I have lots of friends who have sworn they would never drive a minivan. I think they’re missing out. It is so convenient with the power sliding doors and the third row is much more spacious than most SUVs unless you buy one of the enormous ones. This is important as your kids grow and you drive carpools. My sister has an SUV and her kids hate sitting in the 3rd row. I visited a good friend in Denver and her kids fought bitterly over who had to sit in the back row so there would be space for adults. Test drive different makes of minivan and you might find one you like. I think mine handles really well and it is very peppy. With that said, it’s not for everyone. If you only have 2 kids, they will not have to sit in the 3rd row very often.

Op here, so the two kids are almost out of the car seat age. We may have another so I will have one in a car seat. Thinking the oldest currently 10, can use the third row. Anyone with this set up and an SUV?

If you think your kids will do travel sports, the minivan is key.

I never heard of anyone who regretted getting a minivan. I have heard from many people who regretted their SUV's mainly because of the lack of interior room and the kids constantly banging the car doors when they open it.

Dad here. My kids are grown, and I still drive the minivan. Best vehicle ever!

I love my minivan. I don't care if a bunch of other middle aged people think it's uncool or whatever. I am 32 with 2 kids but I imagine I am going to have a minivan for a long, long time!

I bought a Mazda 5. Small, but seats 6.

Anonymous wrote:Love love love the interior and the space BUT I cannot in good faith drive a minivan.

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Love love love the interior and the space BUT I cannot in good faith drive a minivan.

I have grown kids and I am well over AARP age. Gave up the minivan 15 years ago.
I MISS that thing. The SUV has been useful in the occasional bad weather, but- I loved that van. I may just do it again.

If you didn't like driving it, then don't get it. I love mine, but I like driving it as well.

I have an SUV with captains chairs in the second row and it works out great for us. We have a third row if we need it or put it down for more storage.

But I am the "death before minivan" type so YMMV.

Minivans are so much easier especially when you have three kids. The doors slide open, the threshold is lower, with captains chairs in the middle it's easy to into the back. It was much easier to deal with gear and groceries. Minivans are really designed for young families, SUVs are not. I went through two minivans and loved them but was happy to move to a small SUV (Subaru Forester) once my kids were older.

With 2 kids? No. With more than 2? Yes.

We have 2 kids and an SUV. My SIL, with 3 kids, bought an Expedition (the Ford version of the Suburban) instead of a minivan and isn't sure she made the right choice.

Have two kids + occasional 2 for carpool. i have a compact and carpooling is difficult. Went to test drive some minivans and did not like driving one although the interior is amazing. Test drive an SUV and absolutely loved it. Am i going to regret not getting an SUV?