A minivan is excellent for large families, but big cars usually don’t get the best mileage. Making the most of a minivan’s cargo capacity and seating accommodations will only weigh down your car more. Additionally, while gas prices are relatively low compared to last year, prices might surge at any time if there’s enough demand.
There are currently no EV minivan options, and the only minivan with plug-in hybrid technology didn’t make the cut for Kelley Blue Book editors. Here are the minivans with the best gas mileage.
1. Toyota Sienna
2023 Toyota Sienna | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The 2023 Toyota Sienna was Kelley Blue Book‘s favorite minivan overall for 2023 and one of the only offerings you can get with all-wheel drive. Sienna minivans with all-wheel drive earn an estimated 35 mpg combined, while front-wheel-drive examples get 36 mpg combined. The Toyota Sienna is also powered by a 245-hp hybrid setup paired with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT).
While its ride quality isn’t exhilarating, Kelley Blue Book compliments the Toyota Sienna for its balanced handling and muted interior noise. Editors say the Sienna XSE is slightly more engaging thanks to its sport-tuned suspension. The Toyota Sienna Woodland is ready for light off-roading with 6.9-inch ground clearance and roof rails.
Kelley Blue Book also highlights the Toyota Sienna 25th Anniversary Edition trim for its unique interior accommodations and exclusive paint options. These limited models feature ventilated front seats, leg rests for the second-row chairs, and every seat is covered in leather. Kelley Blue Book was also a fan of the XLE trim, which features hands-free power-sliding doors and an excellent safety suite.
2. Honda Odyssey
The 2023 Honda Odyssey is available exclusively with front-wheel drive and is estimated to earn 22 mpg combined. This minivan has a 280-hp V6 under its hood and a ten-speed automatic transmission. Kelley Blue Book reported no problems with the Odyssey’s highway passing power and says this minivan has a smooth ride quality.
Like most minivans, the Honda Odyssey can seat seven or eight riders depending on the seat layout. The Odyssey has standard Magic-Slide second-row seats, which can be moved to the vehicle’s center with one button press. With better third-row access, you can also take advantage of the Odyssey’s generous cargo capacity.
Even with every seat in use, the Honda Odyssey has up to 38.6 cu-ft of storage space. With the third row folded down, you potentially have over 92 cu-ft of cargo area.
Kelley Blue Book says that the Honda Odyssey’s interior quality isn’t too upscale, but each seat is roomy and comfortable. The two highest trims feature CabinWatch, which lets you control the audio settings of the available rear-seat infotainment system. These trims also have second-row monitoring cameras and a cabin intercom.
3. Kia Carnival
My husband and I spent an evening in the Kia Carnival, fully reclined in the second-row “VIP” seats. When we got out, we looked at each other.
“Is this the greatest car ever made?” I asked.
“This might be the greatest car ever made,” he said.
Review: https://t.co/qrpT2G3M0I pic.twitter.com/CHBvRXUPiv
— Alanis King (@alanisnking) January 7, 2022 Related
The 2023 Kia Carnival gets the same combined mileage as the Honda Odyssey, though its standard V6 makes 10 extra horsepower. It’s paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
The Carnival reportedly does a good job keeping body roll in check thanks to its refined suspension and accurate steering. The Carnival SX Prestige features reclining second-row lounge seats with two-tone faux leather upholstery.
The Kia Carnival is a few thousand dollars cheaper than its rivals, with a base trim priced at $32,600. Unlike some of the Carnival’s rivals, you can access certain features like the cabin intercom on lower trims. It also has a generous standard 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
You can get a new Toyota Sienna for as low as $36,135, and the Honda Odyssey starts at $37,340. Regardless of pricing, these SUVs are great choices regarding fuel efficiency and family-friendly utility.
Keyword: 3 Minivans With the Best Gas Mileage