The Best Minivans of 2023
Minivans are few and far between these days—most families prefer SUVs and crossovers—yet they offer a ton of space and versatility. Which one is the best money can buy?
The Car Guide has gathered its team of experts to identify the top minivans on the market in 2023. Check them out right here!
- Also: The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2022: Toyota Sienna
- Also: 2022 Kia Carnival: Embracing its MPV Status
1. Toyota Sienna
The Sienna remains our No. 1 pick among minivans in Canada. This Japanese mainstay now combines hybrid technology with available all-wheel drive, which is something no competitor can brag about.
With 245 electrified horsepower on tap, the Sienna has ample gusto in daily driving. It also achieves 6.6 L/100 km on average, which is remarkable fuel economy given its weight and size. Other minivans are typically twice as thirsty.
Selecting AWD doesn’t change output but makes a world of difference in winter driving. Plus, at 6.7 L/100 km, the system proves extremely efficient.
Other highlights include a spacious and well-built interior, as well as above-average reliability.
2. Kia Carnival
No hybrid powertrain or AWD here, but the Carnival is nicely designed and clearly has the edge over the aging Honda Odyssey. While not the most technologically advanced minivan, it impresses with good value, competitive pricing and a longer warranty (5 years or 100,000 km).
The only engine available is a 3.5-litre V6 that produces a segment-leading 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque, resulting in strong performance overall.
Fuel economy obviously can’t match the Sienna’s, but at 10.6 L/100 km combined, the Carnival proves more efficient than both the Pacifica and Odyssey.
3. Chrysler Pacifica
The main thing that separates the Pacifica from other minivans is the available plug-in hybrid powertrain. Thanks to a 16kWh battery, zero-emission driving is possible for up to 51 km, which is enough range for most daily commutes.
The Pacifica Hybrid boasts 260 horsepower and is quite pleasant to operate. On the flip side, it cannot be had with Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go seats in the second row since the battery occupies all the space where those seats would normally disappear.
AWD is available with the Pacifica, but only if you settle for the non-hybrid V6. That’s too bad, and a reason why this minivan is not ranked higher. Expect to achieve 12 L/100 km on average, or as much as 15 L/100 km when driving around town.