Minivans vs. SUVs – Which Is Best?
The line between minivans and SUVs has blurred for years. Today, SUVs and subcategories like crossovers are the hottest-selling body style in the US. At the same time, minivans have slowly grown in popularity thanks to the #VanLife crowd and the added cargo space. So, do you need an SUV or a minivan? Here’s our take!
SUVs and Minivans By-the-Numbers
SUVs surpassed sedans as the top-selling body style in the US in 2015. Minivans have often comprised less than 10% of all vehicles on the road, even as SUVs have steadily gained popularity since the category was more clearly delineated in 2004.
Some of the most popular SUV models include:
Honda CR-V
Nissan Rogue
Toyota RAV-4
Ford Escape
Subaru Forester
Major manufacturers like Ford and Chevy have focused almost entirely on SUVs in the past decade, eschewing a dedicated minivan option altogether. That’s left the minivan market dominated by models you’ve certainly seen on the roads, such as:
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
Dodge Caravan
Chrysler Town and Country
Chrysler replaced the Town and Country model with an updated model named Pacifica. Interestingly, the Pacifica badge used to don the brand’s SUV crossover. Chrysler used model recognition to pull consumers toward the bigger body.
Related: How to Buy a Used Car
What is a Minivan?
With the line between a minivan and an SUV so close, what classifies as a minivan? The best definition might be any vehicle built on a small car chassis, side sliding doors, a hinged rear door, and three rows of seating with room for 8-9 people.
Minivans often have two captain chairs in the mid-row with a bench-style third-row seat. Today, most minivans also boast some kind of stow-and-go seating that makes it easy to fold all seats down for a flat and cavernous cargo space.
What is an SUV?
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. They are larger than sedans or station wagons and sit much higher than other cars. This additional ground clearance fives them more versatility as an off-road or winter-weather vehicle. Most SUVs have two rows of seating, with a driver and passenger seat paired with a second-row bench seat.
SUVs do not have as much cargo room as a minivan, but they can certainly do plenty of hauling. They are also powerful enough to tow lighter loads like smaller campers and boats.
SUVs vs. Minivans
If you’re on the fence about purchasing a new or used minivan or SUV, the decision might come down to a few key factors. If you’re checking out a used car, minivan or SUV, stop by Garfield on your test drive, and we’ll look it over!
Minivan vs. SUV: Price
New minivans are more competitively priced than SUVs, with the cheapest options coming in at around $27,000. SUVs tend to start at $30,000 or more. If you’re buying used, SUVs tend to be more expensive because they hold their resale value. However, minivan prices have jumped since the pandemic and continue to be in high demand, which can increase resale prices in some parts of the country.
Winner: Split decision!
Safety
Minivans have a higher average safety score than SUVs, but it’s a narrow margin. Minivans average 9.7 out of 10, while SUVs average 9.53. It’s worth noting that there are many, many more SUV models available on the market, with several models scoring above the minivan average and certainly plenty more scoring under 9. Be sure to investigate the safety rating of the specific model you’re interested in, no matter which body style suits you.
Winner: Minivan by a hair
Comfort
We're giving this to minivans due to their purpose-built captain’s seats and third-row seating. The additional space means more comfort, more technology and, yes, more cupholders. SUVs are certainly cozy, with special nods to the Honda CR-V, which boasts excellent leg and headroom for an SUV.
Winner: Minivan
Cargo Space
This one goes to minvans and it’s not close. As US News describes them, “Minivans are essentially large tubes on wheels,” and while that’s not praise Ferrari would be happy with, van owners appreciate it.
Only massive and often gas-guzzling SUVs like the Chevy Suburban can match a minivan’s cargo capacity, which usually totals more than 140 cubic feet. Just as important, however, is ride height. An SUV sits much higher than a minivan, making loading and unloading cargo slightly less convenient.
Winner: Minivan
Off-Road and Bad Weather
Few SUVs actually put in meaningful miles off-road, but if you do need to take a sandy two-track, SUVs boast exceptional ground clearance. Most SUVs have all-wheel drive, making them perfect for Northern Michigan winters. Only two minivan models offer AWD, the Sienna and Pacifica, but the option adds quite a bit of expense to your bill.
Winner: SUV
Towing
SUVs have higher towing ratings than minivans. Even the most powerful minivans can safely tow 4,000 pounds or less, while SUVs are rated to pull double that. Make sure you get into the specific recommendations for the model you’re looking at to ensure it’ll meet your towing needs.
Winner: SUV
Cost of Ownership/Reliability
SUVs average a higher reliability rating, according to JD Power. There is a bit of an asterisk, however. The comparatively few minivan models’ average rating is dragged down by one underperforming. The Pacifica scores a 63, well behind the Odyssey (77) and Sienna (74). Still, SUVs take the win, especially if you’re buying used.
Winner: SUV
Should I Get A Minivan?
There are plenty of great things about buying a minivan, even if they still have a “not so cool” stigma. You should consider a minivan if:
You’re hauling people (kids!) and not boats
You need to haul cargo out of the elements
You like creature comforts and technology
Do I Need an SUV?
SUVs are the most popular body style in the US for good reason. With so many options, you’ll be able to find the right make, model and options you want and get a do-it-all-vehicle with a lower total cost of ownership than vans or trucks. You should consider buying an SUV if:
You need to tow anything over 4,000 pounds
You drive in snow and ice, particularly on less-traveled roads
You don’t need lots of cargo space
Whatever You Drive, Keep It Running with Garfield
No matter what you drive, Garfield Auto can help you keep it on the road. Our family-owned garage has kept Traverse City and drivers across Northern Michigan moving for more than 40 years with friendly, reliable service you can count on. Stop in and see us or schedule your appointment today.