Since gear has become much smaller, I haven't needed a van or SUV in quite some time. All my gear goes in my Honda Accord 4-door sedan, and still leaves room for a passenger in the front.

Front-wheel-drive makes the Accord a great car in wet or icy conditions, and mine has the optional heavy duty suspension with sway-bars front and rear, so it handles the extra weight extremely well.

It's also better on fuel than most SUV's or Vans.

And no gig is worth driving in poor road conditions, in my case, snow storms or snow squalls.

Ian