Three Row SUV vs Minivan

[yitbos96bb]

Going to Aulani next year with 5 people (Adults and Teens). I've only ever been with my ex as a couple, so this is a new experience with this many people. Because we are going to probably do some of the Shaka Tours (have done them before and love the tours) so we can take our time (vs an arranged tour) I wanted to get something roomy for comfort during the longer drives.

At this point, a three row SUV or Minivan seems to be my best option. I was curious if anyone recommended one option over the other. The SUV would probably be an Acadia and the Van a Pacifica if that matters. Miles per gallon is about the same on both.

What have those of you with more than four in your party done in the past? What worked out better?

 

[planningjollyholiday]

We always have six in our party and have rented a few different options. We generally like SUVs better than mini vans as the driver seat usually sits higher than mini vans making it easier to see and usually there is more storage. Having said that, between your two options I would pick the Pacifica. We did not like the Acadia as you had to move the second row chairs forward in order to access the back row. It also had a small trunk which made it very difficult to get all our luggage in when we traveled between the hotel and the airport. Our best rental we have had was the Chevy Traverse as it had captains chairs for the second row making it easy for the kids to hop through the middle to the back row. It also had a ton of space so luggage storage was easy.
We used the Shaka app for our Big Island trip last year and loved it. I wil have to try the Oahu version next time.

 

[monsterkitty]

First, if you have a Costco membership, rent through them. It's so easy to compare prices and rent what you want at the best price. Then, keep checking back for a lower price on either vehicle. Make a new reservation if the price drops and then cancel your original rental. I play this game starting about 8 months out.

We have rented both and I think you would be fine with either the mini van or SUV. We rent what is cheaper and that is usually SUVs.

 

[yitbos96bb]

First, if you have a Costco membership, rent through them. It's so easy to compare prices and rent what you want at the best price. Then, keep checking back for a lower price on either vehicle. Make a new reservation if the price drops and then cancel your original rental. I play this game starting about 8 months out.

We have rented both and I think you would be fine with either the mini van or SUV. We rent what is cheaper and that is usually SUVs.

I'll check them out. I usually use Sixt cause I have platinum status there but that doesn't always mean cheapest and if I do a minivan the upgrade benefit doesn't help.

Thanks!

 

[that1jeff]

Although possible to do the GMC Acadia for a party 5, I would not suggest it. With luggage, it's going to be a pretty tight drive to/from the airport. There's not much trunk space behind the 3rd row. Granted you can lower one of the back seats to make more room for luggage, but it'll still be tight. Touring the island without luggage will obviously be a better experience. But your 5th person in the back row might be a little tight. Although they could sprawl out with the whole back row to themselves.

With all that said, if comfort is more of the concern, I would still choose the Pacifica (or any mini van) over a 3rd row SUV. Most mini van trunks have a well. So the floor of the trunk is lowered increasing storage capacity. Also, the Aulani parking structure can have some tight parking spots. Loading in and out with normal doors on an SUV can be difficult. The sliding doors on a mini van will make things much easier. Also, driving a mini van is like driving a La-Z-Boy...super plush and comfy. lol.

When we went to Aulani back in December, we were a party of 6. 5x adults and 1x toddler. We rented a Chevy Suburban via Costco. So we were very comfortable with plenty of storage space. But it was a little bit of a pain parking that boat at the parking structure. I ended up ALWAYS parking on the top floor of the structure at the very last spots because there were always plenty of spaces available there. And plenty of room (and time) to maneuver our yacht of an SUV without fear that I was causing a traffic jam as I backed into a spot.

Enjoy your trip! Aloha!

 

[_19disnA]

Some 3-row SUV's have a very small area in the back where you can place luggage. Depends on the wheelbase and GM makes several SUV's on the same platform for the various divisions. Make sure to review the dimensions of whatever vehicle you plan to rent.

 

[bwr827]

Minivan beats third-row SUV every time if you’re looking for spaciousness. If you’re using those rear seats in the SUV, good luck fitting much luggage.

 

[monsterkitty]

Someone in their trip report here said that they rented a car for their family, but it lacked room for their luggage and people. They put the luggage in the car and the other family members took an Uber to and from the airport.

If luggage does not fit in whatever you rent, this could be an option.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Although possible to do the GMC Acadia for a party 5, I would not suggest it. With luggage, it's going to be a pretty tight drive to/from the airport. There's not much trunk space behind the 3rd row. Granted you can lower one of the back seats to make more room for luggage, but it'll still be tight. Touring the island without luggage will obviously be a better experience. But your 5th person in the back row might be a little tight. Although they could sprawl out with the whole back row to themselves.

With all that said, if comfort is more of the concern, I would still choose the Pacifica (or any mini van) over a 3rd row SUV. Most mini van trunks have a well. So the floor of the trunk is lowered increasing storage capacity. Also, the Aulani parking structure can have some tight parking spots. Loading in and out with normal doors on an SUV can be difficult. The sliding doors on a mini van will make things much easier. Also, driving a mini van is like driving a La-Z-Boy...super plush and comfy. lol.

