How to decide if you should get a minivan or SUV for your family

Key Takeaways

• Both SUVs and minivans provide family-friendly driving options, so you’ll need to consider your family's needs like budget, how many passengers you have, cargo requirements, and lifestyle, before deciding what’s right for you.
• The minivan is ideal for families that want to prioritize space, comfort, functionality, and fuel efficiency.
• SUVs are ideal for families that value style, versatility, a higher driving position, and off-road capabilities.

When you're a parent, you have a lot of stuff to transport. From car seats , strollers , and diaper bags , to groceries and Target bags.

But should you invest in an SUV or a minivan to haul your kiddos (and everything that comes with them) around? The truth is, it depends. I personally drive a minivan. But as a mechanical engineer and auto tester who has test driven hundreds of cars over the past 15+ years, I understand choosing the right car is a big decision, and that every family has their own unique set of must-haves. I talked with Eddie Alterman , co-host of the Car and Driver’s Into Cars podcast, to help us weigh the benefits and disadvantages of both the minivan and an SUV, so you can find what works best for you and your family.

Pros of an SUV

It's no secret that family SUVs are often sleeker, plus there are a lot more SUV options to choose from. Here's more on what makes SUVs stand out when it comes to investing in one as your family's mode of transportation:

• There's a lot of variety . While “minivans used to be the dominant family car, there are only a few models left for sale on the US market today,” says Alterman, but as far as SUVs go, there are hundreds. From compact crossovers to full-size behemoths, there is an SUV for every family, not to mention SUVs come at a variety of price points, too.

• They can handle bumpy roads: SUVs sit higher up off the ground than regular cars and vans. This means they can go over bumps and dips more easily, and they're less likely to get stuck. Many SUVs have all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options that help their wheels grip the road better in slippery conditions, like rain, snow, or mud. This can be helpful if you live somewhere with rough winters or rainy summers.

• Better visibility: Because SUVs sit higher off the ground, it means you'll be sitting higher up on the road, too. Sitting up higher makes many parents feel safer since you're able to see more of the road around you.

• They're super safe: Parents love SUVs because they extremely safe, according to the top safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Always check your specific make and model to see the NHTSA’s latest safety ratings and IIHS’s top crash safety picks to see how your options stack up in crash tests.

• You can try your hand at towing: A lot of larger SUVs have the ability to tow 7,000 pounds or more, which make them a great pick if your family takes camping trips and needs to haul trailers, boats, or campers regularly.

• They tend to hold their value: You know that saying, "as soon as you drive your car off the lot it depreciates in value?" Well, that is true for all cars, but SUVs happen to hold onto more of their value over time than minivans, says Alternman, meaning that when you're ready to trade it in or sell it, you'll get more for an SUV than you would for a van.

Cons of an SUV

Although there is a lot to love about SUVs, there are some drawbacks to consider if you're in the market for a new family car:

• They have thirsty engines: Gas prices can add up quickly and while bigger SUVs might be tempting, they tend to guzzle more gas. Thankfully, lots of SUVs now come in hybrid or plug-in hybrid models, though, which can be easier on your wallet at the pump.

• The third-rows are often a squeeze: While some SUVs offer third-row seating, space in the third row is pretty limited, meaning you technically could put a car seat back there, but installing it and getting your child in and out may be difficult. And if you have a younger child that you might need to sit by from time to time, it will definitely be tight, depending on the SUV.

• Cargo areas can also be tight: The shape of cargo areas for SUVs are usually less versatile than they are in minivans, which means you'll need to get creative when you're loading up those strollers and suitcases. An SUV either has cabin seats or a bench in the second row, but regardless, says Alterman, the seats traditionally can't be moved around or removed as easily as with a minivan.

Pros of a minivan

Whether it's a double stroller, massive Costco-size box of diapers and wipes, suitcases to go on vacation, or all of the above, there's no denying that minivans can  handle it all, thanks to their spacious interiors. The boxy shape means there’s a ton of space inside for all of your family’s adventures and necessities . Here are some of the top pros of having a minivan:

• They're also very safe: Like SUVs, minivans have some of the highest safety ratings overall. As with SUVs (or any car for that matter), you'll always want to check your specific make and model to see how they performed in both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests.

