Whether you’re shuttling kids to soccer practice, hauling groceries from Costco, or hitting the open road for a cross-country adventure, a good minivan should handle it all with the grace of a pro. With various choices, let’s cut through the grease and determine which ones are built to last. Here are the top 25 minivans you can rely on to stay on the road longer than expected.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is loyal, reliable, and loved by all. Known for its sturdy build, the Sienna doesn’t risk racking up miles—think 200,000 to 300,000 miles without batting an eyelash. With a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, the Sienna boasts impressive fuel efficiency, achieving around 36 mpg combined. The interior is designed for comfort, offering seating for up to eight passengers and a range of tech features, including a user-friendly infotainment system.
Honda Odyssey
For the Honda Odyssey, safety is a priority. It includes advanced features like Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assist technologies. Also, the 2023 model earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Tech-savvy families appreciate its infotainment system, which integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, the Odyssey’s reputation for reliability, paired with a spacious cargo area (up to 144.9 cubic feet), makes it a top choice for families.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Pacifica blends high-tech and classic comfort, offering a hybrid and gas-only version. Powering the Pacifica is a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 287 horsepower paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Also, an innovative hybrid version debuted in 2017, offering an impressive 30 miles of electric-only range and a total range of over 500 miles, which means fewer mechanic trips and more time on the road.
Kia Carnival
Under the hood, the 2022 Carnival model typically has a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It also emphasizes safety, with advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. In terms of technology, the Carnival includes a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen and smartphone connectivity. Kia’s generous 10-year warranty certainly doesn’t hurt its appeal, either.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is the grizzled veteran of minivans. Discontinued in 2020, it’s still a reliable option on the used market. Thanks to the well-tested 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, the Grand Caravan has serious staying power, and it’s affordable enough to leave some cash for a roadside service membership. However, production ended in 2020, making way for newer models in the Chrysler family, like the Voyager.
Ford Transit Connect Wagon
The Ford Transit Connect Wagon is a versatile vehicle for families and businesses. With seating for up to seven, it features flexible interior space that can be configured for passengers or cargo. The Transit Connect Wagon also comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 162 horsepower or an optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda5
Discontinued but not forgotten, the Mazda5 is a compact minivan that balances reliability with a sporty edge. Under the hood, the Mazda5 typically comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering around 157 horsepower, and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It also offers commendable fuel efficiency, averaging 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Nissan Quest
The Nissan Quest offers a distinct look and reliable performance, though it’s retired from the game. Over its lifespan, the Quest evolved through five generations, each improving safety ratings and technology. The 2011 model introduced advanced features like a rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity. The Quest was also lauded for its comfortable ride and ample cargo space, making it a popular choice among families.
Chevrolet Uplander
Thanks to its durability, the Chevrolet Uplander has a loyal following. It can seat up to seven passengers and features a spacious interior and versatile cargo options, making it ideal for family outings. The Uplander is powered by a 3.9-liter V6 engine that delivers 240 horsepower and is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Notably, it offers front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive for varied driving conditions.
GMC Safari
The GMC Safari is a proven workhorse. Initially marketed as a family vehicle, it gained popularity among commercial users for its cargo capacity. The Safari featured a rear-wheel-drive layout, offering enhanced stability and handling compared to its front-wheel-drive competitors. Plus, built on a truck chassis, the Safari was popular in the ’90s and 2000s and can still be found hauling families around today, thanks to its brawny, long-lasting build.
Chevrolet Astro
The Chevrolet Astro was known for its versatility, offering passenger and cargo configurations. It came equipped with a 4.3-liter V6 engine, providing a solid power and fuel efficiency balance. Over two decades of production, the Astro underwent various updates, including safety improvements and a redesigned interior. In short, it’s durable, reliable, and not one to complain about a heavy load.
Volkswagen Routan
The Routan might seem like an oddball on this list, but despite being a badge-engineered Dodge Grand Caravan, it’s still a decent, long-lasting ride. Notably, the Routan featured unique Volkswagen styling cues, a distinctive front grille, and a more upscale interior than its Chrysler counterparts. It also came equipped with features like a touchscreen navigation system, rear-seat entertainment, and multiple safety features, including stability control and airbags. Despite its short lifespan, the Routan aimed to combine the practicality of a minivan with the driving dynamics expected from Volkswagen vehicles.
Hyundai Entourage
Though short-lived, the Hyundai Entourage left a mark as a surprisingly reliable minivan. It was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 242 horsepower and paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It also featured a spacious interior with ample cargo capacity, sliding side doors for easy access, and a range of safety features, including standard electronic stability control and available rear parking sensors. Plus, it had the same engine as the Kia Sedona and was built to last.
