What’s Your Type? – Truck vs. Car vs. SUV vs. Crossover

Car buying can be an arduous process, and it is often emotional. Deciding between a vehicle you want and what you need in a vehicle are important parts of that decision. You want to be safe on the road. You want value from your vehicle. Versatility, for your personal requirements, is important, too. And who doesn’t like a bit of style? There are so many types, styles and sizes of vehicles available today that it can be hard to choose. You can start by asking yourself a few questions and gathering some facts. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide between a truck, car, crossover or SUV.

Should you buy a Truck?

A truck is generally meant for work – or to take you off-roading to that sweet fishing spot. Do you need to haul gear or equipment for work? While you may never be able to hit a performance track and zip around it like a sports car, that’s okay; you can’t fit a load of lumber into the trunk of a sedan or coupe. There is always a flip side.

The Pros:

A truck can handle snow and rough roads, where a car would get stuck or ride too high on the snow to grip the road. Deciding on a truck would mean that you want a vehicle that isn’t necessarily going to be used as a highway driver, but more a work vehicle.

The Cons:

A truck, in order to have off-road capability, is built on a taller platform to provide ground clearance – this means a higher center of gravity, which compromises road handling and stability. A sedan or sports car can’t do what a truck can when off-roading, but a truck can’t handle the curves at speed like a car can, so they are more prone to rollover accidents.

 

Another thing to consider is ease of parking. A truck can be difficult to park and maneuver if you don’t have the required space. This is why owning a truck solely for looks could be a questionable choice. If what you need out of a vehicle is a workhorse, something to get the job done, choose a truck! If you don’t need the power and hauling capabilities, consider the inconveniences such as size, gas mileage and handling deficiencies.

What type of Car is right for you?

Cars are a terrific choice for the average driver who needs a vehicle for basic transportation on well-maintained roads. If you’re not often heading into the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains, and you’re not transporting heavy or bulky equipment, a car could be a smart choice for you. Now it’s important to note that car shopping can be difficult due to the many models and body styles available. Here are some pros and cons for common body styles:

Is a Coupe/Convertible right for you?

The Pros:

These are statement cars. Do you enjoy the wind in your hair? Do you like to zip in and out of traffic? A coupe or convertible can offer a sense of freedom to drivers by providing an agile vehicle that can fit in places other cars simply can’t. Coupes and convertibles are popular with singles and also couples with no children.

The Cons:

On the flip side, if you ever want to take more than a couple of people with you on the road, or carry anything other than maybe some golf clubs in the trunk, you might want to rethink a coupe or convertible. In addition, consider that convertibles are more easily broken into, and their tops can tear and become damaged, resulting in costly repairs.

Is a Sedan right for you?

The Pros:

If you have, or plan on having, kids, you might want to get yourself a nice-sized family sedan – preferably with four doors. Two doors can make it a bit difficult to get child seats in and out of the back, and as kids grow it gets harder for them to get in and out, too. Sedans are popular for families and those who often drive with three or four people in the car.

The Cons:

Performance-wise, sedans can range anywhere from cumbersome and sluggish to blazing fast, so it all depends on the make and model. Overall, the sedan is the most well rounded body style, as they can offer a good balance of comfort, space, value and efficiency.

Is a Hatchback right for you?

The Pros:

A hatchback simply means a car with an upwards-opening door for a trunk. Hatchback drivers can often get the space of a wagon or SUV with a ride of a sedan – or even of a performance car, in some cases. The benefits of this body style are beginning to catch on with car-buyers, as sales of this type of vehicle are on the rise. Hatchbacks also offer a unique style, and modern designs are getting more stylish by the year.

The Cons:

As with everything, though, this style is not for everyone. The upwards opening trunk creates a flat rear to the car, which turns off some shoppers.

Is a Station Wagon right for you?

The Pros:

Automakers are working to relight the popularity of the station wagon body style with more sleek and modern designs, better power and good fuel economy. The station wagon is characterized by a longer body, adding more passenger room and storage. Essentially, this vehicle style is for those looking for a nondescript, comfortable crossover-type vehicle that seats four-five people.

The Cons:

As with the hatchback, this style deviates from the traditional sedan style, and can peeve some car buyers.

Is the SUV right for you?

The Pros:

Take a station wagon or hatchback and make it taller and you have an SUV. It’s not a truck. It’s not a car. It’s something in between. Folks living in a snowy part of the country will appreciate being able to get up the driveway or down the road in a snowstorm, where most cars wouldn’t be able to hack it. 4WD SUVs are particularly suited to this environment.

The Cons:

Of course, an SUV is often a bit harder on fuel economy numbers than a car, but this is changing with new technology. The high seating position is great for road trips and sightseeing, greater visibility for the driver, and ease of exit and entry, too. The SUV is for those looking to get some of the capabilities of a truck, but with similar comfort and ride of a car.

Is the Crossover right for you?

To further muddy the waters, we have the crossover, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV). The crossover is essentially a cross between an SUV and a station wagon or hatchback. With a higher center of gravity and higher seating than a sedan, the crossover gives drivers a more commanding view of the road. The crossover has taken over where the station wagon had left off in the 1990’s by offering a little flavor from multiple body styles.

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