Minivans Just Got Really Interesting. Here’s Why You Should Check Your Ego and Take Look

The 2025 VW ID Buzz
The 2025 VW ID BuzzCredit: Scotty Reiss

We have long loved the beleaguered minivan for its utility, comfort and space. Sliding doors mean no dings in the doors of cars parked next to it. High ceilings mean plenty of room to maneuver kids car seats—and the kids that go in them. The deep cargo well means extra space for strollers, beach gear and even storage bins.

There’s nothing better for the family road trip, and while you may only need it for those few times a year, that alone can make driving it daily worthwhile.

But the downsides are weighty: these are the sensible shoes of cars, not the high-performance sneakers; they are the ones that won’t give you blisters, not the ones that’ll help you win the race. Or at least, that was the perception. Two new entries to the category and some favorite features in our old standbys have completely changed the game.

This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used.

The All Electric, Un-Minivan Van: VW ID Buzz

Charging the 2025 VW ID Buzz
Credit: Scotty Reiss

This Interior is Seriously Fun

The view from the driver's seat in the 2025 VW ID Buzz
Credit: Scotty Reiss

The Minivan that Could Go as an SUV: Kia Carnival

The 2025 Kia Carnival has a more SUV like look
Credit: Scotty Reiss

A Posh Makeover Makes the Kia Carnival Even More Luxe

The view from the driver's seat in the 2025 Kia Carnival
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Need All Wheel Drive? You Have Choices

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Premium Features are a Minivan Thing, Too

How we traveled then and how we travel now.
Credit: Holli Fourniquet

Hybrid? Plug-in Electric Hybrid? All Electric? Those are Choices, Too

Chrysler Pacifica eHybrid's charge port
Credit: Holli Fourniquet

Captains Chairs? Bench Seats? How About Both?

Honda Odyssey minivan
Credit: Penny Garduno

Every Seat is the Best Seat in the House

The interior of the 2025 Kia Carnival
Credit: Scotty Reiss
Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers ... More about Scotty Reiss
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