There are many grounds to consider buying a minivan. They are fantastic family vehicles. They offer three rows of adult-friendly seating, are comfortable and easy to drive, and are less expensive than comparable-sized SUVs and crossovers. And they are also excellent freight transporters. They’ve got you covered when it comes to carrying as much as possible.
However, many minivans lack enough load room. That is why we have produced a list of the top minivans with plenty of cargo capacity for you.
List of Minivans with Spacious Cargo Areas
2022 Kia Carnival
The new 2022 Kia Carnival minivan has the biggest cargo space. It has 40.2 cubic feet of space behind its third-row seats. It has 86.9 cubic feet behind the second row. In addition, 145.1 with the third-row seat tucked into the floor. And the van’s second-row seats were eliminated. Aside from cargo capacity, the Carnival is notable for its upmarket style, quiet ride, and plenty of amenities for the money.
It starts at $32,190 and comes with a slew of high-end options for less than $40,000. For maximum load room, avoid the top SX Prestige model since its second-row seats aren’t detachable.
2021 Kia Sedona
The Kia Sedona 2021 is the Kia Carnival’s forerunner. And if you can still find one, it can be a great way to gain a lot of cargo capacity at a low cost. It isn’t as spacious as the Carnival, but it is still superb by any other measure. Behind the third row, there are 33.9 cubic feet of room. 78.4 cubic feet are available below the second row. In total, 142 cubic feet.
The Sedona also gives you the option of folding the second-row seats into the front seats for more convenience or eliminating them for the maximum capacity. The Sedona, like the Carnival, has an upmarket style and a quiet ride.
The most significant disadvantage is that most versions lack sophisticated safety features like as automated emergency braking, which is standard on the Carnival and other top vans. Prices begin at about $30,400.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
In terms of load capacity, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica falls short of a few competitors. However, when it comes to cargo flexibility, it ranks first. Not only the van’s third row but also the second row may be folded into floor wells.
That means you get the most cargo space possible without having to locate a spot to stow the middle-row seats. According to the figures, the Pacifica has 32.3 cubic feet of room behind the third-row seat. 87.5 cubic feet are available below the second row. And 140.5 cubic feet when both rows are folded into the floor.
It’s also a gorgeous, opulent minivan. At least in minivan terms. Furthermore, all-wheel drive is a new option. The Pacifica, on the other hand, is costly, beginning at $35,495.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is less expensive than the regular Pacifica. It adds the potential to go 32 miles on energy alone, according to the EPA.
What could go wrong? When it comes to cargo versatility, the Pacifica Hybrid falls short: it lacks second-row Stow ‘n Go. That means that, while the third row may be folded into the floor, the second-row seats must be pulled for maximum cargo space.
For many consumers, it’s worth it to obtain the only minivan that can go long distances on electricity alone.
2021 Chrysler Voyager
There’s another Pacifica model that’s ideal for budget shoppers. This is the Chrysler Voyager 2021. That’s the new term for the Pacifica’s former lowest trim levels, which lose second-row Stow ‘n Go as well as important safety features and minivan staples like power sliding doors and a power liftgate.
The Voyager starts at around $27,860, which is a significant saving over comparable vans on the market. You also get the same precise driving manners and stylish appearance as the Pacifica. And you get the same spacious cargo space, even if you have to remove the second-row seats to access it fully.
2022 Honda Odyssey
The 2022 Honda Odyssey is another minivan with plenty of cargo capacity. It offers 32.8 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat. With the third row folded down, the volume is 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats removed, the cargo area expands to 144.9 cubic feet.
The Odyssey is particularly notable for its spacious eight-passenger seats. And a great combination of calm handling and a smooth ride. It also has a cheaper starting cost than its competitors, at $32,090.
Nevertheless, this is due in part to the absence of several typical functions. A touchscreen infotainment system and motorized sliding doors are two examples. A 2021 upgrade also made folding and removing the second-row seats easier.
2021 Toyota Sienna
The newly redesigned Toyota Sienna 2021 violates a few minivan traditions. To begin with, it replaces the previous model’s V6 gasoline engine with a four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid drivetrain. That means it’s not as speedy or as quiet as it used to be.
