Nothing beats how practical a minivan is. It’s one of the easiest vehicles to live with day to day. Best road trip vehicle because driving it is very effortless.

“ they hated him because he spoke the truth”

I tried to rent a SUV for a road trip and they didn't have one available, so I ended up with a minivan. At first I was a bit disappointed, but pretty soon after I started actually driving it I was pretty much sold on minivans and kicking myself for having slept on minivans for so long. I ended up buying a minivan after that, and it saved my life and my dogs in a catastrophic collision. Safety ratings top notch. And that was an older one, a 2006. I replaced it with another and when that one got old, replaced that with the one I currently drive as my everyday vehicle. I don't know if I'll ever drive another kind of vehicle, especially once I've saved up for that Sienna hybrid.

Biggest problem with newer minivans is that huge console between the front seats. You can still strap the kids in back after climbing all the way inside the van yourself in the rain but then you have to exit to get behind the wheel. In older ones with column shift and nothing between the seats you could climb into the driver's seat Millennium Falcon-style. It was also a great place to put a baby bag or a cooler.

We’ve had two minivans (Odyssey and Sienna) and although we considered SUV’s - we always come back to the practicality and comfort of a minivan. Their stylings IMO are sleeker than many SUV’s. We drove a Pacifica Hybrid V6 and were blown away by it’s performance and smoothness. It drives like a car compared to SUVs that drive like trucks. Yes minivans are under appreciated value and functionality propositions in today’s vehicle segment.

You right David, Minivans are great for long road trip. It’s is comfortable and cozy to drive. If they can add the hybrid max tech, it will attract buyers.

I bought a minivan as a 4th vehicle so haul my kids' stuff as they moved out of state. I was never a fan of minivans, but I can say that I was absolutely WRONG! Not only is it comfortable for long trips it is like having a covered pickup truck! I can get 4X8 sheets of plywood (laying flat) in the van and 10 foot lengths of wood. I wish I had gotten a minivan sooner!

David, I believe the minivans are making a resurgence. I am very impressed with the redesign of the Toyota Sienna. It looks more streamlined than the minivans of the past. One of the greatest features for me is the sliding door. Very convenient in so many circumstances.

We brought up three kids with a 2002 Honda Odyssey. Incredibly practical, handling everything from multiple car seats to trips to college. Drives like a car, can hold lots of people and stuff. Updated the radio/CD to an Android Auto head unit, and now it even has satnav! It's still alive and being used by youngest daughter in her senior year at college.

I agree about the practicality of a minivan. We have a 2013 Sienna and use it all the time!

Both my kids just went off to college and I ordered a Sienna minivan because my wife and I want to travel cross country in comfort, and not have to worry about bad gas mileage. I was in the market to get an LX 600 but decided the minivan is the most practical choice.

David, People on the long, long Sienna waiting list will hope minivans remain 'unpopular' . 😉😁

We had a Ford Windstar Minivan. We used it to tow a Tent Trailer to go camping. We put a roof carrier on the roof rack. The low height of the Minivan allowed us easy access to the roof carrier. The Ford Minivan was perfect for our camping. The vehicle could cruise on the highway with stability because of its long wheelbase.

Minivans are fantastic. I had one for a long term rental doing traveling sales. Better mpg, more room, can tow some, super safe, handle well. Great for everything besides off-road. Awd ones though can handle dirt snow ice etc.

Perfect timing with this video. I just placed a deposit for a Sienna Platinum. Even though I have no kids, I plan to take my family, friends, and dogs in it, and it's easily the best and most rational car to buy. I also have a Land Cruiser reserved at the same dealership, but for the value, it's clear to me that the Sienna is the smarter purchase. Thanks for this video! Minivans aren't in the hottest segment of vehicles (despite prices still being high), but I'm always happy to see videos on them!

