SUVs vs. Trucks: Which is Better for Overlanding?

Overlanding as a concept has immensely gained attraction over the last decade as it poses as an ultimate do-it-yourself adventure travel. The quest for the perfect vehicle to navigate these rugged terrains often boils to two primary contenders: SUVs and trucks. It is worth stating that both have benefits and drawbacks regarding overlanding. But which of them is more adapted to this adventurous life?

In this blog article, let’s discuss the basics of choosing the best vehicle for overlanding. We’ll compare a more common SUV option to a truck in aspects such as cargo space, off-road performance, efficiency, comfort, modularity, and more. Ultimately, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether an SUV or a truck will suit your overlanding needs. 

What Makes a Vehicle Ready for Overlanding?

However, to make the comparison, let us first define overlanding and what qualities are required in a vehicle for this kind of trip.

Overlanding is characterized by off-road travel over long distances with a significant concentration on adventure. While traditional off-roading is more focused on the mechanical ability of a vehicle to traverse rough terrains, overlanding proposes vehicles that can sustain life in the wild. Here are a few critical features an ideal overlanding vehicle must possess:

• Off-road Capability: The capability to navigate over rocks, muddy, sandy, and other complicated and steep terrains.
  
  
• Cargo Capacity: Large enough to accommodate camping equipment, recovery machinery, spare parts, water, and foodstuffs.
  
  
• Comfort: Most drivers spend a lot of time on the road, so they need a car that provides comfortable driving and sleeping facilities.

• Fuel Efficiency and Range: Getting a vehicle with good range is important because overlanding is usually done in regions that might be devoid of fuel.

• Modifiability: It should quickly adapt to inland requirements, such as installing a rooftop tent, bigger wheels and tires, or rooftop racks.

With this in mind, the following will explore the differences between SUVs and trucks.

Off-Road Capability: Ground Clearance, 4WD, and Traction Control

SUVs

Most modern SUVs, particularly those developed for off-road use, are fitted with 4WD or AWD systems and traction control, making them perform exceptionally well off-road. Due to their off-road capabilities, popular overlander vehicles include the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Land Rover Defender. SUVs are not specific regarding ground clearance, critical in randomly selected terrains, especially those with rocks.

However, some may not be specially designed for challenging terrains, especially those in the family-oriented SUV category. Small crossovers can be equipped with AWD, but many won’t have the clearance, suspension, or shaft power required to challenge overlanding trails.

TRUCKs

Trucks are created for off-roading, especially full-size or mid-size pickups like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150 Raptor, and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. Most come with good approach angles, a strong-built chassis, and robust 4WD systems suitable for challenging off-road terrains. Trucks generally possess better traction, including locking differentials, skid plates, and high-performance suspensions, which make them highly suitable for technical off-road driving.

We’re comparing back-to-body-on-frame trucks to traditional SUVs; for example, the trucks are usually higher and are more tank-like, therefore better suited for rough roads.

Winner: TRUCKs (for extreme off-roading)  
SUVs: (for moderate off-roading)

Cargo Space and Payload Capacity

SUVs

SUVs have sizeable interior spaces perfect for arranging and keeping camping equipment and assets. The rear seats in most models can, in most cases, be flipped down to provide flat surfaces that can be used for packing tents, tools, and food items. The interior space also allows the overlanders to sleep inside the vehicle in case of an emergency, more so in oversized vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition.

However, it is also essential to understand that even large off-road vehicles have a relatively small carrying capacity compared to trucks. They may be limited in their ability to tow other cars or transport items such as rooftop tents, recovery equipment, or additional fuel without compromising ride comfort and suspension.

TRUCKs

Trucks have the best payload and cargo volume in comparison to the other classes of vehicles. Their open design also allows for sufficient space to accommodate large equipment like rooftop tents, spare tires, additional fuel tanks, and toolboxes. While trucks like the Ford F-250 or Ram 1500 can also be used for hauling, they can perform well at high speeds. You can add racks for extra cargo space or even trailer hitches for more equipment.

However, truck beds with no sides and tailgates are open to the elements if bed covers or canopies are not covered. Climbing into trucks can also be more difficult, as can sleeping inside unless a camper shell is added, which increases the expense and could be a potential problem.

Winner: TRUCKs

Fuel Efficiency and Range

SUVs

In most cases, SUVs are more fuel-efficient than trucks, especially crossovers with smaller engines. When people use roads for traveling, they may spend several days on the road sipping fuel, and since service stations are not always available, fuel efficiency is essential. Hybrids and diesel models, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel, add flexibility to the options and lower the frequency of stops at a fuel station.

