Suv or pickup?

[Action.Jackson]

Hey guys I am in the market for a new truck. Just sold my a day ago and I thought I had settled on a Toyota Tacoma but now im looking at the price between that and a 4runner and here it seems to be quite a bit less. I would rarely haul anything and have also considered doing something like a crossover.

Thoughts anyone? I want something that will last me a long time and something that is 4x4.

[Evan the Diplomat]

Married? Hauling kids, girlfriends, fishing buddies? Standard or crewcab Tacoma vs 4Runner? Daily driver or weekend warrior? Is this vehicle part of your bugout plan?

[Neddog]

SUVs overall are more practical as they have inside access to your spacious back-area. That means you can leave big stuff in your vehicle without (much) fear of theft, you can go with either an open cargo space or passenger seats (assuming your back seats can be removed) depending on the situation, and when you're being horded by zombies then all your passengers will be safe inside and will be able to access your weapons and gear (also inside) while preparing to go out and slaughter the horde. lol.

Where a pickup comes in handy is for hauling around heavy-duty equipment. Stuff that you don't want scuffing up the interior of your SUV, or maybe stuff which is so big it won't fit in the canopy. So if you don't NEED a pick-up to do a pick-up's job, then likely an SUV will server you better. Without knowing a bit more specifics on your purpose...

[Tater Raider]

SUV's are more flexible on seating, kinda like a minivan. If you aren't sure on cargo/passengers this is a good direction to take.

If you need towing capacity or cargo room then a pickup is the way to go.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned, pickups are very light in the back end which affects handling. Not a big deal unless you get a lot of rain, snow, and/or ice. At that point IMO you need to justify the pickup. Justifications that work for me are:

• It's a work vehicle.
• I wish I had more cargo capacity.
• I wish I had more towing capacity.
• I want one.

Yes, I want one is a perfectly valid reason. If that's the only reason be prepared to have your choice bite you in the bottom but it's still valid.

Be aware that if you have a pickup everyone you know will want your help moving. If you are willing to do so, it's only right to expect them to completely refill the tank and give you a case of beer. If you aren't, a bumper sticker saying, "Yes, this is my truck. No, I won't help you move," is completely justified.

[Blacksmith]

After owning trucks most of my life I switched to a SUV/ trailer combo about five years ago. Absolutely no regrets. You can haul whatever you want on a trailer and you won't worry about banging your SUV up. The trailer hauls more, is easier to load/ unload and requires almost no maintenance. The SUV is more comfortable, carries more people and uses less fuel.

[Neddog]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned, pickups are very light in the back end which affects handling. Not a big deal unless you get a lot of rain, snow, and/or ice. At that point IMO you need to justify the pickup.

Yup... a rear-wheel drive pickup with an empty bed is a hydroplaning and ice sliding hazard. I've been in sudden fierce ice storms on my motorcycles (touring bikes)... I just pull over gently to the side of the road and wait for it to subside, or else proceed cautiously wherever I'm going. The pick-ups on the same road at the same time go flipping head over heels in the ditch instead.

Up here where I live (in Canada), many pick-up drivers need to keep sandbags or tool boxes in their truck bed if they're not hauling cargo.

You put it well when you said that a pick-up should be justified. If you don't have any reason why a pick-up would be useful to you, then you don't need one.

[Grey Mann]

Why has no one suggested a truck with a shell on the bed yet? You get everything you get with an SUV that way, minus seating, with the option of the entirety of a truck's capability.

[We'reWolf]

i like smaller four door truck like a frontier / explorer sport tracks ( truck) but i also like xteras.
if i could give you some advice that i was told, let the vehicle find you sounds corny but if you can hold off on buying it and wait till the deal you want comes it will.
good luck!

[MaconCJ7]

Simply liking trucks is a good enough reason. Worrying about being light in the ass isn't a valid concern. Yes, you are lighter in the rear than the front, but you still have a considerable amount of weight on the back. The sand bags you see people carrying isn't for weight, though it is a good secondary effect. They're there to dump in front of your tires for traction in the event of stopping and not being able to start again. I know several car owners that keep one or two in their trunk.

