The Minivan's Return
After years of being mocked as an "embarrassing mom-mobile," the minivan is making a comeback, driven largely by the rising cost of SUVs and a renewed focus on practicality. According to data cited by Scripps News, minivan sales in the U.S. increased by 21% in 2025, far outpacing the rest of the auto market, which grew only 2%.
The economic picture is stark. The average price of a new car now hovers around $50,000, while large SUVs average more than $67,000, as reported by both the Deseret News and the New York Post. Minivans, in contrast, start at about $40,000. This price differential is becoming harder for consumers to ignore, especially as gas prices continue to climb.
The Practical Appeal
Beyond cost, the modern minivan offers features that make life easier. Standard equipment includes flat-folding third rows, power sliding doors on both sides, and reconfigurable middle seats. The sliding doors are particularly beneficial for families, making entry easy for children, pets, and seniors—an aspect often overlooked in other vehicle types.
Reddit forums dedicated to comparing SUVs and minivans have become a high ground for praising the humble, practical van. One Redditor noted, "Everyone is going to be more comfortable in the van. Everything is going to fit better in the van." Another confessed, "I secretly take the minivan instead of my pickup truck a lot of times. That thing is BITCHIN!" The practical benefits also appeal to those who value features: "It kills me to say, but the minivan is just insanely practical," wrote another, "the number of features you get in a minivan for the price rivals luxury vehicles priced significantly higher."
Even the aesthetics debate is tackled online, with one commenter asking, "Since when were SUVs aesthetic? SUVs are popular like Olive Garden is popular," and jokingly likening SUV ownership to decorating every room gray with a "live laugh love" sign. Another quipped, "You can pry my Pacifica keys out of my cold, dead fingers."
Dealer Insights and Industry Trends
Chris Heck, head coach at Jeff Wyler Superior Honda in Cincinnati, has seen the trend firsthand. He reports that sales of the Honda Odyssey are up 30% over the last two years, a rise he attributes primarily to the van's price segment and fuel economy. He says the Odyssey's biggest appeal is its cargo volume. "You also get a lower center of gravity, so they drive like a car," Heck added.
This dealer sentiment aligns with broader interest. Minivans have also grown popular among Uber and Lyft drivers, especially in areas where airport trips are common, as the space and fuel efficiency make them a practical choice for ride-share work.
Automakers have introduced plenty of new trucks and SUVs over the past few years, but they have not been meeting the new demand for minivans, according to the New York Post. The result is a market that left consumers with few new options, despite clear appetite. As Scripps News put it in an interview that both Deseret News and the Post carried: "The question isn't whether minivans are back — it's whether you've been paying SUV prices for a vehicle that a minivan would outperform on space, fuel economy, and cost."
Perspectives
The main driver of the minivan's resurgence is financial. Both the Deseret News and the New York Post point to the wide price gap between minivans and SUVs, plus fuel costs, as the primary incentive for families to take a fresh look at the minivan.
A second perspective, often voiced by drivers, is that the minivan is simply better for the job. The flexible seating, sliding doors, and somewhat landing cargo capacity make it a more comfortable and efficient vehicle for everyday family hauling, as Chris Hecks experience of the Odyssey highlights.
A third viewpoint addresses the cultural stigma. While the minivan has been seen as an "embarrassing mom-mom" , the Reddit comments reflect a shift toward reassessing practicality overstyle. As one person on said, 'Since when were SUVs aesthetic?' This perspective frames the choice as a matter of function over fashion, and the emotional attachment that minivan owners express signals a change in status.
With a growing number of families recognizing the value, the comeback of the minivan appears to be more than a response to price—it's a reflection of changing priorities.