The year 2024 is upon us, and with it, it has brought about a new wave of innovation and advancement in the world of minivans. With a growing emphasis on comfort, safety, and technology, automakers have raised the bar for what a family car can offer. From sleek designs to spacious interiors, the best minivans of 2024 have set a new standard for family-friendly transportation. Today, we will explore the top contenders in this highly competitive market and highlight the standout features that make them the right choices for families on the go.
Finding the right vehicle for you and your family is especially important nowadays, with a new study showing the average parent will drive over 1,400 miles to their destination before considering another mode of transportation. There are no planes or trains, just automobiles. Not only do 85 percent of parents prefer to drive whenever possible, but 78 percent believe that their child also prefers to be in the car. In fact, the average family takes about five road trips per year, meaning the average family vehicle has seen about 25 different ones in its lifetime.
Results also found that 73 percent consider their car to be an extension of their home. For 57 percent of parents, family vehicles have earned their home 2.0 status due to the fact that they’ve owned it longer than their apartment or house. Almost two-thirds of parents spend at least 30 minutes driving every day, with 12 percent spending more than three hours each day behind the wheel. One-quarter say they use their car mostly to commute to work every day. But the top reason parents use their car is to drive their child to activities such as sports practice or music lessons. On average, parents have owned their car for about five years, though 25 percent have been driving the same wheels for seven or more years. Respondents also state that they attach fond memories to these vehicles, as they’ve safely transported a new family home after their child was born and created memories on the first family road trip.
With so many potential new memories in the making for you and your family, it’s only fitting to start the year right with a new vehicle to take the family on adventures with. Luckily, we at StudyFinds have taken the time to research across multiple expert sources to bring you today’s list of the best minivans for 2024 for you and your family. If you don’t agree with our list or feel we missed out on your favorite, we would love to hear from you in the comments down below. Now, onto the list!
The List: Best Minivans, According to Car Experts
1. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a minivan that offers the perfect blend of practicality and fuel efficiency. With its sleek and modern design, this vehicle stands out on the road. “The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes packed with all the latest technology and has the usual minivan traits, including copious amounts of passenger and cargo space. But its secret weapon is its plug-in hybrid powertrain that provides smooth and punchy acceleration plus an EPA-estimated 32 miles of range without burning a drop of gasoline,” says Edmunds.
“The Chrysler Pacifica has dominated the minivan segment for years, and its hybrid version is set to impress once again. Equipped with a powerful V6 engine, advanced safety features, and an all-new Uconnect five infotainment system, this eco-friendly option will ensure an unparalleled driving experience without sacrificing fuel efficiency,” writes The Edvocate.
“There aren’t many minivans left in the USA, and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has always been one of the most impressive. Not only does it come equipped with a modestly powerful V6, but it also gets dual electric motors for a combined 260 horsepower and really good fuel economy for a car this size. It’s not nearly as premium, nor does it travel as far on a charge. Now, you may think you’d have to invest heavily in a car that gives you great practicality and lower fuel bills, but the Chrysler is surprisingly affordable, which should see it continue to sell well,” states Car Buzz.
2. Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan that has been a staple in the automotive market for over two decades. “The well-equipped and comfortable Honda Odyssey minivan is exceptionally family-friendly, with seating for eight, top safety ratings, and outstanding build quality. The Honda Odyssey is an eight-seater vehicle that comes in five trim levels. The most popular style is the EX-L, which starts at $42,285 and comes with a 3.5L V6 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Odyssey is estimated to deliver 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway,” notes True Car.
“Honda’s reliability never goes out of style! As usual, Honda delivers impressive fuel efficiency statistics on this minivan while accommodating up to eight passengers in its roomy interior. Keep an eye out for enhanced driver-assist features that aim to make your journey safer and more enjoyable,” comments The Edvocate.
