Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I'm torn between the two. I love the idea of a big minivan for storage, seating, and the sliding doors. But I love the look of SUVs better.

My DH says that mileage and performace is virtually the same for the SUVs/minivans I would want to look at.

We will have two kids in March and I don't forsee any other children (if at all) until at least 2013 or 2014 so that is not a factor.

What would you get?

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

SUV because I HATE minivans with a passion.we have another baby on the way and DH wants a minivan, we have an SUV now.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

We have an SUV and a Sedan right now and want to keep it that way, but honestly I feel like in the future with more kids the mini van might be inevitable!

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I personally am not a minivan person, I cannot see myself in one ever...we have an SUV now that will handle two kids fine and a sedan...I use the SUV mainly...

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I cannot believe I am going to say this....

Minivan.

I was so upset and felt like such a dork when I HAD to get a mini-van in October. I could never see myelf driving one and put up quite a fight when DH decided it would be best for us. I still think its GROTESQUE on the outside, but man I love the room on the inside. We've only rented a regular size (not 3 row) SUV before when in Disney, but IMO it does NOT compare to the space inside a mini-van.

ETA: Some SUVs dont fit three carseats in the back row. If you are not planning on anymore kids after 2, then an SUV might be ok, but it was not an option for us, and three row SUVs were either way too much money, or the cheaper ones had no storage space.

Message edited 12/30/2009 10:23:27 AM.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

We have an SUV and I love it. DH also just bought a sedan and that is fine as well. The only plus I see to the minivans is the fact that you can press a button and the trunk/doors open. That might be really nice to have with two little ones.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

Sorry I quoted myself instead of editing

Message edited 12/30/2009 10:21:19 AM.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

SUV. Minivans are just soooo bigggg.

We're looking at the Toyota Highlander which seems to be plenty spacious!

It has reconfigurable second row seating plus third row seating and drives really well.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

Personally an SUV is enough room for us. I might reconsider that if we had a lot of kids, but with just one right now, we are doing ok!

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

SUV, hate minivans.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

i LOVE my minivan!!! It's so convinent and comfortable. I had a Rogue before this and loved it, but it didnt even work for us with 1 kid, nevermind if we wanted more. We also take alot of road trips, so most SUVs wouldnt have really fit all of our needs. I dont really know why people have this stigma about minivans- i always kind of laugh to myself when my friends mention how they couldnt be 'minivan moms' when they already drive SUVs- its the same image, imo.. the suv doesn't look any cooler

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

SUV - I'm a vain b*tch and don't want to EVER drive a minivan - There, I admitted it !!

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I was also anti-minivan but going from a Jeep Commander to a Honda Odyssey, I cant believe I ever lived without a minivan. Honestly, I never realized how much stress NOT having one was causing me. It was the best car decision we have ever made plus the thing drives/handles better than any suv I have ever owned and has ridiculously cool features.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I have the Escalade ESV and it works well for us. We really needed a car with a big cargo space since I have two double strollers and all the crap we have to bring if we travel or go to someone's house. The 3rd row is mostly kept down so we don't really use it and if we ever had another baby it would not be accessible to put a carseat there as you have to climb between the two captains chairs in the 2nd row. In your situation-I would go for the SUV now and down the road your DH can always take that and you get a minivan if you have another

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I don't think anyone can argue with the fact that SUVs just look nicer; I doubt anyone yearns to drive a minivan. However, FINALLY, my DH has decided to let go of the '97 Corolla with no side view mirror, no brakes and no valid inspection....

We will 95% likely be getting a minivan. The sole reason for this is that we plan on having another baby and I don't think you can really compare the 3rd row in a minivan to a 3rd row in an SUV. I salivate over the idea of pressing a button, having the doors slide open and we all walk right in. And gosh darn it, I'm confident with my own personal appearance and my role as a parent to drive the mom-mobile!! Plus, I feel the Sienna looks pretty nice as minivans go!

Trust me though, once I am through with little children, I'll definitely be losing the minivan...which by the rate my DH moves will be hmmmm...2023.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I would PREFER an SUV but we will be getting the mom van when my lease is up

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

Step Away From the MINIVAN!!!! Or you will jeopardize our friendship!!!!!!

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

We got a minivan when I was still pregnant with my first child. I never really saw myself driving a minivan, but the offer was phenomenal and I knew we'd have more kids one day. We take a LOT of road trips, and I could never imagine myself taking long road trips with kids without an minivan.

Even with just DD now, I NEVER have to worry about if I have enough room to pack all of our things. Esp. when she was a baby, I could bring the PNP, bouncy, strollers, toys, lots of suitcases, and never, ever have had to worry about not having enough room.

Plus, it's super easy to climb into the back to sit next to DD in the captain's chairs if she gets cranky on our roadtrips, or I need something from a cooler or a bag, etc.

Plus, ours has the Stow & Go seats, which we have used more times than I can count...and the remote-open doors on BOTH sides and the trunk...I can click those bad boys open while I'm still in the house if it's raining or we're shopping, and I can just plop DD in, no waiting to unlock, then slide open the doors.

So, I'm now a minivan-happy mom

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

SUV....I'll show you the one we got when I see you next. You can take it out for a test drive and check the rear storage.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

While I definitely LOVE a minivan (Toyota Sienns to be exact) I still love an SUV for 4WD.

We do a lot of beach driving, so for us it's more practical to stick with an SUV

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I never ever thought I'd drive a minivan; I was all about SUV's (DH too). Well when prego w/ DS, we crossed over. I now LOVE our minivan. It is SO EASY putting both kids in/out (you don't have to reach up & in like in the SUV) & the auto doors are excellent; as is the DVD players & the stow & go seats. There is more than enough room & storage & even sitting in the way back is comfortable. Ours also has the sun shades on all the windows; heated seats & every luxury you can think of. I am now a minivan convert.

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

I should probably also admit that I'm still uncomfortable drivign the SUV b/c I think it's ginormous - and much prefer my crappy little Jetta !!

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

SUV or Crossover!

(the only + that I see to a minvan is the sliding doors ... )

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?

LB, get a minivan and then I will make fun of you incessantly!

Re: Which would you prefer - a minivan or an SUV?