Volkswagen ID.Buzz
James Lipman
At one time minivans were the preeminent vehicle in the nation’s garages and driveways, having since been supplanted by SUVs and crossovers. But don’t count them out just yet. That’s because the segment is in the midst of a sales renaissance, thanks largely to a wave of product redesigns and enhancements.
For example, the just-refreshed Kia Carnival has seen a whopping 68% sales boost over the past 12 months, with Honda Odyssey deliveries enjoying a 25.2% increase year-to-date and the revamped Toyota Sienna transactions shooting up by 46.6% over the last year. What’s more, Chrysler Pacifica’s sales are up by 11% year-over year, with the plug-in hybrid model enjoying a 98% boost over the first quarter of 2025. And if that’s not enough, joining the segment this year is the full-electric retro-styled Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
Truth is, the minivan is and has always been the ideal mode of transport for families and carpoolers alike, and with good reason. They reward pragmatic buyers with roomy and comfortable interiors with three rows of seats, voluminous cargo capacities, and pleasing all-around performance. They afford seven or eight passenger capacity, depending on whether the center row is a bench or separate captain’s chairs.
Large sliding rear side doors can be configured to open at the push of a key fob button and make buckling kids into their car seats easier, especially in crowded parking lots. Power-operated liftgates make stowing handfuls of groceries less of a chore, with third-row seats that fold flat into the floor for added stowage; most offer removable or foldable second-row seats as well. Novel family-oriented features and luxury appointments abound in this segment, including back seat video systems to keep the kiddies entertained over long trips.
Many of the latest driver-assist safety systems like forward automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning abound in this segment to protect one’s most-precious cargo. If that’s not enough, minivans can be now had in fuel-saving hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-electric models with some offering all-wheel drive for added security while driving over wet or snowy roads.
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One caveat, though. Those who are mobility challenged or who have small children may want to think twice about buying a minivan that’s equipped with oversized 20-inch wheels and tires instead of the typically standard 17- or 18-inch rims and rubber. The added ride height may make it difficult for some to climb in and out, and the higher stance can make it a steep drop on the way out for little ones.
Since far too many car shoppers have ignored the genre since its heyday, mostly for their dreaded “soccer mom” image, here’s a snapshot of the models remaining on the market and how they fare in form and function for 2025:
Chrysler Pacifica ($42,450-57,230)
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is a direct descendent of the brand’s original minivans from the 1980’s. Here, a potent 287-horsepower V6 engine drives the front wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel-drive optional. Its signature feature is the “Stow ‘n Go” system in which both rear rows of seats can fold flat into the floor selectively to afford almost unlimited passenger- and cargo-carrying flexibility. An exhaustive list of available features includes a built-in vacuum cleaner, an in-cabin video monitor, a power-folding third-row seat and a Uconnect Theater entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and built-in games.
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid ($51,055-$59,785)
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
The Pacifica is also offered as a gas/electric plug-in hybrid that can ride solely on battery power for the first 32-miles on a charge, which means those having modest commutes or daily errands may only rarely have to fill the gas tank. Once the battery is depleted to a certain point the vehicle operates as a conventional hybrid, with the electric motor augmenting a 260-horsepower V6 gas engine. This enables terrific fuel economy at the equivalent of a 82-mpg while running on electricity, and 30 mpg on hybrid power. However, it doesn’t come with second-row Stow ‘n Go seating, with only the third row able to fold into the floor.
Chrysler Voyager ($39,995)
Chrysler Voyager
The Voyager is essentially a de-contented Pacifica for budget-minded buyers, though it packs the same 287-horsepower V6 engine, as well as the second- and third-row Stow ‘n Go seats.
Honda Odyssey ($42,220-$51,180)
Honda Odyssey
Coming with refreshed styling and a few tweaks for 2025, the Honda Odyssey is hard to beat, packing a 280-horsepower V6 engine that drives the front wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Second-row Magic Slide seats adjust side-to side to accommodate riders separately or together, and are removable. Many standard safety features are standard, and the Odyssey can be fitted with a CabinWatch feature that allows mom and dad to keep an eye on the kids via the infotainment display, and a CabinTalk intercom that lets the driver carry on a conversation with them.
Kia Carnival ($36,800-$50,900)
Kia Carnival
Currently the most-affordable minivan in the U.S., the Carnival gets revised styling for 2025 to make it look a bit brawnier, along with added features that include a vehicle exit warning to alert pedestrians to adjacent traffic. Here, a V6 engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims offer upgrades like a cabin intercom system and second-row VIP Lounge seats (though they can’t be removed for additional cargo room). A hybrid-powered variant debuts this year that teams an electric motor with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to output a combined 242 horsepower, and is EPA-rated at 33 mpg.
Toyota Sienna ($39,185-$56,905)
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is only current minivan to come strictly with a gas/electric hybrid powertrain. Here, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine works with an electric motor and a gearless CVT transmission to produce a combined 245 horsepower, with fuel economy at up to 36 mpg. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel-drive optional. Available amenities include heated second-row seats with retractable footrests, hands-free power rear doors and liftgate, an in-vehicle intercom and even a built in vacuum cleaner and mini-fridge. However, the Sienna’s second row seats neither fold flat nor can be removed for added cargo space.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz ($59,999-$69,999)
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
James Lipman
Debuting in the U.S. for 2025, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is the nation’s first full-electric minivan. Its extroverted styling channels the famed VW Microbus that rocked the 1960’s. With the standard version, a 282-horsepower electric motor drives the rear wheels via a single gear transmission, with 234 miles on a full charge. A dual-motor model sends a quicker 335 horses to all four wheels with a 231-mile limit. Standard features include heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, with the usual upgrades – but none truly groundbreaking – available. Unfortunately, it’s the most expensive minivan on the market. On the plus side, it’s the only one that’s sure to attract a crowd.
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