Some drivers swear they’ll never own a minivan. Conversely, there are plenty of families out there that swear by their van. Models like the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna continue to improve year over year. But what’s so great about minivans?

First off, I’ll start by saying that I am definitely one of those minivan people. While I deeply appreciate many other automobile genres, the minivan never fails to disappoint. I roll with a rambunctious crew of kids and dogs––and a giant husband. Even when we are loaded down with the entire family in tow plus all of our gear, our van serves us well.

Minivans aren’t exciting

Or are they? While some might see this enlarged wagon with sliding doors as ugly or boring, others see the hidden beauty. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, for example, offers conveniently stow-able rear seats. The 2021 Honda Odyssey is actually faster than a Lamborghini. Then we have the all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna that comes only as a hybrid but still offers all-wheel drive.

Sure, minivans are family cars. But they can actually be great vehicles for singles too. The vast cargo space of the average minivan can hold everything you need for camping trips, sports weekends, or construction projects. Plus, they all come with the option for ultra-luxury range topping trims.

Toyota says goodbye to frumpy with the 2021 Sienna

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Many family-friendly features like rear entertainment and interior camera views are offered as well. So maybe minivans are exciting. Maybe you just need to give them a chance. More and more families are turning to new minivans with fashion-forward designs. If you’re on the fence about whether you are ready to take the leap and own one, go test a few. You’re not likely to find much wrong with any of the leading minivan models out there.

What is the best minivan?

According to U.S. News and World Report, the best minivan this year is the 2021 Honda Odyssey, followed by the 2021 Toyota Sienna in second place. Then the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2021 Kia Sedona are in third and fourth place, respectively. But in truth, the best minivan for each family is different. This is not a black and white issue.

For those seeking cheaper pricing, the Kia Sedona and Chrysler’s bargain van the Voyager will creep to the top of the list. The families that want power will likely seek out the 2021 Honda Odyssey or the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica with their V6 engines. On the other hand, if it’s fuel economy you care about, the 2021 Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica both offer efficient hybrid powertrains. In the end, it all boils down to buyers’ choice.

What’s so great about minivans?

Minivans are faithful family steeds with a ridiculous wealth of options packed into just a few leading models. I get that they aren’t for everyone, but if you think you might be ready to commit to minivan life don’t hesitate. Go check out a few models like the 2021 Honda Odyssey, 2021 Toyota Sienna, or 2021 Chrysler Pacifica.

You might end up quite pleasantly surprised. Or you may not prove sold enough to buy one. Still, there’s a high likelihood you’ll walk away agreeing that they are, in fact, great––even if you decide minivans aren’t for you.