Sure, a truck handles differently than a similarly sized suv. A car handles differently than an suv with the same wheel base. They are different vehicles. I've seen every type of vehicle slide into a ditch. It is usually caused by driver negligence, never the type of vehicle.

A shell on a truck is great if you never plan on carrying anything larger than the shell, or anything that requires you to stand up to move. If the most you're going to haul is some plywood and a few 2x4's go for it. They keep your gear dry and secure. Some people find tonneau covers to fit their needs perfectly as well.

The same also goes for an suv. If it is what you want, and fits your needs, that's all the excuse you need. Get the one that best fits your situation, we can't decide that for you. Both have their pros and cons.

I'm a truck guy and don't really have much use for anything else, but the wife used to have a Tahoe that she thought was the perfect ride. It did everything she needed it to do. I haul dirty, oily, greasy stuff pretty frequently and destroying nice carpet isn't my idea of a good time.

[Tater Raider]

I agree, Macon, simply liking it is enough but they do get loose easy. When you're used to it no biggie but when you aren't it's an issue to be aware of.

Let us not forget that you can always go with a 5th wheel RV or slide-in camper if you have a pickup. Throw a cross-bed transfer tank in and while you still won't have great fuel economy your self-contained BOV/BOL will have awesome range. Done right I could drive a pickup from my house ~1,800 miles to my furthest BOL without stopping for fuel and still have fuel in the tanks. You can't get that with any SUV that I know of.

Ultimately it's on the OP to figure out the best fit for him/her though. My Jeep is perfect for me with one notable exception but is a horrible fit for some other folk.

[Action.Jackson]

Really good points. The more I think about it the more I think an suv is better. I think I really need to get in one. Tuesday I'm going to test drive a couple and also probably drive a couple compact pickups. My old truck was a Chevy k1500 and I didn't really like how big it was and terrible on fuel.

I hadn't really thought about having a trailer. I am the only person I know with a truck so I ended up using my old truck pretty often to help my friends out. I think with a trailer I could still do that.

[ZombieSoldier01]

my wife has an expedition, and i have a truck. while the SUV is nioce, comfortable and roomy, we really only use it for traveling, and for runnign around, but for the most part, we go everywherre in my truck.. but again thats just us

[Tater Raider]

You've got lots of options if you go the SUV w/ Trailer route.


Toyota FJ Cruiser with off-road trailer

[Blacksmith]

Really good points. The more I think about it the more I think an suv is better. I think I really need to get in one. Tuesday I'm going to test drive a couple and also probably drive a couple compact pickups. My old truck was a Chevy k1500 and I didn't really like how big it was and terrible on fuel.

I hadn't really thought about having a trailer. I am the only person I know with a truck so I ended up using my old truck pretty often to help my friends out. I think with a trailer I could still do that.

Or not... since you won't have a truck anymore... just saying...

[skruface]

Trucks, particularly the 4 door versions, have plenty of advantages over most SUV's. I've owned both - I currently have a 2011 Ram 1500 Crew Cab after owning a Ford Escape, Volvo V70, Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee. My dad has driven nothing but Ram 1500's since 1998 - he trades in about every 4 years, and has never had anything break. All he's done is the factory recommended service at the dealership, and addressed all recalls (there have only been a few) immediately.

- Trucks are generally constructed body-on-frame, which is superior for strength and off-road performance than most new SUV's with unit-body construction. The suspension is generally a little more robust, as are steering and linkages like ball joints, etc. If you plan for suspension upgrades, this point is moot; if you plan on leaving it alone, a pickup suspension will likely outlast an SUV suspension.
- Most SUV are AWD, which doesn't provide the same traction or capability as a true 4wd transfercase with 4 low, not to mention locking differentials.
- Those that do have true 4wd (FJ, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder, 'Burban, XTerra, 4Runner) tend to be pretty expensive, and their gas mileage is really not that much better than a modern pickup. Most modern pickups run 6 speed transmisions (although the new '13 Ram 1500 has an 8 speed auto) and get very decent mileage if you can keep your foot out of it. From Autotrader.com:
2012 Ram 1500 CC 4X4 6spd AT 4.7 v8 - 14 cty/19 hwy <--also has the best powertrain warranty @ 60 months/100,000 miles vs 60 months/60,000 miles for all others
2012 Xterra "X" 4wd 5spd AT 4.0 v6 - 15 cty/20 hwy
2012 Tacome double cab 4wd 5spd AT 4.0 v6 - 15 cty/21 hwy
2012 FJ 4dr 4wd 5spd AT 40. v6 - 17 cty/20 hwy

