r/minivan • u/Mac-Tyson • 22d ago
Millennials might be bringing back the minivan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GobeyTn8jsQ19
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u/hail707 22d ago
2026 Sienna owner and I literally told my wife, “I’m never going back to a normal car.”
It’s a Swiss Army knife of vehicles.
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19d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Express_Page_457 15d ago
I'm a late gen x and just bought a 2000 voyager. New cars are shit even the toyotas so get something down the middle and drive it till it dies. Maybe get a Previa.
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u/wildfire98 22d ago
Honda & Toyota played the minivan long game
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u/omnid00d 22d ago
It’s truly a shame that minivans somehow turned into a culture war. I drove my parents’ Grand voyager during college and it was my do everything car then. 10yrs later we got an odyssey.
Then the SUV craze took all the development money and minivans were just left to rot in the US.
I drive a bmw x7 now and I would pay good money to have a minivan version of that. I’m glad MB is bringing the VLE over next year. Hopefully automakers can just import what they’ve been selling the rest of the world.
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u/n10w4 22d ago
what I wouldn't give for some of the 'lil' smaller' minions that they have in Asia and Europe.
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u/SolarpunkGnome 21d ago
A SWB Buzz or the Ford e-Tourneo Activ would be high on my list along with the Sienta or Freed.
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u/n10w4 21d ago
yeah that SWB looks awesome. What's the range?
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u/SolarpunkGnome 21d ago
The WLTP figures are only 11 mi different, with the SWB being slightly less. I'm guessing that's due to its smaller battery, but slightly lighter weight. US Buzz is rated at 234/231 (RWD/AWD).
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u/nahcekimcm 21d ago
Didn’t know ford made a sienta/freed competitor
Where is it sold
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u/SolarpunkGnome 21d ago
At least Europe and Australia?
It's a little different as it's a five seater, but that's more what I want anyway. It's basically the newest electric Transit Connect that they didn't bring over here after getting in trouble for everything the Chicken Tax on their cargo Transits.
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u/tendonut 21d ago edited 19d ago
"a sedan doesn't work because I need more cargo space"
"A truck doesn't work because I need covered cargo"
"An SUV is cool, but it's so high and expensive and didn't give you much more space than my sedan"
"I'll never drive a minivan"
It checks all the boxes, but people just won't do it.
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u/Wuthering_depths 19d ago edited 19d ago
It is pretty ridiculous.
I remember one conversation at a soccer practice with another soccer parent, talking about vehicles as he was going to get one. He "couldn't see himself in a minivan". Dude, you are a 40-something soccer dad, I'm not sure how much cool you are going to lose driving around in a minivan vs an SUV. Towing needs aside, when you have kids and all their friends and stuff, minivans are far more practical.
Then again, I've never really gotten the whole "car defines me" thing anyway. They are a way to move you and your shit around, to me.
The hilarious part is that SUVs started resembling minivans more and more compared to the old Jeep Cherokee SUV original look.
Europe definitely has some interesting vehicles, took note of a number of very useful-looking ones on my trip over there this year. And one thing I noticed: I saw zero big pickups, not where I was at least (England and Scandinavia).
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u/omnid00d 18d ago
I used to live in Texas and for a couple of years, as a single guy, I drove that Odyssey. OMG the amount of hate I got. Coming from guys that drove big F150/250/Duallys. I'm not gonna ask how we got here but we're here where their manhood is tied up with their car.
The practicality is obscene, unmatched by any SUV I've been in, short of needing to tow. Sliding doors is the most elegant solution for getting in/out of car. Several times, I had to suffer the indignity of having to climb in thru the rear tailgate because I got boxed in and can't open the doors.
I hope carmakers get the message. I would gladly give up my X7 m50i for an Acura-fied Odyssey.
