| tommyj |
We just had our first child and need something to carry him and all of his stuff. We are looking at the Sienna and the Odyssey because of the ease of getting him in and out and the cargo space.
My question is if we stop at one child do we really need a Mini-Van vs. a SUV?
My main concerns are Safety, Cargo Space, and Ease of loading the kid and his stuff.
If anyone else has made this same comparison I would like to know what you think.
Thanks!!! |
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| mogur |
A good minivan is safer, more economicable, easier to load, and usually has more space than an equivalent SUV. And odten cheaper too.
quote:
Originally posted by tommyj
We just had our first child and need something to carry him and all of his stuff. We are looking at the Sienna and the Odyssey because of the ease of getting him in and out and the cargo space.
My question is if we stop at one child do we really need a Mini-Van vs. a SUV?
My main concerns are Safety, Cargo Space, and Ease of loading the kid and his stuff.
If anyone else has made this same comparison I would like to know what you think.
Thanks!!!
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by tommyj
If anyone else has made this same comparison I would like to know what you think.
I looked seriously at the AWD Sienna, but with only one kid at the time (he's jumping on me now), we just didn't need all that space. We have a place up in the Adirondacks, so AWD was important. The idea/image of an SUV was appealing, but that's mostly just image stuff--amazing the power marketing has over us Americans. The Sienna was in it's first model year so I was able to come up with a good reason to avoid the dreaded M-word. Now, our 2nd boy is due any day now--ask me in a couple of months if we wish we had more space.
Happy Father's Day! :7: |
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| ubyun |
| I am feeding three children. As far as only the space is considered, minivan is a better choice. But safety, fun-driving, and parking etc may be left before making up your mind. My fourth grade daughter do not open the sliding door easily. SUV seems to be proper choice for three member family. |
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| MDteX |
We sold a Grand Caravan for the MDX. There is no doubt the space of a minivan is better. Driving a SUV is definetly more fun than a minivan. I have 2 kids that are basically self-sufficieint (no car seats) so that was not an issue. We did go the minivan route when they were younger and in car seats. We have taken some driving trips from Texas to Florida. It was in the minivan. There is no way the MDX could hold everyone and everything.
As stated:
Price: Minivan
Cargo Space: Minivan
Fuel Economy: Minivan (but not by that much)
Fun to Drive: SUV (especially the MDX!)
Cool Factor: SUV (especially the MDX!)
Safety: Close but the minivan should less susceptible to rollovers (The 2004 MDX has side curtain airbags.)
Resale value: MDX hands down over any minivan. |
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| catzx6 |
I've got to vote for the Minivan.
The ease of getting the babies into, and out of, car seats will make a world of difference, especially when it's raining or cold. The amount of room for all the kid stuff is invaluable. Too bad my wife would have died before we ever purchased one when our boys were babies! But-if we had to do it over again, it'd be a minivan. |
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| Ceenit |
We were in the same position, with one new born and thinking that would be it (for at least a while). The MDX has plenty of space for baby's gear, wife's stuff and mine (far better storage than any other SUV in it's class).
I agree that a minivan is a better overall choice when it comes to value and usability....but spaciousness is probably not an issue unless you have more than two little ones.
Besides, my wife refused to drive a minivan, this was a pretty happy medium.
Good luck. |
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| wmquan |
Unless you take a lot of long trips, need to carry 4x8 sheets of plywood or other material occasionally, etc. -- I don't think you'll need the additional space a minivan would provide over an MDX. We started off with a baby in the MDX and now have two kids in it, and it has enough room.
It IS true that a minivan provides better access. It's MUCH easier to load up the kids, get them strapped into their car seats, etc. Requires much less leaning, bending, struggling, etc.
An AWD Sienna is a nice alternative to the MDX. But it's about as pricey.
