While I don't hate them, I tend to shy away from SUV due to the inefficient layout and inherently more dangerous propensity to roll over. Think about this, the floor height is higher to accommodate the four wheel drive system which means less cargo room than a comparably sized minivan.
Now compare this to a minivan, where the floor is not much higher than a sedan.
This is a center of gravity thing. Hauling 300 lbs of stuff higher off the ground leads to more instability. Also, the majority of the load area in an SUV is behind the axle, compared to over or in front of it. This tends to over load the rear of the vehicle, leading to unsafe handle characteristics. (I load my work van with the heaviest stuff in the middle, through the side door. My father works out of the rear end. Guess whose van feels safer? Comparatively speaking)
Now, how about that totally awesome third row seat? In an SUV, the third row seats are usually really small and flimsy, so as not to take up much space when folded. Compare to a minivan where they are actual seats. With actual leg room! A seat has to be strong enough to not deform or flex backwards.
There is a study, though I am not sure where, that shows the compromise in seat back integrity and proximity to the rear door/window is super dangerous for children. There may even be video of it.
http://www.rcrsd.com/news/third-row-car-seats/
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/02/the-safety-of-third-row-seats/index.htm
http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/how-safe-are-rear-seat-passengers.html
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/03/13/car-seats.aspx
That said, my wife and I drive tdi passats, and if I have to carry more than 5 people, I take my full size conversion van. I would totally drive a minivan for hauling purposes, be it cargo or people though.
Oh, and I would do some pretty unsavory things for a passat wagon like the one in the video....maybe. That is one badass ride!
