Minivans have dominated the market for a considerable amount of time since they are convenient for transporting many people and a large number of goods. Minivans established the ideal balance between utility and maneuverability since they could carry a large number of people and their belongings, but their frames were smaller and their steering was quicker than that of full-size vans. Nonetheless, SUVs have recently been the more popular alternative, leading several automakers to phase out minivan offerings in favor of more attractive cars.
However, there are still some producers of high-quality minivans, and demand is on the rise as more consumers seek out vehicles with a bit more room and stability than the compact SUVs that have dominated the market. While looking for new cars for sale, you will notice that the latest electric mini van often provides more efficiency and standard safety features than competing SUVs. Minivans with hybrid powertrains use both electric and gasoline propulsion. Here is the list of the best hybrid mini vans to buy in 2023.
2023 Toyota Sienna
Why it stands out: A significant advantage in fuel efficiency; second-row comfort for adults as well as children; nimble, responsive handling; substantial interior space.
Features and options we love: The 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid sports seven regular seats and an additional, foldable eighth seat for even more passengers. In the higher trim levels, the second row is furnished with heated, reclining captain chairs.
What could be better: Lower-trim models include inferior materials and less modern technology, and it lacks the power and efficiency of rival minivans.
Overview
Toyota replaced the Sienna's V6 gas engine with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with 2 electric motors to provide 245 horsepower as part of the minivan's 2021 remodeling project. The Sienna is one of the minivans to feature all-wheel drive (AWD), and the EPA rates it at 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving with FWD and AWD. The Toyota Sienna has the least amount of luggage capacity in its class at 101 cubic feet because of the hybrid powertrain that Toyota installed. Not being able to fold the second-row seats flat into the floor makes it challenging to transport bulky objects.
Furthermore, Sienna's cabin has high-end soft plastics and excellent materials, and it's available in five different trim levels (LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum). The cabin is roomy enough for eight passengers, and the chairs are soft and supportive. The Sienna LE comes standard with cloth upholstery and an 8-way motorized driver's seat. For heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and captain's chairs for the second row, step up to the XLE grade. The upper grades have niceties like leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and captain's chairs with ottomans.
Additionally, each model has a standard 9-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. Options include wireless device charging, GPS, and an 11.6-inch screen for passengers in the back.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recognized the Sienna as a Top Safety Pick+. It includes a large range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that are included as standard equipment, such as automated emergency braking, road sign detection, blind-spot tracking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The upper tiers of the vehicle's trim levels have a heads-up display, parking sensors, and a 360-degree video system.
Looking to Buy a Used Sienna?
Since its remodel for the 2021 model year, Toyota has offered the Sienna solely as a hybrid; the 2021 and 2022 versions are indistinguishable. Older Sienna models feature roomier cargo compartments and more strong engines, but they aren't hybrids and get poor gas mileage as a result. You can check the VIN number of the 2023 Toyota Sienna you want to buy using our Toyota VIN Decoder.
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Why it stands out: A distinctive plug-in hybrid, flexible Stow 'n Go seating, high-quality audio and video features, and attractive design.
Features and options we love: New features for the 2022 Pacifica make it an excellent choice for transporting people and families. There is a new interior filtration system, an optional back entertainment system that works with Amazon Fire TV, and a Max Regeneration meter that displays Pacifica's regenerative braking capacity.
What could be better: There's no entry-level model, and the higher-end trims and the Hybrid are too pricey; the Stow 'n Go seats in the second row are also not as comfortable.
Overview
Chrysler has been producing minivans ever since the concept was established. While ChryCo can't be given credit for coming up with the idea, it is undeniable that Chrysler is responsible for making the minivan a popular choice among American consumers. Even though the Pacifica is already seven years old—an advanced age for a vehicle—it stays competitive because of its high-quality interior and its optional plug-in hybrid powertrain, which provides 32 miles of electric-only range. This is not only unmatched in the market, but also quite strong when compared to other PHEVs and used cars.
The Pacifica has a rather stylish and well-appointed cabin. It lacks the inside beauty of the Sienna or the Carnival, but it does a good job nonetheless. Additionally, it features some of the most advanced technology available for its category. The back seats now have integrated Bluetooth and power outlets, thanks to Chrysler's outstanding Uconnect infotainment system. The base model comes with a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the PHEV generates 260 hp but feels considerably faster because of the rapid torque of its electric motors. It can also run on battery power alone for short errands and commutes.
The PHEV has decent steering and handling, but due to its extra weight of about 600 pounds in comparison to a regular V6, you need to allow greater stopping distance. That hybrid car is also quite pricey. Unless incentives are reinstated in a significant sense, you can count on spending more than $50,000 to get out the door. The Pacifica's primary flaw is that its promised dependability is still a crapshoot. That's important to think about while competing with brands like Honda and Toyota.
Looking for a Used Chrysler Pacifica?
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan debuted in 2017. Models from 2017 through 2022 have comparable features and styles. The 2021 Pacifica Hybrid had some minor design updates, expanded standard ADAS equipment, and an improved infotainment system; for 2022, not much has changed. You can also visit the Chrysler official website to get more information about the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
Honda Odyssey
Why it stands out: Differentiating features include a relaxing ride, a magic middle row perfect for parents of young children, and Honda's well-deserved reputation for stability.
