Minivan vs. SUV

Minivan vs. SUV: What's the difference?

There are several differences between minivans and SUVs, including cargo space, door configuration, price, insurance costs, style and design, safety features, driving experience, towing capacity, and fuel efficiency. While these vehicles have similarities in function, minivans are focused on safety and convenience, while SUVs may be designed for style and performance.

Cargo space

Minivans usually offer more cargo space than SUVs. Most minivans have stowable or removable seats, which allow you to clear more space for cargo than SUVs. Most SUVs have fixed second-row seats and a third row that can only be folded down.

Advantage: Minivan

Door configuration

Minivans can be more easily accessible than SUVs due to their dual sliding doors. The sliding doors can make it easier for passengers, especially children, to get in and out of the vehicle in tight spaces without door dings. SUVs generally feature traditional front-hinge rear doors that swing, which may offer a more stylish appearance depending on your tastes.

Advantage: Minivan

Price

SUVs are usually more expensive than minivans, depending on the size of the SUV. Three-row SUVs, such as a Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Buick Enclave, are similar to minivans when it comes to space and seating capacity.

Kelley Blue Book lists its best three-row SUVs as the 2024 Ford Expedition, 2025 Ford Expedition MAX, and 2025 Kia Telluride. The Kia Telluride has the lowest starting price at $37,805, while the 2025 Ford Expedition MAX has the highest at $63,995.

Kelley Blue Book lists its best minivans as the 2025 Toyota Sienna, 2025 Honda Odyssey, and 2025 Chrysler Pacifica. The Toyota Sienna has the lowest starting price at $40,635, while the Chrysler Pacifica has the highest at $44,445.

Advantage: Minivan

Cost to insure

Minivans generally cost less to insure than SUVs due to their lower purchase price and focus on safety. There are several factors, however, that affect your car insurance rate, so pricing may vary based on make and model, age, vehicle usage, and more.

Advantage: Minivan

Style and design

SUVs may be thought of as more stylish options than minivans due to their sporty design and luxury models. Minivans can be appropriate for families who need a safe, practical vehicle capable of easily transporting children and equipment. They tend to be boxier and lower to the ground, where SUVs feature muscular styling that's often associated with high-performance vehicles.

Advantage: SUV

Safety

Modern SUVs and minivans can include up-to-date safety features, including cameras, crumple zones for crash protection, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and more. Minivans are generally lower to the ground than SUVs, which makes them less of a risk to roll over. SUVs offer greater safety features for off-roading and other high-performance activities.

Advantage: Draw

Driving experience

Minivans generally offer a more relaxed, comfortable driving experience than SUVs. Where minivans are designed for safety and practicality, SUVs are designed for performance and style. Drivers of SUVs enjoy the high seat position and potential off-road capabilities of these versatile vehicles. It's important to note that SUV styles vary widely, so some models, such as the powerful Chevy Tahoe, offer a much different experience than a lighter, smoother model like a Honda Pilot.

Advantage: Draw

Towing capacity

SUVs can offer higher towing capacities than minivans because of their powerful engines and design. Minivans that have towing capacities around 3,500 pounds are capable of towing light to moderate loads, including small campers and trailers. SUVs that have towing capacities anywhere from 7,700 pounds to 10,000 pounds are designed to tow heavy loads, including RVs, boats, and large trailers.

Advantage: SUV

Gas mileage

Minivans tend to be more fuel efficient than SUVs, depending on the size of the vehicles. Minivans are generally lightweight and have front-wheel drive, which consumes less fuel than the four-wheel and all-wheel drive SUVs. Some smaller SUVs, however, can offer similar gas mileage to a minivan.

Advantage: Minivan

Minivan vs. SUV: Which is right for you?

Your decision to buy a new minivan or an SUV may depend on your lifestyle, budget, and personal taste. Minivans are generally designed for space, safety, and comfort. SUVs can be designed for space, style, performance, or towing. If you're looking for convenience at a lower price point, a minivan may be your best choice. If you're looking for power and style and are OK with higher costs, an SUV could be a great option.