Buying a new car is one of the more difficult decisions in life, especially if you have kids. Most people are stuck between two choices, a minivan or SUV. If you are in the same dilemma, our comparison between the minivan and SUV will help you make the right decision.
Why is the Minivan Right for Your Family?
Minivans are more spacious than SUVs. They can easily seat seven to eight people comfortably and even the passengers sitting in the third-row feel comfortable. Minivans offer different seating options and the second- and third-row seats can be folded flat to make more room for cargo. This concept is ideal for small families which do not require much space for passengers. Also, sliding doors make minivans unique and make entry and exit out of the car much easier than a car with traditional doors. Since the sliding doors open wide, it is easier to load and unload cargo as well. Minivans have a lower ground clearance that ensures even young kids can get in and out of the car without an adult’s help. Minivans offer good gas mileage too which is another plus point.
However, there are some negative aspects of a minivan that you need to consider. Minivans are more expensive than normal cars. There are not many minivan models available and you are limited by choice. It will be hard to find a minivan with an all-wheel drive system which means you cannot drive it on rugged terrain. One of the drawbacks of the minivan is you will find also find it difficult to reach your kids seated in the second- or third-row.
Why is the SUV Right for Your Family?
Most SUVs are bigger than minivans which means they can also seat six to seven passengers comfortably. One thing that comes to mind when you think of an SUV is power and ruggedness. Most SUVs have a four-wheel drive system that ensures you can easily drive the car on rugged train or take the hilly roads with confidence. Just like minivans, SUVs also have third-row seating and you can fold both rows of seats flat to accommodate more luggage. The third-row seat in most SUV models is quite comfortable. Many SUVs have a second-row sliding seat which means you can pull the second-row seat toward the front seats. This concept is useful if you want to help your kids with something during the journey.
You have plenty of options in SUVs and you have the option of all-wheel drive in the majority of models. Depending on your needs, you can buy an SUV that runs on gasoline or diesel which is not an option in a minivan. Since the SUV is heavy, it can also brave rough weather. The higher ground clearance ensures there is less risk of the undercarriage being damaged by rough surfaces.
Some of the drawbacks of the SUV are that they are less fuel-efficient due to their heavier frame. One of the drawbacks of the higher ground clearance is that it leads to a higher center of gravity that may translate into poor handling and performance.
