These vehicles will replace minivans, I agree, but mainly because baby boomers won't need the 7 seaters anymore as the kids leave home. The key factor in these vehicles is still, how many rows of seats does it have. No 2-row, 5-seater can really replace the 7 seat minivan for people moving.
I looked in a Buick Rendezvous when I was buying my Vibe a few months ago and was surprised that it had 3 rows/6 seats. I didn't know that before. But the back row was so close to the rear lift gate that there was virtually no storage room. It's hard to provide the 3 rows and still retain the car-like, non-minivan look anfd feel - the Rendezvous tries but gives up the storage space. I wonder why the Rendezvous isn't more successful. I also think pontiac should change the Aztec to a more conventional look, and make it a reasonable crossover choice.
I have a 97 Odyssey, Honda's small 4 door original minivan. I love it, if they still made it I'd get a new one. But when I have to get something new, I'll lean to one of the smaller crossovers. Cr-V and Rav4 appeal to me, but I love my Vibe too, and maybe I don't need anything bigger. I like the look of the new HHR, but worry about not having Japanese quality. The new Mazda5 (I think) looks interesting, like a small wagon but with 3 rows of 2 seats.
Honda should make a 4 door wagon to compete with Vibe/Matrix; I think that would be a winner.