minivan alternatives

Minivans, once the epitome of suburban Americana, seem to have begun to go the way of the dodo, with consumers increasingly viewing them in a negative light and major auto manufacturers electing to discontinue them from their lines in favor of Crossovers and SUVs.

Carmakers like Honda and Toyota have tried to spruce up the image of their minivans in order to make them more attractive for male buyers. Raging Artists recently released a concept advertisement for the Honda Odyssey that plays up the minivan's characteristics as being ideal for an epic day of debauchery.

But if you're not convinced that the minivan is really suited to your lifestyle or image, there are actually a plethora of suitable alternatives on the market right now that offer comparable versatility and, in many cases, several advantages over minivans such as superior fuel economy and driving dynamics.

Minivans do possess some distinct characteristics that Americans have gotten used to, such as sliding doors that make for easy loading and unloading of children and cargo, so it's important to consider your needs before electing to abandon the segment for something else.

But if you are ready to move on from the minivan, we have put together a list of 10 vehicles that serve as functional family vehicles for today's parent on the go.

Use the arrows at the top to see our minivan alternatives.

Editor's Note: This story was changed to reflect the fact that Raging Artists, a company independent from Honda, created the Odyssey ad.

MSRP: $29,224 - $39,975
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $26,320

Chevrolet, like Ford, has bowed out of the minivan segment. However, offerings like the Traverse and its sister vehicles GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave offer great versatility and spaciousness. The Traverse also has a towing capability of 5,200 lbs.

Research the Chevy Traverse
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MSRP: $21,695 - $27,895
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $21,587

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular crossovers for several reasons. It looks great, offers tons of space for your family and your stuff and comes standard with that legendary Honda reliability.

Research the Honda CR-V
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MSRP: $15,110 - $16,905
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $15,139

The Scion xD tends to fly under the radar with consumers, but it's a perfectly capable vehicle that gets solid fuel economy and works well for city and suburban driving.

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MSRP: $21,650 - $28,790
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg Hwy, 51 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $24,284

The quintessential green machine's claim to fame is its superb fuel economy, but its size and interior design also make it a great choice for families. You'll sacrifice a fun driving dynamic, though.

Research the Toyota Prius
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MSRP: $21,650
Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $21,264

The Cooper Countryman combines great exterior styling, fuel economy, versatility and excellent driving dynamics. Opting for the turbocharged S engine gives an even more exciting ride.

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MSRP: $23,195 - $31,495
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy, 19 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $22,246

One of the last true wagons being produced, the Outback is arguably more useful than a minivan, with lots of interior space, a rear hatch and, most importantly, standard four-wheel.

Research the Subaru Outback
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MSRP: $22,245 - $33,645
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 19 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $18,191

Dodge has a great minivan in the Grand Caravan (especially the R/T), but the Journey is a suitable alternative if you want something a little more sporty. The Journey can be had for a great price right now, too.

Research the Dodge Journey
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MSRP: $28,360 - $39,535
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $25,920

The Explorer is a juggernaut in the SUV segment and for good reason. It offers standard third-row seating, assertive styling, an available 4x4 drivetrain and cutting edge safety technology. The Explorer is an excellent choice for families and with current Ford incentives, it can be had for well below MSRP.

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MSRP: $15,995 - $19,495
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 23 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $15,631

Though we're still waiting for the redesigned styling of the Elantra sedan to come to the wagon, this car offers a surprising amount of versatility in a smallish package. With Hyundai's industry-leading warranty, consumers should take a good, long look at this vehicle.

Research the Hyundai Elantra Touring
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MSRP: $24,995
Fuel Economy: 42 mpg Hwy, 30 mpg City
 
Average AOL Autos Best Deal Price: $23,913

We highly recommend opting for the diesel-powered Jetta Sportwagen. With lots of cargo and passenger room to go along with that 42 mpg on the highway, the road trip possibilities are endless.

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