Work & Play

Ten years ago, "work & play" might have been a phrase best suited to pickup trucks that could hold both water skis and work tools, depending on which day of the week it was. But with manufacturers recognizing a growing diversity in both career and recreational options for drivers, the market is suddenly flooded with a variety of work & play vehicles. So where should you start if you’re in the market? Right here.

When it comes down to it, there are really only two things you should know about this exciting range of vehicles:

   1. What types of vehicles fit within the category of work & play?

   2. Is that the type of vehicle you need?

The Vehicles
The fun, but often confusing, thing about work & play vehicles is that, in some ways, they defy categorization. It would be easy to assume that all trucks are work & play, and all sedans are less than utilitarian. Rather than looking for broad categories of vehicles, focus on the characteristics. For instance, at the heart of every work & play vehicle is a devotion to flexibility. Take the Honda Element. In a matter of minutes you can configure the interior into 64 different space options. With the Chevy Avalanche, you can collapse the back to extend the pickup truck bed into the rear seats for greater room. The GMC Envoy XUV, which is now only available used, has a large rear roof that opens electronically for easier storage.

In addition to flexibility, work & play vehicles tend to offer an increasing number of gadgets. The Dodge Magnum features illuminated cup holders and map pockets for greater driver convenience. The Jeep Compass has a detachable flashlight on the interior roof. The Nissan Titan’s front seat folds flat creating a perfect work surface for those on-the-go moments when you need to lay out some ideas. And the Toyota Tundra has a manufacturer-recommended collection of work accessories from names such as "Weather Guard."

Above all, work & play vehicles make it easier and more enjoyable to do things that might have nothing to do with driving. While the average sedan focuses on offering comfort and convenience while you move from point A to point B, a work & play vehicle functions long after you reach your destination. With everything from seats that collapse to form a sleeping area on rainy camping trips, to speakers in the tailgate and a built in cooler for party atmospheres, you’ll have everything you could possibly need to get the most out of your destination.

Are You "Work & Play"?
That’s the big question, and the truth of the matter is, work & play vehicles are fun. The marketing usually features someone snowboarding to a hip song with the sunset falling on a Colorado adventure. It’s exciting and easy to get caught up in the experience the vehicle can help create. But if you don’t plan to surf anytime soon, maybe a car with a wet gear box attached to the roof isn’t the ideal vehicle for you.

As with any car purchase, start your journey by making an honest assessment of your needs. If you haven’t used a tent in ten years, a trunk that features a tent attachment might not be the most important feature to you. If your interior is always spotless, then a hard rubber surface you can wash out with a hose probably isn’t going to get much use.

The important thing is to get an idea of who you are and how you drive before you start looking at cars. With that idea in place, it’s much easier to eliminate good cars with features you don’t need and hone in on great cars with features you’ve always wanted.

What’s Next?
Got an idea of what you need from your next car? Why not take a peek at a few options with our model information section. Inside you’ll find customer reviews, 360° spins, video and much more. Try it today and have fun with a little work & play.

 

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