SUV vs Minivans - The Great Debate!
Ever since I shocked you all with my decision to try out the Kia Carnival as my family car - you’ve been asking about my thoughts on SUVs vs. Minivans. Do you know what kind of position that puts me in!? There are things I shy away from on my platform - politics, money advice, telling you with certainty that your car will fit three seats across, and whether or not you’ll come around on a minivan. It’s just that personal!
But today, I have a real treat for all you indecisive folks out there. I've got both a Kia Carnival and a Yukon XL with me, and we're diving deep into the world of SUVs and minivans to see what each has to offer.
I’ve been a minivan mom, I’ve been an SUV mom, and I’m here to share the pros and cons of each. Let’s do this!
If you're new here, my name is Kelly and I’m The Car Mom. As a mother of three and a certified child passenger safety tech, I'm here to help you make the best car decisions for your family.
What You Need To Know
Before we get into the main debate, here are a few things you should know:
Curious about the Kia Carnival? I've got a detailed review for that.
Wondering how the Kia Carnival stacks up against other minivans? Check out my comprehensive blog post.
I also have an in-depth review on the Yukon XL and its comparison with the Ford Expedition.
SUV vs. Minivans: Price Matters
Kia Carnival vs Yukon XL: The most striking difference is the price.
The Kia Carnival starts at around $32,000, while the Yukon XL starts at a whopping $60,000, peaking at $80,000. If you're budget-conscious, minivans, especially used ones, are a more economical choice.
The Driving Experience: Performance and Towing Capacity
What's your daily driving like? If towing is crucial for you, a full-size SUV like the Yukon XL, which can tow up to 7,300 pounds, has the upper hand. In contrast, the Kia Carnival maxes out at 3,500 pounds. Additionally, most minivans, barring a few exceptions like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica, don't come with an all-wheel drive. So, if you're tackling snowy terrains, a full-size SUV might be your best bet.
Let’s Talk Trunk Space: Minivan vs. SUV
When parking, size plays a crucial role. The Yukon XL is a substantial 25 inches longer than the Kia Carnival. This extra length can make parking more challenging, especially in compact spaces. To put it in perspective, while the Carnival fits snugly in my garage, the Yukon XL doesn't.
Interior Comfort
While many believe full-size SUVs offer more headroom and legroom, the difference isn't as stark as you'd think. The Yukon only offers about two inches more legroom in the second row. When it comes to third-row seating, they're almost on par. So for older passengers, both are comfortable options.
The Iconic Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are a trademark feature of minivans and a game-changer for families. They provide easier access, especially when parked in tight spots or loading kids into car seats.
Sliding doors are synonymous with minivans, and there's a reason for that. They are incredibly practical. Kids can easily open them with a press of a button, and parents have the flexibility to close them from multiple points in the vehicle. This feature also makes loading kids into car seats a breeze, especially when you're dealing with tight parking spaces.
Car Seat Versatility
Minivans, hands down, offer more versatility when it comes to car seats.
If you've got multiple young kids in car seats, a minivan's adaptability makes it the top choice. Minivans offer more car seat hardware, easier third-row access, and they come equipped with unique family-friendly features. Full-size SUVs like the Yukon XL aren't bad, but minivans have the edge in versatility.
Trunk Space
Even though the Yukon XL is longer, both vehicles offer almost the same trunk space, but in different configurations. Crazy, right?! Depending on what you're transporting, one might suit you better than the other.
The difference in trunk space between the Yukon XL and the Kia Carnival is a mere one cubic foot. Minivan trunks like that of the Carnival are deeper, whereas full-size SUV trunks tend to be wider. Depending on the kind of cargo you're transporting, one might suit you better than the other.
Miles Per Gallon
Miles per gallon matters, especially for families on the go. With the Yukon XL, you get roughly 16 miles per gallon combined, while the Kia Carnival boasts a more efficient 22 miles combined.
The Aesthetic Appeal Can’t Be Ignored
Let's face it, while the Kia Carnival is a sleek-looking minivan, SUVs generally have a more appealing exterior design. They give you that distinct feeling of dominance on the road.
Carnival might be one of the best-looking minivans out there, it's still a minivan. Full-size SUVs, in my opinion, always win in the looks department with a sleeker exterior design.
No matter which way you slice it, even with something as good looking as the KIA Carnival, I’m always going to think that an SUV looks better aesthetically. The moment I step up into my large SUV, my entire personality changes. I can’t help it.
Kelly’s Hot Take: SUV is preferred, but it depends on your phase of life
Choosing between a full-size SUV and a minivan isn't easy. Both have their perks. As a mom of 3, how can I possibly choose? Personally, I love the convenience of sliding doors in this phase of my life, but the powerful presence of an SUV can't be ignored
What about you? Which one would you choose? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let's continue the debate!