If you’re always the one with a vehicle stuffed full of people and things, then you’re in luck. Today’s minivan manufacturers have responded to your needs. Want a van with room, maneuverability, reliability, and organization? Here’s three of them to choose from.
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Toyota Sienna
The Sienna offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. Seats fold down or can be removed to open up a spacious cargo area. There’s lots of thoughtful pockets and holders so everyone can stow their gear, phones, and drinks. Handling is quite responsive, especially for a vehicle that can haul so much inside.
Many reviews rave about the quiet Sienna ride, which is helpful when you have a crew of noisy soccer stars on board. The Toyota van carries a 6-speed automatic V6 which gives it plenty of power, even with a full load. City/highway fuel economy logs in at a respectable 18/25 mpg. The MSRP is $37,439 for the 2015 model.
Honda Odyssey
One of the most important criteria for moving people around is safety. Here, the Honda Odyssey delivers with great crash test scores and car-like maneuverability. In government safety testing, this van scored a perfect five stars in overall, frontal, and side impact crash protection. Rollover rating was 4/5 stars. While not as large as the Sienna, the Odyssey gives you a more car-like driving experience.
The Odyssey’s rearview camera makes backing up easier and safer too. The interior design is comfortable and practical with plenty of practical nooks to store things. Some models even come with a built-in vacuum cleaner to keep things tidy.
With an 18 city and 27 highway mpg, the Honda gets you there with a 248 hp 3.5L V6 engine. Passing power is plentiful. A new Odyssey might be a bit pricier, but a 2013 model will cost you just over $20,000.
Ford Transit Connect
While Ford left the minivan market years ago, it came back with the Transit. But, it’s definitely not your typical minivan. If you’re more into utilitarian vehicles, the Transit’s your best bet. Go for the turbocharged 1.6L four cylinder engine, and you won’t worry about power. While not as plush as other minivans, the Transit’s price point is very attractive ($25,410 MSRP for 2015 model).
The vehicle offers plenty of headroom for up to seven passengers. The Transit’s so tall, that if you fold the seats down, you can load three adult bikes standing up on both wheels.
The Connect passenger version of this vehicle has great visibility as the driver is surrounded by wide and tall glass windows. The ample wheelbase and efficient steering allow for excellent maneuverability even in tight city traffic. And of the three vehicles mentioned here, the Transit gets the best gas mileage at 21 city and 29 highway mpg.
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