What Are the Best and Most Reliable Minivans of 2022?
The minivan segment isn’t as plentiful as it once was. Those who require a minivan to pack a big family into no longer have a long list of options in the automotive market. Instead, only four models remain, each with strengths and weaknesses. Recently, experts determined which models were the best and most reliable compared to rivals. Here’s every 2022 minivan ranked from worst to best, including reliability and whether we agree.
4. Toyota Sienna: The worst minivan?
According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Toyota Sienna is the worst overall minivan. A few things are a detriment to the Sienna, C/D says. For example, the second row of seats isn’t stowable or removable. This is a feature included with almost every other model in its class. Unfortunately, it’s also an essential feature since families need versatility in seating, especially the ability to fit more or fewer people inside. Without removable and stowable seats, the Sienna falls short of some opponents.
However, it excels in other ways. J.D. Power‘s predicted reliability rating is a 74 out of 100, making it the second-most reliable option in the minivan segment. Additionally, its hybrid-only engine gives it fantastic fuel economy. Its 36 mpg city and highway with front-wheel drive make it the second-most fuel-efficient minivan available.
3. Honda Odyssey: Number one in reliability
Next, Car and Driver named the Honda Odyssey as the third-place minivan. Like its Toyota rival, C/D disliked the inability to stow rear seats as a negative. Although the seats are removable, removing them every time is tiresome. Additionally, the single engine option is a 280-horsepower V6, which falls short on fuel economy. The Odyssey averages 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway which only beats one other minivan.
Contrarily, we think the Odyssey is one of the best minivan options. Although it struggles with fuel economy, it makes up for it in other ways. The most essential is reliability. J.D Power predicted the 2022 Odyssey will be the most reliable minivan, earning a 77 out of 100 reliability rating. Additionally, standard safety equipment like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist make the Honda minivan safe and reliable.
2. Kia Carnival: Something to prove
The newest offering in the minivan lineup is the Kia Carnival. Although it hasn’t been around as long as its competition, C/D thinks it’s better than two of the most iconic models. Conveniently, Kia’s minivan has heated and cooled reclining second-row captain’s chairs with an ottoman that owners can move around. Of course, this is only available with the SX Prestige trim, the most costly of the five options.
We’re unsure of the reasoning, but we assume the Kia Carnival was left off of U.S. News‘ reliability ratings because it hasn’t been around as long as competitors. As a result, we’ll have to wait a few more years before truly knowing how reliable the Kia minivan is.
1. Chrysler Pacifica: The best minivan?
Car and Driver named the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica as the best overall minivan. One thing C/D loves is the Stow ‘N Go second-row seating. It allows owners to fold the seats into the floor when not in use for added storage capacity. Additionally, the 287-hp V6 engine is powerful, but the plug-in hybrid alternative is fuel economical. Its 82 MPGe is the best in its class, so for saving on fuel, the Pacifica is the optimal choice.
Unfortunately, J.D. Power named the Pacifica as the least reliable of the minivan segment. With just a 63 out of 100 reliability rating, the Chrysler minivan isn’t trustworthy. Although there are plenty of good things about it, long-lastingness is at the top of the list. JDP gave the hybrid version the same score, so buying a different engine does not matter.
Best and most reliable minivans of 2022
In conclusion, Car and Driver thinks the best and most reliable minivans of 2022 are the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival. However, the experts at J.D. Power say the most reliable options are the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. We tend to agree with JDP’s reliability rating. Additionally, most features are similar across all minivans, so differentiating is challenging. However, knowing your family is safe inside a reliable vehicle is the most important thing.