Latest news with #minivan
Motor Trend
a day ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum First Test Review: It Sucks and It's Freezing
Pros Very efficient Improved interior build quality Snappy infotainment and sharp cameras Cons Slower than competitors Ride quality Buzzy engine The season of road trips is upon us, and the 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum minivan makes a strong case to haul your precious cargo. Its spaciousness, practicality, and efficiency make for a combination that's simply unmatched by the ubiquitous three-row crossover. Oh, and the 2025 Sienna's built-in fridge and vacuum cleaner are sure to make your neighbors with the Grand Highlander trip over their Shop-Vac with envy. 0:00 / 0:00 The vacuum and fridge are just some of the new additions to the refreshed 2025 Sienna. Available as options on the Limited trim, they're standard on the top-of-the-line Sienna Platinum tested here. Unfortunately, we can't tell you how well the vacuum tackles Cheerios or dog fur because the hose went missing before Toyota dropped off the vehicle, and a replacement didn't reach us in time. That said, the power unit, dustbin, and controls are all nicely integrated into the center console, just ahead of the second-row seats—a more useful location than the rear-mounted units in the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica—though we wish Toyota could've figured out a way to store the hose near the power unit instead of separately way back in the cargo area. After all, messes don't wait for the cargo area to be unpacked—and a full load back there could hinder quick access to that critical tube. The fridge, however, is placed perfectly right atop the center console for easy access. It'll easily store six standard-sized cans of soda and offers two levels of cold. In our unofficial test of the fridge set to its low setting, it cooled room-temperature cans of Spindrift from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to a refreshing 55 degrees in about 2.5 hours. It's Built Better! Our 2025 Sienna Platinum was also fitted with Toyota's latest infotainment system, which is a huge improvement over the previous version. The screen is on the smaller side, but it's sharp, snappy, and easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board. Certain trims, including the Platinum, also get Toyota's new digital instrument cluster that we've seen roll out on other vehicles like the Tacoma, offering an impressive amount of customization and clear graphics. In addition to tech improvements, Toyota addressed some of the minivan's general fit and finish, which we've noted as one of the pre-2025 Sienna's weakest qualities. Important touch points like door grabs and HVAC vents feel much more buttoned down, while the dashboard and center console trim pieces appear better aligned. Still Super Efficient The Sienna's standard hybrid powertrain carries over unchanged, still pushing 245 horsepower to the front wheels like in our test vehicle. (All-wheel drive, via an extra electric motor powering the rear axle on demand, is optional on every Sienna and carries only a minor 1-mpg combined fuel economy penalty.) Our 2025 Sienna Platinum test van isn't exactly quick, with a 0–60-mph time of 8.4 seconds, though we should note that our straight-line testing of this generation Sienna has seen some wild swings in results. A front-drive 2024 Sienna XSE, for example, put down a 0–60 time of 7.8 seconds, while a 2022 Sienna XLE Woodland AWD needed 8.5 seconds. Your results may vary, literally. Bringing this 2025 Sienna Platinum to stop from 60 mph requires 134 feet, which is longer than some of its competitors. The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige, for example, needs 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph and just 118 feet to come to a stop, while a 2025 Honda Odyssey Elite is more athletic with a 6.8-second 0–60-mph time and a handy 123-foot stop from that speed. That said, neither the Kia nor Honda can match the Sienna's efficiency, with an EPA rating of 36 mpg across the board (city, highway, and combined; again, the AWD model dips those figures to 34/36/35 mpg). The Kia and Honda are rated at 34/31/33 mpg and 19/28/22 mpg, respectively. Although it doesn't wow at the racetrack, that's not where this Toyota will ever spend any time. The Sienna's powertrain is otherwise more than adequate for routine minivan duties. The electric motors help the gas engine provide a good amount of oomph from a stop, and the powertrain never feels underpowered on the highway, despite the