Bill, how many children do you and your wife have? How many DINK's do you see driving around in minivans? Very few, but it is "acceptable" for a childless couple to have an SUV. The minivans has an image of mommywagon. As far as handling, vans can sometimes do better than SUV's because they have a more roadworthy (less compliant) suspension and their center of gravity tends to ride lower. For the same fuel economy as your explorer, you wife can haul more people and more gear. It's towing capacity is not going to be too far behind, either. Personally, when I have kids, my wife and I will probably have a minivan, possibly a Honda Pilot SUV if they can make a comfortable seat more like the Acura MDX.
Now let's talk about the social acceptability of that cigarette, hmm?