However, it gets fantastic gas mileage. The EPA estimates 36 mpg in town and 36 mpg on the interstate. The other modification influences its load capacity. Toyota made it easy to fold the second-row seats against the front seats in order to expand luggage capacity fast and efficiently.
However, it eliminated the ability to extract the seats from the vehicle. That implies its overall cargo capacity is a paltry 101 cubic feet. There is also a more competitive 33.5 cubic feet of room behind the third-row seat and 75.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row.
2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris
While you may expect Mercedes-Benz to produce a premium van. The Metris is a commercial vehicle that can be outfitted with eight passenger seats. However, at the $36,840 basic price of its passenger counterpart, it’s a pleasant and nicely made commercial car.
However, cargo capacity is remarkable for a vehicle of its size. It’s about the size of a typical family vehicle. It does, however, provide 38 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row and 97 cubic feet behind the second row. You can also access up to 199 cubic feet by removing the second row, but this requires tools and strength.
2022 Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect is a more inexpensive and user-friendly commercial van. It’s not as spacious, but the second and third rows may be folded down. It also has an unexpectedly enjoyable athletic taste while obtaining a great EPA-estimated 26 mpg. Cargo space is limited, with a maximum of 25 cubic feet behind the third row.
Behind the second row, 60 cubic feet. And a total of 106 cubic feet. That is, however, ideal for a car that is so compact, inexpensive, and simple to drive. It lacks certain minivan characteristics, yet it isn’t mistaken for a regular minivan. However, you’ll love its starting price of $27,920 for a passenger model.
2022 Chevrolet Traverse
Until you get to huge, considerably more costly vehicles like Chevy’s own Tahoe, this is the roomiest SUV you can purchase. The Traverse looks like an SUV but drives like a minivan. It’s ordinary and comfy. It can seat up to eight people and has 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. It has 58 cubic feet behind the second row.
And another 98 cubic feet below the third row. That’s much less than most vans, yet maximizing its capacity only takes a few seconds of seat-folding. There’s no fiddling with bins or wrangling seats out of the car. Other spacious crossovers provide a similar experience, but with less space. Prices begin at $33,700.
While spacious cargo areas are a significant advantage of minivans, there are other factors to consider when deciding if a minivan is right for you. For a comprehensive understanding, it’s essential to weigh both the pros and cons of minivans.
The Benefits of Owning a Minivan
Practical
The most spacious minivans are among the most practical in the passenger automobile sector. They may not be the quickest or even the most attractive car, but they are ideal for daily commuting and shopping.
Minivans are the best alternative for transporting a big number of people on a vacation. Minivans offer adequate room for eight passengers to sit comfortably for long periods of time. They also have a ton of storage room for all of your belongings and bags.
Going shopping will be easy because there is enough room to keep your goods and merchandise. Even camping stuff will fit easily into a minivan. Minivan cargo capacity may be doubled by folding the back row seats. Simply said, they can accommodate a wide range of items.
Superior Monetary Value
Because of the low demand for minivans, it is simple to find a good price on one. Minivans have one of the lowest operating expenses in the business, are less expensive to repair, and have the highest fuel efficiency in the class.
When the miles start to build up, you’ll notice that you spend less money on maintenance and service. Minivans have a low crash rate, and insurance is typically inexpensive. These low statistics also include the longest minivans.
Simple Accessibility
Small children can easily get into minivans due to their low profile. Even the elderly and crippled have easy access to them. Some include motorized sliding doors that allow for hands-free operation, reducing harm from unintentional closure.
If you just got out of the grocery store, you don’t have to stress about how you’ll open the doors of your minivan. Even in narrow parking situations, the motorized sliding doors provide plenty of conveniences.
The doors glide open for you with the push of a button. Minivans provide the highest convenience and accessibility in the business. Even the longest ones are constructed with convenience in mind, with the front and rear doors all focusing on ease of use.
Ideal for Extended Trips
Unlike some three-row SUVs, the longest minivans have enough space for passengers to sit close to each other without cramping. Passengers do not face posture problems due to the proper chair height and legroom.
In minivans, sitting for hours is not an issue. The most extended minivans have more than adequate luggage space, freeing enough space for passengers. People seldom complain about the lack of room in these automobiles.
Utility
The cautious urban design may lead you to believe that they cannot accommodate more utilities. Minivans are quite useful.
