Future of the Minivan Segment
I’m curious what people realistically think the timeline is for mainstream plug-in hybrid or fully electric minivans in the US market.
Right now it feels like minivan buyers get left behind when it comes to newer drivetrains and tech, even though minivans are arguably one of the most practical vehicle types for families.
The current options seem limited:
- Toyota Sienna is hybrid-only
- Kia Carnival just got a hybrid
- Honda Odyssey is still gas-only
- Chrysler Pacifica PHEV pulled (and poor reputation for reliability anyways)
- VW ID. Buzz is/was interesting but very expensive and honestly not for everyone stylistically
Do people think by around 2028–2029 we’ll start seeing:
- Toyota Sienna Prime / PHEV
- Kia Carnival PHEV or EV
Or do manufacturers just think the minivan market is too small to prioritize? They can basically charge what they want and give technology that’s a decade old.