This is the absolute truth. So many people I know are hung up on appearance and how they look to others that they refuse to be seen in a minivan. I’ve had a minivan (Odyssey)continuously since 2000 with our first child, and added a second Odyssey since 2006. As we bought newer models, the old one became our utility for hauling anything and everything including plywood, dirt, mulch, furniture etc. Yup today we own a 2014 and and 2023 Odyssey. Can’t beat them and I love driving them-and I’m a guy!! Too bad for all those insecure souls driving their fancy expensive suv’s when a minivan would work so much better. But that’s just my humble opinion.

I owned two Ford minivans in the 90's and early 2000's while my family of six was having to relocate frequently while I was in the military. Those vans were absolute workhorses for us and we loved them very much. I've never understood the draw of SUV's when minivans are so much more comfortable for moving people around, and they gobble up a huge load of cargo.

Thank you David, excellent, informative video, as always sir! I’ve got two little kids and wouldn’t drive anything else. It makes everything so much easier. I love to watch my neighbors with their fancy SUV’s (that are never taken off road) struggle and fight to get kids and gear in and out . . .all because they’re just too vain to be seen in a mini-van. It’s hilarious!

My wife and I are in our 70’s we bought a minivan because it can carry family when they visit. It is easier to get in and out of with stiff joints and lots of room and storage.

Of course they are. We have a trailer hitch on ours. Picked up a used 5x7 utility trailer that allows us to haul most things we need and still carry 6/7 passengers. Better than paying $70,000 for a truck.

Sienna is my dream car. Too bad they're super expensive right now.

Family of seven with a 2017 Toyota Sienna AWD, 2017 Toyota RAV4, and a 2013 BMW 128i convertible (Dad’s mid-life crisis car). Admittedly, I love driving the Sienna!

Minivans handle EXCELLENT in the snow! Those long drives in the woods of Northern Wisconsin in -30. My minivan never let me down always started. Did I mention the fantastic handling in 2 foot snow? I was poor my van was old 97 Plymouth never had anything go wrong except the passenger window stopped working. I gave it to an old man in Texas in 2015 his son crashed it in 2020. ❤ Did I mention I took that thing twice to New Jersey and 3 times to Texas?! I miss Mavis ❤

Not giving up our 2005 Odyssey even though it is rarely used anymore. But when we need it, we need it. They really are the perfect multifunction format.

love my 2004 Sienna. We bought it used in 2007 from a physician. We are family of three, the seat combination at the back is so versatile. From moving a 4x8 board to having a dog bed with a 60lbs dog at the back, numerous voluntary driving for school field trips, kid and friend moved their stuff from home back to dorm. Easy to get in and out especially for my senior parents. We recently came back a 6000 miles road trip from Alaska. The van served us so well. Everyone sits comfortable and have so much space at the back.

I know a guy who bought one of these vehicles, he hasn’t even got kids but loves it for the economy drivability and most of all for its space, he can go surfing with all his gear and if he likes he can also sleep in it.

I have a 2015 Sienna XLE. A V6 with 100K miles and runs great. I moved family over 350 miles by taking out the middle row seats. It hauls more cargo than many full size pickup trucks.

Agree 100% about your take on minivans vs SUV's. I've owned SEVERAL SUV's over the years..and never a minivan..until now. We purchased the 2024 Honda Odyssey Sport with a V-6 engine and 10 speed automatic transmission. Two of the biggest factors was the engine size and NO CVT trans! The Sienna is ELEGANT..no doubt...but my Ody won me over with it's power.

I agree with you. I got a Lexus Rxl not too good for family road trip. And I got the new sienna last month. Really good on gas and very roomy. My kids and wife love it.😊

As a Pacifica owner I enjoyed this video. My minivan is very quiet, smooth, and get mid-20s mpg going 80mph on long road trips. Plenty of room for my kids, dogs, and luggage.

