I do not own a minivan. I crippled from the pressure of others. “What are you a mom?” they said. “No one wants a minivan,” they said. “You don’t have kids, and I’m not riding in it,” they said.
Okay, they, I don’t care if you want to ride in my vehicle. A minivan probably made the most sense for me at the time. It probably does for you as well. In fact, it is probably the best all-around vehicle body style in the US right now.
Let’s start by looking at the best selling new cars of 2019. The best selling vehicle was the Ford F-series (yes, they cheat every year by combining the sales of different trucks). The best selling small SUV was the Toyota RAV4. The best selling sedan was the Toyota Camry, and the best selling full-size SUV was the Toyota Highlander. The best selling minivan of 2019 was the Dodge Grand Caravan.
To judge how the minivan compares, let’s review what most drivers actually need in a vehicle. Most drivers:
- Occasionally drive 3-4 other adults
- Occasionally haul “weekend warrior” project materials
- Frequently drive children and their things (if applicable)
- Want to reduce fuel costs
- Spend most of their driving at city speeds or on highways
- Desire a quiet, comfortable ride
- Choose vehicles largely based on cost
- Are not very good at driving in uncomfortable situations
The Grand Caravan or Highlander are the best suited for carrying kids or other adults based on second row space. Both offer captain’s chairs as an option for the second row seating (although it is much cheaper in the Grand Caravan). The Highlander, F-series (F150 from here), and Grand Caravan are the best suited to carry weekend build projects and the clutter that comes with kids. It’s clear that the bed of the F-150 is best suited for home improvement because it does not have a ceiling, but the Grand Caravan is the second-choice. It has more room than the Highlander (it will fit a sheet of drywall or plywood) and the low load height will be the easiest on the back.
Neither the RAV4, nor the Camry are suited to fit four adults or haul home improvement materials. That leaves the Highlander, Grand Caravan, and F-150 as vehicles that can conceivably meet all needs listed above. All three are able to drive comfortably at city and highway speeds. None are great on fuel economy, but the Highlander is the best. Of the three, the Caravan has the lowest starting and lowest fully-optioned price.
For new cars on my arbitrary list. Its clear that the Dodge Grand Caravan best suits the requirements. But what about 4-wheel drive? You probably don’t need it. In fact, it will probably help you get into scenarios that you aren’t comfortable driving. All cars have four wheel braking, that’s what matters most. What about cool factor? How does one measure it objectively? What about top speed or acceleration? When was the last time you floored it from 0-60, or hit your car’s top speed? What about the ability to tow or haul that a truck brings? How often do you actually do either?
Most people don’t buy new cars, and minivans are a better value proposition the older they get. Trucks and SUVs do not depreciate nearly as fast. If this article didn’t convince you, listen to Jalopnik. Or do what I did, buy a wagon and love it. But love it knowing that it is a poor imitation of a minivan.
Polly Wanna Math 