What is a minivan?

A minivan is classified as a vehicle that is built atop a platform of a small car.  One simple characteristic that distinguishes it apart from other car classifications, is its easy to use, sliding or hinged rear doors,  and its body which sits lower to the ground compared to SUVs or trucks.  As for the cabin, it has 3 rows of seats that can fit anywhere between 8-9 passengers (including the driver).  It also has enough headspace so it is easier for passengers to come in and get out of the vehicle easily.  Within the minivan vehicle classification alone, there are different builds such as a one-volume hood-less, one-and-a-volume where the hood is half modified, and two-volume with a full-hood. Furthermore, minivans come in different sizes which may vary from micro, compact, medium, to a full-sized minivan.

Among car classifications, the minivan and SUV are most frequently compared due to their large frames and ability to carry multiple passengers comfortably. Although they are similar, they also differ depending on their cases of use. Below are some of the benefits of owning a minivan. 

Space and Flexibility

When it comes to a spacious interior and flexibility, it is no surprise that the minivan trumps SUVs, as it is designed to carry multiple passengers. Aside from full-sized SUVs, most can only carry 5 passengers including the driver. Whereas minivans can carry 8-9 passengers at once. In addition to the number of seats, minivans also have the ability to change their seating arrangements according to the driver’s needs.  For example, if the driver has a family of 6 he or she can easily stow away the 2 seats in the last row to accommodate cargo instead. Overall, minivans are much more space-efficient compared to SUVs with most maximizing on interior space by providing free, split, folding seats with comfort and space preservation in mind. 

Most importantly, even if the vehicle is parked in a tight space, the driver can rest assured that their passengers can get out easily with the help of the rear sliding doors. Ensuring the safety of both vehicles and their passengers alike.

Safety

Moreover, thanks to the minivan’s sliding doors and low floors, it is a safe and ideal choice for families with small children , elderly or disabled family members . When comparing safety between SUVs and minivans, most would think minivans are safer because of their low center of gravity, but in actuality, both are equally safe thanks to the constant development of safety technology.   

Fuel Efficiency

In the past, minivans were known to be more fuel efficient due to its light weight and its aerodynamics. But with the evolution into hybrid and electric SUVs there are more fuel-efficient options out there. Therefore, it is hard to say which vehicle classification is more fuel efficient.  

Performance

Lastly, if you compare the performance between an SUV and a minivan it ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in a vehicle. If power is your main concern, then an SUV would be the best fit since they also have an option of switching to a V6 or V8 engine if you wish to do so. This extra power is beneficial to those who face more rugged roads or plan to use their vehicle to tow larger items. 

In contrast, minivans handle more like a car due to their fame. Thus, they handle quick turns and curves better than a traditional, truck-based SUV.  In conclusion, minivans are best if you plan to bring multiple passengers along for the ride, while SUVs reign supreme if you need to attach a trailer or tow other large items