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2020 Kia Sedona is on display at the 112th Annual Chicago Auto Show

These Safe Minivans Could Save Your Family Thousands

Minivans are famed family haulers. They have been carting American families around for decades. Not everyone likes their look, but you can’t argue with the phenomenal functionality of this segment. Sometimes, it’s nice to go back a few model years to buy a nice used minivan. For many families that are car-shopping for their next …

Minivans are famed family haulers. They have been carting American families around for decades. Not everyone likes their look, but you can’t argue with the phenomenal functionality of this segment. Sometimes, it’s nice to go back a few model years to buy a nice used minivan. For many families that are car-shopping for their next minivan, safety is a massive priority. What is the safest 2018 minivan you can buy?

black on black Toyota Sienna driving in a neighborhood
2020 Toyota Sienna Nightshade edition | Toyota Media

Used minivans

Buying a 2018 model year for minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, or Toyota Sienna could save you thousands. For example, a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica costs between $33,745 – $45,845––according to Consumer Reports. The 2018 model will cost thousands of dollars less at $19,075 – $27,900. That’s a huge chunk of change.

Plus, going back only a couple of years typically won’t cost you too many features. 2018 model years are typically pretty packed with tech and available features. In fact, buying the top trim model used minivan will often cost less than the lowest trim level of a brand new one. These are reasons compelling enough for most families to consider buying used instead of new.

What is the safest 2018 minivan?

U.S. News and World Report compiled a list of minivans from the 2018 model year. The list details how each minivan on the market at that time did in its safety tests. Crash test results from both the NHTSA and the IIHS were taken into account to decide the safest 2018 minivan. Interestingly enough, there was a tie.

silver Honda Odyssey at speed on a scenic road
2018 Honda Odyssey | Honda

2018 Kia Sedona

“The 2018 Kia Sedona studied hard and aced its tests.”

U.S. News and World Report

The 2018 Kia Sedona is a used minivan that scored the rating of Good in each of the five IIHS safety tests. In fact, the Sedona received a Top Safety Pick title. Additionally, it earned five out of five in three crash tests run by the NHTSA. In the rollover test, the 2018 Kia Sedona received a four out of five.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2018 model year for the Sedona runs between $18,700 – $27,600. The 2020 model, on the other hand, costs from $27,600 – $41,500. The savings seem astronomical when you look at the difference in those price tags. Though the 2018 Kia Sedona lacks a long list of standard safety features, there are plenty available. With the thousands leftover from all the savings of buying used instead of new, you can easily customize the Sedona to fit your needs.

the Kia Sedona parked in an urban area in front of a manmade body of water
Kia Sedona | Kia

Related: Can You Guess the Best Base Model 2020 Minivan?

The 2018 Honda Odyssey

“The redesigned 2018 Honda Odyssey’s excellent safety score contributed to it winning our 2018 Best Minivan for Families and 2018 Best Minivan for the Money awards.”

U.S. News and World Report

Of all six tests performed on the 2018 Honda Odyssey by the IIHS, the minivan received a top score of Good. This earned the two year old Odyssey a Top Safety Pick. Additionally, it earned five out of five stars from all the NHTSA tests except the rollover test. Like the Sedona, the 2018 Honda Odyssey got four out of five. This is a used minivan that rates very high in terms of safety.

Front view of Honda Odyssey minivan, Walnut Creek, California
The Honda Odyssey | Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

According to Consumer Reports, the 2018 model year for the Odyssey costs $19,325 – $29,075. A new 2020 model is priced from $30,790 – $47,420. Notably, any model up from the base model of the 2018 Honda Odyssey is equipped with Honda Sensing, which features things like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking––among a few other worthy safety features.

Save thousands buying used

Not only are these two minivans Top Safety Picks, they are also priced so much lower than their brand new 2020 twins. Buying a used minivan can save your family thousands. Plus, you won’t have to sacrifice on safety.

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