Latest News
2025 Nissan Sentra ReviewFinding The Best Minivan Alternatives for Your Family
If you want to find the best minivan alternatives, we’ve compiled a list of ten compelling alternatives that deliver great space, comfort, and convenience.
Family-Friendly Alternatives to a Minivan
Minivans are extremely practical family-hauling machines. There is no denying it. However, over the years they’ve picked up the unsavory image of being distinctly uncool. Crossovers and SUVs are seen as more desirable, better looking, and cooler and most people are willing to forgo that extra little degree of practicality to avoid the minivan image.
Plus, there are some cases where an SUV genuinely makes more sense, particularly if towing capacity is a high priority. We’ve put together a list of ten of the best minivan alternatives on the market today. If you want to know which minivan is best, check out our comparison here.
Toyota Grand Highlander
Up first is a newly-introduced model, the Toyota Grand Highlander. A slightly larger version of Toyota’s popular Highlander model, the big difference for the Grand Highlander is the stretched wheelbase and standard seating for seven people. Toyota is one of the few manufacturers still in the minivan segment and the Grand Highlander looks like it was developed as an obvious alternative to the Toyota Sienna.
The interior space is almost as generous as the minivan, with a max cargo space of 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. If you prioritize gas mileage, the Grand Highlander offers a 2.5L hybrid engine option with a combined 36 mpg. If you are looking for a mix of towing and fuel economy, the 2.4L Hybrid MAX powertrain can tow 5,000 lbs while getting a combined 27 mpg.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is another great minivan alternative. The Palisade offers a distinctive exterior styling that stands out with bold daytime running lights creating an eye-grabbing light signature. The interior is full of luxurious amenities and innovative technology. An available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers smartphone connectivity and ease of use.
The Palisade offers seating for seven or eight, depending on configuration, and the rear seats can be folded with the touch of a button to expand the available cargo space. Max cargo space is 86.4 cubic feet and the Palisade is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped thanks to a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine.
Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer is a full sized SUV that is full of finely crafted materials and gorgeous design. With three rows of seats, the Wagoneer can seat eight with the second-row bench seat or seven with second-row captain’s chairs. The automatic dual-zone climate control keeps the cabin comfy and available heated and ventilated front seats maximize comfort. The expansive interior gives everyone plenty of space to stretch out and the Wagoneer offers 116.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.
Jeep even offers a longer Wagoneer L with a whopping 130.9 cubic feet of cargo space. A standard twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine provides 420 horsepower and a max tow rating of 10,000 pounds. With Jeep’s off-road expertise, the Wagoneer is designed to handle rough terrain that would stop a minivan in its tracks.
Subaru Ascent
If you’re looking for a rugged minivan alternative, the Subaru Ascent makes a great choice. It combines generous interior space, with seating for seven or eight, with some impressive capability. The Ascent comes with 8.7 inches of ground clearance to handle off-road driving, benefits from Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive system for sure-footed traction in slippery conditions, and when properly equipped, can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The Ascents cargo space comes in at 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 260 horsepower and comes connected to a continuously variable transmission for responsive performance and good fuel economy. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist tech comes standard to help improve your safety on the road.
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Mazda’s CX-90 is an attractive SUV, offering handsome styling and premium touches throughout. Where the CX-90 stands out is the PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, model. Combining a 2.5-liter engine with a 68-kW electric motor, the powertrain pumps out an impressive 323 horsepower.
The electric motor provides up to 26 miles of electric-only range, meaning you can run quick errands around town without burning any fuel. The CX-90 PHEV returns an impressive 56 MPGe rating making it an ideal choice if fuel economy is a high priority, but you’re not ready for a full EV. The interior seats seven or eight and has a very clean and simple design.
Tesla Model X
There is no fully electric minivan model offered in the US yet, so the Tesla Model X is a compelling option for those looking for a fully EV option. You get an EPA estimated range of 335 miles and can even tow up to 5,000 pounds with the Model X. The Model X features innovative falcon rear doors which open upwards to make getting to the rear seats super simple, even in tight quarters where a traditional swing out door would limit access. The tri-zone climate control system ensures all passengers are kept comfortable.
The Model X offers seating for seven people and is stuffed full of exciting entertainment systems to make every trip more enjoyable. The center screen, measuring an enormous 17 inches, can tilt toward the driver or passenger for optimal viewing. The rear seat passengers also get a screen for their enjoyment. You can learn more about the best infotainment systems here.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is on the smaller side, relative to the three-row SUVs we’ve covered so far, but if you don’t need seating for seven people and want something heavy on style, the Ioniq 5 delivers. The funky exterior design features nifty lighting all around with a retro-inspired, pixelated design. The all-electric powertrain provides up to 320 horsepower on all-wheel-drive models. The rear-wheel drive version maximizes driving range with up to 303 miles.
Ultra-fast charging is possible in the Ioniq 5 with a 350 kW DC quick charger which can go from 10% to 80% battery charge in just 18 minutes. The interior offers generous space for five people, has a clean dashboard with an extended digital display, and an available digital rearview mirror. The Ioniq 5 also offers Wi-Fi hotspot capability to keep you connected on the go. You can learn more about the best in-car Wi-Fi options here.
Chevrolet Suburban
For the absolute maximum space, you can’t be the good old Chevrolet Suburban. The Suburban is Chevy’s full-sized SUV, with a traditional, truck-ish but refined feel. While most minivans top out at eight seats, the Suburban can fit up to nine passengers when equipped with the optional front bench seat.
Maximum cargo space is also hard to beat, with 144.7 cubic feet of space behind the front seats. Three powerful engines are offered, including a torquey and more fuel-efficient diesel. The Chevy Suburban can tow a max of 8,300 pounds when properly equipped. Chevy even offers Super Cruise Driver Assistance Tech that allows for hands-free driving on certain roads.
Volkswagen Atlas
For some European flair, the Volkswagen Atlas makes an excellent family hauler and minivan alternative. The exterior features an expressive design, with newly refreshed headlights and taillights. Inside, space abounds with seating for up to seven, a three-zone automatic climate control keeps the cabin just right, and an available panoramic sunroof gives everyone a great view out.
You can even get heated front and second-row outboard seats. A powerful turbocharged engine provides 269 horsepower and a tow rating of up to 5,000 pounds. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system helps get you moving, even in tricky weather conditions.
BMW X7
For those looking for indulgence and driving excitement, the BMW X7 is the obvious choice. BMW knows a thing or two about confidence-inspiring handling, which the X7 benefits from. The handling is more responsive than you’re likely to find in a minivan and the ride is comfortable thanks to advanced air suspension.
The X7 offers seating for six or seven people, depending on configuration, and you have the option of making every seat a heated seat. The cutting-edge iDrive 8 infotainment system makes access the myriad features and options intuitive and easy. Three powertrain options offer up to 631 horsepower and a max towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.
