October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Best Minivans of 2023: Which One Fits Your Family?

The Pacifica, Sienna, Carnival and Odyssey each suit different needs. Compare their cargo flexibility, efficiency, drivetrain choices and IIHS results.
Entry565 Date Time5 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For 2023, the Chrysler Pacifica is a strong pick if flexible cargo space matters most; the Toyota Sienna stands out for fuel economy and available all-wheel drive; and the Kia Carnival offers a powerful V6 and more stated cargo volume than the Sienna in Toyota’s comparison. The Honda Odyssey is another practical family choice. There is no universal winner: compare the specific van’s configuration and condition, and consider the IIHS rear-seat test results before choosing.

How the 2023 minivans compare

Car and Driver’s 2023-model-year editorial ranking put the Pacifica first, followed by the Carnival, Odyssey, and Sienna. Its scores were editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements or a recommendation for today’s used market.

Model Car and Driver ranking and score Powertrain and fuel-economy details IIHS award and rear-seat findings
Chrysler Pacifica 1st; 9.5/10 Car and Driver listed 20–30 mpg combined across the page’s EPA range, depending on configuration. 2023–24 Top Safety Pick; marginal in IIHS’s 2023 updated moderate-overlap test.
Kia Carnival 2nd; 9/10 Toyota’s comparison lists a 3.5-liter V6 with up to 290 hp and 262 lb-ft, and 22 mpg combined. No award listed on the cited IIHS award page; marginal in the 2023 updated moderate-overlap test.
Honda Odyssey 3rd; 9/10 Toyota’s comparison lists 19 mpg city, 28 highway, and 22 combined; no hybrid or AWD option. 2023–24 Top Safety Pick+; poor in the 2023 updated moderate-overlap test.
Toyota Sienna 4th; 8/10 Hybrid-only. Toyota lists 36 mpg combined for FWD models and available AWD. 2023–24 Top Safety Pick+; marginal in the 2023 test, with a component rating updated under 2024 methodology.

Sources: Car and Driver’s 2023 ranking; IIHS 2023 award list; IIHS rear-seat test release; Toyota’s 2023 Sienna and Odyssey comparison.

Which 2023 minivan suits your priorities?

Chrysler Pacifica: flexible seating and cargo access

Car and Driver highlighted the Pacifica’s standard Stow ’n Go second-row seating for drivers who frequently switch between passenger and cargo needs. Its page listed a configuration-dependent range of 20–30 mpg combined. IIHS awarded the 2023–24 Pacifica Top Safety Pick, but its separate updated moderate-overlap test rated the van marginal overall, including marginal rear-chest and rear-restraint/kinematics components. IIHS also rated its seat-belt reminders marginal. The award and these specific results address different measures and should be considered together.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
BDTCTK 1:24 Sienna MPV Car Model, Pull Back Diecast Toy Car with Sounds&Lights for Kids Boys Girls and Adults, Gift White.
  • High-quality toy car: Package size: 8.6×3.7×2.9 in. package weight: 1.3 pounds. Suitable for playing.
  • Exquisite design: Four doors can be opened. The hood and Tailgate can also be opened. Made of zinc alloy, plastic and electronics. Safe material. This model car has detailed interior and exterior. Wheels simulates shock absorption.
  • Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
  • Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
  • Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.

Kia Carnival: V6 output and generous stated cargo room

Car and Driver placed the Carnival second, noting its refined powertrain and comfortable, well-equipped cabin. Toyota’s 2023 comparison lists the 3.5-liter V6 at up to 290 hp and 262 lb-ft, with 22 mpg combined. In that comparison, cargo volume is 40.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 145.1 cubic feet with the rear seating folded. IIHS rated the Carnival marginal in the 2023 updated moderate-overlap test and acceptable for seat-belt reminders. These findings apply to the evaluated model year, not automatically to later Carnivals.

Honda Odyssey: a practical family-oriented option

Car and Driver ranked the Odyssey third and described it as practical for family errands and road trips. Toyota’s comparison lists 19 mpg city, 28 highway, and 22 combined, and says the 2023 Odyssey has neither a hybrid offering nor an AWD option. IIHS lists the 2023–24 Odyssey as a Top Safety Pick+, while its 2023 rear-seat-focused moderate-overlap result was poor overall. The separate seat-belt reminder evaluation was also poor; these are distinct evaluation systems.

Rank #2
BDTCTK 1:24 Compatible for Sienna MPV Car Model, Pull Back Diecast Toy Car with Sounds&Lights for Kids Boys Girls and Adults, Gift Black.
  • High-quality toy car: Package size: 8.6×3.7×2.9 in. package weight: 1.3 pounds. Suitable for playing.
  • Exquisite design: Four doors can be opened. The hood and Tailgate can also be opened. Made of zinc alloy, plastic and electronics. Safe material. This model car has detailed interior and exterior. Wheels simulates shock absorption.
  • Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
  • Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
  • Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.

Toyota Sienna: efficiency, with AWD available

The Sienna is hybrid-only, and Toyota lists FWD models at an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined with AWD available. Toyota’s comparison with the Odyssey lists the Sienna at 245 hp; a separate Toyota comparison with the Carnival gives cargo capacity of up to 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 101 cubic feet with the rear seating folded. Those cargo figures are for the compared configurations, so check the exact vehicle and seating arrangement. Although Car and Driver ranked it fourth, IIHS named the 2023–24 Sienna a Top Safety Pick+ and rated its seat-belt reminders good—the only one of the four in IIHS’s 2023 evaluation to earn that rating and have second-row reminders.

