The Minivan Is Back For The Practical Family
For the last decade, the minivan has had a tough run; overshadowed by SUVs, minivans have been seen as frumpy throwbacks of prior decades. But like all fallen-out styles, the minivan is back for the practical family. There may still be a stigma around the vans people drove from a decade ago, but the functionality of a minivan shouldn’t be underestimated. Here’s a look at why the best family vehicle is still the minivan.
Design
While driving an SUV or a crew cab truck might look a little cooler, is style really your first priority when you’re driving with a family on board? Some companies have done everything they can to design minivans that don’t actually look like minivans. This doesn’t mean the addition of a bed or raised clearance, rather it means smoothed lines that illustrate width rather than height, curves rather than hard edges. Take the Chrysler Pacifica for example. The Pacifica has a sleek look despite its size and ample interior space for passengers and baggage. Chrysler has also included leather-trimmed seats and chrome trim accents for added style.
Features
While the minivans of years past were boxes with little in the way of features, newer minivans come with a collection of practical features any family will find handy. Stow-and-go seating, for instance, is great for road trips, soccer practice, or even moves. For longer drives, DVD players and USB connections keep the kids entertained in the back seat. These features are particularly nice for family road trips. Double sliding doors are the norm for minivans nowadays but are much better for younger children compared with high truck or SUV floor clearance. Some minivans, such as the Honda Odyssey, even have a built-in vacuum cleaner for the inevitable food, dirt and dog hair that will take up residence in your new vehicle.
Minivan vs. SUV, Cost Comparable
Minivans and SUVs typically have similar price tags. However, there are other costs to compare. MPG, for instance, typically favors minivans (most average between 25-30 MPG on the freeway), while SUVs have the edge in horsepower. Another consideration is that insurance is considerably less for minivans than SUVs. A study in 2015 found minivans to be some of the least expensive vehicles to ensure annually, a difference of over $500 per year when compared to popular sports cars, and while insurance for an SUV runs less than any sports car, there’s still a considerable difference.
When you shop for a family vehicle styles, the “cool factor” should take a back seat. What you should think about is what you need. Do you need simple flip down seats for storage because you’ve taken on the job as coach of your daughter’s soccer team? Or do you need extra seats because it’s your turn for the carpool on the way to work? Furthermore, minivans are great for single vehicle families, and while that is a big decision, it also cuts down on costs and your carbon footprint. No matter what you use it for, a minivan is a great family vehicle in which everyone has their own space.