The vehicle is not designed for off-road driving, although it can go on less rugged areas such as dirt roads and gravel trails. They sit lower than SUVs but offer more ground clearance than sedans.
Safety
Minivans have a lower center of gravity than SUVs, Crossovers, and other vehicle types, giving them additional road resilience. Their profile is meant to lessen impact during crashes, and contact between minivans and other automobiles during collisions is limited to the crumble zones.
Minivans come standard with a plethora of innovative safety and driver aid systems. Even the largest minivans come equipped with adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, lane change assist, and emergency braking help.
Performance
Minivan performance has enhanced over the years, and they are now on a level with many sport-utility cars. Minivans, despite their lack of power, offer superior handling and steering than SUVs.
The enhanced handling and steering are due to their passenger car-centered design, whereas SUVs are truck-centered. SUVs have the unequaled off-road capability, but minivans flourish in cities.
Important Factors to Consider When Buying a Minivan
✔️ Seating
A minivan has up to 15 inches more room per seat than an SUV. Seating for eight passengers is typical, with broad second and third rows designed for younger passengers.
In most vans, the second-row seat may be removed to provide room for an aisle or to slide a center seat forward. It is also important to install a rear-facing car seat for your toddler.
✔️ Engine
You’ll usually receive a V6 engine with the car, which can produce close to 300 horsepower. In general, fuel efficiency is not quite good. The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid, on the other hand, can reach up to 32 miles per gallon on electric power and 27 mpg total.
In testing, the Toyota Sienna hybrid earned 36 mpg with 245 horsepower. However, most minivans have fuel efficiency ratings in the mid-20s.
✔️ Safety
Some of the safety features available in minivans include automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. 360-degree cameras and monitors are also becoming increasingly widespread.
You could even purchase in-cabin cameras to keep an eye on newborns or little children. Intercom systems allow you to converse with passengers without having to turn around or be distracted from the road.
✔️ Handling
Most minivans are simple to operate. While a passenger van may not be as responsive as a sports car, most are fairly safe. Lane safety technology and a higher position connected to the road help with control, vision, and safety.
✔️ Cargo
Seats can be moved, removed, or folded. You can load large things when they are folded flush with the base. Second-row seats may be detachable, fold up against the chairs in front of them, or glide and fold forward, depending on the model.
Deep wells are frequently seen beneath the third row. As a result, full passenger accommodation and 30 cubic feet of storage are both achievable.
✔️ Infotainment
The features and options for infotainment vary by make and model, although most contemporary minivans include an 8- or 10-inch touchscreen display.
USB connectors are typically included, as are Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. There are often rear-seat entertainment systems with above or seatback-mounted monitors, HDMI connection, and wireless headphones. Some automobiles include Wi-Fi connectivity.
✔️ New or Used
If a minivan is appropriate for your requirements, purchasing a utilized one might mean paying less for more. Pre-owned minivans are professionally examined at some stores to guarantee that your first minivan is ready to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which minivan has the most load room?
A: The Kia Carnival has the most available space. The trunk space behind the third row is enormous, at 40 cubic feet. You may also fold the third row flat and delete the second row to maximize your potential.
Q: Is the Honda Odyssey more spacious than the Toyota Sienna?
A: The Honda Odyssey is somewhat larger, with laterally moving seats in most models and a sharper driving.
Q: Does an SUV have a larger cargo room than a minivan?
A: If the room is a primary priority, minivans have more than 15 inches more than the typical three-row midsize SUV. When compared to a minivan, there is often less total cargo capacity when the third row is used.
Q: Do minivans have a large trunk?
A: A decent minivan will hold the necessities, such as sporting equipment, hardware supplies, and groceries. It will also be able to haul your camping gear.
Q: How much space does a minivan have?
A: A minivan is insufficient for 7 people including luggage.
Final Thoughts
Grocery shopping would be easier if you had a car to transport all of your purchases. Minivans have more interior room than sedans and SUVs. They may lack the power of SUVs, but they offer superior handling and steering. And because of the low height, your children may simply get in and out of the vehicle.
Despite the introduction of soft-closing doors in SUVs and cars today, the power-sliding doors of minivans provide unparalleled hands-free operation. Among the minivans, they have the most load space.
