Start this convo at moms’ night out, and it can get pretty polarizing! As a mom working in the automotive industry, I’ve had this conversation with fellow parents so many times, and for good reason. Parents need particular things when it comes to toting their families around.
And even if you know absolutely nothing about cars, it’s pretty apparent that SUVs and minivans remain two of the most efficient types of vehicles for hauling people and cargo. (One look at an elementary school carpool line will give that away.)
However, when you start to dig a little deeper, you quickly realize that these two options differ in price, style, features, and capability. That’s why it’s essential to truly understand the differences before picking the best vehicle for your family.
Choosing between an SUV and a minivan really depends on your budget, demands, and lifestyle.
Similarities Between SUVs and Minivans
At first glance, you may not think SUVs and minivans have much in common, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
To start, both have excellent interior technology: Most current models have all the latest must-haves, like rear-seat entertainment systems, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and surround-view cameras, which is my favorite mom car feature of all time (game changer for parking in a tight preschool parking lot!). And in today’s connected climate, most SUVs and minivans also come with more than one rear USB port, which means more access for mom (and surly teens) to recharge mobile devices.
Since carmakers designed both SUVs and minivans to be family-friendly vehicles, they usually come equipped with the most up-to-date safety technology. Features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance systems help give parents the peace of mind they need when hauling around their most precious cargo.
Both types of vehicles also tend to have decent driving performance and handling, and they typically have similar fuel economy and other costs.
So, if SUVs and minivans are that similar, how on earth does a mom decide between them? Read on to understand the differences and nuances of each vehicle type.
Minivan
Ask any mom the difference between an SUV and a minivan, and I guarantee the first thing she’ll say is something about looks. Let’s just address the elephant in the room and get it out of the way: Minivans do not look sleek or sexy.
There’s a major stigma that still exists around minivans, and I know this because I talk to moms weekly about it. It’s not unusual for me to hear a mom say, “You couldn’t pay me to drive a minivan,” which I think has to do with the cool factor (or lack thereof) that comes with driving a perceived mom-mobile. My response is always the same: “I totally get it, but trust me when I tell you that one day behind the wheel of a minivan will COMPLETELY change your mind.”
Minivans are sounding pretty good right about now. So why wouldn’t you get one? We’ll tell you about the cons — read on.
TIP: Almost every minivan on the market is going through changes over the next couple of years. When a new model comes out, that’s a great time to look at the previous generation, as dealers are typically more willing to discount older models.
But be aware: Minivans are literally the hottest-selling vehicles in America at the moment, so finding available inventory could be a challenge. Have patience, and start looking long before you actually need that new car.
SUV
Despite minivans’ moment in the spotlight, more SUVs get bought in this country than cars and trucks combined. Moms are responsible for a large portion of those SUV sales.
If you have a smaller family (maybe just one or two kiddos), you might not need all that extra minivan square footage. A compact or midsize SUV could be the perfect fit for those families.
Alternatively, if you haul a huge crew, several full-size SUV options could offer up even more space than a minivan. And if aesthetics are non-negotiable for you, you’ll likely gravitate toward the overall sportier, sleeker look of an SUV.
TIP: My number one piece of car shopping advice to parents with two or more small children in car seats is to avoid the second-row bench at all costs! Wait until at least one child is in a booster seat to go for the bench.
Overall, SUVs offer a much wider scope of changes than minivans over the next couple of years. That means there will be many more older models with better deals to choose from. And SUVs tend to see technological advancements sooner than minivans, so if having the latest and greatest tech is important to you, or if you have off-road or towing needs, a 3-row SUV is probably your best bet.
SUV vs. Minivan: The Results
The bottom line? As a parent, you really can’t go wrong with either a minivan or an SUV. You’ll have plenty of space for kids and cargo, not to mention endless cup holders for mommy’s daily caffeine fix. It all comes down to budget, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and priorities. As you narrow down your choices, I highly recommend asking for an extended test drive to see how the car in question works for your daily life.
Install your car seats, park it in your garage, let your kids jump in and out … see how it feels to live with the car for a few hours, and you’ll quickly learn whether or not it’s right for your family.
