Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
Every 2026 minivan compared head-to-head. Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica specs, pricing, fuel economy, and our verdict.
Read moreA flooring contractor with 30 years in the trade calls the ProMaster “by far the best vehicle I’ve had for work.” A mobile mechanic who has run every type of van over four decades says nothing matches it for cargo access. A plumber at 6’3″ walks the center aisle without ducking. These aren’t marketing claims. They come from owners who load these vans heavy, six days a week. The ProMaster’s advantage is structural: front-wheel drive eliminates the driveshaft tunnel, so the cargo floor is flat from wall to wall. The 21-inch load floor sits seven inches lower than the Ford Transit’s. The 75-inch interior width fits standard pallet racking. These dimensions shape every upfit decision, from shelf depth to partition
Read moreThree vans dominate the North American full-size cargo market, and each one reflects a different engineering philosophy. The RAM ProMaster prioritizes cargo width and low loading height. The Ford Transit has the broadest powertrain range. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bets on diesel efficiency and longevity. I spent a week with the 2025 RAM ProMaster 2500 High Roof, loading paddle boards and a steel workbench. The cargo versatility and parking-lot agility impressed me. But the Transit and Sprinter answer questions the ProMaster can’t, and whether that matters depends on your routes, your cargo, and your budget. All three vans here are 2025 models in High Roof configurations. Prices and specifications reflect base models before options and destination. Key Takeaways At a Glance:
Read moreThe ProMaster 2500 is the middle child in RAM’s commercial lineup, between the lighter-duty 1500 and the heavy-hauling 3500. The one I’m reviewing: High Roof, 159-inch wheelbase. That’s the configuration most buyers choose for its balance of standing room and cargo length without the extended-wheelbase overhang. Base price is $50,860. This one hit $63,225. The SLT Plus Package ($6,995) adds LED headlamps, a 10.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen with navigation, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, power-folding heated mirrors, remote start, and a 220-amp alternator. The Advanced Safety Group ($1,795) brought surround-view cameras, automated parking, lane centering, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. RAM also fitted the optional wood cargo floor ($495), upper and lower side-wall paneling ($590), and a Class IV receiver hitch
Read moreThe 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige marks a significant evolution in the minivan segment, seamlessly blending practicality with luxury and improved fuel efficiency. The vehicle’s interior exudes an upscale ambiance that rivals European luxury vehicles, departing from the utilitarian design typically associated with family haulers. The SX Prestige trim elevates the Carnival’s interior with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. Soft-touch surfaces adorn the dashboard and door panels, while genuine leather upholstery covers the seats. The cabin features ambient lighting with customizable color options, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. I opted for teal, which looks great alongside the rest of the trim. Brushed aluminum accents and wood-grain trim pieces further enhance the luxurious feel, strategically placed throughout the interior.
Read moreThe Honda Odyssey defies the stigma of minivan collections of automotive boredom on wheels. It may still be driven often by overprotective youth parents late for youth soccer practice or a swim meet. But the enduring Odyssey should be more fairly recognized. It’s among the industry’s most versatile vehicles. Largely unchanged since the current generation debuted in 2018, the Odyssey is ideal for a family of one seeking a high-sitting, confident vehicle with plenty of space for friends, work equipment or leisure stuff. The three-row van also drives like a car and has a cavernous interior for a large family or even a sizable youth team. Unveiled 30 years ago, the Odyssey is now in its fifth generation and is
Read moreWalmart, the country’s largest retail began with founder Sam Walton driving often a 1979 Ford F-150 pickup truck loaded with merchandise, has taken a giant leap of automotive faith. It has purchased 4,500 Canoo electronic Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDV). The futuristic-looking van debuted as a concept vehicle in 2019 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will be used for delivery of the company’s online orders. Walmart First Canoo Fleet Buyer Walmart bought the vehicles, announced in 2021 with a starting price of $34,750, as part of its goal to eliminate emissions from its operations by 2040. The Canoo is on track to start production in late 2022 and will be delivered to the first customers, including Walmart, in 2023.
