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.
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.