When purchasing a new vehicle, you have many choices, from the brand to the color. While the selection can be overwhelming, you can narrow your search significantly by deciding on the type of vehicle you want. Knowing the differences between each type of vehicle can help you choose the best one for you. Explore this guide to help you answer the question, “What is best for my lifestyle: car, truck, or SUV?”
Consider the Use
Before you think about anything else, consider how you plan to use your next vehicle. Ask yourself basic questions to get an idea of what you need for everyday driving. Do you have a large family? A long commute? An off-roading hobby? You know yourself better than anyone, so be honest about the priorities you have for a new vehicle.
Once you know what you want, you get a clearer picture of what vehicle may meet your needs. Here are some common types of vehicles and their benefits to help point you in the right direction:
Coupe
A coupe is a type of car with a sporty style, sloping roofline, and two doors. Coupes have two seats in the front, and some have two smaller seats in the back. You may prefer a coupe if you want a car with a sporty performance that makes a statement on the North Texas roadways. However, the lack of interior and trunk space may make it an impractical choice for some families.
Sedan
This type of car usually has four doors and a full-sized trunk. Roomier than a coupe, a sedan may be a good choice if you have children who ride in the back seat. Plus, the separate trunk allows you to transport the essentials, such as luggage or groceries. Sedans usually have excellent efficiency, so you can travel farther on a tank of gas.
Crossover
Combining the efficiency of a sedan with the space of an SUV, a crossover is a popular choice for many families. Crossovers have car-based platforms, making them smaller and lighter than SUVs. Unlike cars, however, a crossover has increased ground clearance, and many have towing capabilities. A crossover may be a good choice if you want a fuel-efficient vehicle with similar handling to a car but more interior space.
SUV
Like a crossover, an SUV has a higher ground clearance than a car, offering increased visibility while driving around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Some SUVs offer third-row seating to increase the passenger capacity you have, which is a bonus if you have a large family. Most SUVs can handle some off-roading, and many can tow boats, trailers, or small campers.
Truck
The ultimate workhorse, a pickup truck has a cabin and an open bed in the back, perfect for hauling cargo or transporting equipment to a worksite. Depending on the truck’s cab, it may have one or two rows of seats. You may choose a truck if you want a larger vehicle with more power and towing capabilities than a car or SUV. However, truckers usually get poorer gas mileage than other types of vehicles.
Think About Size
Size matters when it comes to buying a vehicle. You want to make sure you choose one with enough room for yourself and your passengers. Usually, you’ll get more space in an SUV or truck, though some larger sedans can offer plenty of room, too. Don’t forget to make sure that whatever vehicle you choose will fit into your garage or parking spot. In tight spaces, a car or crossover may be the better fit, as opposed to a large SUV or truck.
Factor in Your Location
Your location can have a big impact on the type of vehicle you choose. If you live in McKinney, Texas, but commute to Dallas for work, you may want a smaller car that’s easier to maneuver and gets better gas mileage. Similarly, you may prefer a truck or all-wheel-drive SUV if you spend more time driving on rural roads outside the city. Factor in your location to choose a vehicle that makes sense for the areas where you live and work.
Make a List of Must-Haves
If you still can’t decide on the best vehicle for your lifestyle, make a list of must-haves. Consider the absolute necessities you must have in a vehicle, like passenger capacity, to help you choose between a car, truck, or SUV. Then, you can also list some features that would be nice to have. Some items to put on your list may include:
- Power: Generally, trucks offer the most power since they’re capable of towing and hauling the heaviest loads.
- Fuel efficiency: If you don’t enjoy paying high gas prices, you may consider a car or small SUV with better gas mileage than larger vehicles.
- Towing: Trucks usually have the highest towing capacities, though some large SUVs can tow trailers and campers.
- Comfort: For optimal comfort, you may prefer the additional space of an SUV, though both cars and trucks can also offer generous seating and interior space.
- Technology and driver-assistance features: These days, many cars, trucks, and SUVs come with innovative technologies and driver-assistance features. If this factor is important to you, rest assured you’ll have plenty of options across all three vehicle segments.
Set a Budget
Last but definitely not least, setting a budget can provide clarity on the best vehicle for your lifestyle. Cars are usually less expensive, but many brands offer affordable SUVs and trucks. In addition, you can often save money by choosing a used or certified pre-owned vehicle. When setting a budget, make sure to account for a monthly loan payment, insurance, and other costs, such as gas. At Huffines Hyundai McKinney, we offer competitive financing rates for your next car, truck, or SUV, and you can get pre-approved instantly.
Find Your Perfect Car, Truck, or SUV in McKinney, Texas
Whether you prefer the efficiency of a car, the space and comfort of an SUV, or the power of a truck, we can help you find your perfect vehicle at Huffines Hyundai McKinney. We offer one of the largest selections of brand-new Hyundai models in North Texas, along with a full inventory of quality pre-owned vehicles. Browse our online inventory or stop by our McKinney dealership to see what we have. Our friendly team of sales experts will work with you to help you find the best vehicle for your lifestyle and budget. For more information, contact us today.