- Towing capacity - Most SUV's and crossovers are in the 2500-5000 lb range, unless you get a super large one like a 'Burban. Most basic trucks start around 5000 lbs and go up from there.
- A 4-door truck with a cap can haul more than an SUV, and with a good buddy you can have that cap off in about half an hour if you need to transport something exceptionally large, like a couch of fridge. Try and fit a 21 cubic foot fridge inside a crossover...
- Ground clearance. SUV's (except the true 4wd ones) generally don't have as much ground clearance, and generally don't have the same aftermarket support for suspension systems and oversized tires.
- Insurance is cheaper on pickups than SUV's.
- Parts will generally be cheaper on a domestic pickup than an SUV, esp. an import. My Volvo was pretty reliable, but when something broke down, it was never ever less than $1000 at the mechanic.

Ultimately, your choice will reflect your needs. We are a 1-vehicle family, so I need something that can do everything. What I pay extra for gas I make up in paying only 1 set of insurance, half the repairs, etc.

[ghost792]

Another advantage of the pickup over the SUV is visibility. Most of the modern SUVs I've looked at/driven have tiny rear windows and massive blindspots. A pickup without a cap may have one or two small blindspots, but has great visibility everywhere else, especially to the rear.

[munchie3409]

Bold statement is BS...I work for an insurance company.

Trucks, particularly the 4 door versions, have plenty of advantages over most SUV's. I've owned both - I currently have a 2011 Ram 1500 Crew Cab after owning a Ford Escape, Volvo V70, Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee. My dad has driven nothing but Ram 1500's since 1998 - he trades in about every 4 years, and has never had anything break. All he's done is the factory recommended service at the dealership, and addressed all recalls (there have only been a few) immediately.

- Trucks are generally constructed body-on-frame, which is superior for strength and off-road performance than most new SUV's with unit-body construction. The suspension is generally a little more robust, as are steering and linkages like ball joints, etc. If you plan for suspension upgrades, this point is moot; if you plan on leaving it alone, a pickup suspension will likely outlast an SUV suspension.
- Most SUV are AWD, which doesn't provide the same traction or capability as a true 4wd transfercase with 4 low, not to mention locking differentials.
- Those that do have true 4wd (FJ, Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder, 'Burban, XTerra, 4Runner) tend to be pretty expensive, and their gas mileage is really not that much better than a modern pickup. Most modern pickups run 6 speed transmisions (although the new '13 Ram 1500 has an 8 speed auto) and get very decent mileage if you can keep your foot out of it. From Autotrader.com:
2012 Ram 1500 CC 4X4 6spd AT 4.7 v8 - 14 cty/19 hwy <--also has the best powertrain warranty @ 60 months/100,000 miles vs 60 months/60,000 miles for all others
2012 Xterra "X" 4wd 5spd AT 4.0 v6 - 15 cty/20 hwy
2012 Tacome double cab 4wd 5spd AT 4.0 v6 - 15 cty/21 hwy
2012 FJ 4dr 4wd 5spd AT 40. v6 - 17 cty/20 hwy

- Towing capacity - Most SUV's and crossovers are in the 2500-5000 lb range, unless you get a super large one like a 'Burban. Most basic trucks start around 5000 lbs and go up from there.
- A 4-door truck with a cap can haul more than an SUV, and with a good buddy you can have that cap off in about half an hour if you need to transport something exceptionally large, like a couch of fridge. Try and fit a 21 cubic foot fridge inside a crossover...
- Ground clearance. SUV's (except the true 4wd ones) generally don't have as much ground clearance, and generally don't have the same aftermarket support for suspension systems and oversized tires.
- Insurance is cheaper on pickups than SUV's.
- Parts will generally be cheaper on a domestic pickup than an SUV, esp. an import. My Volvo was pretty reliable, but when something broke down, it was never ever less than $1000 at the mechanic.