buzzy engine note under wide-open throttle. The Sienna is also fairly nimble, with quick steering, a good turning radius (39.2 feet), and decent body control. Good visibility and top-notch backup and 360-view cameras come in clutch while piloting the Sienna through the chaotic parking lot at your local Trader Joe's. Ride quality and road noise aren't the greatest, no doubt exacerbated by the Platinum's fancy 20-inch wheels. Smaller 17- and 18-inch wheels with taller-sidewall tires might help, and the good news if you're looking to save some bucks is that the smaller rims are only fitted on lower-priced models. The Sienna Platinum's seven-seat configuration includes a pair of second-row captain's chairs that are easy to access from either side of the van. (An eight-seat setup is also available.) The seats are easy to adjust and super comfortable, though enjoying them in their fully reclined position makes the third-row seat unusable. And although the captain's chairs are hefty, moving them forward to access the back seats is as easy as pulling one latch on the backrest. Third-row egress and ingress are also good, and normal-sized adults should have no issues with legroom or headroom. Each row has no fewer than four cupholders (there are eight up front for some reason), though unfortunately none of them can accommodate girthier Hydro Flasks or Big Gulps. Out back, the Sienna provides a generous 33.5 cubic feet of cargo room. And with a simple, single-arm pull of a couple straps, the third-row seats fold neatly into the floor, boosting cargo volume to 75.2 cubic feet. Looking to move a friend using the Sienna? Those second-row captain's chairs can't be removed like the seats in an Odyssey (or folded flat like in a Pacifica), but they fold and tumble forward so that they stand vertically against the front seatbacks, arguably a nice compromise between lifting out the Honda's chairs and the Chrysler's clever Stow 'n Go arrangement that opens up a huge area for cargo. In this configuration, the Sienna Platinum can swallow 101.0 cubic feet of stuff behind the first row. Compare those numbers to the Grand Highlander (20.6, 57.9, and 97.5 cubic feet) just further solidifies the Sienna as the champ of practicality. With a price tag ringing in at $58,634, the range-topping Sienna Platinum is pricier than the nicest Chrysler, Kia, and Honda minivans. While it can claim efficiency supremacy over those vans (not counting the Pacifica plug-in hybrid variant, though the fanciest Pacifica Hybrid is pricier than the Sienna), it doesn't do any one thing much better than the Honda or Pacifica. On the other hand, the Sienna is nicely updated, and the 2025 changes address some key concerns—namely the old model's build quality—while adding in a few useful new minivan-specific features, even if it doesn't change the Sienna's position relative to our segment favorites. If you don't need the nifty fridge or vacuum, lesser Siennas are nicely equipped and cost far less while delivering the same high mpg and road-trip-ability.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
What used minivan for less than $30,000 is best for my young family?
I am in the market for a used minivan to support my young family (front- and rear-facing car seats, strollers and a big dog). I am looking for utility and reliability at a reasonable price. I have no use for a lot of the features of newer models - I can't use Stow 'n Go or Magic Slide seats with a car seat, our kids are too young for RES/CabinTalk, etc. My wish list includes heated front seats, leather interior and Apple CarPlay (but I can do without). What guidance can you provide? I'm hoping to keep it under $30,000, taxes in. – Brendan Mark Richardson: Ah – a new father who recognizes the practicality and value of a minivan. I was that person once. Miranda Lightstone: A long, long time ago, Mark. Richardson: Yeah. Minivans have changed a lot in the 25 years since I first started to appreciate them. Lightstone: I know most think your soul goes to die in a minivan, but they are hugely practical and can actually be enjoyable to drive. I've always been a fan, especially of the Toyota Sienna because: all-wheel drive. Richardson: All-wheel drive is nice to have, but unless Brendan lives out on some rural gravel road, he probably doesn't need it. AWD adds weight and complexity to any vehicle, not to mention the extra cost. Lightstone: No matter what, he's bound to encounter some snowy conditions wherever he is in Canada and, with a family on board, it provides that extra stability and reassurance on the road. Richardson: But