1: Station wagons that seat more than 5 people basically don't exist anymore (last I checked only the Mercedes Benz could do so in the US).

2: Minivans have an image problem (still associated with the "soccer mom" stereotype for Gen X; millenials appear to be less averse to them). In addition, most minivans are elevated so that they can have a flat floor, so they similarly have an elevated center of gravity.

Bringing it back full circle, the Tesla Model S can also seat 7, as long as two are children (and you buy the option for third row seats).

Yeah, if I was willing to drop $90k on a car that would have been an option. The E-class station wagon is cheaper, but still more than we were looking at. The Mazda 5 was an amazing car, but is now discontinued in the US, meaning there are now no compact cars that can seat 6+.

I didn't realize the Mazda 5 was discontinued. Too bad, it looked like a pretty practical design.

> Minivans have an image problem (still associated with the "soccer mom" stereotype for Gen X; millenials appear to be less averse to them).

Might be that millennial perception you're talking about, but I always thought soccer moms drive SUVs.

People like the visibility from sitting higher. Also, "bigger = safer" is a common thought process.

Also people get old and want a car that they can get in and out of without having to lift/drop their own centre of gravity.

They flip over easier but they are more heavy, which is safer in crashes. In a head to head crash between a car and an SUV, the SUV is significantly safer. I believe SUV's have lower fatalities per mile driven.

> I believe SUV's have lower fatalities per mile driven.

I would be interested to know how this compares with other vehicles if 'fatalities per mile driven' included fatalities that involved non-SUV occupants.

Quite often they're a fashion statement more than anything else.

Transporting a family takes room. Rear facing car seats don't necessarily fit into smaller cars.

Large sedans and station wagons are valid alternatives; SUVs are similarly or higher-priced than safer options.

Height is the big advantage of SUV's and minivans. Kids stay in carseats much longer now and the seats can be quite bulky. It's a lot easier to load them into something with some height.

Large sedans and station wagons are valid alternatives; SUVs are similarly or higher-priced.

Ride height, more cabin space for kids, some use for four wheel drive if you live in a climate with snow/ice, and/or personal preference?

I currently drive a civic so am just guessing...