Safety-wise, the Sienna is at least equal and possibly ahead of the MDX. However, the FWD Sienna actually has a slightly worse Static Stability Factor than the MDX, though both earn "four stars" in the controversial NHTSA rollover resistance test. Dunno how the AWD one would fare. |
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| oilchange |
Congratulations on you new family member.
It will be a wonderful and challenging time. Do not let car issues influence how many children you have. I am sure you did not mean it that way. Each child is a gift and a challenge with a unique personality. Have fun. As has been said, a minivan has more room and an easier to reach third seat. The MDX will be big enough for several years. By then, you may have new facts and perspectives on this issue. Minutiae of car issues will fade into near insignificance. |
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| bensmom243 |
We have only 2 kids, and I currently drive an 04 Sienna. I really love the space and the captains chairs are great, but we will probably trade it for either a Pilot or MDX. My kids are 4.5 and 2.5 so we are not taking as much "gear" with us on long trips... no more big stroller, pack-n-play, thousands of diapers for a weekend trip etc... so even with 2 kids, there will be plenty of room in either of the SUVs to travel comfortably. I don't use the 3rd row of seating everyday, but love having the option to take some extra kids or grandparents along.
Good Luck with your decision!
Jill |
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| dguthmann |
We bought our 2003 MDX last fall at dealer clear out time. The thinking at that time was that it would ultimately replace the van. However, with the 2 kids (6 & 13) we're beginning to realize that the MDX isn't going to provide nearly as much room for cargo as we had hoped, and so we may be stuck with the van for a while.
Thinking in the long term, it may not make sense to keep the MDX, especially if gas prices continue to stay high, if we know we're still going to need the van. I may trade it in in another year or so if that's the case. Will have to wait and see. :( |
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| stanmanh |
I used to be an insurance adjuster and saw many "crashed mini-vans vs. suv's". Here is my take:
1) In "side impact" collisions - SUV's favored significantly better that minivans. Due to side impact bars on suv's they held up better.
2) Yes, minivans have more cargo/cabin space! But consider that during a roll-over, there is more room for a body to bounce around in a minivan (if you didn't use seat belts!!!).
3) Crumple zones (in hood & trunk areas). Mini's tend to be shorter up front & closer to engine compartment area. Suv's have a little longer distance thus giving way to differal of inerta during a crash. Physics!!!!
4) I have a newborn - my MDX is at perfect level in the trunk to change diapers!!!! Mini's too low.
All my observations are from actual investigations of auto accidents. When you see the damage for yourself, it is shocking how purchasing the RIGHT vehicle can affect the safety of you loved ones!!!
I don't make any disclaimers........but just wanted to give my two cents. |
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| tzeus |
| I have had the same question lately. We recently had two new additions (twins) to our family. Before it was three of us (my little 3 year old). And the X was great. But now with two infant seats and a todler seat in the second row, it's tight. Not to mention the double stroller to lug around, half of the cargo space is gone. And my 3 year old refuses to sit in the 3rd row by herself. We haven't pushed the issue much since we don't want her to feel "left out". But even with the third seat up, we would loose even more cargo. Thus for now, we are dealing with it, becuase I love the X and my wife refues to drive a mini van, even though you can get a real cheap mini van on lease. |
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| deluce |
| We traded in a Chrysler T&C AWD for the MDX. There's no question in my mind that the mini-van is the best people and cargo hauler for the money. The T&C was very comfortable and quiet, but it fell about at 65K miles which is when we bought the MDX. We need a vehicle with AWD because we spend alot of our winters in the snow skiing. If I didn't need the AWD and only had one kid I would have bought a nice sedan or station wagon; you don't need all the extra space of the van or MDX and a car is way more fun to drive IMHO; e.g. Acura TL, BMW 330i. |
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| leos |
| We almost got a 04 Sienna but when we check the price difference with 04 MDX ...it was not as bad. For a few (5 more) thousands more and you'll get an SUV AWD leather etc......much worth it. Of course minivans thus has more room for cargo. |
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| MDXLuvr |
Hey guys, haven't posted in a few months so I wanted to say HI:)
When I lost my beloved mdx, we were debating getting a second one. However, with the baby, dog, lotsa long long distance trips, and the fact that a Seinna can carry more of my track tires:D - the decision was easy. We bought a 04 Seinna LE with Leather, traction control/VSC, and 8 airbags for $28.6k + TTL. My wife(who previously loved her MDX) agrees that it rides nicer, and is quieter and ofcourse a lot more roomy that the MDX. |
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| nightguy |
quote:
Originally posted by mogur
A good minivan is safer, ....... than an equivalent SUV.
