Mini van or full size suv?

[Anonymous]

2 kids in ES, abd they both do weekly sports. We are a family of 4, and both kids are still in carseat. So far, we have not carpooled with any kids yet. I am driving a toyota rav4, and my car cannot accommodate any other person. Grandparents live in the area.

My next car should be mini suv (sliding door, and can sit up to 7/8 people people with 3 rows) or full size suv (no sliding door, more roomy and safer for sitting up to 7/8 people). I would say probably only a few times /year would love to pick up grandparents in our car, and carpool with other kids are unknown yet. Which one would you choose?

[Anonymous]

Emotionally, I'm an SUV person, but those sliding doors on the minivan sure are convenient!

[Anonymous]

Minivan. It has more internal room for people and stuff than 3 row SUVs unless you plan on buying a Suburban XL. The minivan is also easier for older people to get in and out of.

[Anonymous]

The advantages of SUVs over minivans include ‘cool’ factor, luxury finishes and branding, and off road capacity. Minivans are typically more spacious, convenient and affordable. Depends on your priorities.

[Anonymous]

If you don't care about the lameness of driving a mini van, get that for sure. By far the more useful vehicle. I just can't get over being a minivan mom...we rented one for spring break though and it was awfully nice.

[Anonymous]

In your situation (but with one more kid), we bought a 3-row SUV and are happy with it.

It's the internalized misogyny but I'll never drive a minivan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The advantages of SUVs over minivans include ‘cool’ factor, luxury finishes and branding, and off road capacity. Minivans are typically more spacious, convenient and affordable. Depends on your priorities.

Exactly this. The minivan is much more practical and has more cargo space with use of all seats. The 3-row SUV is awesome for carpools and looking cool, but I cant fit anything in the back of my Highlander with the third row in use. Like nothing.

[Anonymous]

The people who hate mini vans have never driven one! They are the perfect family car. The sliding doors are AMAZING. And yes I think about it often. It's easy for my kids to get themselves in and out of the car. I don't have to stress about them slamming into cars next to us. There is easily room to add another person into our car, and still have loads of cargo space. Seating 6 people and still having space makes travel easier because i can just toss stuff into the car..

Honestly, I love my mini van! Once my kids are older (they are 5 and 7 now) I will probably go back to a smaller SUV, but for now I really do love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In your situation (but with one more kid), we bought a 3-row SUV and are happy with it.

It's the internalized misogyny but I'll never drive a minivan.

I don't get this at all. No one thinks you are COOLER because you drive a Pilot instead of an Odyssey. We can all see the car seats in the back and the swim team stickers all over it.

If what you need is a family car, it makes sense to GET A FAMILY CAR. If you need a cool car for sexy nights out, then get something else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The advantages of SUVs over minivans include ‘cool’ factor, luxury finishes and branding, and off road capacity. Minivans are typically more spacious, convenient and affordable. Depends on your priorities.

Exactly this. The minivan is much more practical and has more cargo space with use of all seats. The 3-row SUV is awesome for carpools and looking cool, but I cant fit anything in the back of my Highlander with the third row in use. Like nothing.

My kids hate having to ride in SUV third rows during carpools. Minivans at least have legroom back there

[Anonymous]

If the priority is having room for kids and their things, I don't see why anyone would choose an SUV over a minivan. But of course, there can be other priorities...

We got a Sienna when the kids were 4 and 7. It is probably my favorite purchase I have ever made. Not once have I ever worried that there would not be enough room for everyone to be comfortable, even with all their stuff. I can haul lots of things. It drives well and has a place for everything.

My oldest is about to get his license and we'll get a second car, likely a smaller EV. Not sure which one I will choose to drive.

[Anonymous]

I adore my Sienna but I have three kids and two dogs. Not sure you need a minivan with just two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you don't care about the lameness of driving a mini van, get that for sure. By far the more useful vehicle. I just can't get over being a minivan mom...we rented one for spring break though and it was awfully nice.

Your car is only as lame as you are.

[Anonymous]

Minivan. If you are so concerned about what others may think? Therapist.

[Anonymous]

I used to be a minivan hater. I only wanted an SUV! No way I’m a “soccer mom” in a minivan. We went to a few places car shopping and ended up in Toyota, I wanted a Highlander with third row. It was horrible, maybe a kid could sit there for a bit, but a full size adult? Never even got a minute. My husband insisted I go check out the new Sienna…and the rest is history 🤣 I love my Sienna, that’s all I can say. It’s huge and so comfortable and fits everything! Electronic sliding door? How could I ever lived without them. Movable captain seats for the kids and a full third row. Super deep trunk. Got all-wheel drive, so even winter won’t stop me👍 Go test drive, you’ll see.