People's taste in vehicles fluctuates over time, with perceptions, fads, and general opinions changing up quite a bit. As some trends fade away, other fade back in. One corner of the new car market that’s done the latter is a very logical and and even stylish choice for all forms of hauling duty: The humble minivan. Thankfully, there are some solid choices on the market at the moment that don’t require moving up to a full-size work van, like the good ol’ fashioned Ford Econoline.
In this guide, we’ve outlined a solid selection that packs plenty of passenger and cargo space, tech, safety features, and versatility. But what maintains minivans’ status as solid family haulers is their extra attention to creature comforts. Some of their features are downright plush, and many offer the latest infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Automakers have realized that carting a family around can be tough, so they've developed the best cars to meet your needs.
Shopping for a minivan? Browse our favorites on CarGurus.
The Best Minivans of 2025
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- Honda Odyssey
- Kia Carnival
- Toyota Sienna
- Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Chrysler Pacifica
Best for: Families who need the space of a three-row SUV or crossover
Sadly, the Dodge Grand Caravan was retired after the 2020 model year, but Dodge's sister company, Chrysler, has kept the Pacifica going strong. The Chrysler Pacifica comes standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the fantastic Uconnect infotainment system, which is an example for other automakers on how infotainment should be laid out. It also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is available with the Uconnect Theater system. That bit of tech features a pair of seat-back touchscreens hosting entertainment and even educational programs, great for occupying kids on longer road trips. For 2023, Chrysler added a Road Tripper trim with unique styling touches, roof racks, and an included tow package.
The Pacifica's maximum cargo volume is 140.5 cubic feet, which is on the low side for the segment but still plenty usable. With the front two rows in use, the figure drops to 87.5 cubic feet, or 32.3 cubic feet when all three rows are in use. Chrysler makes it easier to configure the interior with its Stow ’n Go seating: The seats fold completely into the floor, which more than makes up for the slightly lower cargo volume numbers.
Chrysler equips the 2025 Pacifica with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 hp and front-wheel drive (FWD) via a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available.
A host of standard safety features come with the Pacifica, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear-seat occupant alert. In fact, the only optional driver-assistance features are a surround-view parking camera, self-park assist, and front parking sensors.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Best for: Families who want to brag about fuel economy and pure EV miles
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid continues to reign as the only minivan with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain on the market, making it a top choice for those who consider gas mileage a top priority.
The Pacifica Hybrid uses the same V6 engine as the conventional Pacifica, but here, it's paired with two electric motors, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a lithium-ion battery pack. It can be charged in as little as two hours with a Level 2 home charger. The result is a net output of 287 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 82 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent). Electric-only range is 32 miles. Acceleration is strong from the hybrid setup, but the car is noisy when the gas engine engages.
The latest Pacifica Hybrid offers the same cargo space as the gas-powered Pacifica. However, the battery pack’s location under the center floor means that only the back seats have the Stow ’n Go feature. Overall, this plug-in hybrid version offers all the same tech, creature comforts, and infotainment as its non-hybrid counterpart, albeit at a higher price.
Honda Odyssey
Best for: Families that want tech and style
Not only does the Honda Odyssey have a higher-grade cabin than its chief rival, the Toyota Sienna, it also comes with more total cargo space (up to 140.7 cubic feet). Unfortunately, both minivans require removing the second-row seats to maximize that space.
The Odyssey is super practical thanks to clever interior storage, such as the center console with multiple tiers and sliding trays. It also offers a hands-free power liftgate, remote power-sliding side doors, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless phone charger. Note that the Odyssey's available rear-seat entertainment system doesn't offer the same split-screen functionality that the Sienna’s does.
The Odyssey's driver enjoys a user-friendly infotainment system. It's a welcome departure from the confusing infotainment system Honda used to use—something to be aware of if you're shopping for used minivans. The current system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment and makes the most of the V6 engine's 280 hp. This is a capable combination that complements the Odyssey’s solid driving dynamics. Our only complaint with the latest Odyssey is where the powertrain and cabin design meet: the shifter. It's not the most ergonomic, as it falls right in the middle of the center console, taking up valuable dash space and moving it further from the driver.
Since the 2024 model year, the Odyssey comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance features. This includes forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control.
Kia Carnival
Best for: Parents wanting an upscale family vehicle that doesn't look like a minivan
The Kia Carnival is the Sedona’s successor, and it makes the minivan pill easier to swallow with SUV-like styling. The Carnival features modern, upscale looks inside and out with a sleek-yet-functional design. We appreciate the conventional shifter layout (looking at you, Honda) and well-placed radio and climate controls. All trims come with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that's easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Carnival also provides an impressive 145.1 cubic feet of total cargo space, or 40.2 cubic feet when all seats are in use.
Under the hood is a 287-hp V6 that routes power to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination provides confident acceleration around town and on the highway. EPA-rated fuel economy comes in at 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Or, new for the 2025 model year, select the hybrid variant. This option puts out slightly less horsepower but similar acceleration figures. It also boasts significantly better fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 34 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.
If you’re looking for a near-luxury minivan, check out the range-topping SX Prestige trim. In addition to its fetching leather upholstery, it features a heated steering wheel, dual moonroofs, and second-row captain's chairs that are heated and ventilated.
Toyota Sienna
Best for: Families that need plenty of functional space
Thanks to its standard mild-hybrid system, the FWD Toyota Sienna delivers 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined. With available AWD, the city and combined figures drop slightly to 35 mpg. Competitors including the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnvial offer hybrid versions, but the Sienna is the only minivan offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain.
The Sienna can carry plenty of cargo, too. It’s got 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats and 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row. That middle row can't be completely removed or folded into the floor, however, so total cargo volume measures a somewhat disappointing 101 cubic feet. On the bright side, the second row of seating is flexible, sliding forward and backward to accommodate awkwardly shaped items, while keeping seating capacity greater than two people.
The Sienna can be optioned with plenty of content. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, but buyers can upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen and a premium JBL audio system. The Sienna also offers dual power-sliding doors and a power liftgate. Toyota recently expanded the lineup with a new Woodland Edition that comes with standard AWD, wireless device charging, and a pair of 120-volt power outlets.
The hybrid powertrain produces 245 hp and delivers it to the front wheels through a CVT. AWD variants include an extra motor to power the rear wheels.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Best for: Families that want retro functionality with modern EV efficiency
After several years of eager anticipation, the VW ID.Buzz is finally here, and so far reviewers have had very nice things to say about it. Because it’s a large, long rectangle, it makes for a great people, cargo, and battery hauler. There's seating for up to seven passengers, and cargo room maxes out at 145.5 cubic feet. That's pretty darn massive.
Pricing starts at around $60,000, with two powertrains available: A RWD single-motor variant that produces 282 hp or an AWD dual-motor version (Volkswagen calls it 4Motion) that puts out 335 hp. RWD range is rated at 234 miles, AWD at 231, and with a max charging rate of 200 kilowatts, its 91-kWh battery should charge from 10 to 80 percent in 26 minutes or to full capacity in 49 minutes.
