When it comes to practicality, the vehicle that generally comes to mind for soccer moms and big families is the stereotypical minivan.
However, in an age of increasing ingenuity and convenience, does the minivan still set the standard? Sure, vans are practical in general. But is the sacrifice of comfort and style worth it? Moreover, is a minivan necessary for the modern family?
The simple answer is no.
You no longer have to forfeit comfort, luxury, style and composition to get passenger or cargo space and overall practicality. Here are three alternative vehicle options that provide rescue and escape from the stereotypical soccer mom lifestyle and entrance into the game of high-class efficiency.
#3: Mitsubishi Outlander
While not an “old original” or an American classic, the Mitsubishi Outlander can be the direction to go when you consider your budget. Priced much lower than the other two vehicles on this list, the Outlander is wallet-friendly at worth the sacrifice to many, considering you still get up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with a max 224 horsepower.
The Outlander also boasts 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough for beach towels and a picnic lunch. Seating for 7 ensures the whole family and friends can come along too. While boasting less cargo space and power than the other vehicles on our list, the Outlander’s budget-friendly price tag and 25 city/30 highway miles per gallon gives it bragging rights.
#2. Honda Pilot
Honda’s reliability and clean emissions reputation is the main selling point and support for their vehicles, and the Honda Pilot is no exception. Since 2003, this SUV is a popular and favorite minivan alternative. With 16.5 feet of additional cargo space behind the 7-8 seats, there’s room for everyone and everything. Towing is made easy with a capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, supported with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
With a top safety rating of 5 stars from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as Kelley Blue Book‘s cheery 9.5 out of 10 stars, this vehicle is rearing to go and useful as ever.
Efficiency doesn’t stop at the passenger and cargo space either. The SUV gets a dose of Honda fuel efficiency, coming in at 20 city/27 highway miles per gallon.
#1. Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
In first place is the legendary Chevy Tahoe, which has proven it’s reliability for over 20 years. While it’s cousin, the Suburban, is very similar, US News rates the Suburban as #5 in the list of top Large SUV’s; however, the Tahoe manages to seize the coveted #1 spot. It seats 7-8 people with 15 cubic feet of cargo space to spare – and if that’s not enough, certain suburban models provide 9 seats, with a record capacity of 40 cubic feet.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Tahoe runs about 16 city/23 highway, while still being able to crank out an impressive 355 horsepower with 383 lb-ft of torque, creating a top towing capacity of up to 6,600 pounds. Available in RWD or 4WD, it is sure to get you anywhere. The Tahoe is one of the most quiet, comfortable and reliable SUV’s on the market, and everything about it boasts high-class and style.
In short, the Tahoe is without doubt the number 1 alternative to a traditional soccer mom minivan.
Minivans are still common today, but their popularity continues to dwindle as they become more and more a thing of the past. With high-class SUVs on the market getting good fuel efficiency and sporting massive cargo space, it’s no wonder the minivan is slowly but surely getting overtaken by the great and powerful SUV.
