24 Underrated Minivans with Surprisingly Powerful Engines

When it comes to minivans, most people think of spacious interiors and family-friendly features, not powerful engines. However, there are some underrated minivans out there that pack a surprising punch under the hood. In this article, we’ll explore 25 minivans that combine practicality with impressive engine performance, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice power for convenience.

Honda Odyssey

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The Honda Odyssey is a family favorite known for its reliability and spacious interior. What sets it apart is its powerful 3.5L V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower. This minivan offers a smooth ride, strong acceleration, and the ability to handle highway driving with ease. Additionally, its advanced safety features and comfortable seating for up to eight make it a top choice for those seeking both power and practicality.

Toyota Sienna

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The Toyota Sienna stands out with its robust 3.5L V6 engine producing 296 horsepower. This power allows for confident merging and passing on highways, making long trips more enjoyable. Coupled with its all-wheel-drive option, the Sienna is a versatile and reliable minivan that doesn’t compromise on performance. Its spacious interior and advanced technology features further enhance its appeal.

Chrysler Pacifica

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Chrysler Pacifica’s 3.6L V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower, makes it a powerful contender in the minivan market. Known for its luxurious interior and smooth ride, the Pacifica combines power with refinement. It offers excellent handling and acceleration, making it a pleasure to drive. The Pacifica also boasts a hybrid option, providing an eco-friendly choice without sacrificing performance.

Kia Carnival

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The Kia Carnival impresses with its 3.5L V6 engine, offering 290 horsepower. This minivan provides a powerful driving experience with a refined and quiet cabin. Its stylish design, advanced safety features, and ample cargo space make it a practical yet powerful choice for families. The Carnival’s strong engine ensures it can handle heavy loads and long trips effortlessly.

Dodge Grand Caravan

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The Dodge Grand Caravan may be an older model, but its 3.6L V6 engine with 283 horsepower still packs a punch. Known for its durability and spacious interior, the Grand Caravan is a reliable workhorse. Its Stow ’n Go seating system adds versatility, making it a practical choice for those needing a powerful and adaptable minivan.

Nissan Quest

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The Nissan Quest features a 3.5L V6 engine with 260 horsepower, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. Its unique design and comfortable interior make it a standout in the minivan market. The Quest’s strong engine ensures it can handle everyday driving demands with ease, offering a blend of performance and practicality.

Mazda5

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Though smaller than traditional minivans, the Mazda5’s 2.5L I4 engine delivers 157 horsepower, offering a zippy and agile driving experience. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver, while still providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The Mazda5 is perfect for those seeking a smaller minivan with a surprising amount of power.

Volkswagen Routan

Volkswagen Routan
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The Volkswagen Routan, equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine producing 283 horsepower, offers a powerful and smooth ride. Its refined interior and advanced features make it a comfortable choice for families. The Routan combines the practicality of a minivan with the driving dynamics of a Volkswagen, ensuring a pleasurable driving experience.

Chevrolet Uplander

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The Chevrolet Uplander’s 3.9L V6 engine, delivering 240 horsepower, provides robust performance for a minivan. Its solid build and spacious interior make it a reliable choice for families and those needing a versatile vehicle. The Uplander’s strong engine ensures it can handle heavy loads and long journeys with ease.

Ford Flex

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The Ford Flex, with its 3.5L V6 engine producing 287 horsepower, offers a unique blend of SUV and minivan qualities. Its boxy design provides ample interior space, while its powerful engine ensures a smooth and capable driving experience. The Flex is perfect for those seeking a versatile vehicle with strong performance capabilities.

Pontiac Montana

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The Pontiac Montana, equipped with a 3.9L V6 engine delivering 240 horsepower, offers a robust and reliable performance. Its versatile interior and advanced safety features make it a practical choice for families. The Montana’s strong engine ensures it can handle heavy loads and long trips effortlessly.

Hyundai Entourage

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The Hyundai Entourage’s 3.8L V6 engine, producing 250 horsepower, provides a powerful and smooth driving experience. Its spacious interior and advanced features make it a comfortable choice for families. The Entourage combines practicality with performance, making it a reliable and powerful minivan option.

Buick Terraza

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The Buick Terraza’s 3.9L V6 engine, delivering 240 horsepower, provides a robust performance for a minivan. Its refined interior and advanced features make it a comfortable and stylish choice. The Terraza’s strong engine ensures it can handle everyday driving demands with ease, offering a blend of power and luxury.

Oldsmobile Silhouette

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The Oldsmobile Silhouette’s 3.4L V6 engine, offering 185 horsepower, provides a reliable and capable performance. Its spacious interior and comfortable seating make it a practical choice for families. The Silhouette’s engine ensures it can handle everyday driving demands, offering a dependable minivan option.

Saturn Relay

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The Saturn Relay’s 3.9L V6 engine, delivering 240 horsepower, offers a robust and reliable performance. Its versatile interior and advanced features make it a practical choice for families. The Relay’s strong engine ensures it can handle heavy loads and long trips effortlessly.

Chrysler Town & Country

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The Chrysler Town & Country, with its 3.6L V6 engine producing 283 horsepower, offers a powerful and smooth ride. Its luxurious interior and advanced features make it a comfortable choice for families. The Town & Country combines power with refinement, making it a top choice for those seeking both performance and practicality.

GMC Safari

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The GMC Safari’s 4.3L V6 engine, delivering 190 horsepower, provides a strong and reliable performance. Its solid build and spacious interior make it a practical choice for families and those needing a versatile vehicle. The Safari’s powerful engine ensures it can handle heavy loads and long journeys with ease.

Chevrolet Astro

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The Chevrolet Astro, equipped with a 4.3L V6 engine producing 190 horsepower, offers a robust and reliable performance. Its spacious interior and solid build make it a practical choice for families. The Astro’s strong engine ensures it can handle heavy loads and long trips effortlessly.

Renault Espace

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The Renault Espace’s 3.5L V6 engine, delivering 240 horsepower, provides a smooth and powerful driving experience. Its unique design and comfortable interior make it a standout in the minivan market. The Espace’s strong engine ensures it can handle everyday driving demands with ease, offering a blend of performance and practicality.

Peugeot 807

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The Peugeot 807’s 3.0L V6 engine, offering 204 horsepower, provides a reliable and capable performance. Its spacious interior and advanced features make it a practical choice for families. The 807’s engine ensures it can handle everyday driving demands, offering a dependable minivan option.

Citroën C8

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The Citroën C8’s 3.0L V6 engine, delivering 204 horsepower, offers a robust and reliable performance. Its versatile interior and advanced features make it a practical choice for families. The C8’s strong engine ensures it can handle heavy loads and long trips effortlessly.

Fiat Ulysse

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The Fiat Ulysse’s 3.0L V6 engine, producing 201 horsepower, provides a powerful and smooth driving experience. Its spacious interior and advanced features make it a comfortable choice for families. The Ulysse combines practicality with performance, making it a reliable and powerful minivan option.

Lancia Phedra

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The Lancia Phedra’s 3.0L V6 engine, offering 204 horsepower, provides a smooth and powerful driving experience. Its refined interior and advanced features make it a stylish and comfortable choice. The Phedra’s strong engine ensures it can handle everyday driving demands with ease, offering a blend of power and luxury.

Ford Galaxy

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The Ford Galaxy’s 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engine, delivering 237 horsepower, offers a surprisingly powerful performance for a minivan. Its spacious interior and advanced features make it a practical choice for families. The Galaxy combines power with efficiency, making it a top choice for those seeking a versatile and capable minivan.

This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.

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Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

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