Which is better - a Minivan or a SUV - for a 4 kid family
We have 3 kids and are currently managing fitting them in an Accord (Mom) and a Civic (Dad). The civic is tight but most of the time it's one parent with the kids in that one.
We recently found out number 4 is on the way and the great debate over Minivan or SUV has arisen again. We have a few months to battle but I (Dad) want the Minivan and Mom wants the Pilot.
What are some obvious and not so obvious pros and cons of each?
Are there any reasoning to convince my wife that the van is preferable or am I off base?
Are there any other options for a third row seat other than van or SUV?
Ages are 12, 7, 1.5, -6 months. And no scientific possibility for anymore. :/
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Although this is somewhat opinion-based as there are both minivans and SUVs which fit the bill, the advantages of the minivan over the SUV are:
they are purpose built people carriers so they have features like sliding doors and removable and re-configurable seats that SUVs don't have, or at least not to the same level
they are generally cheaper to own, operate, and insure
they tend to take less space than SUVs which can take the same number of people, so are easier to park. Not that they aren't big, just not quite as big as SUVs
Getting small children into and out of them is going to be easier
Lower centre of gravity makes it easier to avoid accidents/rollovers
SUV advantages over minivans:
More rugged
4 wheel drive allows for off-road capability and better traction in snow and ice
So which one to get depends on where you live, and whether you need the traction or off-road capabilities. If it's just because SUVs have a higher driving height then be sensible and get a minivan. You're going to have 4 kids, cool cars are out for you for the next 18 years.
Personally for us a van worked much better for our family. It is more roomy and was great to go on vacation. My kids were able to have plenty of space so their wasn't as much fighting.
We had both an Odyssey and a Pilot at the same time. I have to say, the Pilot was my dream car, but the back seat was only functional, i.e. not comfortable for long trips. Also, less room for said long trips. But the 4WD in the winter, the towing capacity, the visibility, etc., are a lovely memory.
The Odyssey was a much more comfortable car to travel distances in, and the extra length made roominess a wow factor with four kids on a trip. I loved the Odyssey's versatility, cargo room, etc.
In our house, the driver got to choose. My first choice was the Odyssey. When my husband's car needed to be replaced, he took the Odyssey and I picked a Pilot (his decision, not mine.) Limiting factor with four kids is the uncomfortable rear seat.
Since your kids are young, still, and you only have one choice, I presume you'll be travelling in the vehicle you pick. We always used the Odyssey for trips - that was the preference of the entire family.
We're paying back for our extravagant cars now - both husband and I drive civics, as do all the kids.
The minivan, in my opinion (Joe), is the way to go. I agree it is not the sporty vehicle we aspire to drive but when it comes to hauling (four) kids around, it is the easiest, most convenient, comfortable way to go. I recommend the Toyota Sienna with seating for 8. It has three removable seats in the middle so you can remove any of them for the ease of travel you desire. Carseats can easily be installed in any of 6 seats and the remaining passengers are still comfortable. The SUV's typically require flipping a seat forward to allow rear seat passenger in/out. Believe me, this is annoying, difficult, and downright dangerous in some situations. The sliding doors of the minivan allow for kids to enter and exit the vehicle without the door slamming into a parked car, garage wall, or whatever else is around. I have 5 kids and 25 years of carseats, booster seats, football gear, large school project, muddy cleats, dance costumes, and more. This van also can haul a bed, dresser, desk, small refrigerator - all at the same time. Good gas mileage as well. Test drive one and you will see. Good luck.
There really is no substitute for taking the entire family, including rear-facing car seat, for test drives. Go to a crowded parking lot, park with cars on both sides, then get everyone out and back in. Think about groceries. Think about vacations. Think about if a friend or relative comes with you. Try all the seats yourself, because your 12 year-old will have adult-sized legs soon, and because you might get stuck back there yourself if you're going somewhere with grandma.
Think about what you'd do if the baby won't stop crying and you can't stop the car. Think where you'd put diaper bags and purses and back packs. Try to hold a conversation with the kids in the back seat. Try getting all the kids out on one side, like you'd do when parked on the side of a busy road. Think about getting in and out when you're not feeling your best, like say, if you're 9 months pregnant.
Those are the types of things that are going to annoy you about a vehicle after a while. If all those factors come out the same, then make a decision based on aesthetics, with the tie going to the main driver. Most likely it won't come down to that.
Family is in same dilemma we have a Traverse which is nice but with 4 kids cargo space is tight in the car and hard to have friends ride with kids.
We are now looking at the Odyssey and Siena due to 8 passenger configuration, wish the T&C had 8 seats. Wife is now coming around that the mini-van might be more practical due to extra space and room for cargo due to recess in back. Also easier to get into and out of the car due to base. So if you can get over stigma of mini-van that would be the wayto go and save $$$ due to better gas mileage and just cheaper for the room.
We did have a Pilot as well and the tightness in the rear row also was not fun for the kids stuck there on trips.
Pros for minivan over SUV that others have not pointed out:
Low clearance - easy to get on and off,
Sliding doors - will not ding the car next to you
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