If you’re looking at family cars, trucks aren’t always the first thought, but they are just as good a choice as an SUV, MPV or Hatchback. If a truck is more your style, here is what to look out for when it comes to choosing the right one for you:
Passenger Room and Cab Size
Trucks come in different cab-styles, so you have to decide how much room your passengers need. Regular-cab trucks aren’t suited for families, as they only offer the front row of seats and doors, without the additional room for passengers. Your choice then lies between extended/double-cab and crew-cab. (Cab-size can be described with other names too though, so try not to get too confused about the different descriptions given by different brands).
You will basically be choosing between having 2-doors or 4-doors, and how spacious the height and leg room is. Generally, crew-cabs are more generous with room, and having a crew-cab truck with 4 doors will make fitting baby-seats easier. However, having more room in the crew-cab means less room in the truck-bed, so you need to consider what your main wants and needs are for your truck. Extended-cabs can still be spacious, so if the truck-bed size is more important to you, this could be the better choice.
Full Size vs Compact
Trucks come in different sizes, so once again, you need to weigh up your wants and needs. While full-size trucks offer more capability when it comes to towing and hauling, compact trucks still have a lot of appeal. Typically, full-sized trucks come with more power and strength, which is useful if you need it for work.
Mid-sized or compact trucks can also be very generous with spacious interiors though, and the lighter models will be better with fuel-consumption, as well as less-expensive overall. The size and space of trucks can vary widely between different makes and models, so play close attention to the specs when comparing them. Accessibility can be important too, as trucks have a lot more height off the ground compared with other car types. Look out for integrated tail steps and runner boards to make boarding and loading easier.
Top Truck Picks:
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Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline makes a great family-friendly choice, with high ratings on safety and comfort. As a compact-truck, it is slightly higher in price than other compact models but offers a spacious cabin and comfortable seating for 5 passengers, as well as a simple and cleanly configurated bed. It’s the top-choice for many families for good reason!
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GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra seats up to 6 passengers and boasts great cargo features. This truck can handle any family vacation and offers a luxurious ride with plenty of premium features.
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Ford F-150
Another great option for a family truck is the Ford F-150, which makes transitioning from an SUV easy. It’s rated as an easy-to-handle drive and has comfortable roomy seating for long family drives.
These are just a few of the great options available on the market. There are plenty more good options, but the final choice is your decision. Remember to compare different models and read reviews to help you make the best choice.
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