SUVs Vs. Minivans: Which to Choose? | Indy Auto Man, Indianapolis

There are many family vehicles on the Indiana market to choose from. But the choice usually comes down to full-size three-row SUVs of all shapes and sizes and the American family icon – minivans. Each type has pros and cons, so selecting the right car for your family depends on your priorities. Let’s focus on the differences between SUVs and minivans to define their benefits.

SUVs vs. minivans: key advantages and disadvantages

SUVs and minivans are built on platforms that have little in common. SUVs are the heirs of cargo pickups: automakers took the frame of a light truck and put on it a closed body with additional rows of seats.

Although progress does not stand still, modern SUVs retain the habits of their clumsy ancestors. This includes a frame design, power plants, high cross-country ability, and impressive size.

Thanks to their dimensions, SUVs can accommodate a lot of cargo and up to 8-9 passengers. However, these vehicles may also have difficulties with parking, stiff handling, and low braking efficiency.

Minivans are free of these problems since they are built on a passenger car platform. Most models you can buy in Indiana have front-wheel drive, although some minivans, like the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna, may have AWD. Smaller dimensions than those of SUVs provide better handling and braking as well as making parking easier. Traveling in a minivan feels close to driving a passenger car. However, having received fuel savings, you have to resign with a less powerful engine.

What the minivans and SUVs have in common is that both types of vehicles have a scattering of electronic assistants and active safety systems.

Minivans: Key Features

A minivan, unlike crossovers and SUVs, is an exclusively utilitarian vehicle.

Types of minivans

The key features that make minivans ideal for families are as follows:

Interior size and body design

Engineers have significantly enhanced the interior space of the minivan by removing the hood and extending the body as far forward as possible, surpassing any SUV or crossover—no matter how large, including three-row models like the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition.

You can easily confirm this by folding down the second and third rows of seats. In the Suburban, this yields 120 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Chrysler Pacifica minivan offers 140 cubic feet. Notably, the Pacifica is about 20 inches shorter than the Chevy.

Minivans often provide more legroom, particularly in the third row, compared to the largest SUVs.

Moreover, modern minivans are increasingly resembling crossovers and SUVs. Take the Kia Carnival, for instance. The manufacturer markets it as a multi-purpose vehicle, but its rectangular shape resembles an elongated crossover (it shares the same platform as the Kia Sorento SUV).

Fuel efficiency of minivans compared to SUVs

Minivans are generally more fuel-efficient and compact compared to SUVs, while also offering more passenger capacity than full-size SUV models. Their fuel economy rates are similar to those of mid-size crossovers.

The hybrid FWD Toyota Sienna boasts an impressively high fuel efficiency of 36 mpg. Meanwhile, the Chrysler Pacifica, available as a plug-in hybrid, consumes up to 30 mpg and can travel an additional 30 miles on electric power alone.

Even standard gasoline V6 engines found in models from Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Chrysler are more economical than those typically used in traditional SUVs. For instance, the Honda Odyssey has a highway fuel efficiency of 28 mpg.

Sliding passenger doors

One significant advantage of minivans is their sliding rear doors, which are not found on crossovers or large SUVs. These doors provide a wider opening, making it easier to load cargo and assist passengers in getting in and out—especially in tight parking lots.

Many popular minivans for sale feature seats that can be folded down or removed completely. For example, Chrysler's Stow and Go system allows seats to fold into the floor, making it easier to transport larger items.

Additionally, numerous minivans come equipped with power rear doors that can be operated from the driver's seat at the touch of a button, adding convenience and flexibility of usage.

Unique features

The best minivan models include features specifically designed for families, some unique within their class.

For instance, both Honda and Chrysler offer built-in vacuum cleaners, while the Toyota Sienna features an intercom system that facilitates easy communication between the driver and rear passengers.

Most minivans come equipped with entertainment systems for rear passengers, and Chrysler even includes games and educational apps for children.

