The sport utility truck (SUT) segment began as a minor marketing variation of SUVs and crossovers. However, this blend of the convenience of an SUV, the ride quality of a crossover, and the functionality of a pickup has become a hit among consumers. Here’s a look at the top five kick-ass options for both work and play in this now thriving truck segment.
1. Chevrolet Avalanche (MSRP: $35,725 – $48,865)
The Avalanche provides a near-perfect mix that has set the bar for other SUTs. For the working man, it’s a full-featured solution that meets all moderate towing and hauling needs. Falling somewhere between an SUV and a truck, it has market-leading comfort in its interior and enough capability to satisfy the needs of the most demanding weekend warrior. The standard Avalanche includes a 5.3-liter V8 that pounds out 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque while achieving 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined for 2WD versions.
2. Honda Ridgeline (MSRP: $28,450 – $36,780)
The Ridgeline may lack the Avalanche’s muscle, which will turn some potential buyers away. However, those seeking superior on-road handling and ride quality in their SUT need look no further. With top crash test scores, a two-way tailgate, comfortable cabin, and a dent-resistant bed with an innovative trunk compartment, the Ridgeline is a technical achievement. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6, the Ridgeline generates 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates fuel economy at 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined.
3. Cadillac Escalade EXT (MSRP: $61,420 – $69,000)
The Escalade EXT is essentially a Chevrolet Avalanche adorned with the unabashed American-style luxury for which Cadillac has built a reputation. The EXT doesn’t look like a worker’s truck, and most won’t want to use it that way. However, the bottom line is that it delivers in all of those areas. The standard model is all-wheel drive, and includes a 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. The Escalade earns approximately 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.
4. Ford Explorer Sport Trac (MSRP: $28,210 – $35,590)
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac doesn’t achieve the power and performance of the Avalanche, and it can’t match the on-road handling of the Ridgeline. However, what it can do is provide a great blend of both at an aggressive price. The standard 4.0-liter V6 generates 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque, and earns 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. Consumers should be aware that the more expensive and larger V8 is a better fuel performer.
5. Hummer H2 SUT (MSRP: ~$51,662)
The Hummer H2 SUT achieves market-leading ruggedness at a premium. The Avalanche is a better value, but this is a non-point for those that would consider a Hummer. The H2 SUT is distinguished both in design and in performance. Under the hood, a 6.2-liter V8 produces 393 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. As for fuel economy ratings, well they’re not published, and that’s probably a good thing.
Few would argue that the Chevrolet Avalanche is the current king of the hill. Whatever your focus, make sure to test-drive it before settling on an SUT. However, know that all five of these SUTs are amazing options that will have you kicking ass and taking names.
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