If you plan to shop for a “family car” in the near future, chances are pretty good that you’ll skip an actual car in favor of either an SUV or a minivan. Families, after all, tend to have several people in them, as well as a lot of stuff to carry around. How do you decide whether a minivan or SUV is the best bet for your brood?
Minivan Mastery: Family Room on Wheels
It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that a minivan could almost be your family’s home away from home. First, the ease of entering the minivan through the sliding door makes it a welcoming space for all family members from the youngest to the oldest. When shopping for a new Honda for sale, the Odyssey’s inviting interior highlights another benefit. From roomy and luxurious seats to plenty of head and legroom, you and your family can kick back in a minivan almost as if you were in your family room at home.
If you’re shopping the most affordable vehicle that can fit your whole family, you’ll find the minivan’s price tempting. A minivan will usually be easier on your wallet than a similarly sized SUV. Plus, a pricier vehicle will likely also entail more costly auto insurance, which points to another way the “mom van” can save you some cash.
SUV Strengths: Hardworking Style
SUVs were originally intended for the purposes their name implies – sports applications and utility (aka, work). The “sports-utility” part of an SUV will make a big difference if you have an active, outdoorsy family. The minivan just can’t compete when it comes to pulling a boat to your favorite fishing spot or hauling all your gear up mountain roads.
Because SUVs are still expected to perform those truck-like tasks, there can sometimes be a trade-off between functionality and comfort. However, today’s SUVs are much more pleasant inside than they used to be. Just keep in mind you’ll likely have to pay more to feel as cozy in an SUV as you would in a minivan.
A Few More Considerations
Style is subjective, but you’re likely to find more attractive options among SUVs than minivans. It’s undeniable that this class provides you with such a range of body styles that you’re bound to find one that suits your tastes. You could be forgiven for not being able to tell one minivan from another, while SUVs offer as many different styles and configurations as you could want.
When your ride is an SUV, you’re going to be riding a bit higher than you would in a minivan. This can be great if you like the increased visibility or higher ground clearance. On the other hand, your SUV’s higher center of gravity increases its rollover risk somewhat. If that worries you from a safety perspective, keep in mind that you’ll likely to find all the latest safety features in both SUVs and minivans.
A Question of Priorities
Your vehicle choice will come down to which attributes you value more. A minivan may win your heart if your top concern is the ease and comfort of your family, or an SUV could persuade you to go for looks and heavy-duty performance. Either is an excellent choice for the average family, but the right choice will be the one that fits your family.
