One of the most important factors — and arguably the first to consider — when buying an SUV is whether to go with one that's built like a truck or one that's built like a car. This decision alone will narrow your options considerably.

It looks like a ladder and is called a ladder frame — if only every technical term were so self-explanatory. view slideshow >

SUVs are built one of two ways: either on a ladder frame, or as a “unibody.” The method of construction is important to understand because it dictates handling, towing, comfort, four-wheel-drive characteristics, on- and off-road prowess, among other things.

An SUV is said to be built like a truck — or truck-based — if it has a ladder frame, which many pickups and other trucks employ. An SUV is said to be built like a car — or car-based — if it employs a unibody, which most modern cars employ. SUVs built on unibodies are sometimes called "crossovers" because they're like a cross between a car and truck.

See the chart below and accompanying slideshow for the attributes of car- and truck-based SUVs to find out which one is right for you.

How Do They Compare?

TRUCK-BASED	CAR-BASED (Crossover)
Ladder frame or "body on frame" construction — like a truck	Unibody or "unit-body." construction — like a car
Highest possible towing and hauling capabilities	Towing and hauling capabilities can be limited
Excellent off-road capability	Off-road capability can be limited
Tend to have a rougher, jittery ride on-road	Tend to be more refined, comfortable and handle better on-road
Best choice if you frequently tow a big boat or venture onto rough terrain.	Best choice if you don't need to tow more than 5,000 lbs. and rarely, if ever, go off-road.
Examples include:	Examples include:
Chevrolet Tahoe Hummer H3 Nissan Armada Saab 9-7X	BMW X3 and X5 Honda Element Mercedes-Benz M-Class Volvo XC90