Opinions differ regarding their aesthetic appeal, but one point is indisputable: Minivans are the most practical vehicles for family transportation. Offering convenient amenities like sliding doors and in-cabin cameras that let you keep an eye on kids in the third row, these versatile haulers are purpose-built to meet the needs of active families.
That family-friendliness has helped make minivans hot sellers with today’s car buyers. Fewer models are on the market than in previous years, but the current candidates enjoy robust popularity. Models like the Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, and Honda Odyssey experienced significant sales increases in 2023.
So, what does today’s minivan class look like? These are all the current and upcoming contenders.
2025 Kia Carnival
Base Price: $37,895
Boasting assertive styling, the Kia Carnival will appeal to you if you want a minivan that doesn’t look like one. Kia calls it a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), but don’t be fooled: With dual sliding doors and a roomy third row, the Carnival offers everything buyers love about minivans.
All Carnivals have a 290-horsepower V6, which is more potent than the standard powertrains in rivals like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. The acceleration is capable, the ride quality is smooth, and the Carnival has more cargo room behind its third row than any other vehicle in its class. However, unlike competitors like the Toyota Sienna, this Kia isn’t available with all-wheel drive.
For the 2025 model year, the Carnival adds new standard features like rear cross-traffic alert, navigation, and satellite radio.
2024 Toyota Sienna
Base Price: $39,135
The Sienna was one of the earliest entrants to the minivan segment and offers features that set it apart. Its standard hybrid powertrain makes this minivan a class leader in fuel efficiency. Also, it’s available with all-wheel drive for more secure traction in rain and snow. Only one other vehicle in this class (Chrysler Pacifica) offers that amenity.
This minivan’s engine generates 245 horsepower; rivals have beefier powertrains. The Sienna feels lively when driving in the city but gets winded on the highway.
Standard features include a 9-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims gain valuable features like a cabin intercom system and a surround-view parking camera.
2025 Honda Odyssey
Base Price: $43,315
The Odyssey has long been a top choice among minivans, and Honda sweetens the pot with upgrades for the 2025 model year. These include revised exterior styling, improved technology features, and an expanded selection of standard equipment.
This Honda offers a gentle ride, and its 280-horsepower V6 has ample muscle for city and highway driving. However, all-wheel drive isn’t available, and the Odyssey is less fuel-efficient than hybrid rivals like the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna.
The spacious cabin includes a Magic Slide second-row seat offering numerous configurations. The cargo room is generous, and the Odyssey is available with helpful features like CabinWatch, a rear-facing interior camera that gives front-row passengers a view of the rear seats.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica
Base Price: $41,340
The Pacifica gives buyers a choice of gas-only and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The plug-in hybrid is the only one of its kind in the minivan class, offering excellent gas mileage and 32 miles of electric-only driving range. The gas-only version is available with all-wheel drive, and all Pacifica minivans offer upscale, roomy accommodations.
This minivan’s top trims are downright luxurious, and the cargo capacity is competitive. Heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen are standard. The top trims include upgrades like a Harman Kardon sound system, quilted leather upholstery, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system with wireless streaming.
2025 Volkswagen I.D. Buzz
Base Price: $59,995
Volkswagen will expand its all-electric vehicle (EV) range with the I.D. Buzz. When it debuts in the second half of 2024, this VW will be the first and only all-electric minivan on the market.
The automaker says this vehicle is a modernized update of the VW Bus that cruised streets from the 1950s through the early 1970s. It’s available with all-wheel drive and provides ample room for seven passengers and their cargo.
The I.D. Buzz has a 282-horsepower powertrain. VW had yet to provide official range estimates when we wrote this article, but this minivan is expected to travel at least 250 miles on a full charge.
Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, power-sliding side doors, and a power tailgate. Options like a head-up display and an automated parking system are available.
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