Agreed on all counts. What keeps me from upgrading my Sienna (early 2010s model) to the newer hybrid is you can no longer easily remove the 2nd row captain seats. For someone with a family, it drastically reduces its versatility because they use it to transport things as well, from filling it with 4'x8' sheets of plywood & 2x4s to loading it with IKEA purchases to taking a child & all their belongings to their college dorm.

Bought my 2016 sienna brand new! 125k problem free miles. With 5 kids it really is amazing. Neighbors make fun for me having a mini van. But we drive a lot and travel a lot. The van is the best and most comfortable for all of us with luggage. When I was in thailand they had 12 passenger toyota, turbo diesel, 6 speed manual’s vans all over the place. Wish we had those here!

At present I drive an SUV, but one time I did cross country drive, from NY to Niagra and back, then to LA in a minivan. I totally agree, regarding the ride comfort, the space, so much legroom to move around, the family loved it! Never felt tired, minivan drove like a car - sitting low and able to absorb the different types of road we drove on. If you are going to drive on even pavement, not much so out the ordinary it was designed for, minivan it is! On the other hand, SUVs have higher ground clearance which allows for driving off road, without fear of getting stuck. Depending on what your really intend to use it, both are of great use and value, but if you're into moving people great distances on proper roads, again, I must agree on the choice of minivan. Cheers!

I’m a single male and I bought a minivan because it us the best vehicle to own. It’s a car, suv and truck all in one. Smart people buy minivans because they are the best vehicle for the money.

I liked chauffeuring people in our van with the mid row captain chairs. The sliders are goof proof for kids when slot parking. The Grand Highlander does counter a few people moving practicality points and the up comming EV9 will offer expansive space in a different package redefining the SUV spectrum. 10:42

Thank You for Your video. Last 3 months I tested different SUVs and in the end I finished with a minivan, in my case KIA Carnival. What is the best minivan is cheaper than 3 row SUVs. What any "mom" marketing is doing is bad for customers.

I'm retiring soon, I am single and live alone-just be and my Bernese Mountain Dog. I couldn't wait trade my Prius and get an SUV UNTIL I rode in my friends Rav 4....then rode in a Highlander = NOT impressed...my Prius rode smoother. I decided few months ago to get the Sienna after riding in my buddys. GLAD to see this video NOW!!!

I too have been saying this recently that the minivan really is the best of all worlds a Toyota woodland would give you four-wheel drive capability and safety while at the same time a smooth ride and lots and lots of space.

The bigest problem i have with the Sienna vs the Highlander is the Sienna 2nd row seats don't fold down flat like the Highlander

I love minivans! In the US they’re the most underrated vehicle. Great review

your video reminds me of a time 30 years ago when my sedan broke down in the Texas panhandle and i had to rent a minivan to get home to Chicago. it was a most pleasant and comfortable ride. that ride passed more quickly and comfortably than ever before. you have reopened my eyes.

They're excellent road trip vehicles. We crossed the country several times in one when I was younger. 👍

This is so true. In Hong Kong and in China 80s.. Sienna was the most comfortable car for the big bosses. My dad told me this. They are still underrated. So comfortable long wheelbase and tons of room. The only thing is you give up sitting higher and off roading 😂

We rented a Chrysler Town & Country for moving a wedding party around (back when Chrysler still made them) and it was fantastic. Comfortable for everyone inside, very little road noise, and handled *way* better than I thought it would. That said, when the snow and ice start coming around I'll take the ground clearance and X-mode AWD in my Subaru SUV.

With babies/young kids the rear sliding doors make so much sense. I won’t need a chiropractic appointment buckling a baby or infant into a car or SUV or have to worry about them flinging the doors open when they are older and dinging the vehicle next to you.

Love the practicality of our 2005 Sienna CE. It has been bullet-proof and we plan to keep it for several more years

I have rented a sienna a few times and was really impressed.

I’ve been saying the same for many years! I owned a Siena several years ago, and we loved it. However, our needs changed and we traded for a Tundra.