Not if you buy a GM minivan. Both driver and passenger only get 4 stars, while the rest of the big brands are 5-star rated. I've seen pictures of a friend's wrecked Venture that sideswiped a tree at fairly low speed. It tore open like a beer can. |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
Not if you buy a GM minivan. Both driver and passenger only get 4 stars, while the rest of the big brands are 5-star rated. I've seen pictures of a friend's wrecked Venture that sideswiped a tree at fairly low speed. It tore open like a beer can.
The GM minivans are even worse than 4 stars! The NHTSA front crash test isn't as real-world as the IIHS offset frontal crash test. That test stresses the vehicle's structure more and sees how well it protects (or doesn't protect) the occupants.
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/96026.htm
Basically, the safety cage collapsed and left "little survival space for the driver."
quote:
After moving forward into the airbag, the dummy's head and neck were snapped rearward as the steering wheel intruded. Then the dummy's head was hit from behind by the seatback and head restraint as they tilted forward because of floor buckling. The seat continued moving forward and pushed down on top of the dummy's head, bending its neck back even farther
A very high neck extension moment occurred, indicating the likelihood of significant neck injury. Left and right lower tibia indices were high, indicating the likelihood of significant injury to both lower legs. The forces on the left lower leg were so high that the dummy's metal foot broke off from its leg at the ankle..
:eek: |
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| mdx_acura |
| I think it is one of the liftstyles choice, I trade my Mazda mpv to the 2004 MDX, I enjoy it everyday.:rolleyes: |
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| happycamper |
| :cool: Sorry folks I think the MDX is like a minivan with its 3rd row seats. The body style not so sleek like the X5, Porsche, FX or RX. The MDX is due for a serious updating |
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| WilliamT |
quote:
Originally posted by happycamper
:cool: Sorry folks I think the MDX is like a minivan with its 3rd row seats. The body style not so sleek like the X5, Porsche, FX or RX. The MDX is due for a serious updating
I don't understand why folks care whether the MDX is like a minivan. We considered minivans as well. We wanted the AWD like in the Sienna, but were afraid the suspension could not handle heavy loads. Our front yard requires about 50+ bags of mulch for the trees and shrubs. We still have to make multiple trips but that kind of weight would kill the rear suspension of a minivan. The MDX has a 1250 load capacity. The RX330 has a 840 lb load capacity like most sedans.
In the end, buy what suits your lifestyle. It isn't that hard.
WilliamT
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04 MDX (Aspen White Pearl)
99 RL (Naples Gold Metallic)
97 NSX-T (Spa Yellow Pearl)
90 4Runner SR5 |
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| JL_SS |
The Toyota Sienna AWD has a 1380 lb load capacity. Why would that be worse than the 1288 lb capacity of the MDX?
quote:
Originally posted by WilliamT
I don't understand why folks care whether the MDX is like a minivan. We considered minivans as well. We wanted the AWD like in the Sienna, but were afraid the suspension could not handle heavy loads. Our front yard requires about 50+ bags of mulch for the trees and shrubs. We still have to make multiple trips but that kind of weight would kill the rear suspension of a minivan. The MDX has a 1250 load capacity. The RX330 has a 840 lb load capacity like most sedans.
In the end, buy what suits your lifestyle. It isn't that hard.