Features and options we love: Honda Odyssey is ideal if you and your family do a lot of driving because it has a high safety rating (five stars from the NHTSA) and a wide variety of safety features. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more are included.
What could be better: There is no entry-level model, and the driving experience is dull even for a minivan. Neither a hybrid nor an all-wheel-drive variant is available.
Overview
Honda has been regarded for a long time as a manufacturer of dependable cars that are designed to be as utilitarian as possible without sacrificing reliability or safety. The Odyssey, their take on the minivan segment, has always been distinguished by its focus on modern design and a refined driving experience. Not surprisingly, Honda has improved the 2023 Odyssey, its flagship minivan, in terms of comfort, usability, and convenience. The new Sport model for 2023 features red accents like stitching, ambient lighting, and 19-inch wheels.
All brand-new Odyssey minivans come with a complimentary two-year/24,000-mile oil change maintenance package and other preventative services. The Odyssey's 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough power for casual driving about town. But what sets it apart is how quickly and responsively it responds to driver input. Despite being a three-row minivan, it drives and handles more like a car than you might expect.
The Odyssey is not available as a hybrid, but it obtains decent fuel efficiency for a minivan of its size (EPA estimates 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway). The Odyssey has some of the roomiest seats and largest cargo bays in its class, making the inside seem roomy and well-made. In addition, it has Honda's Magic Slide seats, which can be pushed back and forth to increase the space available for passengers or cargo.
These seats are perfect for lengthy car excursions with the family since they are quite comfy and well-made. The 2023 Odyssey's standard infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen running Honda's Display Audio software, which provides extensive personalization options and smartphone integration. The more expensive Touring or Elite trim levels come with an entertainment unit for the back seats that streams your kids' favorite shows and movies.
Kia Carnival 2023
Why it stands out: sleek design, advanced technology, and flexible second-row seating configurations.
Features and options we love: Since its release in 2022, the Kia Carnival has developed into one of the most unique minivans on the market. The second-row captain's chairs have been replaced with a bench as the standard seating arrangement for the 2023 model year, and a bigger infotainment display has been added for the upper trim levels.
What could be better: There is no all-wheel-drive or hybrid option, and the third row is tight.
Overview
The minivan community typically views vehicles that don't look like minivans as superior. Using that criterion, the Kia Carnival becomes a supermodel. While aesthetic preferences vary from person to person, there's no disputing that Kia's offering in the sliding-row market looks a little different from the norm. The second-row concept is what sets apart all minivans, but the Carnival takes this idea one step further by giving two separate innovative designs.
The eight-seater sliding center seat allows for a wide variety of seating configurations, and the "VIP Lounge" recliners' extra-long sliding range and removable leg restraints give even more comfort and convenience (to be fair, Toyota offers something similar). When compared to the other rows, the third is a little tight, but just a little.
Kia's technology is also among the best in the mainstream auto industry, so the infotainment system you get will be reliable and simple to operate. The Carnival is a pleasurable ride on the road, with adequate V6 power for the class (290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque). It's not quite as entertaining to drive as the Sienna, but it's at the sporty end of a class that's pretty sedentary. Unfortunately, there is no all-wheel drive or hybrid engine option.
Comparison Table. 2023 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
| Feature | 2023 Toyota Sienna | 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 3,600 pounds |
| Safety Ratings | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
| Passenger Space | Eight Passengers | Seven Passengers |
| Cargo Capacity | 101.1 cu-ft | 140.5 cu-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 35 City/ 35 Highway/ 35 Combined | 19 City/ 28 Highway/ 22 Combined |
| Standard Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Price | $35,385 – $50,845 | $37,020 – $58,050 |
Final Remarks
Minivans aren't as common as they once were, but if you need a spacious vehicle for transporting your family, you may choose from a wide variety of excellent alternatives. Also, you can transport your family where it needs to go without breaking the bank thanks to the production of hybrid and high-efficiency models. You can make a good decision for your daily trip or next vacation if you know which minivans are still manufactured and which automakers to watch as they make a comeback.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Honda Odyssey is the most reliable vehicle in the minivan class. When all seats are in use, the Odyssey features a class-leading 88.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row.
The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid achieves an impressive 82 MPG in combined city and highway driving, making it the most fuel-efficient minivan currently available. The average fuel economy for the Toyota Sienna is 36 mpg.
Your hybrid vehicle is capable of long-distance travel. But there are some considerations to make. Maintaining speeds below 50 miles per hour maximizes the fuel efficiency of a hybrid vehicle. Therefore, traveling within a city is the most time- and fuel-effective option.
Since hybrids contain more electronics than regular automobiles, they are heavier and consume more gas. As a result, the makers of hybrid vehicles have shrunk the dimensions of their engines and batteries. However, this weakens the vehicle's body and balance, reducing its overall power.
A Prius' electric motor is usually sufficient for such low-speed driving, and the gas engine only starts up once the vehicle's speed hits 15 mph. This can have a significant impact on fuel efficiency depending on the vehicle's use and the way it is driven.
