Minivan vs SUV: Which is the better family car? | Behind a Desk

The Philippines is a family-oriented country, we love to bring them where we go, with that said picking your next family hauler can be a difficult task as there are many to choose from. That's why we made this comparison between two popular family choices: the SUV and the Minivan to see which one you should get and why on this episode of Behind a Desk.

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[arsenic]

Hi from India! Honestly, comparing my Innova vs my friend’s Fortuner, forget comparing the Alphard, the Innova is just more practical if you don’t need to off-road. The third row feels much better, second row with captain’s chairs has a bargain luxury feel to it, and boot space with third row down is wonderful! The Innova is viewed as the ultimate highway cruiser and touring car here in India, I’m not sure I can say that about the Fortuner.

[melvinrimorin]

Practicality being the keyword...get an MPV. It is the sweetspot, if you will, of versatility and space. Could be a classic MPV (e.g. Ertiga) or a Crossover MPV (e.g. Okavango).

Then again it's tricky. Because for me, as you go beyond the MPV "size" segment, practicality dwindles little by little. First thing that goes - price. SUVs and minivans are expensive. Then there's maintenance. It's simple - the bigger the car, the harder it is to maintain. Just keeping them clean for example is daunting. Then there's parking in tighter spaces.

But between the two? Interesting. A van, even a minivan, is an impractical daily driver, unless you are hauling 7 - 10+ people daily (e.g. a shuttle service). In that sense, an SUV makes more sense. If you need PASSENGER space though, well, the minivan.

It's a toss up really, depending on what you really need, on a daily basis.

[donrobert]

Minivan vs SUV is your perfect comparo when it comes to choosing the best family car but there's another segment where you can find your middle ground but you have to compromise like the features, space and sometimes tech. I'm always a fan of SUV due to their versatility and if my wallet allows me, I'm definitely getting one.

[reybombay]

When someone is trying to debate vs two different things in the end it comes down to the word "its up to you".

[markdejesus]

When they can't explain the practical difference between the suspension types and how it actually performs, media people just directly points to the chassis difference, either being monocoque or ladder frame.

But then, if you try to quantify the difference, it's not that much. You see, a nicely tuned SUV will ride not as worse as the automotive industry would like you to think. You'd have to go to the extremes to even show the "practical difference". Like comparing a HiAce Commuter with a Carnival. One designed specifically to haul, the other designed to chauffer.

On bumpy roads, you'd wish to have an SUV with longer suspension travel. Problem with monocoque chassis vehicles usually, they have shorter suspension travel simply because they usually have lower ground clearance. They also have narrower wheel articulation. On fine roads, they're heaven. But introduce some bumpy, edsa-worthy roads, and you'll be shaken as well.

SUVs with nicely tuned suspension usually have longer suspension travel. The separation between the ladder frame and the body cushions you as well sa shorter frequency bumps. Might not handle as good as a monocoque chassis because they have higher center of gravity, but on average use, you'd have to nitpick to feel the difference.

Here's the thing. Based on actual experience, it's far better to ride in a pickup based SUV around EDSA. Compared to CUV's, I don't feel as much of the road unevenness sa pickup based SUV's. Actually, having driven 15 years sa EDSA with different kinds and classes of vehicles, you'd really have to go to the extremes to even differentiate night and day.

Haba ng comment ko, pero the short-gist is, ang cringey kasi when automotive media points out to stereotypes to explain the difference. There's more to it than just chassis.

[jmdellosa]

Here's a thought, in the spirit of "buwan ng wika"..would it be possible for a behind the wheel/behind a desk or first impression review in Filipino? hehehehe

[streamingvideo]

MPVs or vans are more comfy, though if you want something heavy duty, get a PPV.

[raydavies]

This is why the lnnova takes the sweet spot, on size, ride and reliability.

[zachfox]

It's much more practical to own an innova or a sedan(small family) or even an Okavango or crossover. But people tend to lean on SUVs, because the road here in ph is a nuisance, especially in provincial roads. Ex. If you're going 100kph then suddenly at night there are a handful of pot holes, those cars that I mentioned above would probably take it fairly but worst case scenario an accident but if you have an SUV it would feel jumpy haha but at least it's controlled and less risky. Imo

[joyponcojr]

hope to see more of this info style videos, , , keep it up

[radbasa]

Often overlooked is the high cargo load height of SUVs. I’m tall but find SUV’s cargo floors too high.

[froilan]

Kung may matanda sa Family Lolo or Lola mas prefer nila gamitin ang Van dahil madali sila makasampa. Si Lola ko hirap sa SUV ayaw nya kahit binubuhat ko 😅 depende yan sa sasakay at dinadaanan.. SUV naman medyo kampante ka sa mga biglang pagbaha at lubak lubak na daan.

[vinci]

If I have the extra money, I'll go with Minivan like Odyssey or Carnival.

[neisankorofuji]

Hello, AutoDeal and sir Caco!

I would just wanna ask if you will review the Suzuki Ertiga (Upgraded) anytime soon if there are major/minor changes overall?

Thank you and God bless po!

[geliventura]

Na try nyo na po ba mag apply ng SANGLA ORCR sa Global dominion Financing Incorporated?

[ABlackmore]

Which category does the Subaru Evoltis fall under?

[chucky]

Better get a midsize crossover, you get the best of both worlds. Unibody platform comfort and looks like an SUV.

[felixmacarulayjr.]

Hi Caco, hope you can tackle on your next video, what should be the right fuel for both gasoline and diesel engines, with and without turbo system? Ex. For Innova Turbo AT, is it okay to use regular Diesel fuel or it should use a Turbo Diesel fuel and what are the repercussions if we do not use the proper fuel four vehicles? Thank you!

[rolandpaulgambong]

How about the pick-up sulit ba ang pick-up or hindi or suv lang talaga ang bagay sa off-road

[mcsvlog]

hi sir i would like to see a Hyundai Staria Review ..