Originally posted on Mar 9, 2017

Should you buy a truck or a car? The answer depends entirely on how you'll actually use your vehicle. If you need serious towing power, haul equipment regularly, or want a commanding driving position, a truck makes sense. If fuel efficiency, easier parking, lower purchase price, and a comfortable daily commute are priorities, a car is the smarter choice. This guide prompts key questions about factors like payload demands, visibility preferences, maneuverability, and long-term ownership costs to help you choose the right vehicle that fits your lifestyle without wasting budget on unused features.

10 Key Factors for Choosing Between a Truck and a Car

1. Size & Maneuverability: Cars are easier to park and navigate in traffic; trucks require more space and can feel cumbersome in urban environments.

2. Purchase Price: Full-size trucks average $60,000+ while comparable sedans start around $25,000-$30,000—a difference of $30,000 or more.

3. Fuel Economy: Cars average 33+ mpg compared to trucks at 20-26 mpg, saving hundreds of dollars annually at the pump.

4. Cargo & Hauling Capacity: Truck beds offer unmatched utility for large items, construction materials, and outdoor gear that simply won't fit in a car trunk.

5. Seating Capacity: Standard cab trucks seat only 2-3 people; cars typically seat 5. Crew cab trucks seat 5-6 but cost significantly more.

6. Insurance Costs: Surprisingly, trucks cost 17-26% less to insure than sedans—roughly $400-$600 per year in savings.

7. Variety & Options: The sedan market offers far more makes, models, and price points, giving buyers greater negotiating leverage.

8. Towing Capability: Full-size trucks can tow 11,000-13,500 lbs; most cars cannot safely tow anything substantial.

9. Off-Road & Weather Performance: Trucks offer superior ground clearance, available 4WD, and rugged suspension for rough terrain and harsh conditions.

10. Privacy & Security: Car trunks keep belongings hidden and protected; open truck beds are exposed but can be secured with tonneau covers or canopies.

Size

Trucks have an obvious size advantage, but when it comes to daily driving, bigger isn't always better. The compact dimensions and lower ground clearance of cars make them significantly easier to maneuver through traffic, navigate tight parking garages, and squeeze into street parking spots—all essential for urban commuters and city dwellers.

A full-size truck like the Ford F-150 measures over 19 feet long and nearly 7 feet wide, which can make parking in standard garage spaces a challenge. Many homeowners with trucks find their vehicle barely fits—or doesn't fit at all—leaving them to park outside year-round. In crowded parking lots for instance, a long bed truck can easily occupy parts of adjacent spaces, leading to door dings and frustrated neighbors.

For drivers who spend most of their time commuting on highways and city streets, a car's nimble handling and compact footprint make everyday driving less stressful. However, if you regularly haul large loads, work on job sites, or simply prefer the elevated seating position and visibility that trucks provide, the larger dimensions become a worthwhile trade-off.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Will this vehicle fit comfortably in my garage, parking spot at work, or typical places I park?

• How often do I drive in congested urban areas or navigate tight parking situations?

• Do I value a higher seating position and commanding view, or do I prefer nimble handling and easy maneuverability?

Price

Along with the bigger size, trucks come with a significantly bigger price tag—and the gap has widened considerably. According to Kelley Blue Book data, full-size pickup trucks now average over $60,000 in actual transaction prices, making them roughly 30-35% more expensive than the overall new vehicle average.

To put this in perspective: the base Ford F-150 starts around $39,000, while a well-equipped Honda Civic starts under $25,000. That's a $14,000+ difference before you add any options. Want a crew cab truck with four-wheel drive and modern safety features? You're easily looking at $55,000-$70,000. Meanwhile, a fully loaded Toyota Camry with hybrid technology, premium sound, and every available safety feature rarely exceeds $40,000.

For budget-conscious buyers, this price difference is substantial. You could purchase a well-equipped sedan and still have $20,000-$30,000 left over compared to a comparable truck purchase—money that could go toward fuel, insurance, maintenance, or simply staying out of debt. However, for truck enthusiasts and those who genuinely need the capability, the investment can be justified by the utility and strong resale values trucks command.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What is my realistic budget, and am I comfortable with a higher monthly payment for a truck?

• Would the $20,000-$30,000 saved by choosing a car be better spent elsewhere in my life?

• Am I buying capability I'll actually use, or am I paying a premium for features that will mostly sit idle?

Gas

No one buys a truck expecting great fuel economy, but the real-world difference between trucks and cars is significant enough to impact your monthly budget. According to EPA data, passenger cars average around 33 miles per gallon while light trucks (including pickups) average just 23-26 mpg—a gap of 7-10 miles per gallon.

Here's what that looks like in practice: A Toyota Camry Hybrid achieves up to 52 mpg combined, while even a standard gas Camry gets 32 mpg. The Honda Accord delivers similar efficiency at 32 mpg (or 44 mpg as a hybrid). Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 ranges from 20-23 mpg depending on engine choice, and the Chevrolet Silverado averages 17-26 mpg. The RAM 1500 falls in a similar range at 19-23 mpg.