most used Siennas are well over Brendan's $30,000 cap. Toyotas hold their value well, especially now when used Siennas are an alternative to the new Siennas that are American-built in Indiana. Lightstone: I'd look to the Chrysler Pacifica next then. You want practicality, this minivan has it all. Richardson: No it doesn't, or at least, not all in the same vehicle. If you want the plug-in hybrid version, you can't have all-wheel drive or Stow 'n Go for the second row. There isn't enough space under the van for all the features together. Lightstone: You said yourself that Brendan won't want all-wheel drive, and he's already said he doesn't want Stow 'n Go, which folds the second row beneath the floor. Richardson: He might like a hybrid, though, and the plug-in hybrid is too expensive for his budget. Chrysler doesn't offer a regular hybrid minivan, like the current Sienna, which would be less costly but still over his budget. Lightstone: Hybrid is a great feature in today's economy, and especially with a vehicle that has a larger footprint like a minivan. Richardson: I think he'll want to keep his van for a while, however, and he'll want that extra space from Stow 'n Go once the kids are out of car seats. Stow 'n Go has been around for 20 years now, so it'll be in those less costly, older Chryslers and Dodges. Lightstone: The idea of Stow 'n Go is lovely, but have you ever tried to fold those seats into the floor? I have and it made me realize that being able to fold seats down normally without storing them inside the floor of the car is more than okay for added storage later on down the road. Richardson: They're still in the way, though. And yes, I've folded away many Stow 'n Go seats didn't find it difficult. But the challenge here is finding the best van for less than $30,000, because used car prices are so strong right now. Lightstone: Ah yes, while dad figures out the Stow 'n Go, mom figures out everything else… Richardson: Stow 'n Go means I can also go to the hardware store and buy some eight-by-four sheets of plywood and fit them all in the back with my tools, because the extra seats aren't in the way. Contractors love the feature for that. Lightstone: Some contractors, anyway – the ones who don't drive pickup trucks. Richardson: Let's get back to basics. Brendan should be able to find a basic edition of the 2020 Honda Odyssey with less than 100,000 kilometres that will come in on budget. That's still the current generation and it's very reliable – it should have at least another 100,000 kilometres of easy-maintenance driving in it. Lightstone: I have always liked the Odyssey – it drives well and is super comfortable and easy to maintain. But what about a used Kia Carnival? It's not often on buyers' radar but it really is worth looking at in terms of practicality and price. Richardson: The Kia was less expensive to buy new than the Honda or Toyota, but it really doesn't offer any additional features to sell it as a used vehicle, unless it's priced attractively. These days, used prices are all over the map. Lightstone: Alright Mark, so I've managed to give Brendan three decent options here – Sienna, Pacifica and Carnival – and you've offered up the Odyssey. What else have you got up your veteran sleeve as a suggestion if those don't fit the bill? Richardson: There's basically a choice of five different vans sold in Canada over the last decade: the most expensive to buy used is the Toyota Sienna. Lightstone: We know I prefer a higher-end vehicle, even used, because the end result is a vehicle you want to drive and own. Brendan does have to live with this vehicle and like it every time he gets behind the wheel. Richardson: Then, in rough order of price, there is the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival and Dodge Grand Caravan. None of them are bad – the Grand Caravan used to have a questionable transmission, but that was a long time ago. Brendan should fix on his budget and then compare what he can get from each of those five, but I'd recommend the Odyssey or the Grand Caravan. Lightstone: I stick by the Sienna and Carnival as top choices for Brendan. But it will come down to him test-driving them back-to-back on the same day so he can really get a sense for each one. What car should you buy? Write to Mark and Miranda at globedrive@ and use 'What car' as as part of your subject line. Emails with different subject lines may not be answered. Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.
Top Gear
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Lexus LM350h vs Li Auto Mega: are MPVs making a comeback?