Typically, minivans provide more seating options than three-row SUVs, with versatile seating arrangements that can be folded, turned around, or removed altogether.

For example, the second-row seats in the Kia Carnival can rotate 180 degrees, and the center seat can fold down to create a table or be completely removed.

Price: are minivans cheaper than SUVs?

SUVs are usually significantly more expensive than minivans, especially when they are new; SUV prices start at $50,000. To spend the same amount on a new minivan, you'll have to stuff it with a bunch of extras or equip it with an exclusive body kit since the cost of a minivan in the US starts at $30,000.

Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey are more expensive, but even with all the bells and whistles, these vans will cost less than $50,000.

Compare prices on SUVs and minivans in Indianapolis car lot.

Why SUVs are better than minivans: key features

A minivan excels in practicality, but if you buy an SUV, you get capabilities that a minivan cannot match. An SUV is just a different family vehicle designed primarily for navigating rough terrain and transporting cargo.

Towing capabilities

Minivans are not equipped to tow your boat or camper. If you need to transport a 2-ton load, an SUV is essential. The robust frame and powerful V8 engines are indispensable for such tasks.

Models like the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada can effortlessly tow between 2.5 and 4 tons.

Check the list of the best SUVs for towing

Even smaller and more popular SUVs, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, outperform any minivan in this regard. For instance, the Dodge Durango can tow up to 3.9 tons, while the Grand Cherokee has a capacity of 3.2 tons. The Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder can handle loads up to 2.7 tons.

Engine power

Best SUV brands offer a diverse range of powertrains.

Standard models often feature turbocharged four-cylinder engines, like those found in the Ford Explorer. Other options include V8 engines in the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, as well as a twin-turbo V6 in the high-performance Ford Expedition.

Some SUVs are rivaling sports cars in speed. A prime example is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, boasting a formidable 707-horsepower engine.

Just below that is the 475-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT, while the midsize Ford Explorer in ST trim delivers a robust 400 horsepower.

Trims

Similar to minivans, many three-row SUVs in higher trim levels come equipped with second-row captain's chairs. These seats enhance comfort and also facilitate easier access to the third row. Notable examples include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Telluride.

All-Wheel Drive as the main advantage of SUVs over minivans

Drive is the main advantage of SUVs over minivans

Full-size SUVs are well-regarded for their off-road capabilities. All-wheel drive significantly improves performance on unpaved surfaces, making an SUV a necessity for those living in rural areas.

Models like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler are robust vehicles that excel on the toughest terrains. While larger SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe may not be suited for extreme off-roading, they provide a comfortable ride on rough dirt roads.

In wet or muddy conditions, even a basic SUV model with decent ground clearance outperforms a minivan.

All-electric options: minivans vs. crossovers

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stands out as an electrified minivan, being a plug-in hybrid. However, if you’re seeking electric options among SUVs, you have a wealth of choices including the Kia EV6, Tesla Model X, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The selection of electric SUVs continues to expand.

Luxury appeal of SUVs

If you're searching for something distinctive among minivans, you might consider an upgraded Sienna or Pacifica priced at $50,000 and above. While these are excellent vehicles, true luxury lies in the realm of SUVs.

For a taste of opulence, look no further than models like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and GLS-Class, and Tesla Model X. The pinnacle of luxury SUVs includes the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus, offering an impressive range of high-end options.

Should I get an SUV or minivan?

If you need to tow something, you value luxury in the cabin and a powerful engine under the hood - take an SUV. Until there is a minivan capable of towing at least 3-4 tons and producing 700 hp, an SUV is irreplaceable. Add here the charisma, which is so lacking in plump minivans.

Nevertheless, there is no doubt that a minivan is more suitable for the role of a family car to maneuver on the busy city streets, like in Indianapolis. It is convenient and easy to live with.

Visit Indy Auto Man in Indianapolis with the whole family to feel the difference between SUVs and minivans. On our car lot, you will find numerous models from both segments and a wealth of options for the most advantageous deal, including trade-in and financing offers.