I’m a Car Expert: 5 Affordable Minivans That Are Better Than SUVs

Minivans have fallen within the “soccer mom” stereotype, but there are some affordable vans that won’t break your budget. And some may even prefer them over SUVs.

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Honda Odyssey Kia Carnival Toyota Sienna Chrysler Voyager Chrysler Pacifica

“I do not know why minivans have basically died,” Chris Pyle, auto expert at JustAnswer, wrote in an email. “They have good power, good MPG, a lot of room, and good head and leg room. I guess it is a stereotype of a soccer mom. They are very easy to travel in, especially for people who do not move well.”

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Here are five affordable minivans that some auto experts say are better than SUVs.

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Honda Odyssey

2025 starting MSRP: $42,220

For 30 years, the Honda Odyssey has proved to be “one of the best family vehicles money can buy,” according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). However, it’s the only minivan without a hybrid option, per KBB, and there’s no all-wheel drive (AWD).

“The Odyssey is built so well that it often exceeds 200,000 miles with regular maintenance,” Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, wrote in an email. “It can accommodate eight people, which is comparable to several SUVs, but it also offers ample cargo space, a feature that is rare among SUVs.”

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Kia Carnival

2026 starting MSRP: $36,990
2026 hybrid starting MSRP: $40,990

For those who want the space and comfort, the Kia Carnival is a minivan with more of an SUV look and feel.

“Tried to get my wife to settle on a Kia Carnival, but she said NO VAN. She settled on a Ford Explorer,” Pyle said. According to Pyle, the only difference is that the Explorer has rear doors on a hinge, whereas the Carnival has sliding doors. “Outside of that exterior, they look nearly the same. I would still like to own a Carnival and would recommend it as a great minivan to anyone looking for one,” he said.

Pyle pointed out that the Carnival can be ordered with rear reclining seats with footrests, which you typically can’t find in an SUV.

Toyota Sienna

2025 starting MSRP: $39,185

The 2025 Toyota Sienna has a standard hybrid powertrain and is known to be a safe and reliable car with low ownership costs, according to KBB.

“One of the areas where SUVs often have the edge is in all-wheel drive options,” Musson explained. “The Sienna is one of only two minivans that offer AWD, and that feature makes it stand out from the competition. It’s a well-made vehicle that is one of the most dependable on the market.”

When comparing the Sienna and Odyssey with an SUV, Musson also noted that you have to enter the full-size SUV category to get the same space. “Full-size SUVs cost about double what the Odyssey and Sienna cost,” she explained.

Chrysler Voyager

2025 starting MSRP: $39,995

The Voyager returned in 2025 as Chrysler’s entry-level retail model below the Pacifica, per KBB. It has a great infotainment system and Stow ‘n Go seating, which allows the second- and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor, at an affordable price, according to KBB.

Pyle did comment that he’s not the biggest fan of the Voyager and Pacifica’s engine and transmission, though. “I believe the majority of those failures I have worked on were mostly caused by driver abuse,” he added.

Chrysler Pacifica

2025 starting MSRP: $42,450
2025 hybrid starting MSRP: $51,055

The Pacifica’s hybrid option was called the most efficient minivan, traveling up to 32 miles on electricity alone, KBB reported.

“The Pacifica has a hybrid option, which is quite popular. The in-town fuel efficiency of the hybrid is stellar, especially when you opt for the EV-only mode,” Musson wrote. There’s also a more affordable non-hybrid option, which has an AWD option, she added.

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