For many drivers, the ultimate quest is finding a vehicle that they love and can afford. Driving a McLaren might be the dream, but given the price, a dream is all it will ever be for many consumers. With that said, many were shocked when the Chrysler Voyager landed a place on Kelley Blue Book‘s list “10 Most Comfortable Cars for Under $30,000.” It might not be your dream car, but is the Voyager a suitable substitute?

The Chrysler Voyager surprised everyone

When thinking of comfort, most people don’t think of minivans. That’s probably because SUVs have pushed them aside, but there are still a few clinging to life. The Chrysler Voyager shocked everyone when it made it onto the list because the Voyager doesn’t make lists often.

Though it isn’t Kelley Blue Book’s number one pick, the Voyager comes in second place and is the only minivan on the list. That’s mostly thanks to the Voyager’s three rows. 

The third row won’t earn the Voyager any awards, but the second row has plenty of room. Getting back to the third row is also easy. Those days of squeezing past the second row — and then scrunching up so you fit in the third — are over.

When the Chrysler Voyager’s third-row seats aren’t needed, they can be folded flat using the Stow n’ Go feature. This allows for more space, which makes going on vacation easier than ever.

Is the Voyager really that great?

Even though it impresses Kelley Blue Book with its comfortable ride, consumers must ask themselves if the Chrysler Voyager has anything else going for it. The answer is yes — if you’re into minivans anyway.

A 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 287 hp is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. So the Voyager isn’t the most powerful vehicle on the road, but it’s not bad for a minivan.

For anyone who needs either AWD or 4WD, the Voyager doesn’t offer this. Instead, drivers are stuck with front-wheel drive. That’s fine for places where the weather is fairly predictable, but if you live in a place where six inches of snow accumulates while you’re at work, you’ll want something that can transverse tougher terrain.

With a starting price of $28,730, the Chrysler Voyager is an attractive option for many families. But what if minivans don’t appeal to you?

Other vehicles for under $30,000

Several other vehicles can compete with the Chrysler Voyager in terms of comfort under $30,000. The 2021 Kia K5 is attracting a lot of attention from critics, and most of it is positive. The attention to detail inside and out is outstanding. There are also plenty of options, such as heated seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and Bose audio. It has a shockingly low starting price of $24,500, which is highly unusual for all the K5 offers. 

No one was surprised to find the 2021 Toyota Camry on this list. When you combine reliability with a fun drive, it’s not too hard to figure out that the Camry is a solid pick. Add in a starting price of $24,970, and it’s clear why the Camry finds its way onto so many lists of favorite vehicles.

If you require an SUV with all-wheel drive, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2021 Subaru Forester. It comes with a ton of safety features, as well as an affordable starting price of $24,795. It’s also comfortable both on- and off-road, making it an attractive option for anyone who likes a little adventure but still has to work a day job.