7 passenger SUV vs. Minivan (vehicles, 2010, sedan, truck)

[NJGOAT]

Originally Posted by POS VETT

A slightly different concept.

Why not stick with a mid- to full-sized car ? Smaller, lighter, better fuel economy, and better performance compared to even the best minivan.

A friend of mine with 3 kids (two are in car seats) transports his family around in a Honda Fit. His Honda Odyssey has been scarcely driven for nearly a couple of years now.

I agree if you can do it. I can fit all three kids (two car seats and a booster) in my Malibu. It's tight, but definitely doable. The only thing that sucks is that you just aren't taking anyone else with you. My wife had an Avalanche and it was certainly roomier, but same issue that we couldn't fit more than ourselves and the kids.

Many times we ended up having to take two cars to go somewhere with the grandparents and it was always a hassle, especially if it was just one grandparent coming along. That's why we ultimately went minivan (ditched the Avalanche), but bought used and cheap. It spends about 5 days a week sitting in the driveway and is really only used on the weekends.

Anyone considering this kind of purchase really needs to think about how often they are going to need that kind of capacity and whether the trade off of fuel mileage is really worth it for everyday use, just so you can pile 7 people in it every couple months.

[M3 Mitch]

If the need to carry 7 people is only occasional, it might make more sense to buy something like a Fit for day to day use, and rent a mini-van on the occasions you actually need 7 seats.

Depending on how often you need the extra room, this may or may not make sense - if it's a couple of times a year, renting makes sense, if it's a couple of times a month, probably need to buy.

[destiny826]

I'm debating between a Toyota Sieanna, Mazda cx-9, Honda CRV and maybe Subaru Outback. What's good for me? with two young kids?

[Zachj7]

are you a mom or a dad?

[NJGOAT]

If you are planning on having any more kids within say the next 5 years, than I would say it's a slam dunk for the minivan. If you know you are done having kids, then any of them would work. I'm personally partial to the Outback out of the SUV's you mentioned. However, you did specifically state 7-passenger seating and out of all the SUV's you listed, only the CX-9 offers it. Although having been in one I think the 3rd row seat is more of a marketing gimmick as it's small and kind of hard to get to.

So...

More kids in the near future = Sienna

No more kids and need occasional 7 passenger seating = CX-9

If none of the above applies, I would say it's a toss up between the Outback and CRV and would be based on personal preference. I would personally give the nod to the Outback.

[GreggT]

Well the nice thing about our Sienna is that it can double as a pick-up, the back seats fold in, the middle seats flip up and you can haul 4' X 8' sheets of plywood or what ever else you wish to stick in. We have moved our youngest daughter several times with it. In about three minutes or less it can be converted back to 7 passenger.
It does have a modest tow capacity, 3000 lbs.

[NY'er lost in MA]

We have a Honda Pilot (with 3rd row) and had thought it would be adequate for our growing family.

Now we are looking into the new Odyssey for a number of reasons. Primarily- getting the kiddos in/out of their car seats. With the Pilot (and most mid-large SUVs) they have a much higher ground clearance presumably for the off road driving we all do

Because of the high stance you have to lift your child then duck and twist to get them into the car seat. I call this the tuck & twist which equates to a sore back for Mommy & Daddy!

Minivans don't have the same accessibility issues because as others pointed out- they are designed for easy access to the rear seats.

What I like most about the Odyssey is the amount of seating configurations. The middle (2nd row) can pull forward closer to the passenger and also be removed. I believe that flexibility is worth it!

Not that you'd need to do this often, but you can also fit a full sheet of plywood in an Odyssey.

I really like our Pilot but the fuel economy is not great at all and I like the Odyssey's flexibility and interior more! Who cares what it looks like- I care what the inside is like more than what others think!

[trlhiker]

There is no need to buy a 7 passenger vehicle when there are only 4 of you. With gas prices going up, I would be looking at a small cuv or suv.

[Everest209]

Originally Posted by texdav

What yuo are sayig yourself is hsould you get what you think is the best vehcile or buy into a status as you see it.

Rough night? Or typing upside down?

[Gnutella]

Advantages a minivan has over an SUV

1. Better fuel economy
2. Better driving dynamics
3. More cargo room
4. More passenger room

Advantages an SUV has over a minivan

1. Higher towing capacity
2. Better image

Power is a wash. Minivan engines aren't underpowered anymore, and any advantages an SUV engine might have are negated by their extra weight.