Minivan vs. SUV: Best Rental Car for Large Families in Dubai

Traveling to Dubai with your family? Finding the perfect vehicle for large families' Dubai adventures can be challenging, with many options but only a few truly meeting your needs. Minivans and 7- & 9-seater SUVs can be your ideal picks, considering your family size, cargo space requirements, comfort & convenience features, and desired driving experience. This Minivan vs. SUV blog breaks down different aspects of both, helping you pick the right vehicle for your family's exploration in the Emirates. Furthermore, it shares expert tips on rentals for a seamless experience. Let's first understand why vehicle choice matters.

Why Vehicle Choice Matters for Large Families in Dubai

The vehicle choice defines whether you’re in for a comfortable and luxurious adventure or a miserable experience. Imagine two different scenarios: a family of 8 with luggage traveling in a Nissan Patrol and the same family traveling in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Which do you think offers more convenience and luxury experience?

While both vehicles can accommodate 8 passengers, the Sprinter offers more crucial cargo space, leg- & head-room, and enhanced comfort features, making your family adventure a truly wholesome experience, eliminating fatigue and congestion.

Making the right family requirement assessment is crucial to a seamless travel experience in the Emirates. Match them properly with your budget and pick the one that effortlessly meets your travel needs. For instance, renting a 12-seater minivan for a family of 7 is quite redundant, costing you more money, while it could be ideally perfect to rent a Cadillac Escalade.

Minivans: Spacious and Family-Friendly

Minivans are truly made for luxurious family travel with their spacious interiors, plush seating arrangements, ample cargo space, cutting-edge technologies for safety and comfort, and powerful performance. Let’s check out the different aspects that make these versatile vehicles a solid pick for large families traveling in the Emirates.

• Recommended Minivan Models: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz V-Class/Viano, Hyundai Staria, Toyota HiAce, and Kia Carnival.

• Passenger Capacity: 8-16 passengers.

• Luggage Space: up to ~78.6 cu-ft. behind last row; up to ~488.1 cu-ft. (seats folded).

• Fuel Efficiency: ~11.7 L/100km to ~7.0 L/100km (combined).

• Comfort Features: Premium leather upholstery, reclining captain’s chairs, massage functions, heating/ventilation, multi-zone AC with rear vents, Digital cluster and infotainment with rear-seat entertainment, high-definition sound system, and more.

• Safety Features: Advanced driver-assistance systems (Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keep Assist), autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, multiple airbags (up to seven in some models), adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert with audio and visual warnings, surround-view camera system, high-beam assist.

Best For: Large group VIP transport and long-distance family or business travel with premium comfort and safety.

Rental Price: AED 250-1,600/day; AED 1,500-9,000/week; and AED 4,000-30,000/month.

Rent With: FriendsCarRental, BlackLimo, Amex Car Rental, Renty, SpeedyDrive, BusRentDubai, and OneClickDrive.

SUVs: Stylish and Adventure-Ready

SUVs are equally amazing choices for large families traveling in the Emirates. While they don’t offer extensive seating arrangements (more than 8), their interiors are serene, adorned with plush seats, enhanced comfort features, and ambient lighting. SUVs offer better style, greater appeal, and more robust performance to tackle Emirates’s diverse driving challenges with ease. Check out the crucial features and offerings that make SUVs ideal picks for large families seeking a wholesome Dubai adventure.

• Recommended SUV Models: Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, and Jeep Wagoneer.

• Passenger Capacity: 7-9 passengers.

• Luggage Space: up to ~16.6 cu-ft. behind last row; up to ~144.7 cu-ft. (seats folded).

• Fuel Efficiency: ~19.7 L/100km to ~7.3 L/100km (combined).

• Comfort Features: High-quality leather upholstery, massaging front seats, multi-zone automatic climate control, standard adaptive air suspension, hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, copious storage, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and premium sound system.

• Safety Features: Multiple Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), LATCH System, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Safety Alert Seat, ProPILOT Assist, and Reverse Automatic Braking.

Best For: Stylish and practical VIP transport and prestigious family travel with a focus on urban maneuverability, expansive cargo space, robust towing, and comfortable long-distance journeys.

Rental Price: AED 300-1,800/day; AED 2,100-10,800/week; and AED 6,000-36,000/month.

