Which minivan is the best

During our testing, the Carnival had more grip and stopped shorter than Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Odyssey but fell behind the Sienna in overall storage space. Although there isn't a hybrid version, the Carnival's EPA-estimated fuel economy matches its gas-powered rivals.

The Chrysler Pacifica uses everything it has learned from the past to make it the best eight-seater minivan you can buy today. The patented Stow 'N Go second-row seating is a blessing both while folded into the floor and when not in use for extra storage capacity.

Every Pacifica is powered by a hp V-6 with a nine-speed automatic. The one we tested on our mile highway fuel-economy test returned an impressive 31 mpg, making it the most efficient non-hybrid in the segment. The and newer models have optional all-wheel drive, a Want to know what it's like living with one? New Cars. Buyer's Guide. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Whether you should buy a minivan is one of the great automotive conundrums for parents.

After all, minivans may be the most practical and spacious family vehicles you can buy. Want three-row flexibility? Unlike most crossovers, minivans pack three legitimate rows for adults — with space behind them for more stuff. With versatile seating and cargo alignments, minivans offer the flexibility to get things just right.

When three-plus children enter the picture, it's hard to argue against buying one. Why doesn't everyone own a minivan, then? Well, emotions — not just cold reason — factor into car buying. Buyers who grew up with them in the s and s perceive the minivans their parents drove to be irredeemably dorky and the ultimate automotive concession to family life. That bias against the minivan is so strong, even normcore fashion and the mad penchant for peculiar Rad-era vehicles have not revived them.

The compromise choice is often a three-row family crossover — more or less a minivan on stilts — which at least provides a modicum of adventure. The classic car-person counterpoint would say you should absolutely buy a minivan over a crossover, but that's not really true anymore.

Three-row SUVs are about the most important vehicles in the lineup besides full-size trucks. Manufacturers pour development resources into them. Minivans proffer little if any advantage in terms of driving dynamics, fuel economy or affordability these days. Plus, every company that builds a minivan today also has an excellent three-row crossover option. Whether you should buy a minivan, really, will come down to personal taste.

For this story, sampled the four primary minivan options on the market: the Kia Carnival , the Toyota Sienna , the Chrysler Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey. Here's what you need to know.

A new Woodland Special Edition packs all-wheel drive and a lift kit. What's Unique: The Sienna has a standard hybrid engine that can be paired with all-wheel drive.

What's New: Honda gave the Odyssey a mild styling facelift for and added Honda Sensing safety tech to all trims. What's Unique: The Odyssey handles nimbly in corners. It also has a flexible "Magic Slide" second row of seats offering different configurations. View our ratings and reviews , and browse our buying guide to find the best minivan for affordability, fuel economy, and performance. Sign In.

Become a Member. Remember Me. Kia did its homework with the new Carnival. Pit against every competitor in the minivan segment, it came out on top in a comparison for its handsome looks, solid power, and wealth of technology. The Carnival's thoughtfulness extends beyond its tech, too, with convenient features like its second row child-minding middle seat, easy-folding, removable second row, and rear hatch low load height.

In both the mid-grade Carnival EX and top-of-the-line Carnival SX Prestige , there is plenty of power for everyday use, although both deliver uninspiring road manners. Pros: Features-per-dollar value, upscale styling, laden with tech. Cons: Uninspiring road manners, no hybrid or AWD models. The Honda Odyssey has long been a top player in the segment, as it's both pleasant to drive and practical for large families. The minivan handles well for its size, and it boasts a smooth ride and powertrain, making road trips more comfortable.

Buyers will enjoy a variety of useful technologies, including a microphone system that allows the driver to communicate with kids in the back and a camera that looks down on the second and third rows.