Best Minivans for the Money

In 2021, Toyota switched its Sienna minivan to a hybrid-only lineup, giving its family-friendly people hauler a leg-up on the competition. The Sienna beats its V6-only competitors' fuel economy ratings by 11-12 mpg, and it is more affordable than the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid. The 2025 Toyota Sienna maintains those advantages, but the addition of a new hybrid-powered Kia Carnival significantly dull its greatest claim to fame.

The Kia’s sharp looks, advanced technology, and less unusual power delivery give it a boost over the Sienna, as they are very similar in space and seating layout options. The Sienna’s significant technology upgrade for 2025 is all the more timely (and necessary). It gets the latest Toyota tech interface, including a 12.3-inch width-oriented touchscreen on most trim levels, a digital instrument panel, and a color head-up display on top trims. Feature content is increased, and functionality is improved. The cabin also just looks more modern as a result.

However, the Sienna outdoes the Carnival in one area: its available pairing of a hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive. The Kia and Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid are front-wheel-drive only. We’re not sure you need all-wheel drive, but it’s still a difference worth noting.

Considering there are only four minivan choices, including the Honda Odyssey, we recommend checking them all out. Besides considering fuel economy and technology, thoroughly test out the various second-row seating options of each minivan. The Sienna’s Super-Long Slide second row makes it best suited to transporting bigger kids, but they can’t be removed (or folded into the floor like the V6 Pacifica’s) and can’t match the Odyssey’s versatility for car seats (they slide side-to-side and can hold three car seats). Each van may align better with the needs of different families.