Choosing an All-Wheel Drive Minivan
With the rise in crossovers, minivans aren’t as popular as they used to be. But if you can get your hands on an all-wheel drive minivan, the sky's the limit.
Written by Elaine Duvet
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you’re looking for a convenient family vehicle that can handle the harsh winter climate, you may be considering a
minivan
with all-wheel drive. But with so few on the market, is there a reason? Find out if opting for an all-wheel drive minivan is the best decision for you and your family with
Jerry
, the car ownership super app
. All-wheel drive minivans—does anyone want them?
So why isn’t there a bigger demand for all-wheel drive minivans? According to
Cars.com
, “With front-wheel drive, minivans are well equipped to handle at least moderate amounts of snow…and winter tires can improve traction, so all-wheel drive isn’t a must for most drivers.”In fact, in 1991 Chrysler offered all-wheel drive minivans, but since the new
Stow ‘n Go
seats interfered with the rear driveshafts, the models were dropped in 2004.While some buyers may go with a stylish three-row SUV for its reliability in all-weather conditions, “there are new and used all-wheel drive (AWD) minivans available to help drivers carry their most precious cargo across rugged terrain and inclement weather,” according to
iSeeCars.com
. Minivans also provide sliding doors and easy access to the back row area. Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
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The Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is an absolute dream. With sharp exterior and interior styling, the design exudes
luxury
. The 2021 minivan sports a hybrid four-cylinder engine (replacing a V6) and offers a competitive EPA of 35 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Families will also enjoy awesome infotainment features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
According to iSeeCars.com, “Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive can be added to the base LE trim, the XLE trim, and the Limited trim for $2,000, and to the XSE trim and the Platinum trim for $760.” All-wheel drive comes standard on the 2022 Woodland trim.
The eight-passenger van can also swap out its second-row bench seats for captain’s chairs, allowing a different configuration for seven people.
As far as safety features, you can expect the works. The Sienna offers standard pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, road sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Drivers will also enjoy tri-zone automatic climate control, an in-car intercom, and a keyless entry for when you’ve got your hands full.
Advanced safety features include add ons like a surround-view parking system and hands-free park assist. And when you’ve got a car full of kids, this can prove to be a major convenience. With a starting price of $34,460, we’d say the Toyota Sienna is at the top of our list.
MORE: Kids on the Way? Here Are Consumer Report’s Most Reliable Minivans
The Chrysler Pacifica
In the 2017 model year, The Chrysler Pacifica was introduced, with an all-wheel drive option following in 2020. The van is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and offers Stow ‘n Go seating where the second or third-row seats fold into the floor to increase cargo space.
The Pacifica also offers a plethora of safety features like rear occupant alert, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, rear parking sensors, and forward automatic emergency braking.
The perks don’t stop there. According to iSeeCars.com, “The Pacifica can have up to 12 USB ports to accommodate the whole family’s device needs, an available in-car vacuum, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with flip-up touchscreens with Amazon Fire streaming capabilities.”
If you opt for the Limited or Pinnacle trims, you’ll receive hands-free power-sliding rear doors, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, a power-folding third row, a hands-free power liftgate, an integrated vacuum cleaner, and an HD radio. You’ll also get a wireless charging device, navigation, a stereo with 19 speakers, and 18-inch wheels.
Front-wheel drive comes standard but for an extra $3,000, all-wheel drive can easily be added to the base trims of the Touring and Touring L. The Limited and Pinnacle trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
If you’re buying the Chrysler Pacifica new, expect to pay around $36,675. A three-year-old used model will cost about $28,000.
Used Minivans are a great deal
The 2004 Chrysler Town & Country can be found for as low as $2,500. This was actually the last model year that Chrysler offered an all-wheel-drive for this popular vehicle. The 2004 minivan is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 215 hp paired with a four-speed automatic.
The Touring and Limited are the only trims with an available all-wheel drive. The Pluses offer a more refined drivetrain, smooth handling, and a comfy and lavish interior.
The boxy 2005 Chevrolet Astro is a practical van with lots of cargo space and a strong towing capacity. “Powered by a 190-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Astro minivan provides reliable transportation but lacks a thrilling driving experience,” iSeeCars.com tells us.
While Chevy Astros may be hard to find, their cheap price tag is worth the hunt. Used models range from $3,500 to $6,000.Powered by a 190-horsepower 4.3-liter V6 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Astro minivan provides reliable transportation but lacks a thrilling driving experience.
The 2005-2006 Chevrolet Uplander offers all-wheel drive in the LT trim only. The seven-seater is powered by 200 hp and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. It also featured a handy fold-flat 50/50 split-folding third-row seat. Chevy Uplanders go from anywhere between $3,850 and $6,990.
4.7
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