WilliamT
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04 MDX (Aspen White Pearl)
99 RL (Naples Gold Metallic)
97 NSX-T (Spa Yellow Pearl)
90 4Runner SR5
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| WilliamT |
The Toyota Sienna AWD has a 1380 lb load capacity. Why would that be worse than the 1288 lb capacity of the MDX?
Never said it was worst. I just see plenty of minivans out on the road with the rear end sagging and the rear wheels point inward. I believe what I see, not what people tell me.
Now the Sienna is a new model and completely redesigned so maybe its no longer a problem. |
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| 04mdx4sq |
| We have both, my X and my wife's T&C. We have three kids, 8yr old, 6yr old, and 1 yr old. 99% of the time if we are all going somewhere we take the van. This is simply out of convenience as I truly dislike driving it. It does have a more plush ride, but to me it feels vague and loose. I also don't fit in it very well (I have to contort my head just to get in), and the comfort level of the seats is awful. |
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| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by happycamper
:cool: Sorry folks I think the MDX is like a minivan with its 3rd row seats. ...
So, by your reasoning, minivan is defined by having a 3rd row seat? :confused: If we follow this flawed logic, vehicles such as Lexus LX470, Toyota Landcruiser, Infinity QX, Chevy Tahoe, as well as many other SUVs would be classified as minivans? :ucrazy:
quote:
Originally posted by happycamper
... The body style not so sleek like the X5, Porsche, FX or RX. ...
As far as the body style of the vehicles that you have listed, they all (as well as the MDX) have similar "SUV profile" outline, with the exception of Infinity FX which is truly a much sleeker more rounded design. The "design/style" of any vehicle is very subjective, so just because you prefer the sleek "RX-like girlish styling", it does not mean that everyone else should like it too.
quote:
Originally posted by happycamper
... The MDX is due for a serious updating
Just what kind of updating would you recommend for the MDX that is available in the other SUVs that you listed but that MDX is lacking? I would be curious to hear your suggestions.
When I am in a market for a vehicle, I have a specific set of requirements that must be met. In the case of MDX, I was looking for a reasonably priced mid-size 4wd SUV with decent performance and gas mileage. I also needed lots of cargo space and capability to haul bikes, skis, and other miscellaneous stuff, as well as the ability to comfortably transport the family including 2 kids in child car seats and an adult in the second row. Capability to transport up to 7 people on occasion was a definite plus. Only MDX met all of my requirements perfectly.
happycamper,
I could care less whether you or anyone else thinks that MDX is not an SUV. In my case, it works great for my intended purposes, and for me, there is no other vehicle currently on the market that meets my requirements better than the MDX. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by happycamper
:cool: Sorry folks I think the MDX is like a minivan with its 3rd row seats. The body style not so sleek like the X5, Porsche, FX or RX. The MDX is due for a serious updating
The MDX is actually a crossover vehicle, but in comparison to the ones you mention, it is much more SUV than crossover than the Porsche, FX, or X5 which are sleeker faster vehicles with 'some' semblance to an SUV, that sacrifice cargo/passenger space for style.
The RX is closer, but looks more like a boulevard cruiser than an SUV. And get the MDX and RX off road, or on a slick road with naked tires, and the MDX would get the nod everytime as a more capable SUV.
The only updating to the MDX I could envision would be a larger vehicle, closer in size to domestic SUVs or the Armada, etc. A separate model I would hope, because the present size of the MDX meets most of my requirements just fine. I rarely fully exploit it's capability as an SUV. |
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| msu79gt82 |
The MDX is by far the most versatile, best-bang-for-the-buck, honest to goodness Street Utility Vehicle on the market - Period :cool: :1:
But the FX is way cool to drive also :2: |
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| mgmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by msu79gt82
The MDX is by far the most versatile, best-bang-for-the-buck, honest to goodness Street Utility Vehicle on the market - Period :cool: :1:
But the FX is way cool to drive also :2:
Agree. :4: |
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