I’m afraid I’m going to have to disagree with the general consensus here. Unless you necessarily want one, I’m not going to recommend a minivan.
Here’s why:
1. Third Row: I don’t care if the third row is in a SUV or a minivan, it is awkward to get in and out of. We had our minivan for 6 years and I can probably count on my fingers the number of times we had people use the third row. In most situations people preferred to take two cars rather than stuff a few individuals in that third row. And getting seniors back there? Ain’t gonna happen. Their bodies don’t bend in the ways necessary for getting in and out of that row anymore.
2. Ease of entry: Take a look around – do you see old folks buying minivans or mid-sized SUVs? Answer: mid-sized SUVs! The reason is that in most they can just slide right into the seat…they don’t have to lower themselves down like a sedan or raise themselves up like a full-size SUV. In a mid-sized SUV, the ride height is often similar to a standing height.
3. View: I’m very perplexed by stating the view out of a minivan is better. What type of SUV are people driving that doesn’t have a large window adjacent to each seat?
4. Hauling: well this may be the one category where a minivan wins. Since you can remove the 3rd AND 2nd rows, you do end up with a huge space for bikes, lumber, whatever. We always have a pickup in our stable so this really wasn’t a feature we used often in our minivan. We removed the seats exactly ONCE – that was when two of my kids and I drove to nor cal to bring back a bed and other assorted furniture. We took out the 3rd row and one captain’s chair to make room. Worked out fine but I wouldn’t say one trip of that sort justified us owning a vehicle that could do that. We could have rented something for the weekend. If you WOULD use that feature more often, well maybe a minivan is for you.
5. Cleanability: Yes if you have folks leaving food wrappers and other trash in your car, then a minivan can be easier to clean, especially in the third row area. However, we don’t have that problem. The only “food” allowed in any of my vehicles is bottled water, period. If you’re gonna eat, you’re gonna take someone else’s car, not mine. Really the only cleaning I have to do is wiping down surfaces with a wet towel to get the dust and vacuum the carpet once or twice a year. That’s it.
6. Size. I found a minivan to drive like a large vehicle, especially when backing up. I was well aware I had a long, large mass behind me when I backed up. The same would be true with a large SUV for sure, but we own a mid-sized SUV right now (wife insisted on it) and it really doesn’t feel that big. It feels light, maneuverable, and easy to park. That’s why we just bought out the lease…as anti-SUV as I am, I found I enjoy this one so we are keeping it.
Bottom line: unless you would be needing to haul a massive amount of cargo inside and out of the elements on a semi-regular basis, I think a mid-sized SUV is a better choice. I would venture to guess that is why SUVs are so popular now while minivan sales have tapered off to a trickle.
Which mid-sized SUV is a matter of preference, you know what you like.