Ford Windstar
The Ford Windstar may have retired but was once a sturdy family favorite. It debuted with a unique design, emphasizing passenger comfort and versatility. The Windstar was also notable for its smooth ride and spacious interior, accommodating up to seven passengers. Engine options included a 3.0-liter V6 and a more powerful 3.8-liter V6, providing adequate power for family needs. You just had to make sure it was well-maintained.
Honda StepWGN (Japan)
A minivan staple in Japan, the Honda StepWGN is famed for its reliability and spacious interior. Its unique “Waku Waku Gate” feature allows easier loading and unloading through a split rear tailgate, enhancing practicality. The interior has advanced technology, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and various safety features like Honda Sensing. And, even though it’s hard to find outside of Japan, imported models are praised for their dependability.
Toyota Previa
The Toyota Previa, also known as the “egg van,” is a quirky but well-loved minivan from the ’90s. The Previa was an engineering marvel with its mid-engine layout, offering spacious interiors without sacrificing driving dynamics. Its quirky, egg-like exterior allowed a roomy cabin to seat up to eight passengers.
Mitsubishi Delica
With a reputation as the go-anywhere minivan, the Mitsubishi Delica is both credible and unique. Introduced in the 1980s, the Delica’s all-wheel-drive system made it a go-to choice for the adventurous spirit. Its spacious interior allows for plenty of legroom. Plus, with various models and configurations, the Delica continues to be a quirky choice for practical families.
Nissan Serena (Japan)
The Nissan Serena is a long-lasting and reliable minivan in its native market, Japan. Beneath its surface, it typically features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine, perfect for those long road trips. Inside, you’ll find a tech-laden cabin with a dual-screen infotainment system and enough cup holders to keep everyone hydrated. Plus, Serena’s ProPILOT Assist tech feels like having a co-pilot who won’t argue over the radio station.
Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager, a simpler version of the Pacifica, has proven to be a sturdy choice for budget-minded families. The exterior is sleek yet sturdy, flaunting a prominent grille and available LED headlights. It packs a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers a respectable 287 horsepower.
Toyota Alphard (Japan)
The Toyota Alphard is the high-end luxury cousin of the Sienna and is popular in Japan and other parts of Asia. Underneath its sleek exterior, the Alphard boasts a robust build and an engine that purrs like a kitten but can roar like a lion when needed. Toyota’s commitment to quality ensures that this vehicle can outlast many relationships. According to J.D. Power, the Alphard consistently ranks high in dependability, and its resale value remains impressive.
Chevrolet Venture
Though not as glamorous, the Chevrolet Venture has been a solid family option since the ‘90s. Owners generally report that the Venture is a dependable workhorse, often lasting over 200,000 miles with routine maintenance. However, be prepared for some quirks, particularly in the earlier models, when the infamous “service engine soon” light loves to make surprise appearances.
Pontiac Montana
The Pontiac Montana was known for its versatility and durability. But common issues included a penchant for electrical gremlins. However, with regular maintenance and a sprinkle of luck, many Montanas have cruised past the 200,000-mile mark. Just remember, if it starts making strange noises, it might be trying to communicate its frustrations.
Ford Aerostar
One of the most unique vans ever, the Ford Aerostar was built on a truck platform, making it unusually rugged. Its rear-wheel drive and optional 4WD make it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts who need a tough, credible van. Engine reliability was also decent, thanks to its 3.0L V6, but some drivers reported transmission woes that felt more like a surprise roller coaster ride.
Mazda MPV
The Mazda MPV was a compact and reliable choice in its heyday. However, some owners report issues with the transmission, particularly in earlier models, which sometimes seem to believe they’re auditioning for a slow-motion film. Electrical problems also make cameo appearances, causing headaches for unsuspecting drivers. Despite these hiccups, the MPV has a loyal following due to its spacious interior and versatility, which can handle everything from soccer practice to spontaneous road trips. On average, it earns a reliability score of around 3.5 out of 5 from sources like Consumer Reports.
Suzuki Every (Japan)
Lastly, the Suzuki Every, Japan’s charming little van, boasts a sturdy engine, typically a 660cc three-cylinder, which, while not exactly a sports car, has enough pep to zip around city streets and squeeze into tight parking spots. And, with its simple mechanics, maintenance is a breeze, making it a go-to for those who prefer to spend less time in the garage and more time on the road. Also, owners often rave about its fuel efficiency—around 15-18 km/l, which saves those yen! Plus, its solid build means it can endure the quirks of Japanese weather.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