I started with a small hatchback that has a fold-flat rear bench... it is small but carries so much more things than a sedan ever could... wedding stuff, sofas, IKEA, etc... it got me though life. now i drive a 3row minivan... same story, just longer. Wife and toddler can sit in the back. Easy on, easy off that my toddler can climb on/off without assistance... old folks too. Lower ride height than SUV, less bounce, more planted. All i need is sliding doors! They are just not popular in my region yet except on van-style MPVs like the Alphard and Serena :(

2024 Kia SX=Prestige here. Golly, so impressive, Silent, Smooth. No tire squeel in hard corners. Never had a ride so smooth (Maybe magnetic shocks?). Use 93 octane and easy 27 MPG at 75 criuise control. The smoothness on 93 is worth it plus 3 MPG. What a sound system.. Another advantage to road efficiency is the lack of Hypoid gear differential in the FWD only models. Hypoid gears are usually used in RWD driveshaft and AWD cars but have an low energy transfer efficiency of 85% due to their sliding friction nature. Typical toothed non-sliding gears are in the high 90's percent efficiency. How about Twin Sun roofs which Open, and both sliding door windows roll down. It's practically a convertible! I can't say if Toyota Sienna is nicer or not, but this KIA Carnival SX-P is way up there.

Thanks for all the reliable info your channel provides us.

You can't beat the minivan when it comes to functionality. I owned Nissan Serena, Toyota Previa, and 3 Honda Odysseys...

We use a minivan to haul around our blow up boat and dive gear. You are right on all points, but the only way I'd ever be convinced to buy one is if they made a Raptor or TRD Pro Minivan.

Great points. I had Honda and Toyota minivans when my kids were young and they were great. Thought my next car would be a Toyota Highlander, but after having ridden in my cousin's I see that the claim of 7 passengers is stretching it, whereas in a Toyota Sienna minivan it's much more realistic. And now that Toyota has really stepped up their style game, a minivan CAN look cool.

I love minivans for their practicality as well. Nothing beats them. My AWD Toyota Sienna has an aftermarket 4 inch lift which is great here in Colorado on high-clearance four-wheel-drive roads. If only an automotive company would make a production minivan body on an SUV chassis.

Thank you for your excellent review. I love my 6th (4 Toyota) minivan! At one time we were a 2 minivan family. They can't be beat for comfort and utility. This last 2020 Toyota Sienna was for me - retirement great little camper van for road trips! In current financial climate - I will not sell this proven great car.

The only thing missing on the Sienna : Hybrid Max and more technology like Safe 3.0....I sold my 2022 XSE with Tech pack and hope they will make it better

I love the new Sienna! I just wish they had a dual sunroof option for the back seat passengers.

I own a 2019 4runner limited and love it. If I bought another vehicle I would possibly consider a Sienna with a 3" lift kit. That would solve the clearance issue for me. I wish the front doors would slide just like the back ones. That would sure be cool.

“Not one of the four minivans currently sold in the U.S. got an “Acceptable” or “Good” score in a new crash test because they leave rear-seat passengers vulnerable to injury.“ Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

I’ve owned half-tons, full sized vans, small trucks, and mini vans. Mini vans rock. So spacious, good on gas and convenient.

Lived in Yoko and Sasebo for about 12 years, and we have always had a minivan. Here in the US, I’m currently driving a Sienna, love it.

I totally agree to you sienna is better than SUV but I have never find one without markup in XLE trim but plenty of platinum trim flooding the market. If the people doesn’t like mini van how come there so many markup of XLE trim?

There's a multitude of factors to consider with this, not least of which, of course, is who the manufacturer is that's building the minivan. For actual practical day-to-day use, I'm absolutely certain that the Sienna or a Honda Odyssey is leagues above a Toyota Sequoia or a Honda Pilot. However, if we're talking about a manufacturer that doesn't have a very good reputation for reliability, then that changes the metrics. I would much rather have a sequoia or a Honda Pilot as compared to a Chrysler Pacifica or a Dodge Caravan. Also, you have to consider those of us who work on our own vehicles the ease or difficulty of service when you are working in your driveway. The new Sienna being a hybrid and a 4-cylinder will be relatively easy to work on compared to the previous generation Sienna with a V6 crammed under a hood where most everything needs to be accessed from underneath. I do recognize that most people don't work on their own vehicles, so my concern puts me in the extreme minority. But it is something to consider nevertheless.