If you drive 15,000 miles per year and gas costs $3.50 per gallon, a 32 mpg car costs about $1,640 in fuel annually. A 22 mpg truck costs approximately $2,386—that's $746 more per year, or over $3,700 extra over five years of ownership. For families balancing tight budgets, that difference alone could determine which vehicle makes financial sense.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• How many miles do I drive per year, and how much would the fuel cost difference actually impact my budget?

• Is my commute primarily highway (where trucks perform better) or city driving (where the mpg gap widens)?

• Would I consider a hybrid sedan to maximize fuel savings, or is a truck's capability worth the extra fuel expense?

Cargo Space

Everyone knows that friend (or is that friend) with a truck who gets called whenever someone is moving or needs to haul large items. There's a reason for that—even the most spacious SUV can't match the open cargo capacity of a full-size truck bed.

A standard 6.5-foot truck bed offers roughly 52-62 cubic feet of cargo space with no roof constraints. That means you can haul plywood sheets, furniture, landscaping materials, kayaks, dirt bikes, and bulky equipment that would never fit inside a car or SUV. For homeowners tackling DIY projects, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly transports large or irregularly shaped items, this open-bed versatility is genuinely difficult to replicate.

Cars, by comparison, offer enclosed trunk space ranging from 13-16 cubic feet in compact sedans to 15-18 cubic feet in midsize models. You can fold down rear seats to expand capacity, but you're still limited by the vehicle's roofline and door openings. A car trunk works perfectly well for groceries, luggage, and everyday items—but you'll need to rent a truck or call that friend when moving a couch.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• How often do I actually haul large items that wouldn't fit in a car trunk or folded-down back seat?

• Could I handle occasional big loads by renting a truck or trailer instead of owning one full-time?

• What types of items do I transport most frequently—everyday essentials or oversized cargo?

Seating Capacity

While that large truck bed excels at hauling cargo, it forces compromises in passenger space. A regular cab pickup truck has two doors, a single bench seat, and room for only 2-3 people. That's fine for solo work trucks but impractical for families or anyone who regularly transports passengers.

To get a usable back seat, you'll need to upgrade to an extended cab (with a cramped rear seat suitable mainly for children or short trips) or a crew cab (with two full rows of proper seating). Crew cab configurations seat 5-6 passengers comfortably but add several thousand dollars to the purchase price and increase the truck's overall length—making parking and maneuvering even more challenging.

Standard sedans typically seat five passengers with adequate legroom front and rear, making them more versatile for families, carpools, and ride-sharing. Some larger sedans and all three-row SUVs can accommodate six or more passengers. For growing families who need reliable transportation for kids, sports equipment, and the occasional road trip, a car's passenger-focused design often makes more practical sense than a work-oriented truck.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• How many passengers do I regularly transport, and do I need comfortable seating for adults in the back?

• If I choose a truck, am I willing to pay extra for a crew cab to accommodate family or friends?

• Do I frequently carpool, drive kids to activities, or take road trips with multiple passengers?

Insurance

Here's a surprise for many vehicle shoppers: pickup trucks are often significantly cheaper to insure than cars. Industry data shows truck insurance averages 17% less than car insurance—potentially saving truck owners $400-$600 annually.

Why the counterintuitive discount? Several factors work in trucks' favor. Truck beds (comprising roughly half the vehicle's length) are made from relatively inexpensive, easily repairable steel or aluminum. Heavy-duty construction often means less damage to the truck itself in collisions. And standard work trucks typically have fewer expensive technology features requiring specialized repairs compared to tech-laden sedans.

For specific examples: the Ford Maverick averages around $2,100 per year to insure, while the F-150 comes in around $2,680. By comparison, many midsize sedans with advanced driver-assistance systems cost $2,800-$3,200+ annually.

However, trucks do carry higher liability premiums because their size and weight cause more damage to other vehicles in collisions. Insurance rates also vary significantly based on your location, driving record, and coverage choices—so always get personalized quotes before making assumptions.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Have I gotten actual insurance quotes for both the truck and car models I'm considering?

• Does my driving record, location, or age put me in a category where insurance savings would be significant?

• Am I factoring insurance costs into my total monthly vehicle budget alongside the loan payment and fuel?

Variety

When shopping for a new car, your options seem almost endless. Dozens of manufacturers offer sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks across every price point, from budget-friendly compacts under $20,000 to luxury performance machines exceeding $100,000. This variety means more competition among dealers, more negotiating leverage for buyers, and a better chance of finding exactly the right combination of features, style, and price.

The truck market is far more concentrated. Just three manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (RAM)—dominate full-size truck sales, with Toyota and Nissan capturing smaller shares. While each offers multiple trim levels and configurations, your fundamental choices are limited compared to the sedan market.

