The 5 Best Minivans on the Market Today
We know, using the words “best” and “minivans” might seem like an oxymoron to some consumers, but it’s important to keep an open mind when car shopping. The rising popularity of three-row SUVs and the stigma of being a “soccer mom” have caused consumers to shy away from minivans, but upon taking a closer look, just about anyone can see why they still exist.
Ample passenger room and space for all of their cargo is the main highlight, but a look at the feature list of any of the minivans on the market will reveal the more pragmatic side of them. For anyone slightly curious, here is a look at the five best minivans on the market today.
2020 Honda Odyssey
Now in its fifth generation, the Honda Odyssey comes standard with a 10-speed automatic matched to a V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and achieves 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. The technology features are where the van really shines, though, with the available Honda Sensing suite and rear-entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display and DVD/HDMI inputs.
Other convenient amenities include an available 550-watt 11-speaker sound system; Honda’s CabinWatch feature, which allows the driver to view passengers from the touchscreen display; a HondaVac, which is a vacuum in the third row; and Magic Slide second-row seats, which allows for a wide configuration of the second row. While we can only list a few notable features here, we do recommend driving one, you might realize why the Honda Odyssey has withstood the test of time and won’t be disappointed.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica will have the option for all-wheel drive; however, in its current form, the Chrysler Pacifica does have a lot to offer. A peppy V6 engine powers this people hauler, and handy features like the Stow n’ Go rear seats that fold flat into the floor can turn this van into a cargo carrier in seconds. We like that a plug-in hybrid option, which gets up to 520 miles on a full tank and up to 33 miles of all-electric driving, is also available.
The Pacifica offers many of the same amenities as the Honda Odyssey; a full suite of driver-assist features and rear-seat entertainment via dual 10-inch touchscreens. If the thought of a minivan piques your interest, we do recommend checking out the Pacifica, as it adds an interesting twist to the segment.
2020 Kia Sedona
The 2020 Kia Sedona is the more affordable entry on this list, with the lowest “L” trim coming in under $30,000. However, if all of the creature comforts and amenities are what you seek, stepping up to the SX trim level will mark up the price to around $41,000. At that price, you’ll get many premium features like second-row captain’s seating, leather, available rear entertainment, and a long list of safety features. Tack on Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and you have yourself an excellent budget-friend family hauler.
2020 Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna has always been a leader in the minivan segment thanks to its renowned reliability and impressive value. Additionally, this is the only minivan on this list that’s currently available with all-wheel drive. Driving aside, the Sienna works well as a “living room on wheels” as it’s available with a massive 16.4-inch widescreen entertainment system, a soft leather interior, dual moonroof, and an auto access seat, which swings out the second-row captain’s chairs a full 90 degree to allow easier access.
If you’re still shy about driving a minivan, the Sienna also comes in a fully blacked-out “Nightshade Edition Package,” which adorns the Sienna with black wheels, black trim, and even a spoiler. After all, they called the “swagger wagon” for a reason.
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
We just had to add the Dodge Grand Caravan to this list because it’s a classic; it’s also one of the most affordable in the segment, starting at around $27,000 up to $34,000 for the SXT trim. Check all the boxes on the options list, and you’ll get an array of features, including Stow n’ Go seating for ultimate convenience, a leather and suede interior, a power liftgate, and navigation. Dodge has a “Blacktop Package” as well, which gives the van a blacked-out appearance.
Which one should you buy?
All of the minivans on this list are of great value no matter which one you choose. They all offer the same features and list for around the same price. If you check one out, pay attention to the more-usable third rows. After all, there’s a reason they still exist.