Pros and Cons of Vans vs SUVs for a family

If your bustling family struggles to squeeze into your car, it may be time to seek alternate options. Because minivans and SUVs are both significantly larger than an average car, many big families seek these vehicles out specifically. The choice between the two, however, isn’t as easy as simply flipping a coin.

Like any choice between vehicles, both SUVs and minivans come with a host of pros and cons. To ease your decision-making process, we’ve outlined a few categories and explained how these two popular vehicles fit into each one. Continue reading to hear our perspective on minivans and SUVs, and you may even find yourself leaning further in one direction. 

Size

If size alone is what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll be happier with a minivan. Minivans are generally larger than SUVs, providing more legroom as well as more seats. This could come in handy if your family feels crowded in the confines of a standard-sized car.

However, an SUV’s storage configuration tends to be more helpful if you have a job or hobby that requires a lot of large supplies. Minivans are built primarily to fit several passengers, and this purpose is evident in the seating layout. SUVs are a better bet for toting around heavy boxes or big pieces of plywood, as they usually have cargo space as well as space for passengers.

Another factor to consider is that the size of a minivan can be intimidating to some drivers. SUVs have a driving style more similar to sedans, whereas minivans can feel more unfamiliar at first. Getting behind the wheel of such a large vehicle, though overwhelming, may ultimately be more rewarding if it offers the space you need.

If you’re unsure what size your family requires, we recommend test-driving both a minivan and an SUV. Take the whole family along for a spin, and you can get firsthand driving experience before committing to a purchase. 

Exterior

Appearances matter to many of us, probably more so than we even like to admit. Minivans, although large and sturdy, are not generally considered a very physically appealing vehicle. While this superficiality may be immaterial to some, it can be a total deal-breaker for other car buyers. Minivans typically have the rounded hood of any van, and they come in fewer varieties than SUVs. Minivans also carry a certain stigma, as society has pegged them as a stereotypical car for moms. 

SUVs are sleeker and, for lack of a better description, considered slightly cooler than minivans. A greater variety means buyers are more likely to find a model that suits their aesthetic preferences as well as their practical needs. At the end of the day, though, your family’s comfort is what wins out over the outside appearance of any vehicle.

Budget

As discussed above, minivans have a less-than-stellar societal reputation. In some respects, this actually works to the advantage of minivans. They are typically less pricey than SUVs, making them a more affordable option for families not keen on overspending on a flashy car.

Off-grid exploration

Minivans are native to the suburbs, and it’s evident that this is the terrain they’re built for. Though a minivan can easily transport your family to a local soccer game, SUVs are better suited to more rugged areas. Many SUVs are often sold in all-wheel or four-wheel options, making them more adept in adventuring on unpaved roads.  If you and your loved ones enjoy off-road adventures, an SUV will likely serve you better than even the greatest minivan.

Fuel-efficiency

Because both minivans and SUVs are such big vehicles, neither is particularly fuel-efficient. However, there are a few hybrid options that tip the scales in favor of SUVs. For example, the 2024 KIA Niro Hybrid as well as the 2024 KIA Sportage Hybrid are solid choices for families who want a lot of space as well as solid gas mileage.

If a vehicle's fuel efficiency is important to you, SUVs are generally a better option than minivans.

Shop Transwest

At Transwest, we strive to serve families of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for an SUV, a minivan, or another vehicle, you can rest assured that Transwest will provide something that fits your lifestyle. Find the right car today by visiting our website or stopping into a brick-and-mortar location.