Sure, the minivan segment has declined considerably in recent years. In fact, both Ford and Chevy have axed their conventional minivan offerings (although they’ve replaced them with vans that slot into multiple segments). If it seems like your options are running a little slim here, don’t worry. There are actually plenty of potential purchases out there to fit your needs, whether you need passenger carrying capabilities or cargo hauling potential. Let’s take a look at some of the most affordable options on the market.
[split]
Originally, Dodge offered two affordable minivans – the Caravan and the Grand Caravan, but now they’ve consolidated their offerings and the Grand Caravan is the sole true-to-type option for aspiring buyers. The lower end Caravan was replaced with the Journey, which we’ll cover shortly. For the Grand Caravan, space and comfort are the rule. The base model starts out at just $22,349, and even the highest end trim only costs about $30,000. With available Stow and Go seating, lots of room, and decent fuel economy (25 MPG on the highway and 17 in town), it’s no surprise that this remains the bestselling minivan in the US.
If you’re looking for something slightly smaller than the Grand Caravan, then the Dodge Journey might appeal to you. Technically, this is a crossover vehicle, as it blurs the lines between a wagon and a minivan. The Journey offers seating for up to seven people (although the cramped rear seats are only useful for children), and it starts under $20,000.
[split]
The Quest is one of the few true minivans left on the market, and Nissan has done a good job of updating its looks and features list. Pricing starts at $26,344, so it’s a little more expensive than the Grand Caravan, but it delivers a higher quality interior. Note that this minivan is smaller than many other offerings out there, giving you less cargo and passenger capacity, but the fuel economy is better (27 MPG on the highway and 20 MPG in the city).
[split]
The Odyssey has long been one of the top-ranked affordable minivans in the world, and it manages to hold that position today. It starts at $27,510, which is higher than many options on the market, but it comes with a host of upgrades you’ll find nowhere else, including the built-in vacuum cleaner – and, really, who wouldn’t appreciate the ability to suck up those spills on the go? The Odyssey manages to deliver 28 MPG on the highway and 19 in the city, and there’s seating for up to seven people depending on the seating configuration you choose.
Yes, Toyota offers affordable minivans, and the Sienna is actually an award-winning option in the segment. It offers outstanding cargo space, as well as plenty of seating capacity. In fact, you’ll find that it delivers more cargo space than the Quest or even the Odyssey. With a price tag starting at $27,965, it’s still one of the more affordable options on the market. The fuel economy is a little less than some other options, though, with 25 MPG on the highway and 18 MPG in the city.
[split]
The Town and Country is very similar to the Dodge Grand Caravan, but comes with a host of luxury upgrades. Pricing starts at $31,000, so it’s more expensive than some options on the market, but still within reason. Fuel economy is on par with most of the segment, coming in at 25 MPG on the highway and 17 in the city. There are plenty of features to love here, from the adjustable seating to the Stow and Go capabilities. Leather is standard, as is the premium audio/video system.
[split]
Related Search Topics (Ads)
Priced at $26,000, the 2015 Kida Sedona should certainly be on your list if you’re considering the purchase of an affordable minivan. It offers large wheels (17-inch), as well as 4-wheel antilock brakes and plenty of other benefits. The V6 engine is capable enough as well, and there’s more than ample space for passengers and cargo. Fuel economy is about average for the sector, coming in at 24 MPG on the highway and 18 MPG in the city. You can upgrade to a larger engine and higher end features for $39,000 if you’ve got the budget.
The Transit Connect doesn’t look like a traditional minivan, and that’s because it’s not. It does fall into the category based on its size dimensions, though. This van is designed for comfortable travel in mostly urban areas, and relies on a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine to get it around town. It sees 29 MPG on the highway and 21 in the city, so buyers can enjoy better than average fuel economy, and there are several options when it comes to seating configurations and even the number of windows on the van. A larger wheelbase model is available for $30,000 if you need more hauling capabilities.
[split]
Is it a minivan? Is it a wagon? Is it a hatchback? The Mazda Mazda5 is another of those models that manages to straddle the line between multiple styles. However, it’s technically a minivan (or at least that’s how the automaker markets it). As such, it delivers several perks that drivers will value, including a smaller footprint than most traditional minivans, although it’s not as spacious as some out there. It does see excellent fuel economy for the segment, coming in at 28 MPG on the highway and 21 in the city. Handling is another high point for this option. Pricing starts at $20,000.
Like Ford, Chevy did away with its ailing traditional minivan, but replaced it with an urban transport option that still fills the slot. The City Express shares a lot of similarities with Ford’s Transit Connect, including the 4-cylinder engine and multiple seating and window formats. Priced at $22,000, the City Express delivers 26 MPG on the highway and 24 in the city.
While the minivan might seem like a dying breed, there are still plenty of affordable minivans out there to choose from.
Related Search Topics (Ads)
