Minivan or SUV?

Minivan vs. SUV: the decision has haunted families for nearly a quarter-century. Each vehicle type has its perks and drawbacks, which is why an in-depth analysis of features (both standard and optional) becomes all the more necessary when choosing the best option for you. To help make the decision a little easier, this guide breaks down the main features to consider along with the best vehicle for different types of buyer.

Both vehicles can be comparable for passenger capacity, fuel economy, and comfortability– so what are the major differences?

Minivans

Pros:

👉Cheaper on Average

Generally, minivans — especially used models — tend to cost thousands less than SUVs on average. That’s not to say minivans can’t put a bite into your wallet. Fully loaded minivans with options such as an entertainment system, heated driver’s seat, and leather can easily go toe-to-toe with SUVs on pricing. Although the average minivan costs less (at least at the base model), watch out for those expensive features that can make the price skyrocket.

Conversely, SUVs have so many more options that finding one to fit your budget is an easier venture. Although more affordable models may not have the roominess of a minivan, they can still seat seven passengers while offering many of the same interior specs. And with a vast array of engine choices, 4WD or AWD, and perhaps a clear edge in styling, budget SUVs are becoming more popular with consumers.


👉More Cargo Space

If you have to grocery shop for a big family or you’re a perennial do-it-yourself homeowner, the minivan gives you more space for everything. The generous amount of space in a minivan lies not only in the large cargo area behind the third seat but also on the lower floors, which increases the amount of cubic feet you can accommodate. And when you throw in foldable second-row and third-row seats and stow-and-go seating, you have the versatility to fit just about anything, no matter how bulky.

The proverbial icing on the cake is dual sliding doors, which allow you to place cargo just how you want it. Plus, many minivans made within the last five years come with a standard or optional power liftgate. At the touch of a button, you can open the rear even if your hands are full of groceries, home improvement supplies, or kids.

If you don’t see yourself as a minivan owner but still want loads of cargo capacity, look for the Chevy Suburban large SUV. With 144 cubic feet of cargo space, the Suburban’s capacity eclipses even the most sizable minivan — the Chrysler Pacifica. 


Cons:

👉Lower Tow Ratings (on average)

Typically, the most towing power you’ll get out of a minivan is 3,500 pounds. Conversely, the Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds, rivaling even heavy-duty trucks.

👉Fewer options

There are only a few options for minivans available for Canadian drivers right now, The Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival. Where nearly every manufacturer offers a few options for SUVs- with different specifications to meet your needs.

SUVs

Pros:
👉More choices (more models, drivetrains, and engine types available)

Sometimes, front-wheel drive or two-wheel drive just won’t cut it in the harsh Canadian winter, even with excellent winter tires. You need the rugged abilities of four-wheel drive (4WD) or the tough-weather grip of all-wheel drive (AWD). Until 2021, the Toyota Sienna was the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive when it was joined by the Chrysler Pacifica. This ushered in a new era of powertrain options for minivans, but the SUV still reigns supreme.

SUVs offer all three drivetrains on various trims, allowing you to choose between a commuter vehicle or a beast that can overcome insurmountable terrain thanks to either all AWD and 4WD. Moreover, compact, midsize, and large SUVs all tend to offer AWD or 4WD, giving you more choices for your style, needs, and budget.

Additionally, many SUVs now come with hybrid powertrains to appease the planet-saving force within you. The versatile Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers 7.8L/100km while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV boasts an all-electric range of up to 35 kilometers.

Other SUVs offer numerous gas-powered options that can provide straight-up power, more fuel efficiency, or a balance between the two. Several SUVs offer multiple powertrain options– like the Mistubishi outlander- available with a traditional Internal Combustion Engine, and a Plug-In Hybrid.


👉Better safety features on average

Every new vehicle in Canada has to go through a safety test administered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Rated on a scale from one to five stars, this rating determines how safe a vehicle is. Based on this test, SUVs and minivans — on average — tend to fare the same.

As such, the real comparison comes down to safety features. While both vehicle types offer a comprehensive array of active (via camera and radar) and passive (air bags and traction control) safety features, SUVs typically have more to offer in terms of the breadth of their advanced safety systems.