What the safety ratings do—and do not—tell you

IIHS’s 2023 awards page lists the Pacifica as a Top Safety Pick and the Odyssey and Sienna as Top Safety Pick+ winners for the 2023–24 model years. The displayed 2023 Top Safety Pick+ criteria include good results in specified front crash tests and updated side testing, acceptable or good standard headlights, and advanced or superior daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention. An award summarizes performance against defined criteria; it does not replace reviewing individual test results.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
BDTCTK 1:24 Compatible for Sienna MPV Car Model, Pull Back Diecast Toy Car with Sounds&Lights for Kids Boys Girls and Adults, Gift Green.
  • High-quality toy car: Package size: 8.6×3.7×2.9 in. package weight: 1.3 pounds. Suitable for playing.
  • Exquisite design: Four doors can be opened. The hood and Tailgate can also be opened. Made of zinc alloy, plastic and electronics. Safe material. This model car has detailed interior and exterior. Wheels simulates shock absorption.
  • Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
  • Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
  • Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.

In a September 19, 2023 release, IIHS said none of the four tested minivans earned an acceptable or good rating in its updated moderate-overlap front test, which emphasizes protection for back-seat passengers. Overall, Pacifica, Carnival, and Sienna were rated marginal; Odyssey was rated poor. IIHS later noted that under its 2024 methodology, the Sienna’s passenger-vehicle chest component changed from marginal to acceptable. Consult the current IIHS rating for the latest interpretation. IIHS says the test rating does not apply to children properly secured in child safety seats, and that the back seat remains the safest place for children because front airbags can injure them.

Seat-belt reminder ratings are another separate measure: IIHS rated the 2023 Sienna good, Carnival acceptable, Pacifica marginal, and Odyssey poor. A reminder rating is not the same as crash-test performance or an overall award.

Rank #4
Model Car 1/24 Alloy Pull Back Car Toy with Light and Sound, Gift Black
  • Product size:3.74*7.87*3.14inch,package weight:1.19prounds,outer packing: exquisite color translucent packaging box.
  • High Quality Alloy Model Cars:The car is made of zinc alloy, plastic parts, rubber tires. detailed interior and exterior decoration
  • Full-Featured Car Toy:The doors, the hood and the trunk can be opened. Press the two wheels of the front car to trigger the engine sound and lights. Open the door can also trigger it.
  • Awesome Gift: The car toy is perfect for birthdays, Christmas gifts, party and cake decorations. It can be a valuable reward gift for kids. It is also good for model car collectors.
  • Interesting pull back car: Put the car on the ground, press and hold the car body, then pull back, it will drive forward. Very funny.

Sources: IIHS award list; IIHS September 19, 2023 rear-seat test release; IIHS February 2, 2023 seat-belt reminder evaluation.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to choose among used 2023 examples

Published rankings and model-level comparisons cannot tell you whether a particular used van is a good buy. The cited sources do not establish current used prices, local inventory, reliability rates on a common methodology, or the condition of individual vehicles. Compare actual listings and verify the details that affect your family and budget.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
BHYDRY 1:24 Diecast Model Car Toy with Sound and Light, Kids Age 3+ (White)
  • 【Product size】: 3.94*9.57*4.6 inches, outer packaging: exquisite color translucent box.
  • 【Material】: Die-cast car model, made of zinc alloy, with plastic parts, rubber tires, detailed interior and exterior decoration.
  • 【Function】: Four doors, hood, trunk can be opened, press the two wheels of the car in front to trigger the sound of the engine and headlights; put the car on a flat surface, press the body and pull it back, the car will move forward about 10 meters. (Pullback function); sunroof is visible, and the interior details are real.
  • 【Suitable for Birthday and Holiday Gifts】: Very sturdy, fine workmanship, cool toy car, suitable for birthday gifts and Christmas gifts for boys and girls over 3 years old. This 1/24 model pullback bike is well painted, feels great in the hand and feels heavy to hold. It is also very suitable for car model lovers as decoration.
  • 【100% Service Guarantee】: Provide 100% satisfactory after-sales service, return within 30 days, and after-sales service for one year.
  • Confirm the trim, drivetrain, seating configuration, and installed options; equipment can vary by vehicle.
  • Review the vehicle history, recall status, maintenance records, mileage, and physical condition.
  • Try your child seats in the exact vehicle and check access to the rows your family will use.
  • Compare current local asking prices for vehicles with similar trim, mileage, history, and condition rather than relying on original model-year starting prices.
  • Estimate fuel costs using the exact vehicle’s EPA configuration and your expected driving; Toyota’s published comparisons are manufacturer figures, not a substitute for checking the vehicle’s precise rating.

If cargo flexibility is your first concern, look closely at how the Pacifica’s second row folds and stows. If fuel economy or AWD matters more, compare the Sienna’s exact configuration with the alternatives. For maximum stated cargo volume in Toyota’s Sienna-Carnival comparison, the Carnival leads—but seating position and which seats are folded will determine what fits in practice.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.