Passenger Capacity
Most trucks come with the standard two seats with space for the driver and one passenger. These trucks with a two-person cab are usually less expensive than trucks with bigger cabs. These trucks also come with longer beds. If you don’t need too much passenger space and will be hauling a lot of material, the standard cab configuration may offer you the best value. But if you need space for family and friends, then get the larger cabs.
Engine
Engine size is important. And bigger is not always better. If you will be using the truck for your daily commute and will not be transporting large items, then choosing a truck with a four-cylinder engine will save you a lot of gas money. The Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are good options. You can transport small payloads with these as well. But if you’ll be hauling heavy items, get something bigger.
If you need to tow a boat or a big trailer, you’ll need a truck with a V6 or a V8 engine. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? These trucks will be bigger and more expensive. The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado are options you cannot go wrong with. They are less fuel-efficient but are very powerful and capable.
Two-wheel Drive Or 4×4
Before you pay a lot of extra money for four-wheel drive, consider the weather and your driving habits. If you don’t get a lot of rain or snow and only plan to use the truck to commute, then a 4×4 truck will only increase your expenses at the gas station. If you live in a polar vortex or drive off-road often, then the 4×4 system will come in handy.
Manual Or Automatic
To decide which option is right for you, think about the traffic conditions you experience during your drives. If you are usually stuck in traffic, an automatic transmission would work much better. If traffic isn’t a concern, you could use a manual to understand how to control the engine better without being bothered by the extra gear shifting.
But manual transmissions are not very common in trucks today. They are available on the base trims of some models. They’re more fun but less effective while towing and in traffic.
