SUVs and trucks, explained
Pick the right SUV or truck and know what it can really do.
Model-by-model reliability, honest towing answers, SUV comparisons and plain-English 4×4 and off-road basics for everyday drivers.
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Explore SUV & Truck Guides
Pick a topic to find reliability, towing and drivetrain advice.
Truck Reliability
Common problems, best years and what to inspect on popular pickups.
Explore topic →02SUV Reliability
Which SUV years to buy, which to avoid and what ownership costs.
Explore topic →03Towing Capacity
What each truck or SUV can tow and what limits the number.
Explore topic →04SUV Comparisons
Head-to-head comparisons on space, ownership cost and use.
Explore topic →054×4 vs AWD
Which drivetrain suits snow, towing and trails, and what it costs.
Explore topic →06Off-Road Tips
Beginner trail basics, tire pressure, recovery gear and safety.
Explore topic →Featured reading
Start Here: Most-Asked SUV & Truck Questions
The reliability, towing and drivetrain questions shoppers ask first.
What Is Truck Cylinder Deactivation and How Does It Work?
Cylinder deactivation cuts fuel use under light load by shutting off some cylinders, then restores them when torque demand rises. Learn normal…
Which Trucks Are Known for Rust Problems?
Older full-size pickups in salty-road regions are most prone to rust. See the worst model-year groups and the inspection points that matter…
What Is Excessive Oil Consumption on an SUV?
Excessive oil consumption on an SUV is usually any pattern near or above 1 quart every 1,000 miles, or faster than the…
Compact SUVs: Best Picks, Pros and Cons
The best compact SUVs are the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Subaru Forester. Here’s where each one fits…
From the blog
Latest SUV & Truck Articles
New guides on reliability, towing, comparisons and off-road basics.
Which SUVs Have Timing Chains Instead of Timing Belts?
Most modern SUVs use timing chains, but many older and some current engine families still use…
What Is Normal Oil Consumption Between Oil Changes in an SUV?
Normal oil use in an SUV depends on the manufacturer. Some makers allow more than others,…
What Is a Bad Lifter on a Truck?
A bad lifter can cause ticking, misfire, or loss of compression. If the noise gets louder…
What Is Tongue Weight and Why Is It Important?
Tongue weight is the downward force a trailer puts on the hitch. For most bumper-pull trailers,…
What Are Recovery Points on a 4×4 or Truck?
Recovery points are reinforced, structure-mounted attachment points for controlled towing or recovery. Never use a tie-down,…
What Is Approach Angle on an SUV or Truck?
Approach angle is the steepest ramp your SUV or truck can climb without front contact. See…
Recent Guides
- What Is Truck Cylinder Deactivation and How Does It Work?
- Which Trucks Are Known for Rust Problems?
- What Is Excessive Oil Consumption on an SUV?
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