The 5 Best Minivans Available in 2021 That Families Need In Their Lives ASAP
So you’re looking for the best 2021 minivans?
That means you’re probably also helping with homework, prepping snacks, and trying to figure out if that spot is chocolate or poop. (Side note: it’s probably poop.) You’re very likely a parent, looking for an easy ride to cart your kids from place to place. Did you know that minivans can be cool, though? And exciting? Yes, they can!
The best 2021 minivans offer luxurious touches parents will especially enjoy. They make doing all the driving you have to do easier, more relaxing, and more enjoyable. These vehicles also make the kids happy and keep them entertained. Plus, they will look fantastic in the carpool line! Check out the best 2021 minivans reviewed by A Girls Guide to Cars writers and let us know which one you want to drive.
Related: No Minivan Shame: 6 Reasons A Minivan is the Best Thing Ever
1. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Starts at: $39,995
Did you know you can now get a hybrid model of one of our favorite minivans? Yes! You can save money on fuel, help the planet with less emissions, and still drive a comfortable, luxurious-looking minivan. Be green and save some green with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid! Win-Win.
When A Girls Guide To Cars test drove this model, the sleek, streamlined design and striking paint colors stood out. (A favorite was Velvet Red!) The Nappa leather seats added to the luxury, as did the many tech features. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid definitely looked more expensive than it actually is.
One of the reasons this vehicle is one of our best 2021 minivans list is because of the Uconnect Theater entertainment system. It includes two 10-inch seatback touchscreens and allows for DVD viewing, games and other entertainment.
Want to up the wow factor? Go for the new top-of-the-line Pinnacle edition. It’s the most expensive and also the most luxurious with upgraded trims, luxe materials, and all the tech you could want. This model is offered with the hybrid system standard, though it is also available with a conventional gas engine and AWD.
2. Chrysler Pacifica
Starts at $35,000
One of the trends that came out of the Covid-19 pandemic is an increase in minivan sales. Chrysler was definitely among the car manufacturers who experienced this. In only the third quarter of 2020 alone, they saw an increase of 32% in minivan sales compared to the prior year. We think people are understanding comfort might trump style when hitting the road!
For those who drive more than 30 miles in their commute, the hybrid option of the Pacifica probably isn’t an option. That’s why we added the original Chrysler Pacifica to this list as well. Plus, we love the updates for 2021. The Pacifica included refined leather seats with contrast piping, tons of clever storage areas, and a fantastic panoramic sunroof. The vehicle is also super tech-forward, includes lots of charging ports, and even a car vacuum
The Chrysler Pacifica added an intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) option to their full line of Pacifica minivans, with the exception of the Pacifica Hybrid. This is a huge plus for those who live in areas where weather and the environment can make roads slippery, icy or otherwise unsafe. Plus, we love that you don’t have to flip a switch when you need AWD. It just kicks in when the need for it arises.
Another favorite part of this vehicle is the fish-eye camera embedded in the ceiling. It allows you to see the faces of every single person in the 2nd and 3rd rows, even if they are in a rear-facing car seat.
3. Toyota Sienna
Starts at $31,640
There is a reason the Toyota Sienna has been known as the “swagger wagon”. The upgrades are impressive. There is built-in storage, in-car speaker systems that help passengers converse without shouting throughout the van, and an intuitive, 7-inch touch screen on the dash to control it all! This is a great minivan for families on the go.
The 2021 model has been totally revamped and now comes ONLY as a hybrid. However, unlike the Pacifica, this is not a plug-in vehicle, which means that you won’t have the option to travel exclusively on electric power. That electric power will instead help you achieve some truly incredible fuel mileage. It can also still tow the same 3,500 lbs it could with a traditional engine. The swagger is real in this minivan!
There are so many standard and optional family-friendly features in the 2021 Toyota Sienna including:
- 18 cupholders
- In-vehicle Wi-Fi
- 4-zone climate control
- 7 USB ports
- Rear entertainment system with 16.4-inch dual screens
- Power sliding doors and liftgate
- Voice-amplification system to help the driver talk to passengers in the 2nd and 3rd rows
- Standard driver-assistance features including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
In our review, we loved that the Toyota Sienna offered hands-free keyless entry. Just walk up to the car with the key in your pocket or purse, and the doors will automatically unlock. The rear-seat passengers will love the available rear entertainment system with a dual view DVD player with SD and HDMI inputs, Bluetooth-enabled headsets, and two 120v power outlets to charge all the devices we all carry.
4. Honda Odyssey
Starts at $32,910
You knew we had to include the Honda Odyssey on our list of best 2021 minivans. It is the OG of premium vehicles for large families. The 2021 version did not disappoint. There are tons of top-of-the-line safety features, technologies, and other luxury amenities. Plus, it feels HUGE inside. You can fit three standard car seats across the 2nd row. We loved how easy it was to create different configurations with the seats too. They easily fold down flat (new for 2021), and the outboard seats in the 2nd row even slide side-to-side with the innovative Magic Slide feature.
The Honda Odyssey also has the quietest cabin of the minivans as well as the roomiest cabin too. All Odyssey levels, except for the base LX trim, include Display Audio, which is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Touring and Elite models offer a rear-seat entertainment system that includes built-in streaming apps.
The Honda Sensing system is standard on all trims to provide an extra level of safety in this minivan. It was one of the most impressive safety features we saw in our test drive. Also, it now includes road sign assist. This feature displays the speed limit and other road signs right on the display screen. In addition, Honda Sensing now has an electronic brake booster, This helps to apply the brakes when the vehicle senses traffic ahead of you slowing. The adaptive cruise control feature with low speed follow will make the everyday stop and go traffic a breeze.
5. Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon
Starts at $26,845
You may not even know that Ford makes a minivan, but it does! It skips many of the luxury features, and the high price tag, but offers a compact size, outstanding cargo room and great maneuverability instead. This is the minivan for those who drive in urban areas, need to park in tight spaces and/or are carrying items as well as people.
The Ford Transit Connect seats up to 7, and is a practical option for families. If you want to stand out in carpool, this minivan will do it! Although many of the upgrades on the other auto maker’s minivans are missing, it does include a plethora of safety features including Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. This is a suite of advanced standard and available driver-assist technologies.
Keep in mind that the seats do not fold flat and they may feel more uncomfortable than other more plush minivans. However, it is the lowest-priced option and offers optimal fuel efficiency, getting about 25 miles to the gallon.
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Categorized:Car Reviews Minivans
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