There is a multitude of minivans on the market. Not an overwhelming list like that of the SUV and crossover SUV segments, which never cease in growing popularity. However, there are enough new minivans out there––such as the Honda Odyssey or the Kia Sedona––to make the choice a little complicated. Many minivan shoppers may wonder what is the best base model for a 2020 minivan. In terms of absolute value, which base model gives you the most for your money?

Modern minivan safety features

Today, minivans have come very far. Though they were always designed for accommodating family life, these capacious carriers of people and stuff have evolved. Safety features, in particular, are really moving forward. If you are planning to buy a new vehicle, you’ll no doubt want to take advantage of all of this new safety.

Tech features such as lane-keeping assistance or adaptive cruise control can cost a bit extra. Some vans, however, have several safety features in the base model. In fact, the best base model 2020 minivan for safety features is the 2020 Toyota Sienna.

2020 Toyota Sienna base model

According to US News and World Report, the base model 2020 Toyota Sienna is the L trim. The L trim Sienna starts for $31,640. The standard features include modern infotainment with a 7-inch touch screen, six USB ports, remote keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a six-speaker stereo. The 2020 Toyota Sienna‘s base model L trim also features contemporary connectivity like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and eyes-free technology.

In terms of standard safety features, the 2020 Toyota Sienna is the base model minivan. It offers the most standard safety for the base price. The standard Toyota safety suite consists of several driver assist technologies. There is a rearview camera, pre-collision warning, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and an emergency braking system that detects pedestrians.

Although the L trim Sienna is the best base model minivan in terms of safety, it is worth noting that there aren’t any available packages for the base model. Like the 2020 Honda Odyssey’s base model, what you see is what you get.

The best base model 2020 minivan

In terms of value, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica gives you the longest list of standard features. Its base model starts for $34,045, according to US News and World Report. The base model Pacifica is the entry-level Touring trim. On the Touring 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, you’ll find modern infotainment with a 7-inch touch screen display.

It also features a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Audio, and Bluetooth connectivity––and a USB port. Plus, the Pacifica Touring trim comes with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, alloy wheels, and tri-zone automatic climate control. These features don’t even include the safety features of this base model 2020 minivan. Additionally, there are several packages that you can add in order to upgrade and customize this van even for the entry-level trim.

2020 Chrysler Pacifica safety features

Standard safety for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica lacks a few features that we see in the 2020 Sienna. However, it still comes equipped with standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. And if you want more safety, there is a package you can add to up the ante.

The advanced safety upgrade adds $995 to the original price, according to US News. Additionally, this package will add an advanced braking assist system, parking assist features, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. You’ll also get front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control.

Custom minivan base model

One of the primary reasons the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is the best base model 2020 minivan is that you can make it your own. The starting price is on the high end. However, there are many standard features. Unlike other minivans, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica allows for additional packages and customization––even on the base trim.