When we went to Aulani back in December, we were a party of 6. 5x adults and 1x toddler. We rented a Chevy Suburban via Costco. So we were very comfortable with plenty of storage space. But it was a little bit of a pain parking that boat at the parking structure. I ended up ALWAYS parking on the top floor of the structure at the very last spots because there were always plenty of spaces available there. And plenty of room (and time) to maneuver our yacht of an SUV without fear that I was causing a traffic jam as I backed into a spot.

Enjoy your trip! Aloha!

Wow... I completely blanked on the parking structure from previous visits. Thanks for reminding me... that may have finalized my decision (was leaning toward the van anyway).

 

[Tigger's ally]

Difference for me is a minivan is made for people to get in the back seat. A third row SUV has a third seat that allows you to ride in it AFTER you do a spinal contortion to get back there. Give me the minivan any day of the week.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Went with the Minivan. Got it for about $55 a day from Sixt which is one of my favorite rental car companies.... couldn't find it remotely close to that cost anywhere else but will keep checking since this stay is a long ways away

 

[Upatnoon]

Went with the Minivan. Got it for about $55 a day from Sixt which is one of my favorite rental car companies.... couldn't find it remotely close to that cost anywhere else but will keep checking since this stay is a long ways away

Good call. A minivan is the ultimate car for moving a big family or group in the most comfortable and practical way possible.

 

[_19disnA]

It was my impression that every 3 row SUV has a feature where the second row seats either tilt or slide forward (or both) for 3rd row access.

 

[CastAStone]

It was my impression that every 3 row SUV has a feature where the second row seats either tilt or slide forward (or both) for 3rd row access.

That’s generally true, but with maybe the exception of an Escalade, it’s nothing like the ease of getting into a minivan.

 

[yitbos96bb]

It was my impression that every 3 row SUV has a feature where the second row seats either tilt or slide forward (or both) for 3rd row access.

They do but I can see what people are saying... a van has easy access whereas you have to scoot back to the back. Sometimes it's easier with an older traveler and not to give teens a reason to complain lol

 

[bluezy]

Went with the Minivan. Got it for about $55 a day from Sixt which is one of my favorite rental car companies.... couldn't find it remotely close to that cost anywhere else but will keep checking since this stay is a long ways away

Good call. Having owned a GMC Acadia (which I loved!!!) and also a few minivans along the way, the minivan will win hands down every time if you're transporting several people and luggage. It's soooo much easier to get to the 3rd row in a minivan and there is also some luggage space behind that 3rd row. We've driven to Disney with 5 kids and luggage for 7 people in a minivan. It was tight, but it worked. We would never have been able to do that in my Acadia or my Palisade. Nowhere close to enough luggage space and getting in an out of the 3rd row would take forever (that's a little easier in the Palisade than the Acadia, though. The Palisade has power seats so you just have to touch a button and the middle row seat moves forward and folds down. It allows pretty easy access to the 3rd row, but still not as easy as a minivan.).

 

[yitbos96bb]

Good call. Having owned a GMC Acadia (which I loved!!!) and also a few minivans along the way, the minivan will win hands down every time if you're transporting several people and luggage. It's soooo much easier to get to the 3rd row in a minivan and there is also some luggage space behind that 3rd row. We've driven to Disney with 5 kids and luggage for 7 people in a minivan. It was tight, but it worked. We would never have been able to do that in my Acadia or my Palisade. Nowhere close to enough luggage space and getting in an out of the 3rd row would take forever (that's a little easier in the Palisade than the Acadia, though. The Palisade has power seats so you just have to touch a button and the middle row seat moves forward and folds down. It allows pretty easy access to the 3rd row, but still not as easy as a minivan.).

It only ended up being an $80 difference do it was worth it. Not like I'm taking it off-roading and too many to do a convertible or wrangler

 

[barrbarr25]

Going to Aulani next year with 5 people (Adults and Teens). I've only ever been with my ex as a couple, so this is a new experience with this many people. Because we are going to probably do some of the Shaka Tours (have done them before and love the tours) so we can take our time (vs an arranged tour) I wanted to get something roomy for comfort during the longer drives.

At this point, a three row SUV or Minivan seems to be my best option. I was curious if anyone recommended one option over the other. The SUV would probably be an Acadia and the Van a Pacifica if that matters. Miles per gallon is about the same on both.

What have those of you with more than four in your party done in the past? What worked out better?

Minivan all the way! First, my wife dislikes minivans, so I love renting them to show her how practical they are . Second & most important.....it's all about those sliding doors. Being able to open both doors with the FOB and let the kids/adults jump in makes it so easy! 3rd, most resorts have tight parking spots so no door dings. I know it's a rental but I like to TRY and be courteous.

The downside is limited storage if you have 6-7 people and visible bags (I'm from SF so I'm hyper aware of break-ins)