Plain and simple I've always loved VANS!

yeah, well but what about if you're like me and do light offroading, or rural driving? unpaved roads, steep grades, sharp takeoff and departure angles, etc? i'm not talking rock crawling or any of that, just light stuff. what about ice and snow? most suv's have a luggage rack, so if occasionally move plywood or sheetrock, you can put it up there. i have an old lexus rx350 with a sturdy 3.5L camry engine in it, and that suits me just fine.

Sold my fj and getting a sienna. It’s best for kids and a dog. Great for camping and long road trips. I go off road on my reliable 1997 Land Cruiser. I’ve owned Audis, Vw, Mercedes, mazda. Now, I’m sticking with Toyota, easy to work on and reliable.

No question that minivans are much more practical than SUVs/Crossovers in terms of space efficiency; however, when it comes to safety( ie maneuverability, adverse weather conditions - 4 wheel drive, etc) I think that SUV's are typically built to handle rougher roads better. Minivans are built more for urban environments & super smooth paved highways.

I have a 2011 Sienna and I absolutely love it. If they come out with a plug in hybrid I will buy it.

Love the minivans I’ve driven, however, for the driving I do, I need ground clearance. I drive in DFW, NOLA, Oklahoma, New Mexico & Arkansas. Road construction and pot holes are so bad, they can easily bottom out a regular car. I would love all of the features of a minivan, but I’m guessing I’m not alone in discovering urban driving can include “off-roading”. An ideal car for me would be something like a Subaru. They stopped making the Honda Element, and the Mazda 5, never came with 8” of clearance.

The best thing you don't cover is you can fit 4x8 sheets of material, and have that material locked inside and not exposed to weather. Mine was great when I was remodeling my house.

One of the best purchases I ever made was for our Toyota Sienna. Even when my kids go off to college in 10 years I'll still be sporting a Sienna. Got a Camry and while I love how it drives. I miss having all the space that a minivan gives you.

Yes I agree, what’s the point of 3 row SUV when 3rd is unusable for adults

A couple of additional points are that Minivans are typically safer than SUVs, and insurance costs are usually lower.

I lived with a sienna for a week as a rental and loved it! A minivan is definitely in the running for a next vehicle.

Love my 2024 Sienna XSE! Spacious, fuel efficient and smooth ride. The premium package includes memory seats that my husband and I love the best. I sold my 2023 Highlander to get a Sienna which I never regret.

I never even considered this or these when looking for my next Suv when. Thank you for adding a new option and thought process. Already started researching and loving some of the looks even some older ones in 2010's and up. But the very newest like the front on the new Sienna. Wow!

I love mini vans , I have a 2016 Toyota Sienna SE Premium, and I love it , out of all the cars I have had , Toyota Sienna is the best . The only downside is changing spark plugs . It’s a 5 hour job , and I have done it . Other than that it’s the very Best 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️

I liked the older Chrysler vans when they used soft suspensions and soft seats. Those were the perfect long distance trip vehicles. No matter the condition of the road, you were fine. Minivans just need a rebranding in three categories: 1. traditional luxury (soft seats and softer ride) 2. Utility (you can move huge items and are great for trips to Lowe's) 3. Affordability. How do you accomplish this? Use divisions correctly.

Got rid of a Dodge Caravan several years ago and replaced it with an SUV, a Ford Expedition. Immediately realized I missed the minivan. A year ago sold the Ford and bought a Sienna. Love it. So much more practical for carrying stuff and for dogs.