However, bigger and more rugged SUVs, like the Toyota Land Cruiser, are known to have less efficient fuel-consumption characteristics.

TRUCKs

Full-size trucks, particularly those that come with downsized, fuel-efficient engines, are known to have comparatively low fuel economy. While the new generation of trucks is designed to get better fuel economy with turbocharged engines or diesel-like Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax Diesel, they are still less efficient than SUVs in range. When overlanding, you may require spare fuel cells to enhance the range, increasing the load and complications.

While diesel trucks possess comparatively higher torque and power for pulling or lifting capability, they consume more fuel.

Winner: SUVs

Comfort for Long Trips

SUVs

When comparing SUVs and trucks, comfort is one of the most significant differences in favor of SUVs. SUVs are typically used for families and long-distance travel. They generally have a better suspension system, quieter interiors, and ride quality. The interiors are more comfortable than trucks, with reclining seats, AC, high-tech in-car entertainment systems, and ergonomic structures. Long road hours make driving less tiring than sedans and make passengers more comfortable.

Most SUVs also have third-row seating to accommodate more passengers, especially during overlanding. Another benefit of an SUV is that all your equipment is protected from dust, rain, and other adverse weather conditions.

TRUCKs

Trucks are designed for hardworking capabilities and longevity. Although the new generation of trucks is increasingly more comfortable with some of the latest additions, such as heated seats, touch screens, and better materials, to mention a few, most of them cannot offer a comfortable ride as an SUV does. Many pickup trucks feature a more rigid suspension system; this may lead to increased harshness when traversing rough areas or driving on a long highway.

Crew or extended cabs can provide reasonable comfort for passengers, although the rear seats in some models could be tighter than in an SUV.

Winner: SUVs

Modifiability and Aftermarket Support

SUVs

Most SUVs are well supported with aftermarket parts, particularly those commonly used in overlanding, such as Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco. These vehicles are highly tunable, and many mods are available to increase off-road capabilities, like a lift kit, skid plate, winch, and off-road tires. External accessories such as roof racks, bumpers, snorkels, and light bars can also be fitted to enhance the off-road capabilities of the SUV for overlanding.

Nevertheless, small cars in the crossover SUV segment might have fewer opportunities for aftermarket tuning, so adapting them for intense off-roading will be challenging.

TRUCKs

Trucks, particularly midsize and full-size models, also have many aftermarket options. Another factor that makes trucks perfect for overlanding is that you can easily upgrade them with lift kits, bigger tires, custom bumpers, and performance parts. Trucks can also accommodate camping accessories, such as a rooftop tent, a camper shell, or a bed rack for additional equipment. Trucks can also support heavier modifications as their frames are more robust without worsening their effectiveness. 

Overall, trucks are much more flexible in modifiability because they have an open cargo area and are much more robust in construction.

Winner: TRUCKs

Towing Capacity

SUVs

Most SUVs can tow trailers, boats, or other loads, but the towing power of an SUV is considerably less than that of a truck. For instance, the Toyota 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee was estimated to tow about 7,200 pounds. This should be enough for small trailers, but large overlanding setups could be out of reach for most SUVs.

TRUCKs

Trucks, especially full-size ones, are designed to carry heavy loads, including towing capability. For example, the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500 can have a towing capacity exceeding 12,000 pounds, which makes them suitable for towing trailers, campers, or extra equipment. Trucks are better equipped to handle this through engines, suspensions, and brake systems, usually designed for towing.

Winner: TRUCKs

Cost and Maintenance 

SUVs

However, it is important to note that an SUV's base price is usually lower than its truck counterpart, particularly when discussing compact or midsize vehicles. SUVs are also more affordable to maintain overall, as they are used more in urban driving, where they are less prone to excessive wear and tear.

TRUCKs

Trucks, especially full-size trucks, are generally more expensive initially. The price can be steep if someone opts for an off-road or a diesel.  On the other hand, trucks are rugged vehicles and may be constructed for endurance and harsh terrains, so the rate of significant repairs as time passes might not be frequent. Also, trucks may be retained longer in the used market, especially if they are popular, like the Toyota Tacoma or Ford F-150.

