Choosing the right minivan involves balancing various factors: price, size, comfort, style, and fuel efficiency. The top contenders in the minivan segment often score closely across these key metrics, making it challenging to definitively rank them. To help you navigate this decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated minivans for 2014, drawing upon feedback from our experienced test drivers and insights from real-world minivan owners. Explore our expert selections and see if you agree.
2014 Honda Odyssey: A Leader in Innovation and Family Comfort
The 2014 Honda Odyssey emerged as a frontrunner in the 2014 model year, thanks to a significant redesign. This refresh brought about a more refined exterior styling, an upgraded interior, and innovative features like an available integrated vacuum cleaner, adding a touch of novelty and practicality. Crucially, the Odyssey retained the core strengths of its predecessor, including a robust 248-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The standardization of a six-speed automatic transmission across all trim levels further enhanced its appeal by delivering impressive fuel efficiency figures of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Beyond its comfortable ride and reliable powertrain, the Odyssey offers seating for up to eight passengers and a cavernous 148 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, making it a truly versatile family vehicle.
2014 Toyota Sienna: Reliability and the Advantage of All-Wheel Drive
The 2014 Toyota Sienna rightfully earns its place alongside the Odyssey at the top of the minivan rankings. Mirroring the Honda, the Sienna offers eight-passenger capacity across its three rows, and folding down these seats reveals a substantial 150 cubic feet of cargo volume. While its fuel economy with the six-speed transmission is slightly less than the Odyssey (18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway), the Sienna compensates with a more powerful 266-horsepower engine. However, the Toyota’s unique selling point is its optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system. It remains the only minivan on the market to offer AWD, providing enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions, a significant advantage for families in regions with snow or rain.
2014 Chrysler Town & Country: Premium Features at a Practical Price
The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country secures the third spot on our list of top-rated minivans, primarily due to its blend of practicality and a generous array of features for its price point. Chrysler marketed the Town & Country as offering a near-luxury experience, and while it may not reach the heights of high-end luxury sedans, it does offer upscale amenities like available leather seating and a sophisticated in-vehicle entertainment system. The seven-passenger Town & Country also features Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go seating, a standout feature that allows the second and third-row seats to fold completely into the floor, creating a massive 143.8 cubic feet of cargo space with minimal effort. Under the hood, the Town & Country boasts a class-leading 282 horsepower from its 3.6-liter V-6 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. For budget-conscious buyers who appreciate the Chrysler’s design but seek a more affordable option, the closely related Dodge Grand Caravan offers a similar platform with a simpler feature set.
2014 Nissan Quest: Stylish Design and Urban-Friendly Fuel Economy
The 2014 Nissan Quest falls slightly outside our top three, but it remains a worthy contender in the minivan segment. While it may not lead in every category, the Quest possesses several appealing qualities. While offering seven-passenger seating, the Quest is notably more compact inside than many of its competitors, providing 108 cubic feet of total cargo space. This translates to one less passenger capacity and significantly less cargo room compared to the Odyssey and Sienna. However, the Nissan Quest earns high marks for its distinctive exterior and interior styling. Furthermore, it achieves commendable fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. This efficiency is largely attributed to its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which effectively manages the 260 horsepower produced by the minivan’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
2014 Mazda Mazda5: The Sporty and Compact Minivan Alternative
The 2014 Mazda MAZDA5 stands out as a unique option in the minivan landscape – a compact and surprisingly fun-to-drive choice. This smaller minivan offers seating for six across three rows and just under 100 cubic feet of cargo space (comparable to the Nissan Quest). Notably, the Mazda5 is the only minivan in its class that delivers a genuinely engaging driving experience. This is due to its lighter weight, finely tuned chassis, and the availability of a six-speed manual transmission in the base model (a five-speed automatic is also offered). All Mazda5 models are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 157 horsepower, while achieving fuel economy figures of 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. This combination of efficiency, manageable size, and enjoyable driving dynamics makes the Mazda5 a popular choice, especially among urban dwellers seeking a versatile and nimble family vehicle.
2014 Kia Sedona: Budget-Friendly Minivan with Ample Space
The 2014 Kia Sedona rounds out our list of top-rated minivans. For buyers prioritizing affordability, the Sedona presents a compelling option. The Kia Sedona is generally more budget-friendly, particularly when comparing similar equipment levels, than many of its rivals. While it might not match the refined ride quality or engine smoothness of some other minivans, the Sedona excels in providing practical space. It offers seven-passenger seating and a generous 141.5 cubic feet of total cargo capacity, ensuring ample room for passengers and cargo needs. The Sedona is powered by a 269-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. For families seeking a spacious and functional minivan without breaking the bank, the Kia Sedona is a strong contender.
