Minivan is a car classification in North America. It contains spacious and configurable rear seating area to transport passengers from one point to another.
Terms and configuration
Alternate terms of minivan are “Mover”, “people carrier”, “Multi purpose vehicle (MPV)” or “M-segment”. A minivan has one or two box-configured body, high H-point seats, sliding door at rear, flat floor, and a high roof.
Reasons to purchase Minivans
Practicality
It is easy for everyone to drive minivans. AutoNews has stated them the most practical transport vehicles on the earth. Their spacious interior provide a roomy space to passengers and cargo area for loading groceries and other adventurous equipment. Minivans provide a fine and safe ride on the road.
Good deals
In 80’s, minivans were highly popular among families. Now public opt for SUVs and crossovers more, which has faded the popularity of minivans. To increase the marketing of minivans, automobile companies are giving good deals on them. So if a person is deciding to purchase a minivan than he can get affordable purchasing deal on new model, which is most often given on a second hand SUV.
Cheaper insurance and maintenance
An individual can save money not only at purchasing minivan but also in its insurance and maintenance. Minivans have less costly maintenance and insurance rates. That’s how a person can add savings to family’s budget.
According to AAA study, the driving cost of minivan is 65cents/mile when it comes to depreciation costs, tires cost, insurance, maintenance and gas. Annually a minivan costs approximately $9753.
Easy to climb in and out
Minivan has low base frame, which allows children and elderly to easily climb into the vehicle. Like in other traditional cars, people do not have to make effort to get into the minivan. Families having more children and seniors can find minivan best fit for them.
Sliding doors
Sliding doors at rear are useful when it comes to load groceries, babies, passengers, car seats, and cargo. Moreover, these doors protect the hand from getting smashed in the door. Parking a minivan at hill or slope has also become easy because its power sliding door can be opened or shut by just pressing a button.
Appropriate for road trips
A minivan provides a smooth, comfortable and fine road trip. It gives roomy interior, that allows people to stretch their legs after a long distance and provides wide cargo space. In other small size cars passengers get packed, do not find any space to load their luggage and eventually do not enjoy their ride comfortably.
Impressive towing capacity
Three-row SUV has towing capability more than minivan, but there are some models of minivans that have impressive towing capacity. Toyota Sienna minivan can tow weight up to 35000 pounds.
Practical features
All current models of minivans in the market have multiple practical features including collision warning, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and some other safety and driver assist features.
Top minivans, costs, and specifications
Chrysler Pacifica
The cargo and hauling capacity of minivans is better than SUVs. In this context, Chrysler has been the winner of Editor’s choice award. It comes with two engines, plug-in hybrid powertrain and regular V-6 engine. Upon folding rear seats, Pacifica turns from a minivan to a cargo van.
Rating
Chrysler earns rating of 9.5/10.
Highs
- Configurable rear seats
- Availability of Plug-in hybrid engine
- Multiple ports for USB
- Roomy interior
Lows
- Quality of plastic is cheap
- SUVs are preferred over them
Verdict
- It has Space, comfort, grace, and style
Price
- Hybrid pinnacle: $53045
- Pinnacle: $52290
- Hybrid limited: $47540
- Limited: $47290
- Hybrid touring L: $44415
- Hybrid touring: $42115
- Touring L: $40615
- Touring: $37315
Specifications
- Type of vehicle: 7-passenger, all-wheel drive, front-engine, 4-door van
- Engine type: DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine, aluminium block and head and port fuel injection
- It produces 287 hp at 6400 rpm and 262 lb-ft torque at 4000 rpm.
- Its dimensions include 121.6 in wheelbase, 204.3 in length, 79.6 in width, 70.7 in height, 159 cu ft passenger volume, 32 cu ft cargo volume, and 4987 lb curb weight.
Toyota Sienna
All-hybrid lineup and all-new styling makes Sienna an efficient choice among its competitors. Sienna has squinty headlamps, wide-mouth grille, stylish body and looks like an SUV. Sienna focuses on family-friendliness and practicality. V-6 engine of Sienna has been replaced by 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.
Rating
It has earned rating of 8/10.
Highs
- Exterior design is bold and appealing
- Gives refined cruise
- Highly efficient engine
Lows
- Non-hybrid option is unavailable
- Poky acceleration
Verdict
- New model of Sienna is heavily refined and much improved over classic models.
Price
- LE: $35635
- XLE: $40925
- XSE: $43175
- Limited: $47875
- Platinum: $51075
Specifications
- Type of vehicle: 7-passenger, all-wheel drive, front-engine, 4-door van
- Engine type: DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.5L inline-4.
- It produces 189 hp, 176 lb-ft torque.
- Its dimensions include 120.5 in wheelbase, 203.7 in length, 78.5 in width, 68.5 in height, 162 cu ft passenger volume, 34 cu ft cargo volume, and 4821lb curb weight.
Ford Transit Connect
It appeals to those who like versatility and tradespeople. This van can haul almost 7 people. It is hollowed out to transport different equipment and stuff. It offers long as well as short wheelbase, a liftgate at back, and two various 4-cylinders powertrains.
Rating
It has earned rating of 8.5/10.
Highs
- Incredible nimbleness driving
- Configuration options
- Versatile interior
Lows
- Material of cabin is unimpressive
- Low quality cruise
Verdict
- It does not give a refined ride but is best selection for tradespeople.
Pricing
- XL: $28795
- XLT: $30910
- Titanium: $32995
Specifications
- Engine type: aluminium block and head, DOHC 16-valve Inline-4, port fuel injection
- It produces 169 hp at 6000 rpm and 171 lb-ft torque at 4500 rpm
- Its dimensions include 120.6 in wheelbase, 189.7 in length, 72.2 in width, 72 in height, 166 cu ft passenger volume, 16 cu ft cargo volume, and 4012 lb curb weight.
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