Big Reads There might be an MPV revival underway. Spearheading the renaissance are these: the Lexus LM350h and Li Auto Mega Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Incarnate zeitgeist is all the rage until it isn't, and everyone shifts the schtick to something else. It happens relatively quickly, and sometimes... not for the better. Take the MPV. The genuine multipurpose vehicle, the minivan shape, has fallen foul of fashion. The exact rules of these transitions can be hard to follow, gently dictated by car companies and buyer insecurity, but the MPV satisfies a need. Just because the shape has been usurped by the faux by four, it doesn't mean that need has ceased to exist. People still need to move larger groups in comfort in car form. Of course you can do that in an SUV, but a boxy MPV will always win the space and comfort war – and when extreme utility speaks, it's convincing. Advertisement - Page continues below We're not talking about converted live axle vans here, either. Putting windows and leather into a commercial platform always ends up feeling like exactly that: a commercial platform with a thin veneer of bougie tinsel slathered on top. But in east Asia the MPV hasn't fallen out of favour, it's kept evolving. And now it has some really compelling cars. Photography: Mark Riccioni You might like Take the Li Auto Mega as an example. Li Auto is a Chinese company more accustomed to providing plug-in hybrid SUVs, but has birthed the Mega as a first try at a full electric vehicle, 'urban' transport for seven apparently, with a generous 350+mile range. It charges faster than the UK network can provide, capable of 'hyper charging' at 520kW, and looks like real life sci-fi. But the practical application is more prosaic – it'll take seven people and luggage, and do so with a level of comfort you only see in cars costing four times the price. First, the looks. It's designed by Benjamin Baum, the fella responsible for the 992 generation Porsche 911, and it stops traffic. Love it or loathe it, you can't ignore its 5.35m presence. It incorporates the Li Auto fancy light bars front and back, leans heavily into the efficiency aesthetic. In fact, to keep the Porsche theme going, it's more aerodynamically efficient than Porsche's own Taycan EV, a blunt nose and chopped Kamm tail punching through and releasing the airflow respectively. But more than that, it's actually very coherent and stylish even if it is a essentially a big box. And it doesn't look like another SUV with an electric drivetrain stuffed in. Advertisement - Page continues below As for the practical bits, dual electric side doors, a big square hatch at the back. The seating arrangement is 2+2+3, with airline style captain's chairs in the middle and a kid friendly bench in the rear. Legroom is enormous, all the seats move, all are heated, with the front four also being cooled. There are massage seats for the front four, a drop down ceiling mounted gesture controlled OLED monitor, a warmed/cooled drawer for snacks, wireless charging all round and more storage than you think you need. Even the back row folds and rolls electrically to give a van sized boot if you need it. You can convert the back into a double bed, electrically obviously, and there are various modes that make the most of the space. Nap mode being a favourite: the car leans back the front seat, sets a timer and then plays birdsong until it's time to wake up, and you slowly rise – literally – from your slumber. Skip 23 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. But it's not just about the space – the twin 15.7in front seat displays are cutting edge, instantaneous in operation and painfully clear. They make some European manufacturers' operating systems look like an 8-bit Game Boy, and the iPhone-like tiny touchscreen on the top of the steering wheel is a nice touch. There's MindGPT (an offshoot of ChatGPT) baked in, and the car will react to gestures. Point at a window and say 'Open that' and the car will do so, recognising the finger. Yet that's not even the thing that you notice most when out in the car. This is in no way a driver's car, but it accelerates outside the usual superlatives, gently choking out expectation with a smooth, frictionless feeling whoosh. It'll hit 62mph in 5.5 seconds. And yet, even with this much mass and slab and length, it doesn't feel out of hand or hard to control. In fact, it just makes it nippy. Want to merge smoothly with traffic on an A-road or pull out onto a busy roundabout? The Mega's throttle control, instant acceleration and general AWD grip mean you don't have to worry about getting that length slotted into the right place. There are modes which change the suspension and throttle aggression, but they are so fine in their nuance, it's only the hardest and softest settings you can really distinguish. Still, that ride and isolation. It's more like piloting a hovercraft than a car. It's big and heavy, but the way the 'Magic Carpet Air Suspension 3' (to give it its full name) divorces you and your passengers from the outside world will have you doubting the need for road repairs. Which means that the lardy handling really doesn't matter so much. Given the Mega's focus on passengers, it's better to cruise and watch everyone fall asleep. These cars are slightly odd in the UK, and that makes them infinitely interesting So yes, it's awesome and a bit weird and not very European and not available here anyway for the forseeable future, so it doesn't really matter. But what do we get in the UK? Well, Lexus has recently killed the LS luxury saloon and brought in a more luxurious minivan, the Lexus LM350h. Actually, to call it a minivan is to do it a disservice. The LM is based on the TNGA-K car platform, and closely related to the Toyota Alphard, which has been doing