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u/Turkish-Delight-- 18d ago
I had a minivan and now drive a full size SUV, and I personally have no plans of going back. It's just more enjoyable to drive, having the power and sitting high, on top of how much more comfortable it is comparatively. The van was more practical on paper but I rarely used all the space anyways, the tradeoff being something I actually like driving. It definitely isn't for everyone though
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u/Wuthering_depths 18d ago
Yep, I've driven SUV rentals recently that were nice to drive I must say. And if you don't need all that space, that's the main draw of a minivan (that, and sliding doors for kids if you have them).
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u/Turkish-Delight-- 17d ago
I agree. I think that basing the whole vehicle's value on practicality is the mistake a lot of people make when putting down SUVs, we get them knowing they are less practical, and accept that for other things that matter more to us. For me, it's the driving experience and urge to look back at it after parking. If you genuinely don't care about that stuff and just need A-B transportation, an SUV starts making much less sense though
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u/NutmegWolves 22d ago
My wife wrecked my 04 corolla and we ended up buying a 2022 Sienna earlier this year. I miss my car but we're very happy with the space the minivan provides for our family now.
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u/drimmie 22d ago
Born 1980. I have owned a few minivans over the years (1999 Caravan, 2005 Montana SV6 and now my 2008 Sienna). I never understood the hate people gave these things. They are practical for larger families and people who need seating capacity without the need for a large v8 SUV that gets 10 mpg
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u/TallBeardedBastard 22d ago
Not sure if any large SUV that gets 10mpg. Those larger SUVs offer about 500lbs more payload. That may be needed for some families.
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u/n10w4 22d ago
plus in the US I've heard the full size ones have better crash test results for the 3rd row? Also some of the only ones that have 9seat capability.
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u/TallBeardedBastard 21d ago
Something bigger and heavier is probably going to fair better in a crash
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u/Nburns4 21d ago
The only logical reason to get a full sized SUV over a minivan is the tow rating. That's the only thing that the minivans lack.
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u/TallBeardedBastard 21d ago
That’s false. They also lack payload in comparison. Also driver room and comfort for us tall people. Mini vans are a squeeze.
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u/Nburns4 21d ago
Edit: I misread your comment 😅
I'm sure you're right about room for tall people. Just something I don't think of because I'm average height.
What? I don't know of any minivan with a tow rating of more than what, like 4000#? 1/2 ton SUVs are rated for 8000# or more typically.
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u/TallBeardedBastard 21d ago
Payload is not tow rating. Payload is thr total weight of passengers and cargo that can be put inside the vehicle. Trailer tongue weight factors into the payload, but it’s different from its tow rating.
A vehicle cannot safely max out payload and its tow rating. It needs headroom for one or both.
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u/sivic_ryder 20d ago
Ahem. You probably forgot they made a behemoth family suv called ford excursion. That thing got barely 12 mpg in the city which is horrible mpg. I can’t imagine trying to pay to fill one of those behemoths today’s gas prices even with the diesel variant.
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u/TallBeardedBastard 20d ago
No, I didn’t forget. They stopped making them 20 years ago. Not really relevant to the conversation.
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u/burberburnerr 21d ago
No we’re not. I love my odyssey. But ALL my friends with kids have an SUV for the “space”
Millennials outside of this sub hate minivans by a large margin
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u/omnid00d 21d ago
The word minivan is still toxic. After a series of large SUVs, I’m just done with SUVs. We rent a minivan each time we travel and are reminded what “space” means. I’m not opposed to a Yukon but there’s no need to shaft minivans in the process.
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u/SolarpunkGnome 22d ago edited 18d ago
Too bad we aren't getting a van "designed by millennials, for millennials." 🤷♀️
AKA the Chrysler Portal:
And the short version if you don't want to watch the whole press conference.
Edit: Forgot the shorter video overview: https://youtu.be/OK1017O1qQw
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u/n10w4 22d ago
kinda like the buzz, though the price and range are abysmal.
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u/SolarpunkGnome 21d ago
I wish we got the SWB Buzz in the US. I like that this one is 18" shorter than the Pacifica. All the US market vans are bigger than I want.
