Best Minivans | 2024 Top Rated Minivans | CarBuzz

The bigger cousin of the ever-popular station wagon, the minivan has never really put down firm roots in America. That is not to say that there aren’t any capable models on offer. With anywhere up to 8 seats, these machines still hold appeal for buyers looking to carpool their kid’s entire basketball team. Though there aren’t a great many brands willing to dabble in this niche classification, we have taken the liberty of creating a list of the best minivan models of 2024.

Characteristics of Minivans

There are only a few types of minivans for sale in the USA, and in order to survive in such a small and competitive market, there are some key areas where top-rated minivans need to hit the mark.

• Size: Minivans are naturally large vehicles with dimensions that lend themselves to large cabins and capacious cargo areas. As good as this is for the people inside, the driver will have to get used to maneuvering such a large chunk of metal around town.
• Driveability: To make up for their unwieldy size, the top minivans come equipped with power steering and a host of other driver-assistance features that make them more manageable. They are also generally quite comfortable, with suspensions that soak up bumps, though they can’t handle particularly spirited driving.
• Practicality: When it comes to accommodating the whole family, few cars come close to matching a minivan; by comparison, even the every-popular SUVs may feel stifling. Most will easily seat between 7 and 8 passengers, with plenty of head and legroom to spare. All the while, the trunk remains completely accessible, with space enough for everyone’s bags, though you may need to practice your Tetris skills if you are going to pack full-size suitcases.
• Price: You may expect a vehicle that seats 7 or more people in relative comfort to be quite pricey, but that just isn’t the case. Many of the best-value minivans can be picked up for as little as $30k. However, the actual cost of ownership can be high when you consider that they don’t get the best mpg. This is especially true of models equipped with AWD, which sip a bit more greedily from the tank.

What to Consider When Buying New Minivans

Not everyone needs a minivan, and many shoppers will be drawn to more popular crossovers and SUVs that offer similar practicality and safety in a far more appealing package. However, when you compare a minivan to these rival body types, you’ll see that they have a lot to offer. When buying a new car, weighing these pros and cons is essential.

Pros

• Generally cheaper than a crossover
• Capable powertrains
• Plenty of space for both passengers and cargo
• Comfort-focused design

Cons

• Not the most fun to drive
• Middling fuel economy
• Average curb appeal

What is the most popular minivan?

The minivans with the top ratings all bear the Chrysler nameplate, with the Pacifica nabbing the top spot. However, it is also one of the most expensive, especially in hybrid guise. But, with improved fuel economy and an excellent list of standard features, it’s still great value for the money. After all, who wouldn’t want an already spacious minivan with a sunroof and advanced safety features?

What minivans fit eight people?

Quite a few models, like the Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna, allow for 8-passenger set-ups. However, they seldom have the best third-row dimensions, and the loss of second-row captain’s chairs reduces overall comfort and accessibility. The added weight of extra passengers will also negatively affect fuel economy.

What is the most affordable minivan?

The Kia Sedona is currently the cheapest minivan in entry-level guise, starting at just over $30k. Buying secondhand is a possibility if you can’t quite afford that, but you’ll need to ensure you get one of the most reliable minivans then, like the Toyota Sienna or surprise, surprise, the Sedona.