SUV vs. Minivan: Which Is the Best for the Family?

If you have a big family, you might have wondered what vehicle type is better for your family. An SUV and a minivan are the two most suitable types of vehicles to tow people and cargo. If you are stuck choosing between an SUV and a minivan, consider the major differences between the two so that you know which will be best suited for your needs.

SUV

In recent years, more people prefer SUVs over minivans. SUVs not only look more stylish and cool but also offer a smoother handling and comfortable ride. They also have a unique off-road capability.

If you have a large family, you might find the SUV doesn’t have enough space. But, if you are looking to go off-road often with your family, then an SUV could be a better option for you.

Minivan

A minivan is a mini-sized van that can haul a lot of cargo and accommodate many people. One of the biggest features of minivans is sliding doors. Almost every minivan today comes with sliding doors that open and close with the push of a button.

A lot of people choose a minivan because of its spacious room. Minivan provides plenty of cargo space behind the third row as well as low floors which makes a little more knee room for adult passengers.

Pros of Buying An SUV

Stylish Look

SUVs are sleeker than minivans. While they can accommodate the same number of people as minivans, SUVs seem much more sporty and cool. Also, they don’t carry the stigma of being a “mom car” as minivans do.

Off-Road Capabilities

If you are planning on going off-roading with your family, a full-sized SUV can be an ideal choice. Since SUVs have the unique capabilities to maintain control as well as provide a spacious amount of room thanks to their tall interior height, they can make your adventurous road trips more enjoyable and peaceful. 

Better Performance in Bad Weather

If you frequently drive on wet or snow-covered roads, you need an SUV with an FWD (Four Wheel Drive) option. SUVs are mostly equipped with FWD and they won’t slip and slide on slippery roads, giving you more traction and control.

Pros of Buying A Minivan

Sliding Doors

One of the perks of owning a minivan is sliding doors that require you little strength to open and close them. With the touch of a button, they slide open and your kids get in the car without any help.

Great Fuel Economy

Minivans tend to be more fuel-efficient than SUVs. Even though minivans are larger, they have the same mileage or better than their SUV counterparts. If you are an environmentally conscious consumer, the best family car might be a minivan.

Spacious Room

Minivans usually have an edge in terms of room compared to SUVs. With a longer wheelbase and low floors, a minivan can not only accommodate a lot of people but it can also make your ride more comfortable as a passenger with spacious amounts of knee room. Besides, you have more storage spaces when you fold down the seats.

The answer all boils down to your car usage and personal values. If you often drive in extreme weather conditions such as snow, hail, or cold, then an SUV is the right choice for you. If you also enjoy going on a camping trip and meandering unpaved roads, an SUV can usually handle this while offering towing ability.

Whereas, if your typical day includes driving your kids and their friends home, then a minivan can be a better fit. If you want a practical car with abundant space that can fit your children and large items, while the car image doesn’t matter much to you, then a minivan is more likely to do the job.