• You can't beat the amount of space they have: Minivans reign supreme in passenger and cargo space. All minivans have clever approaches to maximizing their back cargo spaces, thanks to their boxy design and foldable, movable or wholly removable seats, Alterman says. “The Chrysler Pacifica seats can fold into the floor, the Honda Odyssey lets you move the seats around, the Kia Carnival has an option for VIP-type lounge seats for more comfort, and the captain’s chairs of the Toyota Sienna can slide to extend the cargo space.” This makes it easy to change up your car's passenger configuration, depending on how many car seats or people you have with you.

• They can accommodate lots of people: In minivans, you can seat seven to eight people because there is lots of legroom and headroom in all three rows. That means that even you, as the parent, could squeeze in the back with your newborn in their car seat if needed. (Although it might be more of a struggle for larger-framed adults.)

• Price: Minivans often win on affordability. They are traditionally less than SUVs, making them a money-conscious option for families.

• They come with a lot of family-friendly features: If you opt for a higher end minivan model, they'll often come loaded with things like built-in vacuum cleaners, sunshades for your babies and toddlers in the backseats, and TVs to keep your older kids (or yourself!) entertained on long journeys. While not completely necessary, having these items at the ready definitely makes your life much easier as a parent! A vacuum, for example, makes it so much easier to clean up those car seat crumbs your toddler will inevitably leave behind.

• They're much more fuel efficient: While both minivans and SUVs offer a range of fuel-efficient options, minivans typically offer better gas mileage than comparable SUVs, saving you money at the pump.

• Sliding doors: Minivans are unique in that they are the only vehicles to have sliding doors – and many times, automatic doors. That means, you don't have to set down your baby's car seat, dig out your keys, and hold your toddler by the hand each and every time you need to get in.

Cons of a minivan

Although minivans are super convenient, just like SUVs, they also have some downsides to consider:

• Some people have a negative association with minivans: Their design isn't always the most attractive one on the lot, and that deters some parents from committing to the minivan life. There are, however, many sleeker options than there have been in the past and typically for parents, function reigns over looks.

• They sit lower to the ground: Minivans have less ground clearance than SUVs, making them not quite as good at handling challenging terrains, like driving up mountains or down dirt roads. Being lower to the ground might also feel less secure for some drivers, compared to an SUV.

Things to consider when choosing between a minivan and SUV

There are lots of things to consider when deciding what type of vehicle is best for your family. SUVs and minivans are some of the safest cars on the market, so you can feel good about purchasing either one of these vehicles when it comes to protecting your family as much as you can on the road. But to help you determine the best fit for your crew’s lifestyle, here are some other things to think about:

• How will the car be used most often? If you do a lot of highway driving, you may find that steering, breaking, acceleration, and of course comfort, are all important to you for those long journeys. Test driving both minivans and SUVs can help you decide which offers a more enjoyable driving experience on the type of road you'll be on most often. If you're heading through snow and ice during the winter months, an SUV can be helpful. If you're doing a lot of city driving, a minivan might be good.

• Do you need a third row? If you rarely need a third row, a larger SUV might offer more cargo space with the seats folded down. However, if you frequently use all three rows, a minivan's dedicated third-row seating with easier access might be more practical.

• What other things are important to you? Do you travel frequently? Do you have a pet ? Do you plan on expanding your family ? These are all questions you’ll want to consider when factoring in the above criteria – and when test driving vehicles. If you have one or two kids and aren't planning to have anymore, an SUV is likely going to be just fine. If you have a few pets that'll need a spot to sit, the cargo space in a minivan may be a good bet.

So which car ultimately wins? The best choice depends on your family's unique needs and lifestyle, and what criteria matters most to you. For families who value a sleek, adventurous option, an SUV might be a better fit. If practicality and functionality reign supreme, a minivan won't disappoint.

When it comes down to it, both minivans and SUVs offer a lot of family-friendly features, like rear entertainment systems in some models and loads of technology safety assists like lane-departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance systems. That’s why it's important to consider your budget, how much space you need, where and how you drive, and which features are most important. The biggest piece of advice is to make sure to go for a test drive to see which feels most comfortable and suits your driving style, says Alterman. The perfect car is the one that keeps your family safe, happy, and ready for all your adventures together.