Crossovers are all the rage these days, but the humble minivan remains tough to beat for cargo volume, flexibility, and a strong space-for-the-dollar factor.
For many Canadian families, the minivan just plain makes sense. That’s especially true for large and growing families, small business owners, pet parents, and more.
Minivans might lack the cool factor of the hottest new crossovers and most don’t offer all-wheel drive, but when maximum space and versatility are high on your wishlist, any of our finalist models listed below are worthy of your consideration and hard-earned dollars.
Our team of more than 20 automotive experts considered all new minivan models available to Canadians to buy in 2020 and voted to shortlist these finalists. Since minivan selection in Canada is relatively limited, our list of finalists represents a cross-section of many great minivan models available to shoppers.
But there can be only one winner, which our expert panel of jurors will vote on to separate the good vehicles from the award-winning vehicles. This comes after extensive test driving and evaluations across numerous categories including overall value, innovation, user friendliness, design, and safety.
The criteria are weighted specifically on a category-by-category basis to reflect what’s important to shoppers and to precisely identify the models that go above and beyond what’s expected of them. In the minivan category, value, efficiency, user friendliness, and safety are among the most heavily weighted criteria. As jurors, we also consider which models we are most likely to recommend to friends, families, and you, the Canadian car shopper.
So, stay tuned to see which minivan takes top honors from our expert panel of jurors. We’ll be announcing the category winners January 20, 2020.
Here are some more details on the finalists.
Chrysler Pacifica
From the brand that made the minivan famous comes the popular Chrysler Pacifica, an upscale minivan for a family on the go. Look for a plethora of high-tech safety, connectivity and convenience features, as well as flexibility to spare, and no shortage of innovative and thoughtful touches help round out the package.
The Pacifica is built using best practices from decades of experience with minivans and features an award-winning cabin that masterfully blends utility and upscale flair. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version that can get many families off of gasoline for daily commuting and errands is also available, and that makes the Pacifica unique in the minivan segment.
On any trip, dual DVD players and full smartphone connectivity keep drivers and their families entertained and connected on the move. This minivan is also available with a bagless on-board vacuum cleaner, which any parent knows will be used extensively. Also look for easy-to-use technology and plenty of selection to customize the Pacifica to any need, taste, or lifestyle.
Under the hood of every Pacifica is Canada’s best-selling engine: a 3.6-litre V6 with 287 horsepower.
Pricing starts in the low-$30k range, and PHEV models qualify for additional government incentives.
Dodge Grand Caravan
When it comes to maximum space for a minimal investment, the Dodge Grand Caravan is virtually untouchable. Starting at under $25,500 with a standard 283-horsepower V6, Canada’s most popular minivan provides busy families with an affordable means of accessing top-notch flexibility and versatility for any voyage.
Designed to grow with your family, tailgate seating, rear-seat entertainment systems, and Stow ‘n Go folding seats dial up the flexibility, and an assortment of up-level stereo systems and feature content touches allow shoppers to devise the perfect minivan for their tastes and budget.
With nine available models and pricing that tops out under $36,000, Dodge Grand Caravan offers plenty of choice and is the most affordable and popular minivan in the segment today.
Further, Grand Caravan’s available Super Console makes it even easier to stay organized and tidy on the move, and a standard backup camera system combines with over 65 available safety features for maximum peace of mind in any situation.
Honda Odyssey
The Odyssey has been around for generations and the latest iteration of Honda’s family hauler offers more convenience, style, functionality and safety than ever. Improvements abound throughout, and the latest Odyssey flaunts more power, more connectivity, and more innovation.
A new 10-speed automatic transmission helps reduce fuel bills while improving performance, in conjunction with a newly re-tuned V6 with 280 standard horsepower.
Look for in-car Wi-Fi, premium entertainment provisions, advanced safety features, and no shortage of innovative and useful touches including a cabin video monitoring system with night vision, an in-car PA system, power tailgate, a built-in vacuum cleaner, and more.
Plus, with the available dual sliding power doors revealing a cabin with more than 4,100 available litres of cargo volume, Odyssey won’t soon be outgrown by you and yours.
Pricing ranges from mid-$30k to mid-$40k depending on the trim grade selected.
Kia Sedona
With an eye for style, safety and value, the Kia Sedona minivan combines must-have features with an attractive entry price and wraps it in some of the sharpest-looking styling in the segment.
Starting under $32,000, the Sedona gives shoppers four model grades to choose from, topping out in fully loaded form at under $42,000. All models run a standard 276-horsepower V6 engine fitted with Direct Injection technology for optimal efficiency.
Outward-looking safety features provide early detection of hazards, and full smartphone connectivity with enhanced voice command is fitted to all models, as are a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
Up-level features include power sliding doors, a motorized tailgate, automatic highbeams, leather seating, and a three-zone climate control system to help maintain optimal comfort for all passengers. Drivers can also fold down all rear seating provisions and enjoy more than 4,000 litres of cargo volume.
Here’s a minivan that should prove appealing to a wide range of shoppers, thanks to its appealing price point and generous feature set.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna attracts attention for its impressive list of standard safety equipment, the brand’s strong reputation for reliability and resale value, and no shortage of innovative touches that help create value for shoppers.
The Sienna is the only minivan in Canada available with all-wheel drive (AWD), an in-demand feature amongst many Canadian shoppers who will find it useful in winter weather. AWD is offered on a wide range of Sienna models.
With numerous trim grades and options packages, it’s easy to get a Sienna that perfectly meets the needs and lifestyle of your family. Sienna starts in the mid-$30k and tops out just past $51,000 in top form.
And, with 296 standard horsepower from a proven 3.5-litre V6 engine, the Sienna is a confident performer with efficiency to spare.
Available 7 or 8 passenger seating can accommodate virtually any family, with 2,470 litres of cargo volume remaining behind the second-row seats.
Standard on all trim grades, the Toyota Safety Sense P system networks an array of the industry’s most proven crash-avoidance technologies to make every drive a confident one.
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