The Best Minivans in 2025
Looking at all the full-size SUVs available on the market, the team at The Car Guide has identified the three models that represent the best buys for 2025.
Although SUVs continue to dominate sales, minivans represent attractive vehicles for families looking for practicality and versatility thanks to their large rear liftgate, sliding side doors and generous cargo room.
- Also: Chrysler, Stuck With Minivans, Makes Modest Changes to 2025 Lineup
- Also: 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid: Loads of Tech, a Few Compromises
Just like it did in all the years since 2021, the Toyota Sienna takes first place in our 2025 ranking. Competitors are simply unable to one-up the Japanese minivan, which offers the best package in the segment.
The main draw here is the ability to benefit from a hybrid powertrain combined with all-wheel drive. You can have one or the other with the Chrysler Pacifica, but not both at the same time. The hybrid-only Sienna is built around a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and offers the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In both cases, fuel consumption is remarkably low at 6.6 L/100 km and 6.7 L/100 km, respectively.
In addition to decent performance, a roomy interior, lots of practicality and frugality, the Sienna also proves highly reliable. For all these reasons, it remains our top choice in the minivan segment for the 2025 model year.
2. Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is once again our runner-up. Although it fails to take the top spot from the Sienna, the 2025 updates including an available hybrid powertrain make it even more relevant. Sure, fuel consumption is higher than that of a Sienna, but the Carnival Hybrid is far more efficient than the V6-powered variant—which you can still get for 2025, to be clear. The six-cylinder mill enables towing up to 3,500 lbs, whereas the hybrid system is good for 2,500 lbs.
Inside, the Carnival is roomy, practical and nicely finished. On the road, we appreciate the comfortable and quiet ride. While not as potent as the V6, the hybrid system is still a pleasure thanks to its generous low-end torque. Just be careful on snow-covered or icy surfaces, however, because the wheels tend to spin under initial acceleration when grip is poor.
The Carnival is cheaper than the Sienna, which is also something to keep in mind in these times of high prices. Last but not least, Kia’s limited vehicle warranty of 5 years/100,000 km trumps Toyota’s 3 years/60,000 km.
It's a shame that all-wheel drive is still not available, as it would make the Carnival even more competitive with the Sienna. This is the main reason why the Korean minivan has to settle for second place in our 2025 ranking.
Given that the Chrysler Pacifica has not evolved significantly in 2025, it continues to hold the third spot in our minivan ranking. Similar to the Toyota Sienna, the Pacifica offers buyers a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive. The problem is that you can’t combine the two. In other words, if you want all-wheel drive, you have to opt for the 3.6-litre V6 engine and spend a lot more money on gas (12 L/100 km on average). This inefficient combo is definitely not the best choice for city-dwelling families.
The plug-in hybrid variant comes with front-wheel drive only, but thanks to the 16kWh high-voltage battery, you can expect to travel up to 51 km without burning any fuel. And with 260 horsepower on tap, this Pacifica happens to be the most powerful hybrid minivan on the market. Performance is more than decent, and if you regularly keep the vehicle plugged in, fuel consumption will be very low. The main drawback is that the battery resides under the second row, meaning the extremely handy Stow 'n Go seats are not available.
A couple more issues working against the Pacifica include high prices, a lower resale value than competitors, and less-than-stellar reliability. These are all reasons why the American minivan lands in third place.
For more information and ratings, don’t miss our Best Buys section.
