RANKED: THE BEST MINIVANS FOR 2022
Although their popularity and offerings have declined significantly in the last couple of decades, minivans or MPV (multi-purpose vehicles) are still comprehensive means of transportation for entire families. That is why minivans remain so popular and highly-recommended, regardless of the dominance of SUVs in car markets worldwide.
Unlike most SUVs, the minivan is focused explicitly on making occupants as comfortable and safe as possible, without off-road intentions or a rugged body. The main attribute of these family vehicles (infamously known for their popularity among soccer moms) is having massive available space. The average minivan can carry between 7 and 8 passengers and their belongings with enviable modularity.
Unfortunately, after being very popular vehicles among families in the nineties, there are only four new options coming out this year—at least, as far as the North American market is concerned. Still, these four minivans would be well worth considering as a family vehicle if SUV fever hasn’t caught up with you.
#1: 2022 Toyota Sienna
Via: Ventos.
Important Info
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Summary: The 2022 Sienna comes loaded with features and ample seating space and delivers a comfortable ride with unmatched fuel economy Pros: The hybrid powertrain is standard, optional AWD, best fuel economy of any minivan Cons: Slower than its rivals, interior is not as versatile as other competitors, uneven brake feeling |
The 2022 Toyota Sienna is one of the few minivans still available today. Last year, it underwent a complete redesign with all-new styling inside and out, new technology, and driver aids. It’s now also offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain.
The Sienna is a practical, fuel-efficient alternative to many popular SUVs. In addition, the hybrid powertrain provides excellent economy for a vehicle of this size—gasoline and electric 4-cylinder 245 horsepower with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Available in seven- and eight-passenger configurations, the 2022 Sienna has a flexible interior with an excellent design and good use of space for small items.
Inside we find captain’s sports seats up to the second row lined in black material with stitching. Three rows of heated seats are available in all models except the base trim, plus USB ports, sliding doors, and a 12 speaker sound system.
All trims come with ten airbags, LATCH connectors for child seats in the outer rear seats (plus a fifth on the eight-passenger trims), and crash avoidance features, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
#2: 2022 Honda Odyssey
Via: Honda.
Important Info
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Summary: Its practicality, roomy interior, ride quality, and proven reliability make the Honda Odyssey rank near the top of the minivan class Pros: Refined powertrain, roomy and flexible interior, comes loaded with tech and safety features Cons: No hybrid option, no AWD, heavy rear seats |
The 2022 Honda Odyssey is, for some, the best minivan left on the market. It boasts a modern figure that adopts Honda Pilot traits. Hence, it shows a more dynamic and less conservative face than other options within the category.
Inside, the seats make long road trips more tolerable and enjoyable. Multiple power driver adjustments provide a comfortable driving posture. In addition, it has programmable memories for the driver’s seat, cup holders in all rows, and windows with automatic one-touch open and close functions in all four doors.
The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touch screen and the Handsfreelink platform, compatible with Android Auto, Apple Car Play, and Cabin Control, and Premium audio with 11 speakers.
In addition to the front row, curtain-type, and knee-type front airbags, this minivan includes safety features like vehicle stability assist, Honda LaneWatch (lane change monitoring system), immobilizer, hill start assist, and electronic brake distribution, to name a few.
The 2022 Odyssey comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through a ten-speed automatic transmission.
#3: 2022 KIA Carnival
Via: KIA.
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Summary: The Carnival is a refined minivan with a powertrain that makes us forget about SUVs Pros: Comfortable seating for all passengers, stunning looks, loaded with tech and convenience features Cons: No available all-wheel-drive, ride quality decreases considerably over bumps, some tech features could be more intuitive |
One of the biggest consumer complaints about minivans is their appearance. They don’t impose, don’t look aggressive, don’t look expensive, and often look dull. Therefore, KIA decided to give the Carnival a look inspired by its SUVs, especially the Telluride.
Fortunately, the classic advantages of a minivan, such as its ample interior space for people and cargo, accompany the Carnival’s modern design.
Inside, we highlight a new steering wheel and a vast digital instrument panel adorned with an infotainment system screen that can be 8″ in the base trim level and up to 10.25″.
Some comfort and technology features include wireless charging equipment, navigation, ambient lighting, a premium audio system by Bose, up to 9 USB ports throughout the cabin, and heated and ventilated first and second-row power seats.
Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed, front-wheel drive automatic. KIA claims that the Carnival can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
#4: 2022 Chrysler Pacifica
Via: Gossip Vehiculos.
Important Info
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Summary: The Pacifica is a roomy and comfortable minivan with an excellent powertrain and technology offerings Pros: Strong powertrain, flexible interior with tons of storage space, intuitive tech, and safety features Cons: Below average predicted reliability score, lower fuel efficiency than some rivals, steering feel could improve |
Although the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica doesn’t aim to be the best seller minivan, it does aspire to be the best choice to transport more passengers with the best possible comfort and safety.
The 2022 Pacifica features rounder headlights, a better-proportioned grille, and an overall more muscular, sleeker look. Thanks to an excellent selection of materials for the upper trims, the Pacifica looks more refined inside than the Odyssey or a Sienna, without being a premium vehicle.
It includes a blind spot monitor, frontal collision alert with autonomous emergency brake, lane-keeping assistant, and others from a safety standpoint.
In terms of connectivity, it includes the UConnect 5 infotainment with a 10.1″ display and an interface wirelessly compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
In terms of comfort, it comes with a 13-speaker Alpine sound system, three-zone automatic climate control, remote start, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats with memory for the driver, hands-free opening side doors, and heated front and second-row seats.
Its engine is a 3.6-liter V6, which generates 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