Winner: SUVs (for lower upfront cost and maintenance)
TRUCKs (for long-term durability and resale value)

Maneuverability and Size Considerations

SUVs

To a certain extent, SUVs are more accessible for maneuvering and controlling in tight areas, especially mid-size and compact SUVs. This is especially helpful whether you are driving through the forest trail, country lanes, or even city roads and downtown. Another effect of this characteristic is the possibility of having a shorter turning radius, which can be very useful while driving through complex off-road trails.

But while these are similar in terms of overall size compared to an average pickup truck, full-size SUVs, like the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition, are still more maneuverable by having a car-like enclosed body to a greater extent.

TRUCKs

Full-size pickups, in particular, can be less maneuverable than other vehicles, especially when navigating narrow pathways such as trails or tight urban streets. Due to their long wheelbase and size, maneuvering them through tight corners becomes even more difficult. This is especially valid for extended or crew cab pickups, where a larger space may be necessary for maneuvering or parking.

Compact trucks, like the Toyota Tacoma or Chevrolet Colorado, offer a better-turning radius than their full-size counterparts. While they have less cargo and towing capacity, they are easier to navigate.

Winner: SUVs (for maneuverability)

Shelter and Sleeping Arrangements

SUVs

Some SUVs may have more adaptable interiors, making creating sleeping space within the vehicle easier. Full-size SUVs, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford Expedition, can have the rear seats folded down to make the floor level for sleeping. This is a plus for overlanders who desire to sleep in their car without the necessity of extra physical accommodations. Tailgates on SUVs also help shield occupants from the elements while loading and unloading gear or pitching a tent.

SUVs are enclosed and thus more secure, and they can easily withstand harsh weather, which is so often a companion of overlanders.

TRUCKs

Trucks usually demand innovative solutions to get a roof over your head and where to sleep at night. The length is also highly variable depending on the buyer's options, such as having an open bed, camper shell, or rooftop tent, which may be available but at an additional cost. In addition, some rooftop tents provide an excellent platform for high-ground sleep while taking longer to pitch and pull down than merely sleeping in the SUV.

However, a truck bed provides a perfect surface on which complex overlanding configurations, including a slide-out cooking area, water storage, or a second berth, can be easily installed. These configurations may increase a truck's utility for long-haul missions but demand extra planning and adjustment.

Winner: SUVs (for ease of sleeping setup)
TRUCKs (for custom overlanding builds)

Versatility for Everyday Use

SUVs

SUVs are perfect for daily and adventurous off-road use, such as overlanding. They are easier to park, especially in busy city centers, save on fuel consumption for daily use, and, in most cases, ride smoother on tarmacked surfaces. This makes SUVs versatile for overlanders who want a car for work, family errands, and weekend off-roading.

Most modern SUVs also have features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist to make them more comfortable and safer for everyday use.

TRUCKs

Trucks are ideal utility vehicles for off-roading, but they may not be very convenient for daily use, especially in urban areas. Their size, fuel consumption, and relatively rigid suspension make them less suitable for daily use, such as commuting. But if you regularly travel with trailers, heavy loads, or a rural dwelling, their practicality may overshadow these disadvantages.

No other vehicle type can match the flexibility of pickup trucks for those who transport large loads during the week and go off-roading on the weekend.

Winner: SUVs (for everyday versatility)
TRUCKs (for heavy-duty versatility)

Improving Overlanding Performance: A Guide to Pedal Commander for SUVs and Trucks

Regarding overlanding, the answer to the SUV vs. truck debate largely depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the type of terrain you plan to explore. Both vehicle types have their strengths and weaknesses, making the decision a matter of trade-offs. Each type of vehicle has its advantages and corresponding disadvantages; thus, the decision is a compromise. SUVs are comfortable, more efficient, and easier to handle than trucks, although the latter is suitable for off-road towing and has a larger cargo capacity. However, the Pedal Commander can improve your overlanding experience regardless of your choice.

Choose an SUV If:

• Comfort and a smooth ride are essential for long trips.
• You care about fuel economy and require a car for work and play.
• You take interior sleeping possibilities without requiring exterior tents.
• To you, it is crucial to have flexibility in handling the car for maneuvers such as roads or trails.
  
  

Choose a TRUCK If:

• Improved off-road capabilities and brute strength are preferable.
• A large cargo area for gear, equipment, or trailer towing is required.
• Towing capacity is one of them, and you intend to tow trailers or campers.
• You value modularity and desire an overlanding configuration in your car, such as rooftop tents and bed racks.