Trucks vs. SUVs: When and Which to Buy in Springfield, IL

As one of America's most celebrated automotive manufacturers, Ford strives to make a lineup of vehicles that is as versatile as their customers are diverse. Depending on your automotive needs, a Ford truck may be better for you than a Ford SUV, and vice versa. While the benefits of trucks and benefits of SUVs are plentiful, it can be tough deciding which Ford model is the ideal choice for your active lifestyle. To help you decide, the product specialists at our Ford dealership in Springfield, IL have put together this comprehensive review of Ford trucks and SUVs.
If you have any questions before continuing, feel free to reach out to the Landmark Ford team using our contact form.
ÂTrucks vs. SUVs: Towing & Payload Capacity

Does your family love taking weekend trips with the camper or boat? Does your business use a trailer to transport tools and equipment? Ford's lineup of trucks and SUVs offer a huge variety of towing and payload capacities, so you can find the model that meets your exact needs. Towing and payload specs are as follows:
Ford Truck/SUV | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity |
2017 Escape | 1,500 lbs. | 1,115 lbs. |
2017 Edge | 3,500 lbs. | 1,445 lbs. |
2017 Flex | 4,500 lbs. | 1,531 lbs. |
2017 Explorer | 5,000 lbs. | 1,717 lbs. |
2017 Expedition | 9,200 lbs. | 1,731 lbs. |
2017 F-150 | 9,100 lbs. (Regular Cab) 12,000 lbs. (SuperCab) 11,800 lbs. (SuperCrew) | 1,910 lbs. (Regular Cab) 1,660 lbs. (SuperCab) 1,610 lbs. (SuperCrew) |
2017 Super Duty F-250 | 15,000 lbs. (Regular/SuperCab) 18,000 lbs. (Crew Cab) | 4,150 lbs. (Regular Cab) 3,900 lbs. (SuperCab) 3,780 lbs. (Crew Cab) |
2017 Super Duty F-350 | 15,000 lbs. (Regular/SuperCab) 18,000 lbs. (Crew Cab) | 3,930 lbs. (Regular Cab) 3,710 lbs. (SuperCab) 3,550 lbs. (Crew Cab) |
2017 Super Duty F-450 | 21,000 lbs. | 5,320 lbs. |
*Towing and Payload Capacities listed are for the base trim levels of their respective models
ÂTrucks vs. SUVs: Cargo Space
Â
Do you find yourself constantly driving the kids and their gear to and from practice? Do you use your vehicle just as much on the jobsite as you do after hours? Depending on how you use your Ford vehicle, you may want a model that offers plenty of seating, such as the 2017 Explorer or 2017 Flex which offer seating for up to seven passengers. If you're always hauling tools and equipment to the jobsite, Ford's fleet of pickup trucks offers plenty of cargo space to get the job done. For drivers who need to be able to transport very large items, the 2017 Expedition offers an astounding 108.3 cu. ft. of cargo space. Check out the cargo capacities of Ford's full lineup of trucks and SUVs in the tables below.
Ford Truck/SUV | Cargo Capacity (all seats in place) | Max. Cargo Capacity | Seating Capacity |
2017 Escape | 34.0 cu. ft. | 68.0 cu. ft. | 5 |
2017 Edge | 39.2 cu. ft. | 73.4 cu. ft. | 5 |
2017 Flex | 20.0 cu. ft. | 83.2 cu. ft. | 7 |
2017 Explorer | 21.0 cu. ft. | 81.7 cu. ft. | 7 |
2017 Expedition | 18.6 cu. ft. | 108.3 cu. ft. | 8 |
The 2017 Ford F-150 is a highly versatile pickup truck that offers plenty of cab and box configurations to fit your needs. View the table below for details on the cargo volume of each box available with the F-150.
2017 F-150 Cargo Box | Cargo Box Volume |
5.5-ft. | 52.8 cu. ft. |
6.5-ft. | 62.3 cu. ft. |
8.0-ft. | 77.7 cu. ft. |
The entire Ford F-series lineup comes in three different cab sizes: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab/SuperCrew. If you're looking for more seating, the SuperCab and Crew Cabs offer seating for up to 6 passengers. View the table below for details on the cargo capacities of each cab and box size available with Ford pickup trucks.
Ford Truck Cab | Cargo Capacity (behind first row) | Cargo Box Capacity | Seating Capacity |
Regular Cab | 11.6 cu. ft. | 65.4 cu. ft. (6.75-ft. box) 78.5 cu. ft. (8-ft. box) | 3 |
SuperCab | 31.6 cu. ft. | 65.4 cu. ft. (6.75-ft. box) 78.5 cu. ft. (8-ft. box) | 6 |
Crew Cab/SuperCrew | 52.1 cu. ft. | 65.4 cu. ft. (6.75-ft. box) 78.5 cu. ft. (8-ft. box) | 6 |
Trucks vs. SUVs: Interior Design

Regardless of whether you decide to go with a Ford truck or SUV, there are fantastic interior design features you'll enjoy every time you get behind the wheel.
- AM/FM stereo with MP3 capability
- Available SYNC® infotainment system featuring voice recognition technology, hands-free calling, music search and control, and an LCD screen
- Air conditioning
- Remote Keyless Entry featuring MyKey® technology
Test Drive a Ford Truck or SUV in Springfield, IL!

Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a Ford truck or SUV that's as Ford Tough® as you are? Find the model that delivers the power, dependability, and amenities you demand by exploring our Ford truck inventory or Ford SUV inventory. Once you've found the truck or SUV that checks all your boxes, schedule a test drive at our Ford dealership in Springfield, IL. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to give the Landmark Ford team a call at (866) 807-5399.