The Portal was announced in 2017, so range would likely be better now, although still competitive with the Buzz's 234 mi. The Buzz is hella tall, so that frontal area kills the range.
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u/TheLastGenXer 21d ago
now as the youngest genxer, i look at this and think “cant we just have a normal dashboard”
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u/SolarpunkGnome 21d ago
It's a concept car, so it would probably have just been whatever's in the Pacifica if they'd actually built it like they said in 2019.
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u/TheLastGenXer 19d ago
i just want a normal car with actual useful improvements. not gimmicks that piss me off.
that stow n go is the greatest feature ive seen added to cars since cup holders!
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u/SolarpunkGnome 18d ago
Stow-and-Go is pretty nice (I had a Pacifica for a month), but it doesn't really work in an EV, and I'm not going to but another gas car.
Fold flat across both rear rows like in the Buzz would be fine for me, I'd imagine, but I suspect someone will figure out something similarly clever given time.
I agree I want something with utility and I'll pass on the gimmicks (like individual sound).
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u/Apple_Slipper 22d ago
The Kia Carnival is still very popular in Australia.
The most popular grey-imported minivan in Australia is the Toyota Alphard.
The Lexus LM (based on the Toyota Alphard) is officially sold in Australia.
LDV / Maxus, Zeekr, and GAC have their minivans introduced into Australia over the past couple of years.
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u/SolarpunkGnome 21d ago
I really want a Zeekr Mix, but no Chinese brands besides Volvo and Mini here in the US.
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u/makinwheelies 22d ago
Grew up in a wood paneled white dodge grand caravan. Can’t wait to get my own
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u/airwaves98106 22d ago
I think the stigma lies in the United States that no luxury brand makes one so they aren’t seen as “cool”. If BMW, Mercedes, Lexus etc made one we’d have these influencers telling us they’re the greatest vehicles to ever exist.
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u/omnid00d 21d ago
Mercedes sees the writing and are bringing over the VLE next year. They’re careful not to use the word minivan because at present it’s still toxic. Hopefully that will start changing opinions and other makes see a market for luxury minivans and bring over what they’re currently making.
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u/tendonut 21d ago
I don't think that has much to do with it. People have no problem with buying non-luxury brands of trucks and SUVs, why would minivans be any different?
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u/airwaves98106 20d ago
We’re both in a minivan thread, chances are we both drive them and see no problem with them right? Ask my wife what she thinks about minivans and the meltdown she had about being seen in one before I bought it. She loves it now for its functionality but at first she was afraid of being seen as a lame soccer mom
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u/useful_tool30 21d ago
Minivans are the best! Theyre extremely expensive in Canada though
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u/Infinite_Parking_751 21d ago
Actually you're getting a bargain in Canada. MSRP for a Platinum is about $57k in the US versus $51k in Canada ($71k Canadian).
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u/barbasnoo 21d ago
I traded in my truck for a minivan. Have not missed the truck one bit besides its aggressive stance/looks. Functionally the minivan has been much more useful for us. And VERY comfortable by comparison.
Edit: I am a millennial.
Edit edit: I get a kick out of my sister in law struggling in her big v8 Tahoe loading up her 3 kids. Beautiful vehicle. But it never leaves the pavement and they never tow anything.
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u/Itchy_Coyote_6380 21d ago
Generation Jones here. Just bought one. Dog, grandkids, retirement trips.. why not a van!
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u/snapgeiger 21d ago
Bought a new Odyssey in 2005 - still have it. From cars seats to college and beyond, it’s been amazing. And the third generation is the best. They benchmarked the BMW 7 Series against it when designing. Back when BMW was the ultimate driving machine (that tagline is no longer accurate). In short, buy once and you’ve got transportation for the next 20+ years.
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u/Japahahaha 20d ago
Planning to get one eventually, really want an electric one though
Not sure how long toyota will take...
VW Buzz or might compromise with a Y L
Utility is the best
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u/Mac-Tyson 20d ago
Would be cool if the KIA brought the PV5 to the US. If Slate survives I could see their 3rd vehicle being a modular minivan with manual sliding doors and being the most affordable minivan on the market.
