Great Family Vehicles That Aren’t Minivans

If you’ve ever thought to yourself that you want more cargo room in your vehicle and aren’t drawn to a minivan, you’re not alone. If you’re accustomed to a compact car, driving a minivan may even seem like a far jump in size. So how can you enjoy the flexibility of more cargo space without having to commit to a minivan? We’re blessed to have many options in the Canadian vehicle market, though sometimes that can be overwhelming. Here are a few important categories to consider that will help you narrow down your search.

Hatchback vs Sedan

Over the last few years, compact sedans have been available as a hatchback design too. The primary difference is in the trunk. This is a great fit for drivers who like the size of a compact vehicle and want more cargo space. For example, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback offers over 77% more cargo capacity in its hatchback design compared to the 2022 Toyota Corolla. I still have a 2004 Toyota Corolla with over 550,000 kms so, with proper maintenance, vehicles can last quite a while. It has served my family well!

Sedan vs SUV

SUVs are in more demand from Canadian drivers than ever before. Without being all that much larger than a Toyota Camry, the 2021 Toyota Venza, for example, offers increased cargo room for sports equipment and weekend getaways, plus split-folding rear seats that open up for more options. SUVs also offer up an elevated ride height. Many SUVs also have all-wheel drive available which allows more traction on slippery roads.

Compact vs Intermediate Sedans

If you enjoy driving a car and don’t want an elevated ride height, consider a full-size sedan. These vehicles give you more cabin room, cargo space, and an option for additional horsepower. The size of the engine is important and it depends on how you’ll use the vehicle. If you expect to carry more cargo weight, consider the larger engine because it will work efficiently with the added weight when compared to a smaller engine. The 2022 Toyota Camry delivers over 15% more cargo capacity than the 2022 Toyota Corolla, is available in two engine sizes or with a hybrid motor.

The Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, and Toyota Venza have hybrid technology available, in addition to other Toyota vehicles in the lineup.

Depending on what your driving style is and what your preferences are (for example cargo space, ride height, etc) there are many options available to fit your lifestyle!

This article is in partnership with in-Powered Auto.