Read moreThe Honda Odyssey, the former standout and industry wonder, is now 27 years and stagnant. But it’s not the minivan’s fault. Sales of sport utility vehicles, crossovers and pickup trucks continue to increase, dominating the industry. Minivans’ success, like the fate of sedans, have floundered. Key Takeaways 3.5-liter V-6 with 280 horsepower, a 10-speed automatic and front-wheel drive on every trim. About $32,000 to start in five trims (LX, EX, EX-L, Elite and Touring), approaching $50,000 fully equipped. 19 mpg city and 28 highway. 88.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row stowed in the floor, and seating for eight. Ride: The Odyssey’s best attribute is its smooth, quiet ride. Safety: The Odyssey received top crash ratings from
Read moreMany companies make unusual-looking RVs, campers and mini-vans. Volkswagen‘s new entrant among the fraternity of the odd is the Mini-Camper. The small camper is called a Caddy Camper. The full-sized model was launched in 2018. Its innovative junior sibling transforms a small van into a larger “glamping lodge.” It will replace the outgoing larger Caddy Beach van. Versatility is a premium attribute of the new van. Its small size means easier parking and nimble handling. It also adds to VW’s lineup of vehicles with multitasking abilities. The vans are ideal as daily drivers but work equally in what the manufacturer calls “spontaneous micro-adventure.” New mini-van adds to VW’s camping lineup In its early marketing, the German manufacturer has positioned the
Read moreIt seems like a sports car should be named after a city in Italy, not a minivan. But Toyota‘s adult-aged family hauler has grown into being worthy of its namesake, the medieval city in Tuscany. Siena is known for its sturdy, gothic brick buildings and historic districts. The 23-year-old Sienna is ancient by minivan standards and is holding up well despite declining sales and the dominance of lights truck and sport utility vehicles. Key Takeaways 3.5-liter V-6 with 296 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic, standard on every Sienna. $46,388 MSRP for the tested all-wheel-drive Sienna. 19 mpg city and 26 highway with front-wheel drive; 18 and 24 with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive: The Sienna is also the only minivan available
Read moreOh My God. Never buy a Chrysler product. My reasoning? It’s a dangerous product that not only thinks for you, but also will endanger your life and damage the interior for something as simple as a flat tire. This, in my opinion, is one of the best examples of piss-poor engineering. Why? My first example was when I encountered one of these vans last winter. It was two weeks old, still with dealer plates, and it had overheated. It did start and run, but the windows were frosted over because of the cold morning. Self-Setting Parking Brake To see where I was going, I lowered the driver’s window to stick my head out. When I lifted my butt off of
Read morePacifica isn’t a new automotive nameplate. Chrysler first used it on a concept vehicle 1999. The Chrysler SUV/wagon discontinued in 2008 after four years of production was also called the Pacifica. But the name has returned again with the debut of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan. It’s the replacement for the royal-sounding and now-defunct Town & Country. Key Takeaways Test vehicle: the Touring-L Plus, the third of five trims (LX, Touring, Touring-L, Touring-L Plus and Limited). Powertrain: 3.6-liter V6, nine-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined mpg on regular gasoline, per the EPA. Cargo: 32.3 cubic feet with the third row up, 87.5 with it down and 140.5 with the second and third rows
Read moreThe 2016 Toyota Sienna, celebrating its 20th year, ideally defines one of the manufacturer’s best attributes. Entry level sedans to large people movers, Toyota vehicles have lots of standard equipment. And it’s among the signature attributes of the popular minivan. Updates include improvements in the Entune connectivity system, sonar parking assist warnings and blind-spot monitoring. Key Takeaways Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 266 horsepower, a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. $46,410 MSRP and $49,301 as tested. 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds; 16 mpg city, 23 highway and 19 combined. Safety: eight airbags, plus the standard Star Safety System with stability and traction control, brake assist and Smart Stop Technology. Rival named: the Honda Odyssey. Families: It’s a good choice for smaller
Read moreIt’s hard to believe the Honda Odyssey is well into adulthood. The 2016 Honda Odyssey marks the 23rd year of the top-selling minivan. The 2016 Honda Odyssey features a 3.5-liter, 24-valve engine with 248 horsepower. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It has 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds and comfortable seating in three rows for seven adults. The interior and exterior designs are sleek, modern and ultimately non-minivan-like. Key Takeaways Powertrain: a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 with 248 horsepower and a six-speed automatic. $33,375 MSRP. 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds. 19 mpg city, 28 highway and 22 combined on the figures in the review. Cargo: 38.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows in use and 93.1 cubic
Read moreMinivans get a bad rap. They’re boxes on wheels. They’re only for soccer moms. Neither criticism seems fair to me, and one reason is the 2015 Toyota Sienna. Manufactured since 1997 when it replaced the Toyota Previa, the 2015 Toyota Sienna has been refreshed in the fourth year of the third generation introduced in 2011. Among the most versatile and safe vehicles available, the Toyota Sienna received a new tail light and interior design refresh. The Sienna SE reverted to the original pre-facelift “sport” tail lights and Sky Blue Pearl, Creme Brulee Metallic and Attitude Black Metallic are new exterior color choices. Key Takeaways SE Premium tested: the eight-seater, with a 3.5-liter V6 making 266 horsepower and a six-speed automatic.
Read moreThe Volkswagen camper, the iconic niche vehicle fancied by surfers, Grateful Dead fans and camping families, may soon be available in the United States after a decade hiatus. Volkswagen has officially discounted the prevalent rumor of the return of the Westfalia Camper edition. But Heinz-Jakob Neusser, the head of production of VW has reportedly said the bus will be back in a surprising way, as an electric vehicle. Neusser, as reported on the web site, inhabit.com, has that detailed the camper will have a small electronic motor to power the front wheels. The battery pack will be under the floor. The VW camper will include three design features reminiscent of the former bus: a wide, solid D-pillar, the boxy center
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