In what sense are minivans “better” than SUVs such that this question is relevant? I could imagine some have lower bumper heights (safer for pedestrians) but they’re definitely getting higher. One imagines they are broadly comparable in terms of weight.

(Personally I find minivans have more utility, but I don’t feel like I’m doing something “right” by owning one instead of an SUV).

Minivans do have more utility in the hardware store since they open up more, but modern "SUV"s are dressed up minivans and get similar millage as an SUV.

So I really don't understand minivan love paired with SUV hate (mid sized ones anyway)

Indeed, and when I was looking to buy my SUV i was gravitating towards the minivan version of my SUV. But it didnt come with AWD, and my wife insisted on it despite my protests.

In fact the minivan would have been more practical, but environmentally indistinguishable. The minivan has the same engine my SUV has and, to my eye anyway, has a larger frontal area.