Do SUVs have shocks or struts?

Yes. In modern SUVs, you’ll typically find both components: front MacPherson struts that combine a coil spring and damper, and rear suspension that uses separate shocks (or dampers) with springs. Some platforms also use strut-style assemblies at the rear on certain models, but the front is where the strut design is most common. This mix influences ride comfort, handling, and cargo flexibility.

Understanding the terms

Shocks (damper units) control the motion of the springs, keeping the vehicle steady over bumps. Struts are a type of suspension component that integrates damping with springing and often serves as a structural member in the front suspension. In everyday language, people might say the SUV has "shocks" or "struts," but many SUVs actually use a combination: struts up front and separate shocks in the rear.

Front suspension: MacPherson struts and alternatives

In most mainstream SUVs, the front suspension is a MacPherson strut arrangement, where a single unit combines the coil spring and the shock absorber. Other front-end designs exist in higher-end models or specific platforms.

What is a MacPherson strut?

The MacPherson strut is a compact, integrated front-suspension unit. The coil spring sits around a shock absorber (the strut) and the top of the strut connects to the vehicle body while the bottom attaches to the steering knuckle. This design saves space and lowers manufacturing costs, but it also serves as a structural member of the suspension.

The following list highlights common front-suspension configurations you may encounter on SUVs today.

• MacPherson strut suspension: coil spring around a single damper at each front wheel; widely used for cost and packaging efficiency.


• Double wishbone (or multi-link) front suspensions: multiple control arms with coil springs and dampers; used in some premium or performance-oriented SUVs for refined handling.


• Independent front suspension with coil springs and separate dampers: a broader category that includes variations like multi-link setups that may or may not use a true strut assembly.

In practice, MacPherson struts remain the default at the front for many vehicles, while more complex front geometries appear on select models to improve geometry and ride quality.

Rear suspension configurations

The rear end of SUVs can be quite diverse. The choice affects cargo space, ride comfort, and towing capability.

Rear suspension choices and what they mean for you

Common rear arrangements include independent suspensions with coil springs and dampers, torsion-beam (twist-beam) semi-independent setups, and solid-axle designs with leaf springs. Each has trade-offs in terms of ride comfort, load handling, and ruggedness.

• Independent rear suspension (IRS) with coil springs and independent dampers: typical in unibody SUVs; provides smoother ride and better handling with uneven surfaces.


• Multi-link rear suspension: a more complex IRS using multiple links to optimize ride, handling, and load distribution.


• Torsion-beam or twist-beam rear suspension (semi-independent): common in smaller or value-focused SUVs; uses a torsion beam with dampers and a spring element to support the wheel motion.


• Solid axle with leaf springs (body-on-frame SUVs): rugged durability for off-road and heavy-duty use; shock absorbers accompany the axle to damp motion.

Rear suspensions range from simple to sophisticated. Some SUVs offer adaptive dampers or air-spring options that adjust ride height and stiffness on the fly.

Do SUVs have shocks or struts?

Yes. In most SUVs, you’ll find both components in use. The front commonly uses MacPherson struts, which combine a spring and damper in a single assembly, while the rear typically uses separate dampers (shocks) with springs, or other independent arrangements. The exact configuration varies by model, trim, and year. If you hear “struts,” it usually refers to the front suspension in today’s SUVs, though some platforms may use strut-style dampers in the rear as well.

Maintenance and replacement considerations

Shocks and struts wear over time. Signs of wear include a bouncy ride, nose-dive when braking, uneven tire wear, or visible leakage from the damper. Replacing front struts or rear shocks can improve ride quality and handling, but the cost and process differ: front struts can be more involved because they often support the wheel bearing and steering components, while rear shocks are generally easier to replace. On many SUVs, manufacturers recommend inspection every 50,000 miles or so, with replacement intervals varying by driving conditions.

Summary

SUV suspensions blend shocks and struts to balance ride comfort, handling, and payload. The front end most often uses strut assemblies (often MacPherson struts), while the rear uses separate shocks in most unibody SUVs or a variety of other arrangements depending on the platform. Understanding your specific model’s suspension construction helps in maintenance and troubleshooting, and when in doubt, a mechanic can identify the exact configuration and replacement needs.

Does my vehicle have shocks or struts?

In many cases, shocks will look like a hand pump. Struts, on the other hand, typically look like a coil spring with a shock in the center, but occasionally, the shock is mounted next to the spring. Check both front and rear wheels, as you might have both shocks on one axle and struts on the other.

Do SUVs have shocks?

Heavy-duty construction: SUVs are heavier and taller, so their shock absorbers are larger in diameter with reinforced pistons and robust seals. Longer suspension travel: They allow for greater vertical movement, critical for off-road flexibility.

Is a shock and a strut the same thing?

No, a shock and a strut are not the same thing, although they serve a similar purpose of controlling spring oscillation. A strut is a structural, load-bearing part of the suspension that also contains the shock absorber, while a shock is a standalone component that dampens movement. A strut is often more integrated, incorporating the spring and serving a structural role in the vehicle's suspension system and steering.
 
This video explains the difference between shocks and struts: 58sCountermanYouTube · Sep 13, 2022
Shock

• Function: Primarily dampens the up-and-down motion of the vehicle's springs, preventing excessive bouncing. 
• Structure: A standalone component that works with the spring, which is a separate part of the suspension. 
• Replacement: Generally simpler and less expensive to replace since it's a single, non-structural component. 

Strut

• Function: Dampens movement like a shock, but also acts as a crucial structural component of the suspension system. 
• Structure: Combines the shock absorber and the coil spring into a single assembly, which supports the vehicle's weight and helps with steering and alignment. 
• Replacement: More complex and costly to replace because it involves a structural part of the vehicle. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the components of a strut assembly: 58sGoss' GarageYouTube · Sep 7, 2015

How often do you replace shocks on a SUV?

50,000 miles
How Often Should Shocks and Struts Be Replaced? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as replacement depends on your driving conditions and vehicle type. A general guideline is to have them inspected at 50,000 miles or greater on OEM shocks or struts.