If your family is growing or you're simply in need of a spacious vehicle that accommodates multiple passengers and cargo, your choice will often come down to a three-row SUV or a minivan. Both offer significant advantages, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. With the arrival of the 2025 models, including the redesigned Ford Explorer, all-new Chevrolet Traverse, 2025 GMC Acadia, 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, and the luxurious Hyundai Palisade, as well as minivan options like the Chrysler Pacifica, 2025 Toyota Sienna, and the new Honda Odyssey, families have more choices than ever.
But which option is better for you? Below, we’ll explore the key differences between three-row SUVs and minivans, breaking down performance, space, comfort, efficiency, and price to help you make the right choice for your family’s needs.
Midsize three-row SUVs strike a balance between practicality and style, making them a popular choice for families. They offer a commanding driving position, capable powertrains, and the flexibility of three rows of seating without the bulk of a full-size SUV. Models like the redesigned 2025 Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, 2025 GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Palisade bring updated designs, advanced technology, and improved powertrains to the segment.
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, for example, boasts one of the largest cargo areas in the midsize SUV segment, offering up to 2,781 litres of space with the seats folded down. It also features a fresh redesign for 2025, along with an available turbocharged 2.5-litre engine and advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Similarly, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade continues to be a leader in comfort and technology, offering Nappa leather seats and a dual 12.3-inch digital dashboard on higher trims.
Midsize SUVs typically offer seating for up to seven or eight passengers and feature captain’s chairs in the second row on certain trims for added comfort. The 2025 Honda Pilot, for instance, remains a family favorite with its spacious cabin and standard V6 engine, delivering smooth power and a comfortable ride. The Ford Explorer now offers improved hybrid options for families who want better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, while the Hyundai Santa Fe, redesigned for 2025, leans toward a rugged aesthetic and off-road capability.
For families who want the versatility of towing, midsize SUVs can generally tow between 2,000 and 5,000 lbs, depending on the model and engine. This makes them ideal for hauling small trailers, boats, or campers.
If you need even more space, full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L are hard to beat. These vehicles offer robust towing capacities (up to 8,400 lbs in some configurations), massive cargo areas, and ample room for up to eight passengers.
The 2025 GMC Yukon, for example, boasts up to 3,480 litres of cargo space with the seats folded and offers premium trims like the Denali Ultimate, which includes 16-way massaging seats and a 22-speaker Bose audio system. Similarly, the Chevrolet Tahoe features an available Duramax diesel engine for excellent towing efficiency, while the Ford Expedition offers a hybrid option on select trims for improved fuel economy.
Full-size SUVs also excel in all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) capability, making them ideal for families living in areas with harsh winters or for those who enjoy off-road adventures. However, their larger size can make them more challenging to maneuver in urban settings, and their higher price tags—often starting around $70,000 CAD—can be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Minivans remain the gold standard for families prioritizing space, practicality, and comfort. The 2025 Toyota Sienna stands out with its standard hybrid engine and all-wheel drive (AWD)—a rare combination that makes it one of the most efficient and versatile options in the segment. With a fuel consumption rating as low as 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving, the Sienna offers incredible efficiency for a vehicle of its size.
The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and its plug-in hybrid version, the Pacifica Hybrid, are also excellent choices. The plug-in hybrid model offers up to 50 km of electric-only range, making it ideal for families with short daily commutes who want to save on fuel. Meanwhile, the new 2025 Honda Odyssey continues to prioritize interior versatility, featuring Magic Slide second-row seats that make it easy to customize the cabin for passengers or cargo.
Minivans also shine in terms of interior space. With lower floors, sliding doors, and cavernous cabins, they make it easier to load passengers and bulky items. The Sienna, for example, offers up to 2,860 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the Pacifica provides up to 3,979 litres when the second-row Stow ’n Go seats are folded into the floor. These numbers make minivans the clear winner for families who need maximum storage.
When it comes to space, minivans have the edge. Their boxy design provides more usable cargo room, and the sliding doors make it easier for passengers to get in and out. The lower floor height also allows for a more comfortable third-row seating experience compared to SUVs, where the rear seats are often cramped and harder to access.
That said, full-size SUVs like the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe come close, with generous third-row legroom and massive cargo areas. Midsize SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade are more limited in rear seating comfort and space but make up for it with stylish interiors and slightly better driving dynamics.
2- All-Wheel Drive and Performance
Both minivans and SUVs offer AWD, but SUVs generally provide superior off-road capability and performance. Models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Ford Expedition excel in rough terrain, while the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica offer AWD primarily for improving traction in snowy or wet conditions.
In terms of driving fun, SUVs tend to deliver a more dynamic experience. The Ford Explorer, for example, offers a sporty ST trim with a turbocharged engine, while the Chevrolet Traverse’s turbocharged 2.5L engine adds punchy acceleration. Minivans, on the other hand, prioritize comfort and practicality over performance.
3- Fuel Efficiency and Hybrid Options
Minivans, particularly hybrid models, are typically more fuel-efficient than SUVs. The Toyota Sienna’s standard hybrid engine achieves outstanding mileage at 6.7 L/100 km, while the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers the added benefit of an electric-only range. In the SUV segment, hybrid options like the Ford Explorer Hybrid and Ford Expedition Hybrid offer better efficiency than traditional gasoline models but fall short of the mileage achieved by minivans.
4- Price
Minivans tend to be more affordable than full-size SUVs while offering comparable space and features. The Toyota Sienna starts at just over $46,000 CAD, while the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid begins at around $60,000 CAD. In comparison, full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon start closer to $70,000 CAD and can climb well over $100,000 CAD for fully loaded trims. Midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot are priced more competitively, starting in the $45,000–$50,000 CAD range.
Choosing between a 2025 three-row SUV and a 2025 minivan comes down to your family’s specific needs. If you prioritize maximum space, comfort, and efficiency, a minivan like the Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica is an excellent choice, especially with their hybrid and AWD options. For those who want a more versatile vehicle with better towing capacity, off-road capability, and style, three-row SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Yukon, or Ford Explorer offer plenty of options.
Ultimately, consider how you’ll use the vehicle—whether for carpooling, road trips, or urban commutes—and weigh the trade-offs in price, efficiency, and features. Both segments offer exceptional choices for families, ensuring you’ll find the right fit no matter your preference.
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