Fuel-Saving Family Haulers: Which New Minivans Get the Best Gas Mileage?
While minivans offer unmatched versatility, family-friendly features, and spacious interiors, their gas mileage has often lagged behind smaller vehicles. Their size and weight can lead to frequent stops at the gas station. Fortunately, today’s automakers are introducing more fuel-efficient options, including hybrid models, helping families save money without sacrificing space or comfort.
This article ranks the latest minivans based on their fuel economy, using EPA estimates to guide the list, starting with the models with the lowest mpg ratings and working up to the top performers. Real-world driving conditions may affect your mileage, so keep that in mind as you consider these options. Let’s dive in and see which minivans will help you drive farther between fill-ups.
2024 Kia Carnival
22 mpg combined
The 2024 Kia Carnival gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. While not the most fuel-efficient in its class, the Carnival offers many other appealing features. Its SUV-inspired styling sets it apart from traditional minivans, and its spacious interior comfortably accommodates up to eight people.
Under the hood, the Carnival features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces more power than many competitors. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all models come standard with front-wheel drive. The Carnival handles well and provides a smooth ride.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica
22 mpg combined
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica achieves EPA-estimated mileage of up to 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While its fuel economy isn’t the highest, the Pacifica offers other benefits. Its powerful V6 engine delivers smooth acceleration, and this minivan provides a refined ride.
Available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, the Pacifica has responsive handling. Front-wheel-drive models have an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive models get 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
2024 Honda Odyssey
22 mpg combined
The 2024 Honda Odyssey gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, placing it on par with some other minivans.
While the Odyssey’s fuel economy isn’t the most impressive, the Odyssey excels in other ways. It’s known for its smooth and quiet ride, making long trips more comfortable for passengers. Unlike some minivans that can feel cumbersome, the Odyssey handles more like a sedan, with responsive steering and a refined driving experience.
The van has a capable V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive.
2024 Toyota Sienna
36 mpg combined
The 2024 Toyota Sienna is the most fuel-efficient non-plug-in minivan available, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, the Sienna delivers impressive fuel savings, making it a top choice for anyone looking to reduce fuel expenses without compromising space or versatility.
Its hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The Sienna provides smooth performance for both long road trips and daily driving. Whether equipped with front- or all-wheel drive, the Sienna excels in fuel efficiency for the minivan segment.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
82 MPGe electric, 30 mpg combined
As the only plug-in hybrid minivan on the market, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid gets an impressive EPA rating of 82 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when operating in electrics mode and 30 mpg combined in hybrid mode. With up to 32 miles of electric-only range, the Pacifica Hybrid offers the most efficient minivan option today.
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combines a 3.6-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for confident acceleration. This plug-in hybrid system is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that enhances efficiency.
