so the SUV's with captains chairs like the traverse or enclave are not even close?
I can buy a brand new dodge van cheaper than buying a used honda van with lots of km on it, however they tend to devalue really fast. something to consider since I am for sure not going to keep a van forever. everyone I know with a dodge van has repairs after a few years. my DH has a brand new dodge truck only because it was the cheapest option at the time and had a center console option he liked. I despise the forward headrests in it.
You need to decide what you need in a vehicle. How much cargo space do *you* need? Minivan diehards swear that you can't get much done with most SUVs when it comes to cargo space. Some SUVs offer more cargo space than others, and most offer a 60/40 split in the 3rd row, meaning you can have a person sitting in the 3rd row and still have almost all of your cargo space. Personally I prefer not to haul too much in my cargo space on a day to day basis, and manage just fine with the cargo space behind my 3rd row.
In terms of going from an Equinox to an Enclave, for example, I'm not sure you're gaining much other than captains chairs.
Really honestly I think you need to make a list of what you really want.
Cargo space is probably the most subjective topic, so I wouldnt necessarily focus on that too much.
But sliding doors, you really need to decide if you WANT them. If you do, then minivan is your answer.
Captains chairs, you really need to decide if having them is going to solve all your issues. If so, then get an SUV with captains chairs, but be cautious with the traverse and clones. One tether anchor 3rd row dead center is really irritating IME. Really limits you in terms of seating config with three kids.
Cost, if you want to keep said vehicle for only a few years or drive it into the ground. I knew I'd only keep a van for a few years -- if that. Financially it made the most sense to buy a vehicle I loved and knew I'd keep for a good long time. Vehicles are the worst investment any of us make, but only you know your finances.
Personally, no, I would not buy a GrCaravan. If I went van it would have to be an foreign make... even a Kia Sedona (which offer a much better factory installed TA set-up than the GrCaravan and current gen Sienna).