Rent With: Hertz UAE, Speedy Drive, Octae Rent, FriendsCarRental, Silverstone Rent a Car, Renty, OneClickDrive, eZhire, and Golden Key Rent Car.

Minivan vs. SUV: Comparison for Large Families

Besides offering exceptional choices for large family adventures in the Emirates, Minivans and SUVs completely differ from their make of engines and functionalities. Check out the major difference between Minivan and SUV, focusing on large family adventures in Dubai.

• Seating: Minivans offer more consistent and easily accessible, roomier seating arrangements with spacious third rows, often facilitated by their signature sliding doors.

• Cargo: Minivans generally have more practical and versatile cargo space, especially behind the third row, and can offer expansive maximum volumes (typically up to ~140-160 cu-ft. with rear seats folded/stowed). SUVs, while offering large overall maximum capacities, tend to have less usable space directly behind their third row when all seats are occupied.

• Fuel Economy: On average, Minivans often offer comparable or slightly better fuel efficiency than many large 7-9 seater SUVs, benefiting from their typically lighter, more aerodynamic designs.

• Cost: Minivans are generally more cost-efficient than SUVs. They are usually cheaper to rent and have lower running costs in Dubai.

• Driving Capability: SUVs possess a more robust design for diverse terrains, including theoretical off-road or desert capabilities. Minivans, however, are optimized for smooth urban roads and highways, prioritizing passenger comfort and practical handling. (It's crucial to remember that rental agreements in Dubai almost universally prohibit off-roading and desert driving, effectively negating the SUV's off-road advantage for rental purposes).

Here’s a tabular representation of Minivan vs. SUV (general-comprehensive):

Please Note: All prices are approximate and subject to change based on seasonality, rental duration, specific model year, trim level, and rental agency policies. The comfort and safety features listed are comprehensive for each vehicle type and may not be present on every specific rental model; features vary by trim level and optional packages. We recommend confirming exact specifications and pricing with your chosen rental provider.

Dubai-Specific Rental Tips for Large Families

Knowing why vehicle choice matters and major differences while renting a minivan and SUV in Dubai, it’s crucial that you learn about insightful tips for a seamless large family car rental experience.

• Book your rental in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (November-February) for better availability and cheaper rental prices.

• Rent SUVs or Minivans from reputed rental agencies, like FriendsCarRental. Research well before selecting an agency. Leverage Google reviews, compare prices, and check their vehicle fleet & rental policies.

• Learn and understand Dubai RTA’s traffic rules and regulations. Use the RTA website or app for detailed information on speed limits, traffic fines, and other mandatory rules.

• Review your rental agreement well before signing it. Make sure the agreement entails everything, from fuel policies, mileage limits, security deposit, insurance coverage, late return fees, to other potential additional costs.

• Consider subscribing to extra insurance policies to safeguard yourself from potential vehicle damage and accidents.

• Inspect the family's Minivan or SUVs thoroughly before accepting the keys. Document photo and video proof of the car's condition (inside and out), like existing scratches or dents. This will help avoid potential disputes upon return.

• Drive safely, follow all traffic rules, be mindful of other drivers, and maintain lane discipline, especially on the highways. Stay safe and avoid accidents.

• Return your rental SUV or minivan, per the rental agreement. Clear all payments, and obtain a confirmation receipt to finalize the rental.

Minivan or SUV: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing a Minivan or SUV boils down to what your travel requirements are, how much your budget is, and your personal preferences. Both SUVs and minivans are exceptional choices for large families (at least 7-8 members) traveling in Dubai or the Emirates. While SUVs offer great driving experience on all terrains, minivans can be ideal picks for luxurious and comfortable travel experience, where ample cargo space is mandatory.

To choose an ideal (larger) family car in Dubai, read: how to choose a safe & spacious rental car for family travel in Dubai.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for a Minivan (such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz V-Class/Viano, or Hyundai Staria) or an SUV (like the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon XL, or Chevrolet Suburban), you can make your family adventure in Dubai a truly memorable experience. They all offer spaciousness, comfort, convenience, enhanced safety features, and robust performance. However, make sure you pick the one that caters best to your unique travel needs. Take your time, research the vehicles and rental agencies thoroughly, and select your travel companion with careful consideration. Leverage the expert tips above for a seamless journey in Dubai.