Minivan vs 7 passenger SUV
 

I'm not sure how many people on here are starting a family but was wandering what your thoughts on the pro's and con's of a minivan vs a 7 passenger SUV. What would you go for if you are in the situation of having kids and why?!
:D

I'm leaning towards a 7 passenger SUV for its looks but something tells me the minivan is more practical.

new honda odysey looks pretty nice! if it was me i'd choose suv, more room and higher stance, safer to me.

SUV for me something like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 (more power in comparison to a mini-van and sportier, but still has seating for 7)
it all depends on how big a family you plan on having...2/3 kids=SUV more=minivan, even more= MB sprinter van
also your not all going to be traveling together every time so consider that as well

Just get a Nissan Quest...

http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/125...t-2011_001.jpg

And do the Nissan Elgrand conversion...it shouldn't be that hard to do as they share same platform.

http://fsv-image.autoc-one.jp/images/545024/042_o.jpg
http://fsv-image.autoc-one.jp/images/545024/037_o.jpg

not sure if serious....

nissan quest was first fun van to drive for me..nice powerful v6 version or was it v8 i have no idea.

acura mdx ftw

well up to you.....usually a 7pass truck has good pro like just incase of 4wd when it comes to terrain, but have less room for groceries or camping gear if all seats are taken...compare to a van...more rooom for your everyday needs......

minivan ftw (especially with stow&go)

- you dont have to fold your baby stroller, just chuck it in the back
- sliding doors help alot if you are in tight parking spaces and it is easier to put baby / child in their car seats
- you dont have to lift objects high up and into the trunk like SUV's
- lots of room, and you can slide from front seat to back seat
- you can fit 4 sets of golf clubs / hockey bags / luggage whatever
- insurance will probably be cheaper

just get a minivan, skip the luxuries and get a 2nd car! (something sporty)

I'm planning on having 2 kids only.... And I'm torn between the
2011 Honda Odyssey Touring vs the 2011 Mazda CX-9 AWD GT with Navi.
They are priced pretty similar knowing that I can get a bigger discount on the CX-9 vs the Odyssey ( Honda dealer said their isn't much room to move on the minivan market in price). Both end up close to 50k MSRP.

The minivan is more convenient with the sliding doors and will have more storage space. That could be an issue when you have to carry a stroller with the SUV.

IMO a full size 3 row seat SUV is excess 90% of the time and I wouldn't suggest it. Tight fit in parking spaces, sub par fuel economy, and the 3rd row is usually an uncomfortable and hard to access. If you don't think you need the 7 seat capacity I'd definitely go with a smaller crossover or a hatchback/wagon

Sliding doors are way better for putting your kids into child seats especially in tight parking spaces. and usually SUV's would be the opposite with big heavy doors and high seats loading kids could be a PITA.

What about the GMC suburban truck, seats lots and still got a giant trunk

Well if I go second hand.... it opens up a bunch of SUV to the mix. Q7, QX56, Sequoia, LX470, Escalade, and Navigator. But in all reality, when do you see a children soccer game with a parkade full of these cars.

Escalades and Navigators? Just go to a soccer game in Surrey.
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also a lot of vans are fwd, some available with awd (sienna)
so unless you really want / need 4wd.

the really fun vans were the ones with shorter wheelbases

If you say you're gonna have "just" two kids, then is the size of a minivan really necessary? For two kids, I'd roll a station wagon, even if there are few options like most Volvos, or the A6 Avant or Allroad.

IF you really need the space from a minivan/SUV, the new Siennas aren't too bad, and the new 4-Runners are rather spacious.

i have a 2008 Acura MDX. I opted it over a minivan and also explored that route. Aside from awd, not many vans offer this option. the minivan can indeed haul more luggage and probably sit more comfortably when there are 7 passengers.
i just cant really picture myself driving a minivan. and i cant find a pair of sunglasses that look cool driving a minivan.

i looked into many 7 seater suvs before choosing an MDX. i was looking for a used 7 seater suv that has depreciated a bit after a few years.
ie. BMW X5, the rear seats are for children.... Cadilac escalade, the rear seats dont give much luggage space when folded..
i actually find the honda pilot better for rear access than the mdx, but i wanted to luxury features of the acura and got that.

mdx has loads of space when you use 5 seats. most of the time , i dont need to fold the stoller.. but it is higher up from ground level than vans. also, i found the mdx a good height for me to engage the babyseat while i find wagons and some vans bit too low.

I agree. What do you need an SUV for? So you can see more? Cause it's got 4WD?

5dr hatch/wagons get better fuel economy, more fun to drive, cheaper to begin with, more maneuverable and are about all you'll need for a family of 4.

There's also the Mazda(speed)3 wagon and Mazda6 wagon.

Have you thought about a Mazda 5?
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Subaru Outback or another wagon, or Mazda 5 5-spd
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2 + 2 + 3 is the way to go for a family car.
My family has a Alphard and my family friend owns the newer Land Cruiser, you can never compare both. Minivan has big slide doors and larger interior space, getting to the back row is much easier. I never understand why they design a 3th row for SUV.

Ford Flex?

http://www.latestautoreviews.com/wp-...x-Exterior.jpg

^ with the ecoboost motor, thats a good buy for sure.

GX470 or GX460 for the win for me
Land cruiser prado with V8