The main considerations for anyone choosing between a minivan and an SUV are what you haul most – people or things – and just how much playing you and your family are going to do with this vehicle.

Minivans are – at their hearts – people movers. They, as a class, are smaller than traditional vans, such as the Ford E series. They have more fuel economy than traditional vans and are better adapted for personal use. And yes, in a pinch, you can haul stuff in them. But when they really shine is when you have to carry a group. They’re taller than both hatchbacks and cars, and this additional size is used to make the people comfortable.

Really, it’s the unique design of the minivan that makes this happen. The engine is mounted close to the front, maximizing the passenger cabin. Minivans are, almost universally, front wheel drive, meaning that there’s no transmission hump to take away from the passenger space. It’s no mistake that, in some parts of the world, minivans are often called people movers.

SUVs, on the other hand, are designed with utility in mind – primarily when it comes to versatility and a variety of uses. You can haul people and you can haul stuff. A good SUV design has some truck elements that make loading and unloading your cargo a breeze. In addition, there are also seat configurations that will, in a pinch, allow people to be the main cargo. Comfort may be sacrificed a bit, but plenty of people can fit in.

In addition, SUVs are generally configured for four wheel drive, adding an off-road capability. But, frankly, this is an underutilized feature in most SUVs. Inclement weather is when most of the four wheel drive models are really used. True off-roaders tend to go for a bit more robust vehicle, while the average suburban family doesn’t really go out into the mud that much.

So, which one is best for your family? Well, do you haul more people than things? That’s the first question you need to ask yourself. Do you and yours go more for the choral, drama and chess clubs? Typically, those tend to be rather light on the equipment, making a minivan a good choice for your family. Are football, baseball and equestrian sports more up your alley? Then you’re already well acquainted with the amount of stuff that needs to be hauled around. Look long and hard at the SUVs.

Of course, where you go is another factor. Scooting around town, especially in the more temperate regions, really calls for that minivan. But if you call an area with hard winters home or if you and your brood actually do enjoy off-road sports, you’re sure to find an SUV that fits your style preferences and budget needs.

The final decision comes down to a mix of what you haul, what your family likes and where and when you have to take them. Mix all that together and you’ll quickly know what you need – whether it’s a minivan or an SUV.