👉Better Towing capacity on average

Whether you love to go off-road or need a workhorse to tow a camper or trailer, SUVs have the advantage. Unlike minivans, automakers manufacture SUVs to come in more specialized models. For example, the Ford Explorer pairs seven seats with the capability for off-roading thanks to higher ground clearance and larger tires while the Chevrolet Suburban offers brawn and raw power behind a 6.2-liter V-8.

The real advantage that SUVs have over minivans is that nearly all of them (crossovers aside) have superior towing capabilities.


Cons:
👉Less cargo space on average

As mentioned above, minivans are often better equipped for storage solutions- with a few notable exceptions. If you opt for a minivan- you’ll still have plenty of room for grocery runs, sporting equipment etc. but for camping and longer road trips- you may want to look into additional storage accessories such as a rooftop cargo box, traditional roof racks, or bike racks.


👉Less legroom on average

Until about a decade ago, minivans always had more space for passengers, as they were designed for burgeoning families and practicality. But the popularity of SUVs for families continued to soar. To keep up with demand, manufacturers threw in an additional third row or rear seats. 

Although SUVs don’t offer the same amount of legroom, headroom, or shoulder room in their rows of seats, they can reasonably accommodate up to seven or eight passengers. Now, with the added versatility of different luxury features, sales of three-row SUVs continue to grow.

Most standard minivans without any options can haul seven passengers with the base model. But most consumers opt for the slightly nicer trims, which all tend to accommodate eight passengers with the notable exception of the Dodge Grand Caravan. However, most minivans come with second-row captain’s chairs, providing extra comfort for kids and passengers during road trips.

Whether you’re looking for an SUV or a minivan, VIDrives can help you find the best deal for you, your lifestyle, and your budget!

Get pre-approved today at www.vidrives.ca

VIDrives Top 6 Road Trip Tips!

Vancouver Island Road Trip Ideas

 

𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣 𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗦! 🛣🚗


One of the best things about driving a car that you love is where it can take you and your loved ones, and with so many amazing places to visit on beautiful Vancouver Island, Who can resist a good road trip. 

There is no denying that the lure of the road is undeniable and probably eternal; it almost seems embedded in our very makeup. There is a richness to traversing the land an inch at a time that is absent from the experience of climbing into a metal canister and climbing out at your destination. To get the most of your experience, don’t miss these road trip tips.


𝘁𝗶𝗽 #𝟭: 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽

Your vehicle is a small space, and it can feel even more cramped when it’s full of luggage, more people than usual, and garbage- don’t worry, you can keep your hoard of extra condiments and napkins in the glove box.


𝘁𝗶𝗽 #𝟮: 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆

Nothing puts a damper on a road trip like your vehicle breaking down, so make sure to have your mechanic check your vehicle’s fluid levels, brakes, tires and anything else that can cause problems. 

 

Be sure that your spare tire is fully inflated and that you have jumper cables and extra wiper fluid on hand!

𝘁𝗶𝗽 #𝟯: 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

Your mechanical inspection will help to prevent breakdowns, but you never know what could happen! Having an 800-Number that immediately connects you to local tow services, mechanics and assistance will save you a lot of hassle. 

There are roadside assistance packages available on every vehicle from VIDrives.ca- ask your Financial Specialist for details! 


𝘁𝗶𝗽 #𝟰: 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲

You don’t need a down to the minute itinerary, but make sure you have directions ready, and know where you can stop for gas, for food, to sleep, and local attractions you’d like to check out!


𝘁𝗶𝗽 #𝟱: 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲

Driving can be tiring, so be sure to make a schedule with your road trip companions to take turns driving, navigating, picking music, providing snacks etc.


𝘁𝗶𝗽 #𝟲: 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆

Driving can be tiring, so be sure to make a schedule with your road trip companions to take turns driving, navigating, picking music, providing snacks etc.

 

Now that you’re road trip ready visit our Instagram for weekly road trip recommendations. 

𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙫𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙡𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚, 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝙋𝙧𝙚-𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙫𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙩
www.vidrives.ca