Age-old question: SUV or truck?

30m, engaged, one kid and another on the way. Upgrading from my sedan to something with more room, utility, and 4WD. Family folks out there, what did you find more useful between the two? We go to the family cabin often during the nice parts of the year, so we need a vehicle capable of handling about an hour of crappy dirt road. I’m thinking a mid-00s Tahoe, Sequoia, Tundra, Tacoma, or maybe a 5.0 F150. Reliability is very important.

Tacoma would be way too small for a family. That back seat is uncomfortable and cramped. If you’re considering a midsize option, check out the Honda Ridgeline. It’s got the largest cabin in the midsize segment and even has a trunk under the truck bed. Very capable AWD system.

@Kai
The front seats aren’t great either. Tacoma’s a good modding vehicle but not ideal for family trips.

@Kai
Ridgeline is good, but in Canada, they’re pricey. You can get a heavy-duty American truck for the same cost.

A truck only makes sense if you truly need it for hauling or towing. For family use, an SUV makes more sense. SUVs with AWD, like the Grand Cherokee, Explorer, Tahoe, or Sequoia, would work well for you. It really depends on your budget and features.

@Vesper
You could also buy a utility trailer for those occasional hauling needs. It’s cheaper than a truck and provides flexibility.

@Vesper
Consider a 4Runner. Reliable as hell but not the most comfortable for families. MPG is a downside.

Ask yourself: will you transport dirty or bulky items often? If so, a truck makes sense. Otherwise, an SUV is more practical for a family. Cleaning a truck bed is way easier than scrubbing mulch stains out of an SUV.

Embrace the practicality of a minivan. AWD options are available, and they’re better for families. If you need to haul dirty items, get a small trailer.

Growing up, we always chose a truck over an SUV because of sports equipment. The bed kept dirty gear out of the car. Think about what you’ll carry most often.

Practically speaking, trucks are for hauling and towing. SUVs provide better passenger comfort, interior storage, and weather protection. Unless you’re hauling dirt or lumber often, go for the SUV.

SUVs like the Expedition and Tahoe are great for families. Fold-flat third rows make them versatile. Plus, the rear hatch is handy for camping, picnics, and baby changes!

Get a Tundra. Reliable, spacious for kids, and versatile. You can’t go wrong with Toyota.

As a long-time truck owner, I’d still say go for an SUV unless you need a truck bed for hauling dirt, tools, or other messy stuff. Trucks are great for towing, but SUVs are better for everyday family use.

Trucks are ideal for gas cans, propane cylinders, and other items you don’t want inside the cabin. If you don’t haul these often, an SUV might be a better fit.

I own a 4Runner and an aluminum utility trailer. The trailer handles the hauling, and the 4Runner is secure for bikes or camping gear. The only downside is finding storage for the trailer.

I went with an SUV and rent a U-Haul trailer for the rare occasions I need to haul something. It’s more practical than owning a truck for occasional use.

Go for a full-size SUV like the Tahoe or Yukon. The 5.3 engine is reliable, and these vehicles are great for families. My Tahoe lasted over 200k miles.

It’s surprising how quickly car seats and strollers fill up a vehicle. Upgrading from a sedan makes sense, but consider your actual needs before going full-size.

If you really need off-road capability, consider body-on-frame SUVs like the 4Runner, Sequoia, or GX. For lighter-duty use, crossover SUVs like the Highlander or CX-90 are more comfortable.