sterling service in Asia since the world was born. It can come with front wheel drive or all wheel drive, in seven or four seat configurations, all with a 2.5-litre, four cylinder Miller cycle petrol engine with a CVT box and hybrid assistance. And it's MPVtastic. The spec you see in the pictures is the full on limo Takumi grade. Four seats, the two in the back being of the airline variety, with all the same gear as the Mega – wireless charging, massage, heat/cool, just lie flat and think of Japan. It's got a 48in TV monitor in the divider between driver and passengers, with a powered slide up electrochromic screen to give you privacy. It feels much more like a limo than the Mega in terms of setup, less so when it comes to ride. Yes, it has adaptive damping and yes, it's more precise than the Chinese car, but the CVT is noisy and the cushioning has sharper edges. But it is better quality than the Mega in terms of fit and finish, even though the outside is much less radical and more Alphard with a mask on. The biggest fly in the Lexus ointment? It starts at £90k and runs to £113k for the four seater you see here. That's a lot of money for a family car, and probably lends itself more to the VIP transport side of things. So where do we stand? Well, these cars are slightly odd in the UK, and that makes them infinitely interesting. Old money might still prefer its luxury cars saloon shaped, but there's a lot to be said for embracing a vehicle that's very, very good at a specific purpose. And the Li Auto Mega, and other Chinese luxe MPVs from the likes of Zeekr and Denza, are exceptional at family style luxury. Embrace the niche, weird electric MPVs for the win. 24 minutes 46 seconds
CBS News
7 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Man struck and killed by car on 710 Freeway in Long Beach
A man was struck and killed by a car on the 710 Freeway in Long Beach early Tuesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officers were sent to the center divider on northbound lanes near Willow Street after they learned of a man who was walking around a car that had pulled over in the area, according to a CHP press release. Sometime after this, the man was struck by a white minivan, police said. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead. He has not yet been identified. Investigators believe that the victim may have been involved in some sort of accident just before he was struck. The driver of the van remained at the scene to cooperate with investigators. During their investigation, CHP officers issued a SigAlert for the No. 1 and 2 lanes of the 710 Freeway and the eastbound Pacific Coast Highway onramp until just after 5 a.m.
ArabGT
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
The 2026 Kia Carnival is the most affordable minivan with SUV performance
In a market where affordability and family practicality are more important than ever, the 2026 Kia Carnival stands out as the most budget-friendly minivan available in the U.S., offering generous space, modern features, and unmatched value. Kia's entry-level Carnival LX FWD starts at just $38,425 before destination charges, with a total drive-away cost of $39,820 (approx. SAR 149,325). That's over $2,000 (SAR 7,500) cheaper than its nearest minivan rival—solidifying its reputation as the go-to option for families looking for maximum space without overspending. Versatility Through Nine Trim Levels Kia ensures the 2026 Kia Carnival suits every taste and budget with nine distinct configurations, including both gas and hybrid models: LX FWD – $39,820 (SAR 149,325) LXS FWD – $41,820 (SAR 156,825) EX FWD – $44,020 (SAR 165,075) SX FWD – $48,920 (SAR 183,450) SX Prestige FWD – $53,920 (SAR 202,200) HEV LXS FWD – $42,820 (SAR 160,575) HEV EX FWD – $44,820 (SAR 168,075) HEV SX FWD – $49,720 (SAR 186,450) HEV SX Prestige FWD – $53,920 (SAR 202,200) From entry-level practicality to upscale luxury and hybrid efficiency, the Carnival offers a solution for nearly every type of family buyer. Design That Blends SUV Boldness with Minivan Utility Following its 2025 refresh, the 2026 Kia Carnival carries over the bold design language introduced last year—an SUV-like front fascia with a wide grille and striking LED lighting that gives the van a strong road presence. Powertrain Options That Fit Every Lifestyle Under the hood, the 2026 Kia Carnival offers two refined setups: A robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox—ideal for smooth, confident daily driving. A hybrid system combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 242 hp, aimed at maximizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Premium Features, Even at the Base Level Even the most affordable Carnival trim is packed with comfort and tech, including: A 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Power sliding side doors and liftgate Built-in Wi-Fi supporting up to four devices Eight USB-C charging ports throughout all rows 115V household-style outlets for rear passengers Higher trims offer extras like ventilated leather seats, premium sound systems, and panoramic sunroofs—giving families a luxury feel without luxury pricing. Stable Pricing Despite Industry Challenges While many automakers have increased prices due to tariffs and inflation, Kia has held the line—raising Carnival prices by just $190 (SAR 713) compared to the previous model. This pricing stability reinforces Kia's dedication to value and positions the Carnival as one of the smartest buys in today's market. With its spacious interior, diverse configurations, and impressive standard tech, the 2026 Kia Carnival proves that families can enjoy both practicality and premium features—without overpaying. It remains a benchmark in the segment, showing that affordable doesn't have to mean basic. 2026 Kia Carnival Gallery:
