Do you remember being dropped off at school in your family’s mini van? If you were like me, you were trying to hide from being seen. Back then we thought mini van’s were the most embarrassing thing on earth. Now I swoon over them at the dealership while I keep another eye on the latest SUV. Mini van or SUV? This is the question I keep coming back to. There are pros and cons to both.
PROS- First lets talk about the mini van. Mini vans have become, surprisingly, cool over the past few years. The aesthetics of the vans have changed so much that they are really appealing. Some of these vans look just as nice as a luxury car. Not just on the inside but also on the outside. AND the features/options list is almost endless with these things. Multiple seating combination, different levels of trim and luxury packages. The gadgets that come standard are more advanced that the lunar module that landed on the moon. A few of my favorite features I like most about the mini vans are the hideaway seating, automatic lift gate, several charging ports, and room for everyone.
CONS- The towing capacity on mini vans can be less than that of an SUV. This is due to a smaller engine and light duty drive train. I like to take along a camper when we travel and the van would just not be up for the job.
PROS- Styling on today’s SUV’S can range from masculine to well defined. You have many options to choose from. Just like the mini van, today’s SUV’S have many seating arrangements to choose from. Many of the technological gadgets will also be similar. What really sets them apart is the drivetrain. Many SUV’S come with an optional V8 engine and a stronger suspension for towing. Some even offer 4×4 versions. Overall, you can have many of the same benefits as the mini van but have a more capably vehicle on many different terrains or road conditions.
CONS- Gas mileage! Gas mileage on an SUV isn’t going to be as good as what you can get with the mini van. Another issue may be the ride height and smoothness. (Can everyone in the family climb up into the SUV?)
After reading our list, what one would you choose?
Mini Van or SUV?
Tell us in the comments below.
