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There’s no denying that some shoppers looking for their next family mobile won’t touch a minivan with a 10 ft. pole. However, there are others who find the ultimate family wagon beautiful in its practicality. But what’s the best minivan? While this is hard to say for sure, there’s only one 2021 minivan model that earned the ‘Best Buy’ badge from Consumer Guide. 

a peek at the new range topping Pinnacle trim of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Pacifica all-new Pinnacle trim | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

What is the best 2021 minivan model? 

a white 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid parked outside in front of a scenic forested area
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid | Chrysler/Stellantis

While saying which van is the best is pretty subjective, Consumer Guide isn’t the only publication to recommend the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. This 2021 minivan model also earned awards from others like CarBuzz and Cars.com. In fact, on Chrysler’s website, there’s a banner that names it the “most awarded minivan five years in a row.”

It’s no secret that the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is one of the best family vehicles on the market. The current model offers new available features like the “fam cam,” which allows the driver to see several different angles of the back seats. 

Here’s what the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is up against

A red 2021 Toyota Sienna parked outdoors
2021 Toyota Sienna | Toyota

This year, the Toyota Sienna is fully redesigned on a brand new platform that offers only a hybrid powertrain. The 2021 Toyota Sienna now offers all-wheel drive. In fact, it’s the only minivan with an available all-wheel-drive powertrain other than the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. According to Consumer Guide, the Sienna uses a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors. This generates up to 243 hp. 

In addition, the new Honda Odyssey got some subtle exterior enhancements and a few new details on the interior as well. The production of the Dodge Caravan is over, as the model is now discontinued. Soon, the Chrysler Pacifica will also come up against an all-new Kia minivan called the Kia Carnival

In addition to these, Chrysler’s budget van––the Voyager––gained available safety tech upgrades like automatic emergency braking. The 2021 Ford Transit Connect family wagon is the standing underdog in the minivan segment. It offers both 5 and 7 passenger configurations.

All of these minivans have their own specific appeal. Although the segment isn’t very large,there is at least some variety. The individual quality of each minivan is part of the reason it’s difficult to say which one is best. In fact, I had the privilege of driving the 2021 Toyota Sienna, 2021 Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Pacifica (both gas and hybrid powertrains) back to back at the Texas Auto Roundup. 

2021 Honda Odyssey driving in an urban area
2021 Honda Odyssey | Honda

It’s hard to say which one is the best––even with the opportunity to compare them so closely. However, I can say that I understand why the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica keeps winning awards. 

“The Pacifica offers class-leading horsepower, excellent road manners and ride quality, and an unmatched array of family-friendly features…all wrapped up in a stylish package.”

Consumer Guide

The Consumer Guide ‘Best Buy’ badge 

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica earned the ‘Best Buy’ badge from Consumer Guide for its “class-leading” 287-hp 3.6 liter V6 combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This minivan is commended for its cabin comfort and quality of handling. Plus, Consumer Guide conveys that the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has “unmatched” options in terms of family-oriented available features.