SUV v. Minivan for national park summer driving or does it not matter?
 

I apologize in advance if this is a ridiculous question. We are renting a car to drive the LV-Page-Bryce-Zion loop (family of 5). We are traveling in the summer and the price to rent a minivan v. a full size SUV (with either rear wheel or all wheel drive) is virtually the same. Is there a recommendation for driving with an minivan or SUV or does it not matter at this time of year? Thanks.

You absolutely don't need an SUV for the four-wheel-drive aspect, but I can't imagine why you'd want a minivan either. If you have a choice, I'd take something no later than a compact SUV (like a Honda-CRV or similar). There's plenty of room for 5 people (even 5 adults) as long as you don't have a huge amount of baggage.

If you really do want/need a huge vehicle, then just pick the one you prefer.

The main things you need are luggage space and superior <B>Air Conditioning</B>.

You don't need 4/all wheel drive. - get the best vehicle for the size/comfort of your family.

Thank you! Appreciate the fast response.
Doug - trust me, I don't "want" a minivan, but trying to keep peace in the car for long distances with three recent teenagers can be a challenge - so a little extra space in the car - whatever car it is - goes a long way! :-)

I can understand the desire to have a mini-van on a road trip for the extra space, especially with 3 kids in the car.

I agree with janis - get the best vehicle for the comfort of the family. You can take any modern car to the places you are visiting, so the terrain isn't a factor in the choice of car.

I'd pick the vehicle that gets the best gas mileage. Gas can be more expensive in that part of the country than in, say, Las Vegas.

>>I'd pick the vehicle that gets the best gas mileage. <<

Sorry, while gas mileage might be a consideration . . . IMO/IME the comfort of the three kids stuck in the back seats is MUCH more important both for them and for the folks up front having to hear about it . . .

The larger the better and Doug must not have kids!! Or been in a small SUV, with all due respect. ;o)

I've done many road trips with 4 kids. Comfort comes before gas mileage.

Minivan.

Nothing beats a Grand Caravan for comfort and conflict resolution.

Mark

Whichever one has good air conditioning (front and back A/C controls if at all possible). You will probably get better gas mileage with a minivan.

Lee Ann

Putting three kids in the back seat for a long road trip is a recipe for disaster. Just get anything that has three rows of seats.

You definitely will not need 4WD.

Having driven long distances with kids, a minivan is the way to go. Space and separation trumps everything. For several years we had a full sized conversion van and that was best of all. The only reason you may need a 4WD is if you plan to do some of those roads where a high clearance 4WD vehicle is required. If you don't have experience with such roads, on the job learning is not the way to go.

>>The only reason you may need a 4WD is if you plan to do some of those roads where a high clearance 4WD vehicle is required.<<

Plus rental agencies don't usually allow their cars on those types of roads . . .

I believe driving a rental car off paved road is a no-no.

Thanks for all the replies. Minivan it is - as extra space generally equates to more family peace in the car - which far outweighs some of the other considerations for us! Thanks again to everyone!