I’ve seen a lot of Siennas and Pacificas as of late, especially the Sienna. I can’t drive legally due to vision loss, but if I had a driver I’d get a Sienna because of that footrest feature and the extra space. I also have cerebral palsy in my legs so being able to put them up for a bit (especially in traffic jams where one may be a fair bit away from a rest stop) would definitely be nice.

I owned three minivans at the same time once. I am a big minivan fan. That sienna you’re showing there to be more practical like all the other vehicles they need to get rid of that center console. I don’t know why you can’t sit someone in the middle of the front seat either. Full-size regular cab trucks do that. But still get rid of the center console Allow people to walk down the center. Even some SUVs have that. Mai Recently owned 2001 Toyota Highlander didn’t have a center console and you could get up and walk to the backseat more readily.

I had to rent an Explorer while my Grand Caravan was serviced. Boy I missed the sliding doors with grandkids and car seats. The kids can stand up and walk the length of the van. Plenty of room for everything.

I am in the market for a new family car and from my research I am firm believer that SUV surge is the worst thing that happened to car market. They look big from outside, but the inside not more practical than your very good regarded Sedan. Minivan is the next logical choice for the need for big cars, no questions needed.

Used to love driving minivans! They are the most efficient at moving a lot of people, like families. Another Lee Iacocca vision that Ford squandered and Chrysler took the lead on. Welcome to the east coast. Noticed the Jersey tag on the Sienna. Hi from South Jersey!

I love minivans. I had my first one before i married and now with 2 beautiful girls, I have 2023 Sienna xle. So comfortable

We still have a 2016 Sienna XLE AWD (bought new) and awaiting a 2024 Grandhighlander XLE in November . The kids outgrew the Sienna and now looking forward to an SUV for road trips. The Sienna 3.5 L V6 is fantastic though.

As a 44 year old car guy, i love my 2021 odyssey more than i would have believed. Its absolutely fantastic at everything!

Comfortable, roomy, and easy to move around in. I have a three row SUV too, but I can't deny that a minivan is just all around better for families and road trips. More room for passengers while also having more trunk space.

Proud owner of a Toyota Sienna 2017… my 7 year old son considers it as his younger brother 😅😅 (bought the minivan a month after our son was born).

One issue is that there is, to my knowledge, only one minivan offering all wheel drive. That was a top priority for me when I was purchasing my last car and within my budget, a small SUV was what worked. I really miss having a minivan…superior experience in every way- I totally agree.

The HYBRID version of this is likely my next vehicle purchase a few years from now. However, Toyota needs to provide access to the rear from the front two seats without having to go outside the vehicle.

Sienna is my dream car, I hope to have it soon!

Thank you David. Safe travels.

I rented a Sienna in Miami and drove around the East coast and this mini vans are just awesome Practicality room and comfort are the best

I use a friend's Toyota Isis to do deliveries, minivans' practicality is underappreciated.

I have had a minivan since I was 25 I am now 65 never been without one. Everytime I need a new vehicle I would look at trucks suv's and would always come back to a minivan. So I don't even look at anything else anymore. There is nothing more practical than a fella with a minivan and a utility trailer. Beats a truck every time.

I wish they made smaller ones like the old Mazda MPV so it can fit into a shorter garage. I bought a Honda Passport instead of a van so I could park it inside my garage. Live in Canada, so a must for me.

I enjoy driving our family car, the Toyota Sienna. It is very comfortable, handles very nicely, and the practicality of the cabin layout cannot be beat.

David! Hello fellow MITer who is also a fanatic of Japanese manufacturing. 👍 I’m a single lady and I’ve been saying for a long time that my dream car is a minivan. Lol! It’s practicality and comfort are bar none. It’s also a great car as we age for hauling groceries, mulch bags, small appliances, furniture, etc. plus, we can camp inside them for a weekend if needed, especially with the price of hotels these days. Minivans possess a win-win value proposition indeed! So glad you’ve stayed this explicitly!!