10 Minivans with the Most Cargo Space

Minivans are exceptional at hauling families with lots of gear. With reconfigurable and stowable seats, it’s become even more convenient to pack the cabin with kids and cargo, while maintaining the highest levels of comfort. While the popularity of the minivan class waned from the glory days at the turn of the century when 1.25 million units were sold, brilliant new designs are bringing families back to the showroom. Today’s minivans are remarkably capable and packed with creature comforts.

The market has never been more diverse. Our list of minivan cargo capacities provides comparative data on conventional minivans like the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey, as well as the passenger van versions of the Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster City, and Mercedes-Benz Metris vans.

The Pacifica replaced the Town & Country in the Chrysler lineup for 2017 and set a new benchmark for minivan convenience and luxury. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is offered in half-a-dozen trim levels: LX ($28,995); Touring ($30,995); Touring Plus ($32,360); Touring L ($34,995); Touring L Plus ($38,295); and the top-of-the-line Limited ($42,895). It offers 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 87.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The cargo width at the wheelhouse is 48.8 inches, the maximum cargo height is 47.6 inches, and the lift over height is 24.3 inches. Chrysler’s famous Stow ’n Go seats are standard on all models, with in-floor bins that provide additional storage space.

Want to ferry the kids from school to the athletic fields without burning a drop of gasoline? The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient minivan on the market, with an EPA fuel economy estimate of 84 MPGe and 33 miles of all electric range. It offers the same amount of cargo space as the conventional Pacifica, with 32.3 cubic feet of cargo area behind the third-row seats, 87.5 cubic feet of cargo area behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is offered in two trim levels: Premium ($41,995) and Platinum ($44,995). The second row Stow ’n Go seats are not available; the underfloor space has been devoted to the lithium ion battery packs.

The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is defying the odds as the fastest selling minivan in America over the first six months of 2017, despite Fiat Chrysler’s prior stated plans to discontinue the model. Four trim levels are offered: SE ($25,995); SE Plus ($28,695); SXT ($31,395); and GT ($34,395). It provides 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 78.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 140.3 cubic feet behind the first row. The cargo area provides a 48.8-inch cargo width at the wheel houses and a maximum cargo height of 46.16 inches. Stow ’n Go seating and storage are standard on all models. The Grand Caravan is the only conventional minivan to offer FlexFuel capability.

The 2018 Honda Odyssey raises the bar with a thorough redesign for the new model year. Five trim levels are offered: LX ($29,990); EX ($33,860); EX-L ($37,360); Touring ($44,510); and the fully-equipped Elite ($46,670). The Odyssey rides on an 118.1-inch wheel base and provides 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 88.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, and 144.9 cubic feet behind the first row. The unique Magic Slide second-row seats (in the Odyssey EX and above) provide the highest level of interior flexibility, whether you’re loading people or cargo. An integrated HondaVac (included with the Odyssey Touring and Elite) makes it a snap to clean up the cargo space.

The Nissan Quest was the slowest selling minivan in America in 2016 and subsequently was not offered as a 2017 model. However, you may find 2016 models on dealer lots at a substantial discount. The 2016 Nissan Quest provides 37.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats (including under-floor luggage area), 63.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, 108.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. While Nissan suggests the NV Passenger Van, Armada, and Pathfinder as potential replacements, none of these vehicles fit the minivan mold.

Sienna was the best selling minivan in America in 2016, edging out the ever-popular Dodge Grand Caravan. The 2017 Toyota Sienna offers 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats,  87.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, 117.8 cubic feet with the second row folded (and in forward position), and 150.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna is the only minivan offered with all-wheel drive. It had a modest facelift in 2015. Mechanical updates in 2017 include an 8-speed automatic transmission and a more powerful direct-injected engine. A refresh is due in 2018.

Sedona was redesigned for the 2015 model year. The 2017 Kia Sedona provides 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 78.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 142.0 cubic feet behind the first row. Slide-N-Stow second-row seats make it easy to load the cabin. Five models are offered: L ($26,900); LX ($28,900); EX ($33,600); SX ($36,900); and SXL ($41,900). The top-of-the-line Sedona SXL is like a living room on wheels when equipped with the optional second-row lounge seats which feature adjustable lower-leg support. One caveat: while the cabin is nicely appointed, fuel economy lags the field. 

The 2017 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon is offered in short- and long-wheelbase configurations, starting at $25,695. The short-wheelbase (104.8 inches) two-row Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon offers 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 77.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The long-wheelbase (120.6 inches) three-row Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon offers 15.7 - 19.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 104.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. The cargo width between wheelhouses is 46.9 inches, and the maximum cargo height is 48.7 inches. There are three trim levels (XL, XLT, and Titanium). FlexFuel capability is available.

The 2017 RAM ProMaster City Passenger Wagon is sold as the Fiat Doblò overseas and was introduced to America in the 2015 model year. It offers 54.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, 69.2 cubic feet with the second row folded, and 101.7 cubic feet behind the first row. The cargo width at the wheel wells is 48.4 inches, the maximum cargo width is 57.6 inches, the maximum cargo height is 48.7 inches, and the load floor height is 23.8 inches. Two trim levels are offered. Unlike the Ford Transit Connect, the ProMaster City Passenger Wagon is only offered in a single wheelbase (122.4 inches). There are two trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $24,595 for the base model and $26,220 for the SLT.

The three row Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van arrived on American shores in the 2016 model year. It’s offered in eight-seat ($32,900) and seven-seat Worker ($29,995) configurations, with a 126-inch wheelbase. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris provides 38 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 97.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 186 cubic feet behind the first row (Cargo Van spec). The cargo width at the wheel wells is 47.4 inches, the maximum cargo width is 61.1 inches, and the maximum cargo height is 52.4 inches. Split 180-degree rear doors are standard, and a rear lift gate door is a $465 option. Electric-sliding side doors are available for an additional $1,250.