Are you looking for a family vehicle for your next summer road trip? Between a minivan and a three-row SUV, which one is best suited to your needs? Here are the main differences between these two types of vehicles to help you decide.

The Minivan

If your children are young, a minivan is a no-brainer. They will find it easier to climb aboard the Chrysler Pacifica than a taller SUV, for example. Moreover, with its sliding doors, the minivan is very convenient in crowded parking lots, such as shopping centres or large public lots.

Let's take this a step further: the 7-passenger Chrysler Pacifica also offers a generous amount of cargo space, which is generally more imposing than that of an SUV. This is also a practical aspect, especially when you have young children. You can load strollers, bulky toys, etc. Cargo space in the Pacifica can reach up to 3,979 litres.

If you choose a plug-in hybrid Pacifica, you will also be saving a significant amount of money on fuel.

Finally, setting off on an adventure with the Chrysler minivan is also about enjoying the various onboard technologies, such as a rear wireless sound system with two 10.1-inch screens and access to Amazon Fire TV, in addition to numerous USB ports.

In short, with its versatility, generous amount of cargo space, easy access and loads of technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is an excellent choice, especially if you have a large family with young children or are about to welcome a new little one.

In addition to these qualities, the Chrysler Pacifica at your Valleyfield dealership also comes in different trims, with the choice between a fuel or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The gasoline engine produces 287 horsepower. In contrast, the plug-in hybrid trim produces 260 horsepower and the possibility of driving up to 51 km on electricity alone.

The SUV

SUVs come in different formats, including midsize SUVs with three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven passengers. This is the case, for example, with the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

SUVs have a higher ground clearance than minivans. Furthermore, their capabilities are generally greater, and they often provide you with a more agile driving experience.

If your family consists of teenagers and you do not plan on adding additional members, an SUV can be a good option. In fact, they are often more versatile than minivans and their towing capacities are higher. This can be very useful if you need to tow a trailer, for example.

Dodge Durango

Let's take the Dodge Durango, for example. It comes with three efficient engine options:

• A 3.6 L V6 that produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. maximum torque (SXT, GT, Citadel)
• A 5.7 L V8 that develops 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. maximum torque (R/T, Citadel V8)
• A 6.2 L turbocharged V8 producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft. maximum torque (SRT Hellcat)

The Durango can tow either 6,200 lb or 8,700 lb, depending on the selected engine. It is undoubtedly one of the most capable SUVs in its class. In addition, it offers a modern and comfortable interior.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

As for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, it is also a midsize SUV with 7-passenger seating. It comes with two very interesting engine options:

• A 3.6 L V6 that produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. maximum torque
• A 5.7 L V8 that develops 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. maximum torque

The towing capacity for this Jeep is also impressive: it is either 6,200 lb with the V6 engine or 7,200 lb with the V8.

In addition, the Grand Cherokee L is 289 mm longer than its smaller brother (the Grand Cherokee), providing a generous amount of cargo space that can reach up to 2,396 litres.

Finally, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L will delight the family with a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, two rear 10.1-inch screens with Fire TV and optional Alexa, and six USB ports (A and C).

The Grand Cherokee L is a quiet SUV with a comfortable and spacious interior. The whole family will enjoy the drives to the cottage aboard this vehicle.

Other Useful Differences

In short, if you prefer off-road driving or if a generous towing capacity is important to you, an SUV will be an excellent road companion. On the other hand, if your priorities are welcoming several passengers in luscious comfort or if you are looking for a maximum of cargo space, a minivan will be a valuable asset.

SUVs generally consume more than minivans, especially if you select a minivan with a hybrid engine. This is the case with the Chrysler Pacifica, which has combined fuel consumption numbers of only 8.0 L/100 km.

The SUVs presented here are offered with all-wheel drive, and so is the Chrysler minivan. This will come in handy when winter weather conditions are not ideal.

You will also be looking for the type of vehicle that best suits your taste and needs. All of the vehicles mentioned above are both durable and reliable.

Lastly, budget also comes into play and is often one of the most fundamental aspects. Note that the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica is offered at a starting price of $55,895. Base price for the Dodge Durango is $56,871, and for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L $60,292.

Conclusion

The choice between an SUV or a Minivan will depend on your and your family's lifestyle. Each comes with its own set of advantages.

If you need to better understand the amount of cargo space offered to you, consider bringing a stroller or other items that you carry around frequently so that you can have a clear idea of the amount of space that is available, and what remains once your items are in place. This can help you have a clearer understanding of the type of vehicle that is best suited to your needs.

Come and take your next family vehicle at Duclos Valleyfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM out for a test drive. Take advantage of our current offers and promotions as well as our advantageous financing solutions. A team of passionate experts is waiting for you!