Ultimately, your choice will reflect your needs. We are a 1-vehicle family, so I need something that can do everything. What I pay extra for gas I make up in paying only 1 set of insurance, half the repairs, etc.

[Tater Raider]

Depends on the AO, the insurance company, and the model of pickup and SUV.

[jamoni]

As someone who is always looking for a deal, I really liked having a truck. You could be cruising down the road, and there's some guy selling a motorcycle, generator, or other equipment, or maybe it's a college that's throwing out an entire building full of furniture. I've picked stuff like that and flipped it on craigslist for decent $$$$. Sure, a trailer can haul the same amount, but only if you have it with you.
If that isn't your style, I guess it doesn't apply.

[MaconCJ7]

As someone who is always looking for a deal, I really liked having a truck. You could be cruising down the road, and there's some guy selling a motorcycle, generator, or other equipment, or maybe it's a college that's throwing out an entire building full of furniture. I've picked stuff like that and flipped it on craigslist for decent $$$$. Sure, a trailer can haul the same amount, but only if you have it with you.
If that isn't your style, I guess it doesn't apply.

I missed out on a nice extension ladder in the middle of the freeway because I was in the Protege instead of my truck. It was only a few miles from my house, but by the time I got back, the ladder was gone and I was sad.

[CURLEY.FX4]

SUVs aren't made to do the job of trucks. Trucks are generally more robust in design with the mindset of a little off pavement/ work abuse. Modern SUVs are far from the original idea of setting a full length body on the trucks frame that manufacturer uses.

A 2000 f150 and Expedition are basically the exact vehicle from a mechanical standpoint. Today's F150 and Expedition couldn't even be cousins. The expedition has gone away with solid axels and has very minimal ground clearance. Combined with 4 wheel independent suspension and AWD (eeek); which on pavement is a very effective combination; on trail, it'll have you winching faster than you can say Henry Ford.


If its going to be viewed as a BOV , truck every time...

[CURLEY.FX4]

Also, in a situation where you want to transport something you might not want direct contact with; such as chemicals, strange people, or perhaps zombie corpses to the CDC; complete separation of cargo and cab area is obviously preferred.

[ZombieSoldier01]

SUVs aren't made to do the job of trucks. Trucks are generally more robust in design with the mindset of a little off pavement/ work abuse. Modern SUVs are far from the original idea of setting a full length body on the trucks frame that manufacturer uses.

A 2000 f150 and Expedition are basically the exact vehicle from a mechanical standpoint. Today's F150 and Expedition couldn't even be cousins. The expedition has gone away with solid axels and has very minimal ground clearance. Combined with 4 wheel independent suspension and AWD (eeek); which on pavement is a very effective combination; on trail, it'll have you winching faster than you can say Henry Ford.


If its going to be viewed as a BOV , truck every time...

idk about that statement.. I have a 2005 Expedition Eddie Bauer. before my wife had the stupid 22's put on (which are going to come off) she had all terrains under it and she followed my slightly lifted F250 diesel on 35's (yes i could have gone bigger) everywhere it went, granted she did scrap and rub the frame on things, but it definitely held its own, and went where we never should have put it. Here it is with the 22's :'(

[Kutter_0311]

Why has no one suggested a truck with a shell on the bed yet? You get everything you get with an SUV that way, minus seating, with the option of the entirety of a truck's capability.

Maybe, if you can crawl through the rear sliding windows. If you even have rear sliding windows.

As a family guy, I need the seating and access to the rear my '01 'Burban gives me. It's a recent addition to our fleet, and a HUGE improvement over the van and XL-7 we used to run. After talking with my bug-out partner, he supplemented his sedan with a Tahoe, and I would really like to add a pickup for utility/'technical support' but the Tahoe has a sunroof and my partner rocks the RPK, so I call it good enough

A pickup is a total no-go for larger families like mine.