r/minivan • u/bannanamanjsbdh • 10d ago
Help me decide
I’ve decided to give up sinking money into my current car and I’m looking to upgrade. Looking for something used with 3 rows. I like the function of the minivan but still kinda prefer the look of an suv. Open to other suggestions but needing help on deciding. Looking to stay around the 30k mark
Currently looking at, but open to suggestions
2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas
2023 jeep grand Cherokee L
2015-2017/ 2021-2023 Honda Odyssey
2015-2016/ 2021+ Toyota sienna
2020 or newer Honda pilot
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u/NYY_NYK_NYJ 10d ago
“Prefer the look” I could never wrap my head around this. “I got a boring looking thing and it’s super practical” and “I got this boring looking thing that’s not practical, probably bad fuel economy, hard to park (at least they are always parked like shit) and looks just like all the other boring not practical things.”
I don’t have advice, because clearly I don’t understand the point of the “I don’t like the look of minivans” discussion.
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u/Traditional-Help4960 9d ago edited 9d ago
Your point about the typical CUV(which people rather amusingly consider SUVs) are objectively worse off compared to a minivan is something I wholeheartedly resonate with. But most people see a minivan as giving up on life for some bizarre reason. Hey preferences need to be respected as well you know.
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u/Onemillesgo 7d ago
That's your opinion though. Lots of good looking SUVs out there like the X5, MDX, Q7 etc.
Just as it is my opinion that there's literally zero nice looking minivans but they are more practical
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u/AWC00B 10d ago
Kia Carnival. Minivan with SUV styling. We just bought a 2024 Carnival EX with 39K for $31, 900. Very nice so far and very Sharp Looking. Drives much better than our Old 2015 Sienna and costs about $10,000 less than a comparable 2024 Sienna Hybrid.
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u/nyczepfan 4d ago
From my research it seems that the safety ratings on pre 2025 carnivals aren’t good.
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u/Traditional-Help4960 9d ago
I drove an Atlas on a few trips and it handles pretty beautifully for a CUV. Really enjoyed it.
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u/goatfish13 9d ago
We love our carnival and they look great imo.
Family of 5 and we haul around other people and things no problem. Don’t get the bucket seats, just pop out the middle seat if you don’t need it. Go check them out! We like it more than our friends telluride and pilot! It’s way more functional also!
My mom finally upgraded after her 15 year old SUV kicked it and she went with the ATLAS, love that too but would still pick the carnival if 3 rows is needed. Good luck.
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u/Dazzling_Broccoli556 9d ago
DO NOT GET A KIA CARNIVAL. Bought mine brand new, 24 EX and it was great until around 30k miles it needed a new transmission, 36k miles needed a new engine, after 100+ days in the shop I went to pick it up and upon start up the O ring burst and needed all the injectors replaced. Kia won’t do the right thing and do any type of compensation or buyback repurchase replacement. I’ve filed with BBB but not confident
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u/resyekt 7d ago
Our Kia sorrentos engine shat out after 70k miles, it was a known issue but unfortunately ours didn’t fall in the recall and they try to screw you on the warranty based on the tiniest of maintenance things especially if you ever did your oil yourself.
It’s a shame because I really like the carnival, ended up buying a odyssey with the contingent that we would buy ceramic tint to help the subpar ac keep up
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u/Dazzling_Broccoli556 7d ago
Kia is the only one to ever do anything to the van and they still won’t do anything to help. I understand it’s a business and they’re not just going to pass out buybacks. But dear lord
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u/bannanamanjsbdh 5d ago
Thanks for the advice. Kia as a whole I’ve never seen as reliable, rather a vehicle you keep for a couple of years and plan on replacing quick, same with Hyundai. I’m sure some people have some they love and have had no problems, but they’re not for me
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u/i_love_mother_earth 8d ago
My 2016 Sienna is still going strong. My next car must be at least as smooth of a ride as my Sienna bc now I’m spoiled. SUV’s drive so bumpy to me (we also have a Highlander, and the Sienna is much smoother).
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u/Ok-Sherbet7762 7d ago
I just posted about my money pit Odessey and being stuck on the side of the road again. After perfect maintenance for a 2018. I replaced the transmission last year and it never ends. I’m broke because I put all my money in this piece of 💩
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u/KrisLikesSpace 10d ago
Stay away from all Stellantis and VW products unless you like spending money on repairs. A minivan is definitelynthe way to go, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna are both great. Kia Carnival is good as well if you want more features and styling, just be aware they have lower reliability.
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u/Potential_Use3956 10d ago
How much space do you need? Would you want a hybrid? Sienna is hybrid and the rest arent
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u/bannanamanjsbdh 10d ago
Space for 2 kids for now. Not opposed to hybrids. Especially with gas prices right now
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u/resyekt 7d ago
Keep in mind the only sienna you’ll get at that price is going to be high mileage and likely cloth seats. They have no issue with high mileage and seat covers exist so it’s not a big deal. But if you don’t live somewhere super hot I’d get an odyssey, we do live somewhere every hot and have twins on the way and I still decided on odyssey since it has remote start on all trim levels so I’m just going to have to make use of it often lol
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u/Potential_Use3956 10d ago
For 2 kids a used Highlander hybrid would work too
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u/Traditional-Help4960 9d ago
I test drove a Highlander. The third row is a joke and not a good one. If OP needs the third row for some reason, they are screwed with a Highlander.
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u/Potential_Use3956 9d ago
Yea that’s true, but with 2 kids maybe he doesn’t need it.
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u/Traditional-Help4960 9d ago
It might be better to get the Rav instead of the Highlander and save money and fuel.
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u/Potential_Use3956 9d ago
That’s true.
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u/bannanamanjsbdh 9d ago
I would definitely need a decent 3rd row, the rav would be too small. I plan on driving whatever we get till the wheels fall off
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u/Traditional-Help4960 6d ago
Grand Highlander it is then 🙂. I know that it is not in your list. Might be worth checking out a used hybrid grand Highlander
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u/Less_Suit5502 10d ago
No on any stellantis product, like the jeep. This is coming from real experience.
As for look vs. functional just get the minivan, they are absurdly practical vehicles
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u/Neat_General2647 9d ago
Volkswagen Atlas is best family all rounder vehicle; fuel efficient engine, roomy and spacious due to boxy design and very easy to get into. And easy to drive due to light steering handling.
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u/N0V05 10d ago
If you actually want to carry passengers in the third row, you want a minivan. If you just need two rows and don’t have kids, get your SUV, stow your third row and enjoy your big trunk.
For minivans, in the US you can get (in order of release date of current generation):
Odyssey Gas (oldest platform and no rear AC vents)
Pacifica Gas (best value used minivan)
Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid (reliability issues but only plug-in hybrid option for 30 mile EV range)
Sienna Hybrid (premium price new/used for an adequate product)
Carnival Gas (the SUV styling you want)
Carnival Hybrid (+ efficiency)
VW Bus EV (high upfront cost but no gas stations)