Truck vs. SUV: Guide to Help You Choose Your Next Ride

Navigating Your Options in Ontario, California

Shopping for a new ride in Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, or the broader Inland Empire area. In that case, you may be weighing one of the most common questions drivers face: Should I get a truck or an SUV? The diverse terrain of Southern California includes mountains to the north, desert to the east, and urban areas throughout. The choice between a truck and an SUV is more than just a matter of preference. It’s about finding a vehicle that matches your lifestyle, driving needs, and the unique environment of the Inland Empire.   

At Ontario Auto Center, we’re home to 15 top automotive brands offering a wide range of both trucks and SUVs. Whether you’re looking for off-road prowess, family-friendly space, or robust towing power, we’ve got you covered.    

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key differences between trucks and SUVs and how each fit into life here in the Inland Empire.   

Understanding the Differences  

While trucks and SUVs share similarities including an elevated ride height, available all-wheel or four-wheel drive, and low-end torque, their design purposes are quite different.  

• Trucks are built on a body-on-frame chassis, making them ideal for towing, hauling, and navigating rugged terrain. Their open bed allows for easy transportation of goods, making them popular among contractors, adventurers, and anyone who needs utility above all else.  

• SUVs can be built on a truck chassis (body-on-frame) or a car chassis (unibody). They’re generally more passenger-focused, offering more interior comfort, flexible seating configurations, and modern tech features.  

Landscape and Lifestyle Considerations in the Inland Empire  

Living in the Inland Empire means dealing with a variety of driving environments:   

• Urban Driving: Ontario and Fontana have bustling city centers. Maneuverability, fuel economy, and parking are key factors to consider when evaluating a vehicle. Compact or midsize SUVs from brands like Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai offer great solutions.   

• Mountain and Desert Terrain: Trips to Big Bear or Joshua Tree require all-wheel or four-wheel drive and good ground clearance. Trucks from Ford, Ram and Nissan, as well as off-road-oriented SUVs from Jeep, Subaru and Hyundai, perform exceptionally well in these conditions.   

• Outdoor Activities: If you’re towing boats, dirt bikes, or trailers, a full-size truck or large SUV with significant towing capacity is essential. 

Truck Advantages  

1. Towing and Hauling Power: Trucks like the Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra are engineered for towing heavy loads with ease.   

1. Versatile Cargo Space: The open bed of a truck is ideal for transporting a wide range of materials, including construction supplies, landscaping equipment, and recreational gear.   

1. Off-Road Capability: Brands like Toyota (Tacoma, Tundra) and Nissan (Frontier) offer trims explicitly designed for off-roading.   

1. Durability: Trucks are designed to withstand harsh conditions, making them ideal for demanding jobs or off-the-grid adventures.   

SUV Advantages  

1. Passenger Comfort: SUVs like the Lexus GX, BMW X5 or Dodge Durango offer car-like comfort with more space and visibility.  

1. All-Weather Confidence: Many SUVs feature advanced traction and AWD systems, great for occasional snow in the San Bernardino Mountains.  

1. Flexible Interior Layouts: Fold-flat seats, third-row options, and clever cargo solutions are common in SUVs from brands like Toyota (Highlander), Hyundai (Palisade), and Volkswagen (Atlas).  

1. Family-Oriented Features: Rear-seat entertainment, multiple USB ports, and top safety ratings make SUVs a strong choice for families in the Inland Empire.  

What Are You Using It For?   

Let’s break it down by typical use cases:  

• Daily Commuting: Midsize or compact SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V or Hyundai Tucson, offer fuel efficiency and comfort.  

• Family Transportation: Larger SUVs such as the BMW X7 or Nissan Armada offer ample space for kids, groceries, and gear.  

• Work and Utility: For job sites around the Inland Empire, you may want to step up to a Ram 2500, Ram 3500, or perhaps a Ram 5500 Chassis Cab. 

• Adventure and Travel: Off-road SUVs, such as the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner, or versatile trucks like the Nissan Frontier, are ideal for weekend getaways.  

A Brand-by-Brand Look at Options Available at Ontario Auto Center  

Ontario Auto Center features 15 renowned brands that offer a rich selection of trucks and SUVs:  

1. BMW – X5, X7 

1. Ram– 1500, 2500, Rebel trims  

1. Toyota – Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Highlander  

1. Nissan – Frontier, Titan, Pathfinder, Rogue  

1. Honda – Ridgeline, CR-V, Pilot  

1. Jeep– Gladiator, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee  

1. Hyundai – Santa Cruz, Tucson, Palisade  

1. Volkswagen – Tiguan, Atlas  

1. Dodge – Durango  

1. Chrysler – Pacifica (SUV-alternative for families)  

1. Subaru – Outback, Forester, Ascent  

1. Volvo– XC40, XC60, XC90  

1. Lexus – RX, TX  

1. Mini – Countryman  

1. FIAT– 500X  

Each of these brands offers strengths in performance, safety, technology, and design. The right one for you depends on your needs.  

Cost of Ownership  

• Initial Price: Trucks can be more expensive upfront, especially full-size models with towing packages.  

• Maintenance: Both vehicle types have similar maintenance costs, but trucks may incur higher costs for tires and brakes.  

• Resale Value: Trucks tend to retain their value well, especially in the Inland Empire, where utility is in high demand.  

Safety and Technology  

Today’s SUVs and trucks come packed with safety and tech features:  

• Adaptive Cruise Control  

• Lane-Keeping Assist  

• 360-Degree Cameras  

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto  

Many vehicles across the brands at Ontario Auto Center offer these features standard or optional.  

Making Your Decision  

Ask yourself:  

• Do I need to tow or haul regularly?  

• How many passengers do I carry?  

• Do I go off-roading or camping frequently?  

• What is my parking situation like?  

Test driving both types at Ontario Auto Center can help solidify your decision.  

We’ll Help You Choose  

Choosing between a truck and an SUV doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. By evaluating your lifestyle, terrain, and specific driving needs in Ontario, Fontana, and the Inland Empire, you’ll be well-positioned to select the right vehicle. Ontario Auto Center’s collection of 15 top automotive brands ensures you’ll have the variety, support, and expertise to make informed decisions.   

Come by for a test drive, we have got many options, and our experts will help you find your perfect truck or SUV!  

With this many choices, the best thing may be to visit OAC and check them out for yourself – we hope to see you soon!