If you’re in the market for a family vehicle, the convenience and utility of a minivan cannot be matched. Although some consumers resist minivan ownership in favor of more stylish three-row SUVs, enthusiastic minivan owners gladly sacrifice style points for comfort features like automatic sliding doors and ease of access to the back rows. In addition to the unfair stigma that comes with minivan ownership, drivers may also choose SUVs because they have better all-weather driving capabilities. However, there are new and used all-wheel drive (AWD) minivans available to help drivers carry their most precious cargo across rugged terrain and inclement weather. (For a primer on the AWD drivetrain, check out our handy AWD vs. 4WD guide).
So what are the options for drivers looking for an AWD minivan? We have the answers.
New All-Wheel Drive Minivans
There are two AWD minivans available for drivers looking for a new car .Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is our pick for the Best Minivan with AWD. Fresh off a redesign for 2021, the new Sienna features sharper interior and exterior styling to give it a more upscale appearance. Perhaps the most significant change is its hybrid powertrain that delivers excellent fuel economy at a combined 36 mpg, which is nearly double that of its competitors. The new hybrid four-cylinder engine replaces a V6 engine . An all-wheel drive system is also available and offers similar fuel efficiency at an epa estimated 35 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Sienna comes standard with infotainment features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive can be added to the base LE trim, the XLE trim and the Limited trim for $2,000, and to the XSE trim and the Platinum trim for $760. The new for 2022 Woodland trim comes standard with AWD. The Toyota Sienna has standard seating for up to eight passengers. Drivers also have the option to swap out the second row bench seats for captain’s chairs for a seven-seat layout.
The Sienna comes standard with a suite of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Available advanced safety features include hands-free park assist and a surround-view parking system. Standard infotainment features include a 9-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an in-car intercom are also standard. Available infotainment features include wireless device charging and a rear-seat entertainment system. A new Toyota Sienna starts at $34,460, and a three-year-old used Toyota Sienna costs an average of $31,034.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica was introduced for the 2017 model year, and all-wheel drive became available for the 2020 model year. The Chrysler Pacifica features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, a suite of standard safety features, and optional convenience features that help make family hauling more convenient and enjoyable. Thanks to its Stow ‘n Go seating, drivers can fold their second or third-row seats into the floor for added cargo space.
Standard safety features include rear parking sensors, rear occupant alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights. For added convenience, the Pacifica can have up to 12 USB ports to accommodate the whole family’s device needs, an available in-car vacuum, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with flip-up touchscreens with Amazon Fire streaming capabilities. Standard features on the Limited and Pinnacle trims include ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a power-folding third row, hands-free power-sliding rear doors, a hands-free power liftgate, an integrated vacuum cleaner, navigation, HD Radio, wireless device charging, a 19-speaker stereo, and 18-inch wheels.
While front-wheel drive comes standard, all-wheel drive can be added to the base Touring and Touring L trims for an additional $3,000. AWD also comes standard on the Limited and Pinnacle trims. A new Chrysler Pacifica starts at $36,675 and a three-year-old used Chrysler Pacifica costs an average of $28,130.
Used AWD Minivans
Although only two late model minivans offer all-wheel drive , the drivetrain can also be found on older used minivan models.2004 Chrysler Town & Country
The last model year that Chrysler offered all-wheel drive for the Chrysler Town & Country minivan was 2004. Power comes from a 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine matched with a four-speed automatic. AWD models are available in Touring and Limited trims only. Pluses include excellent ride and handling, a refined drivetrain, and a comfortable and luxurious interior. Pricing for used AWD Chrysler Town & Country models ranges from $2,500 to $6,100.
2005 Chevrolet Astro
Families needing the practicality of a minivan but also the cargo capacity and towing ability of an SUV had a reasonable choice in the 2005 Chevrolet Astro. Powered by a 190-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Astro minivan provides reliable transportation but lacks a thrilling driving experience. These are hard to find, but relatively cheap, with an average price of $3,500 to $6,000.
2005-2006 Chevrolet Uplander
Debuting in the 2005 model year, the Chevrolet Uplander was marketed as a crossover sport van, the successor to the Chevy Venture and precursor to the Chevrolet Traverse. Available with all-wheel drive only in the LT trim, the Chevy Uplander seated seven passengers. Power came in the form of a 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Uplander featured a fold-flat 50/50 split-folding third-row seat. Look for pricing of a used Chevrolet Uplander to range from $3,850 to about $6,990.
Additional Minivans Without AWD
If the limited options of late-model AWD minivans and the age used versions don’t suit your needs, there are a few new and used FWD versions available:Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey minivan is a great choice for busy families with seating for up to eight and a long list of standard amenities. The Odyssey receives high marks for safety with a 5-star rating from NHTSA for frontal and side crashes and a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, automatic high beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder. Available features include front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. All-wheel drive is not available. A new Honda Odyssey has a starting MSRP of $32,990 and a three-year-old used Honda Odyssey can be found for an average of $30,081.
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival, billed as a multi-purpose vehicle, is new for 2022. It features SUV-like exterior styling and has a long list of family-friendly features, many of which come standard on the base LX trim. Between its massive interior space, powerful engine, extensive list of safety technology, and standard infotainment features the Carnival is among the most compelling models in this category. And don’t forget that 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. The Kia Carnival has a starting MSRP of $32,100.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan ranks third was discontinued after the 2020 model year, so buyers looking for a new minivan will have to look elsewhere. The Grand Caravan had the lowest starting MSRP of all minivans at $27,530, which made it an appealing choice for drivers who wanted an affordable family vehicle. It has a powerful 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine that is one of the strongest in its class. While the no-frills Dodge Grand Caravan lacks some of the fancy convenience features of its competitors, it has its hallmark Stow ‘n Go seating, allowing the second-row seats to be stowed within the cabin’s floor to create maximum cargo space. It also has a maximum towing capacity of 3,600 pounds, among the best in its class. A three-year-old used Dodge Grand Caravan can be found for an average price of $19,734.
?Bottom Line:
If all-weather driving capability is the reason holding you back from minivan ownership, these vehicles should help convince you to take the leap. With the combination of family-friendly features, an abundance of safety technology, and all-weather driving capability thanks to models with an AWD drivetrain, the minivan prevails as the best option for family hauling.
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