By: John Matarese , Emily Hanford-Ostmann

Have you claimed you would never become a minivan family? You might want to rethink that.

Minivans are making a big comeback as record-high vehicle prices push families to look for alternatives to SUVs.

While SUVs have dominated sales charts for years, minivans are seeing a resurgence — and the numbers back it up.

Yahoo Finance reports minivan sales jumped 21% in the U.S. last year, far outpacing the overall auto market, which grew 2%.

Parent of two, Jess Laird, is one convert. The minivan owner told us her Toyota Sienna has been a hit with her family.

"We love it. We actually just got it this past year. Have taken it on a few trips," she said. "It fits all our stuff that we need and everybody's happy."

Watch as a dealer shows how flexible and roomy today's new minivans are:

Minivans are making a comeback: Here is why

Price, flexibility, and fuel economy

Chris Heck, head coach at Jeff Wyler Superior Honda in Cincinnati, said sales of the Honda Odyssey are climbing.

"They're up 30% over the last two years. We find that's primarily due to the price segment of this vehicle and gas. The fuel economy on the vehicle is actually very, very good," Heck said.

Part of the appeal is the flexibility of the interior. The Odyssey features a third row that folds flat into the floor and a middle row that can be reconfigured between a bench and captain's chairs.

"There's a lot of configurations you can do with the vehicle," Heck said.

More space, often for less money

Heck said cargo space is one of the Odyssey's biggest selling points.

"The cargo volume, I think, is its biggest seller, honestly," he said.

In one analysis from Edmunds, the Odyssey offered 50% more cargo space than large SUVs — enough room in some configurations to fit a washing machine when the third row is folded down.

There is also a significant price difference. Many minivans start around $40,000, while the average large SUV sells for more than $67,000.

Beyond price and space, Heck said today's minivans have shed the outdated reputation for sluggish handling.

"They have a lower center of gravity. They drive like a car," he said

Heck added that minivans are also easier for seniors, children and pets to get in and out of, thanks to features like power sliding doors on both sides.

So don’t rule out a minivan for your next family vehicle, so you don’t waste your money.

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