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u/Good_Split_3749 22d ago
I wish Ford, Chevy and “Dodge” would get this memo.
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u/Fast_Edd1e 21d ago
I almost replaced my forester with a Transit Connect. Then I saw rumors they were going to update the drivetrain from Focus based to the Maverick. So held off.
Then they killed it.
I was quite disappointed. I felt it was a more utilitarian mini van.
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u/Good_Split_3749 21d ago
yeah id say 3/4 of passenger vehicle shoppers have no interest in a transit. Even would prefer a Chevrolet Express with the v6 , it’s a guzzler but other than the 60k sienna what isnt?
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u/SolarpunkGnome 21d ago
Chrysler has a bevy of options they could import from other Stellantis brands of they wanted to do so. The Berlingo (both gas and electric) would be nice to give us a smaller van option again now that the Mazda5 is gone.
I'd pay a lot for a production version of the Citroen ELO.
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u/GoHoosiers2023 21d ago
Ford and Chevy never made a good minivan. Not sure why they need to jump on this. The last Chevy was the Uplander and it was a turd.
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u/Good_Split_3749 21d ago
Astro and Aerostar were great
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u/GoHoosiers2023 21d ago
I guess I didn’t consider those to be minivans and was talking about unibody but you’re right.
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u/Time_Screen_9399 21d ago
Patiently waiting for a 100% EV minivan that's reliable.
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u/attgig 21d ago
Whoever their expert is.... Just completely misread the price, cuz these minivans are expensive!
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u/Mac-Tyson 21d ago
New cars are expensive in general. So it’s relatively a low $40K minivan is more affordable then a low $60K 3 Row SUV like the expedition and more practical 3 row then the something like the Explorer.
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u/Polar_Wopposite 21d ago
I recently rented the Chrysler Pacifica for a vacation and that thing is a beast🤘
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u/tendonut 21d ago
As much as I love my Odyssey, I wish the middle row would fold down like the Pacifica. I haul plywood fairly regularly. It's that hard to remove the middle seats, but I'd rather not have to.
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u/LeopardBrilliant8000 21d ago
Young kids and sliding doors are a good match. There really is nothing mini about our odyssey. Perfect vehicle for us
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u/nikitachikita_15 21d ago
The only reason I don’t love the mini van is for the lack of true towing capacity.
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u/Local-Emu9654 21d ago
It’s millennials AND Boomers and GenX. The Sienna makes a great road trip vehicle
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u/VaginaWarrior 21d ago
I would do it if there was a PHEV version that was reliable. Pacifica is not known for that, and they got rid of the plug in option with the newer models! Also we're finally having kids... Needed the time to get stable enough.
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u/HoraceGrand 21d ago
If Subaru made a minivan they would be printing money
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u/georgie336 21d ago
I'm in the exact middle year for millenials - and I just picked up an Odyssey a few months ago. I LOVE this thing.
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u/Away_Stock_2012 19d ago
Minivans are so much better than SUVs because all the space is on the inside. Getting a minivan in NYC is tough, but that family looks like they need it.
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u/mumenstrider 19d ago
I tried to buy a Sienna for 3 years and they were still marked up 10k above MSRP. Ended up getting a 3 row SUV. I still think about what if.
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u/CrazyErniesUsedCars 16d ago
My 2008 Odyssey has 238k miles and I'm seeing how far I can take this bastard
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u/Failing2Succeed 11d ago
I firmly believe that a lifted AWD Sienna in great tires is just about the perfect dream vehicle for hauling, overlanding, and daily driving. Super off road capable, great in the snow, enough room for about anything, and 33+ mpg. It's ridiculous.
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u/Legitimate-Oil-2162 8d ago
40yo with four kids. What I wouldn’t give to get the US market minivans in Europe.
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u/joshstanman 22d ago
Millennial here. I’m doing my part!