2014 Minivan Comparison Test
It's a Minivan Jamboree
Minivans may no longer be the default vehicle for growing families, but that doesn’t mean these practical do-it-all boxes should be ignored.
Battling an unfavorable stigma only the tourism board of Detroit would understand, there are a lot of preconceived notions about minivans. While some of these may be true, one popular myth about these vehicles is not; minivans aren’t necessarily expensive.
It’s true that they can easily eclipse $45,000, but at that price they’re practically a rolling condo complete with multiple TV screens, leather recliners and even a vacuum cleaner in Honda’s case. Fret not, frugal shoppers; you can have a minivan too. The Dodge Grand Caravan starts at a mere $21,390 after delivery, although you don’t get much at that price.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Three-Row Crossover Comparison Test
In an attempt to combined frugality with livability, we decided to round up the three big players in the minivan segment that give families everything they need along with a few extra perks. The low $30,000 range was chosen and we sent out invites to Dodge, Honda and Toyota. Two notable manufacturers are excluded from the test: Kia and Nissan. The new Kia Sedona has yet to arrive and the Quest is a moot point in the minivan argument.
With three vans in hand, we set out to complete a variety of tests to gauge how easy they are to drive, pleasant they are to be a passenger in and how much practical space they offer. As always, a few surprises were in hand.
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