“For much of its 30 years on sale, the Honda Odyssey has welcomed families to the minivan segment with clever features and a reputation for the kind of mechanical reliability that makes it a safe purchase. The eight-seater is Honda at its old-school best. There’s an optional rear-seat entertainment system that not only keeps youngsters occupied but also has an in-car camera with a view of the rear quarters and a PA system that lets parents speak to the youngsters through their headphones or the car speakers,” adds Car and Driver.
3. Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan that has gained popularity for its spaciousness, reliability, and family-friendly features. As one of the leading minivans in the market, “The Toyota Sienna has been a part of Toyota’s lineup since the 1998 model year, but it was not their first minivan. Before the Sienna replaced it, the mid-engined Toyota Previa was built to compete against American offerings earlier in the 1990s. The Sienna’s sleeker lines and more modern feel have allowed it to thrive in the minivan segment since it replaced the Previa,” explains Auto List.
“With a reputation for offering families a versatile and comfortable mode of transportation, Toyota typically focuses on aerodynamic designs for improved fuel efficiency. The 2024 Sienna features a sleek and modern exterior with attention to detail. Toyota often updates the front grille and lighting elements to give each model a distinctive look. You can expect a stylish front grille and LED lighting elements,” reports My Nice Cars.
4. Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that has quickly become a favorite among families and individuals alike. With its sleek design, spacious interior, and impressive array of features, it’s no wonder why this vehicle has gained such popularity. “The Pacifica is unabashedly a minivan, yet it boasts classy styling and an upscale interior that make it far more than just a Little Tykes version of a family hauler. It has plenty of room for up to eight passengers, though most versions seat seven in supreme comfort,” writes The Car Connection.
“There may not be many minivans left, but those that have stuck around are some of the most versatile vehicles on the market. Such is the case with the second-generation Chrysler Pacifica, which arrived in 2017 and was most recently updated for 2021. Minor changes have arrived for the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica, but we suspect another refresh could arrive in the next few years,” adds Motor Trend.
“Chrysler invented the minivan back in the 1980s, and it still makes one of America’s best-sellers in this class. Spacious, safe, and family-friendly, the Chrysler Pacifica has almost everything you can want in a family car. Its Stow ‘n Go three-row seating, sliding doors, and options like a built-in vacuum make it easy to see why so many families choose the Pacifica over an SUV. Every Pacifica is well-equipped, but it’s a bona fide luxury vehicle in the loaded Pinnacle trim,” notes KBB.
5. Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is a vehicle that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and advanced safety features. As one of the leading options in the minivan segment, “Kia tries very hard to pitch its Carnival people carrier as a blend between a minivan and an SUV, but at its core, it’s much more the former. Just look at the large sliding doors on each side, the cavernous three-row seating, and the drivetrain that’s limited to front-wheel drive, and you’ll see the truth. But there’s nothing wrong with the Carnival being a minivan, especially when it is as great as this one,” states Car Buzz.
“Minivans should be celebrated. No segment of vehicle is better suited to carrying three rows of passengers and lots of cargo with decent fuel economy and civilized road manners, not even three-row SUVs. Kia celebrates with a Carnival. The Korean minivan replaced the Sedona in 2022 and competes with the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Odyssey,” says Motor Trend.
“The Carnival is a minivan with SUV-esque good looks. It’s a strong overall choice for those in the market for a three-row vehicle. Spacious, suave, and loaded with tech. It’s modern and sophisticated inside, with great attention to detail throughout. Ride-and-handling-wise, the 2024 Carnival tops most SUVs with its buttery smooth ride and quick handling. It’s quiet, too. With 290 hp on tap from its 3.5-liter V-6, it can lug a 3,500-pound trailer, too,” concludes The Car Connection.
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Sources:
- Edmunds
- The Edvocate
- Car Buzz
- Motor Trend
- Car and Driver
- KBB
- True Car
- The Car Connection
- My Nice Cars
- Auto List
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Chrysler is overated by far and is plagued by numerous quality issues. It’s had a very up and down history including several bankruptcies and countless takeovers and buyouts. No consistency nor quality.
Stellantis takeover has caused even more issues with its inconsistent supply train and fiat low quality. It’s definitely not on top of any list by far for quality and reliability.