are designed for the daily driver and usually have more economical options. Trucks and SUVs can help you save at the pump, but there are far more options for economical transportation in the SUV class than with the pickup. If fuel economy is your top priority, a used SUV is a better choice.

Which Vehicle Is More Versatile?

Besides getting around the city, many drivers enjoy a vehicle that can assist them in occupational tasks like towing and recreational activities such as off-roading and camping. If you’re looking for a work-oriented vehicle, you can’t go wrong with a dependable pickup truck. Trucks are designed not only to transport heavy payloads but are also adept at towing applications. A pickup with FWD can tow more weight than an SUV and facilitate heavier payloads. A truck is better if you tow for recreational uses, such as pulling a mobile home or dirt bikes. Many tradespeople have depended on the pickup truck as a reliable force on the job site.

Some SUVs can be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), the cornerstone of an engaging off-road adventure. However, not all SUVs with AWD can withstand the rigorous terrains accompanying off-roading. Pickup trucks tend to have higher ground clearances than SUVs, and some come equipped with multiple driving modes and skid plates to ensure a manageable journey on the path less traveled. Many consider the SUV class highly versatile in performing and facilitating different tasks. However, the pickup truck is a much better choice for drivers who need a vehicle for occupational duties or are fond of recreational activities. Tradespeople and adventurers can do much more with a pickup truck than they can in an SUV.

Which Vehicle Is Safer?

Some of the first lessons that all drivers learn are how to operate a vehicle safely and be mindful of their surroundings when on the road. Many of our customers have safety at the top of their priorities list and whether it’s an SUV or a pickup truck that can afford them the most protection. Many modern vehicles come equipped with technologies that help them avoid potential collisions and provide additional protection and oversight when and where it matters most. Access to safety and driving assistance features tends to vary depending on make, model, and trim. On average, SUVs tend to have more standard safety features than trucks, as they’re designed for family-oriented consumers who covet these features.

A major factor in determining whether an SUV or pickup truck is a safe choice also comes down to design. Pickup trucks have a heavier front end than SUVs, and if there’s no weight in the bed to counterbalance, they are susceptible to spinning out of control, be it in an accident or poor weather conditions. Many compact and crossover SUVs are built to resemble sedans, which gives them much better handling. SUV designs benefit from better weight distribution than pickup trucks, and both vehicles are exceptional in keeping passengers safe in the event of a collision.

Depending on which you buy, a used truck or SUV from our location will come with safety and driving assistance features that enhance protection and your time spent behind the wheel. Families prioritizing safety will find an SUV far more advantageous than a pickup. Consulting information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety will give you a better idea of which truck or SUV will suit your safety needs the best.

Is an SUV Cheaper to Maintain and Insure Than a Truck?

This is one question we get asked often. The truth is that proper maintenance is crucial for any used vehicle you purchase. On average, a pickup truck can rack up more frequent repairs, which is usually associated with the activities people use trucks for. Off-roading and towing both put a considerable amount of strain on a vehicle’s powertrain. Avid off-roaders need air filters, brakes, and tires replaced more frequently than those who stick to the main roads. Full-sized SUVs with robust powertrains also tend to require more frequent maintenance as they come equipped with engines that need to propel a considerable amount of weight. The maintenance costs accompanying a used truck will ultimately depend on how often you drive and what you use it for.

Besides the cost of fuel and routine maintenance, many of our customers are concerned with how much their monthly insurance premiums might be. One of the many advantages of buying a used truck or SUV is that used vehicles cost much less to insure than new ones, many of which require full coverage. Insuring a used pickup truck can be surprisingly affordable. However, like maintenance, it depends on what you intend to use it for. Having a vehicle that’s designated as a work truck will tend to incur a higher insurance premium than a vehicle that’s intended for personal use.

On average, SUVs like the Honda CR-V cost less to insure than pickup trucks, as they’re considered safer most of the time. Insurance rates vary by make and model and who you select as a provider, so be sure to shop around for the best bargain. Maintenance and insurance premiums will vary depending on the make and model of truck or SUV you choose, how you drive, and what you use it for. We’ll work closely to help you decide which will suit your financial situation.

Our Final Verdict on Used Trucks and SUVs

Choosing the right used truck or SUV comes down to your specific needs. A used truck will be ideal if you favor recreational activities such as off-roading and camping or need a reliable workhorse for the job site. Some trucks also have exceptional fuel economy and retain their resale value for many years. A used SUV will be in your best interests if you’re more interested in family-oriented transportation with an enhanced focus on safety and seating. Regardless of what you might be looking for, our dedicated sales team will guide you through the full scope of the purchasing process, ensuring you get a vehicle that will surpass your expectations.