Every 2021 Minivan Ranked from Best to Worst
SUVs are taking the automotive world by storm, especially in the U.S., and they’re obliterating everything in their path. Automakers are discontinuing passenger cars (particularly smaller, compact models) to offer compact SUVs instead. They’re even giving wagons some added height and selling them off as SUVs. And it’s working!
Just like compact and mid-size passenger cars, the minivan segment has shrunk as it is being boxed in by SUV models. The venerable Dodge Grand Caravan, which invented the segment, ceased production last year. There’s even one model sold under two different nameplates, even though they are effectively mechanically similar. (Which means there’s really only 4 minivans to choose from). There still are some pros to choosing a minivan over an SUV for some consumers, however.
We rank the 5 remaining minivans on the market from worst to best by combining their ratings on driving performance, standard features, design, and value.
5. 2021 Kia Sedona
(image via Facebook)
The 2021 Kia Sedona offers a compelling value proposition with its low starting price and long list of standard features. But when comparing it across the entire class, the deal seems like less of a steal. When it comes to the things people buy minivans for, handling and cargo space, the Sedona falters somewhat. It’s pleasant enough, but the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica have driving experiences that are just too nice to pass up. Perhaps when the Sedona undergoes a planned overhaul for the 2022 model year it will offer buyers an even more competitive package. But don’t go looking around for the name “Sedona” after this year. In the future, Kia will be calling this model the “Carnival” (which is the nameplate used in markets outside of North America).
4. 2021 Chrysler Voyager
(image via Facebook)
Beginning in 2020, Chrysler split its minivan offerings into two nameplates. What used to be the lower, less-expensive trims of the Chrysler Pacifica are now sold separately as a model named the Chrysler Voyager. Therefore, it doesn’t have all the perks of its more top-tier sibling, nor does it have as many available options that other competitors have. But it does carry over some of the positives from the Pacifica, including surefooted and comfortable driving dynamics. If you’re wanting a budget-friendly Pacifica, then the 2021 Chrysler Voyager is the minivan for you.
3. 2021 Toyota Sienna
(image via Facebook)
The 2021 Toyota Sienna comes in at the middle of our short ranking. That’s not to say that it isn’t a good minivan. All of the entries on this list are within a single point of each other in the rankings, except our last-place finisher. Judging was so close, models were separated by a hair. That goes for the newly redesigned Toyota Sienna. The big change this year is that the Sienna is now offered with only a hybrid engine. There’s no more purely gasoline option. This hybrid powertrain also brings with it available all-wheel-drive. Only the Sienna and the Pacifica offer that.
Thanks to the hybrid engine, the Sienna returns at a whopping 36 mpg combined EPA rating and even has a longer total range than the plug-in hybrid Pacifica by about 120 miles. Exterior styling is reminiscent of the Highlander and the new interior is more modern and upscale. The big negative is that it has a smaller cargo area than both the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica.
2. 2021 Honda Odyssey
(image via Facebook)
Honda knows how to make great vehicles. That’s why the Civic, Accord, and CR-V are all at the top of our rankings for their respective classes. The 2021 Honda Odyssey is no exception. This minivan has a spacious and well-designed interior that is thoughtfully laid out for both drivers and passengers. The infotainment system is user-friendly and easy to understand at a quick glance. Ride quality is also top-notch with solid handling and a V6 engine that is just powerful enough without sucking down all your gas money. The only thing that kept the Odyssey from the top of the pack was the fact that you have to remove the second-row seats to utilize the maximum amount of cargo space this minivan has available.
1. 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
(image via Facebook)
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica leads the small pack of minivans on the market. It has a comfortable ride, which is important when you’re toting around the family. Even better, buyers can choose between a traditional engine and a plug-in hybrid setup. The plug-in version of the Pacifica can travel 32 miles on electricity alone before the gasoline engine kicks in. Or, drivers can set it to operate like a more traditional battery-electric hybrid to increase fuel efficiency. Altogether, the plug-in version can travel 100 miles further on a full charge and full tank of gas than its gas-only siblings. It’s our preferred choice since it retains all the same features (including seats that fold into the floor) that make the Chrysler Pacifica the top minivan to beat on the market!
