Comparing the Honda CR-V to a Caravan makes absolutely no sense.  That's like saying that sedans are more popular that minivans.  To make any sense of this issue you would have to compare the numbers for 7 or 8 passenger crossovers to minivans, not small crossovers and SUVs.

I can't stand crossovers, if I needed a fmaily car, I'd get a minivan (assuming there were any decent choices left).

 

I don't care what people say, unless you need AWD capability, you CANNOT beat a minivan for family use. My parents had a Pontiac minivan in the early 90's when I was growing up, and you could not beat that thing for practicality and comfort on family trips. When we were older, it was great for moving, as all the seats easily folded flat or removed altogether, and once I hit 21 it was great to take a carload of friends out for a night on the town - and all my friends LOVED that vehicle. We called it the "Hoover", haha, becasue if you remember the Pontiac Transports, they looked like a Dustbuster. And with the 3.8L, that thing would smoke the front tires too!

I own one of each. Each have their benefits AND downsides. I live & drive through everyday a town with a lot of antique shops. I primarily drive the Sienna. Everyday, I laugh when I see people "trying" to fit a piece of furniture in a large car or small-to-midsize crossover/SUV. I guess the concept of trying to fit a square into a circle still doesn't click with these owners. I'm not saying you go out and buy a minivan JUST to transport large cargo every once in awhile. But it IS humorous seeing this. I almost want to pull over, ask how far they're taking it, and just move it for them.

BEFORE you buy a new vehicle, contact your bank, your insurance agent, and then the junk yar d to make sure spare salvage parts are in plentiful supply that will fit the new car/truck/van.  Then you can use it for 20 years with replacement parts and drive parts including engines, trans, fenders, hoods, doors. etc.  Drive it forever.  The junk man is your best friend.