This concentration has real-world implications. Truck buyers often face tighter inventory, less room for negotiation, and fewer opportunities to find discounted models. Popular configurations can command premiums above MSRP, while sedan shoppers can frequently negotiate thousands below sticker price or find attractive manufacturer incentives.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Am I flexible on brand and features, or do I have a specific vehicle in mind that limits my options?

• How important is it to me to negotiate a deal below MSRP or find manufacturer incentives?

• Would I consider less popular truck brands (like Nissan or Toyota) to get better pricing and availability?

Towing

This is where trucks genuinely earn their premium price. If you need to tow a boat, travel trailer, horse trailer, or equipment, a truck's towing capacity is unmatched by any passenger car—and exceeds most SUVs as well.

Full-size pickups when properly equipped can tow substantial loads: the Ford F-150 maxes out at 13,500 lbs, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 13,300 lbs, and the RAM 1500 at 12,750 lbs. These capacities handle everything from large bass boats to travel trailers to car haulers. Midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma (6,500 lbs) and Chevrolet Colorado (7,700 lbs) can manage smaller boats, utility trailers, and recreational equipment.

Passenger cars, with their smaller engines and lighter frames, simply aren't designed for towing. Most sedans have no tow rating at all, and those that do typically max out around 1,000-2,000 lbs—enough for perhaps a small utility trailer but nothing substantial.

If you own a boat, RV, camper, horse trailer, or need to haul equipment for work, a truck isn't just convenient—it's necessary. But if your towing needs are minimal or nonexistent, you're paying for capability you'll never use.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do I currently own (or plan to purchase) a boat, camper, trailer, or equipment that requires towing?

• How often would I realistically tow something—weekly, monthly, or just a few times per year?

• If I only tow occasionally, would renting a truck or hiring a service be more cost-effective than owning one?

Off-Road Capabilities

Trucks are built to handle terrain that would damage or strand most cars. Good ground clearance, available four-wheel drive systems, durable suspension components, and powerful engines give trucks the capability to navigate unpaved roads, muddy trails, rocky paths, and challenging conditions that sedans simply can't manage.

This off-road capability extends to everyday situations as well. Trucks perform better in deep snow, can navigate flooded roads more safely, and handle rough construction sites or rural properties without concern. For drivers in areas with harsh winters, unpaved roads, or frequent severe weather, a truck's ruggedness provides practical benefits beyond recreational off-roading.

That said, most truck buyers never venture off pavement. If your driving consists primarily of paved highways and city streets, a car handles those conditions just as well—often better, given cars' superior handling characteristics and lower center of gravity. Be honest about how you'll actually use the vehicle before paying extra for off-road capability that sits unused.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do I regularly drive on unpaved roads, job sites, or rural properties that require higher ground clearance?

• Does my climate include harsh winters or flooding where a truck's capability would provide real safety benefits?

• Am I genuinely interested in off-road recreation, or is this capability that sounds appealing but I'd rarely use?

Privacy and Security

A truck bed offers impressive cargo capacity, but out of the box, everything you're hauling is visible and accessible to anyone walking by. Expensive tools, outdoor gear, sporting equipment, and personal belongings are exposed to both weather and theft risk—unless you add a cover.

Car trunks, by contrast, keep your cargo completely hidden from view and protected from the elements as a standard feature. You can leave valuable items in your trunk overnight without worrying about smash-and-grab theft, and you won't return to rain-soaked belongings after an unexpected storm.

The good news for truck owners is that several aftermarket solutions can close the security gap. Tonneau covers range from $200 for basic roll-up versions to $1,500+ for hard folding or retractable options, providing weather protection and hiding cargo from view. For maximum security and weather protection, truck canopies (like Carryboy, Leer, A.R.E., or SnugTop) and camper shells typically cost $1,500-$4,000 but essentially convert your truck bed into an enclosed, lockable cargo area comparable to a car trunk or SUV cargo space. Some canopy options even include features like interior lighting, roof racks, and carpeted interiors.

The trade-off is that these accessories add to your total investment and can limit the types of oversized items you can haul (a camper shell, for instance, restricts bed access for tall cargo). However, for truck owners who need both hauling capability and secure storage, a quality tonneau cover or canopy makes a truck just as practical as a car for protecting valuables.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do I regularly transport valuable tools, equipment, or gear that would benefit from covered, lockable storage?

• Am I willing to budget an additional $200-$4,000 for a tonneau cover or canopy to secure my cargo?

• Do I need the flexibility to haul tall or oversized items, or would an enclosed canopy work for my typical cargo?

Get the Right Backup Camera For Your Car or Truck

Whether you choose a compact sedan or a full-size pickup, having excellent visibility while reversing is essential for safety—especially given the significant blind spots that come with larger vehicles. A quality backup camera helps you see obstacles, pedestrians, and tight parking situations clearly, reducing the risk of accidents and making daily driving less stressful. Browse our complete selection of automotive backup cameras to find the perfect fit for your car or truck.