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Is there anything more sensible than a hybrid minivan? Not only are these vehicles more practical than SUVs, but they offer good gas mileage and countless conveniences to keep a large family happy. Sadly, minivans have a bit of an image problem, lacking the rugged, adventurous spirit of SUVs. Partly because of this, there are very few minivans left on the market, and when you add a hybrid powertrain to the mix, there are just two. This pair of hybrid minivans is underrated as a practical and efficient means of hauling your family around.

1 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Of the two hybrid minivans on sale in America, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only one that’s a plug-in hybrid. Because it has a larger battery, it’s capable of covering up to 32 miles on electric power alone. When you need more power, the Pacifica has a perfectly capable 3.6-liter V6 engine. For a minivan, the Pacifica Hybrid has a stylish design, and the interior is full of practical touches, such as the clever Stow ‘n Go seating. Cargo space is plentiful, with 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row alone. The one downside of the Pacifica Hybrid is that it’s only available with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is only optional on the gas-only Pacifica. Still, this is a commendable minivan.

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Expert Opinion

“The Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is a unique offering in its segment. If you can charge at home and don’t mind potentially paying more, it’s a stellar way to tote your family in style.”

2 Toyota Sienna

2024 Toyota Sienna

Base MSRP

$37,685

Fuel Economy

36/36/36 mpg (FWD) | 35/36/35 mpg (AWD)

Horsepower

245 hp

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid

Toyota takes a slightly different approach to efficiency with its Sienna, which has a normal hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It achieves a very impressive 36 mpg combined, and it can also be had with AWD. Obviously, the Pacifica’s V6 is a smoother, more refined unit, but the Sienna is competent for a minivan. Although cargo space is substantial, the Sienna lacks the fully removable second-row seats fitted to the Pacifica, but top trims are crammed with useful features. Although we prefer the Chrysler, Toyota’s reputation for reliability and the less complex traditional hybrid system could find favor with buyers looking for the most dependable long-term ownership prospect.

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Expert Opinion

“Without watching how we drove, we averaged just under 35 mpg in our AWD tester, including some freeway driving and heading up into the mountains. On a fundamental level, the Toyota Sienna offers the best fuel economy by quite some margin and is excellently thought out, which makes it a solid default recommendation when matched with Toyota’s reputation for reliability and longevity.”

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Characteristics Of Hybrid Minivans

There are only a couple of hybrid models in this highly niche segment of the market. The qualities that define them, therefore, are quite specific:

• Power: Minivans are not small, so a certain amount of oomph is needed to get them moving. But these are not performance vehicles, so quick acceleration and high speeds are not on the cards. Hybrid power helps to ensure enough torque and whether it’s a hybrid inline-four or plug-in hybrid V6, these minivans can comfortably carry a load of passengers, and even tow a trailer.
• Practicality: Space is extremely important in minivans, as their primary purpose is to transport people and cargo, usually in large quantities. Many come in 8- or 7-seater configurations while still leaving room for more than 30 cubic feet in the trunk. Power-sliding doors and seats are also common, making accessing the cabin and the back rows easier.
• Comfort: Cramming a lot of people and their luggage into a vehicle should leave little room for comfort, but minivans are an exception to the rule. Keeping passengers happy over long trips is essential, so well-cushioned seats and a decent selection of comfort features are all included. Since safety is key, a fair number of advanced driver-assistance features are standard, too.
• Price: Though not the cheapest of vehicles, minivans are still an affordable means of family transportation. They offer good value for money, and the plug-in hybrid minivan delivers excellent mpg figures to help keep costs low.

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What To Consider When Buying A Plug-in Hybrid Minivan

A new hybrid minivan may not be right for everyone, but there are many families that could benefit from taking the leap and trying a different type of vehicle than the more common SUV. This is due to a number of advantages that minivans bring to the table, but there are naturally a few disadvantages that need to be considered, too:

Pros

• Exceptionally spacious
• Very comfortable interior
• High safety ratings
• Many convenience features
• Improved fuel economy
• Good towing capacity

Cons

• More expensive than non-hybrid models
• Not as stylish as SUVs
• Can be unwieldy to drive

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What is the best hybrid minivan?

There are only two models that fall into this niche category, and while they are both quite good options, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid ticks more boxes than the Toyota Sienna.

What’s the best plug-in hybrid minivan?

There is currently only one PHEV minivan on the market, and that is the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. It offers a useful 32 miles of electric range and 82 MPGe combined.

Will there be new hybrid minivans in the future?

It seems unlikely that any of the current minivan makers will want to incorporate hybrid technology into their lineups. Rather, we will probably see the rise of the electric minivan, as we have seen this new propulsion system disseminate into the rest of the market.