Throughout the years of automotive manufacturing the minivan has undergone a distinctive metamorphosis. Minivans of past days were shapeless machines designed with one thing in mind: hauling people. Safety was not a concern. But today’s 8 passenger minivan is a different story.
Their unique and varied designs, spacious interiors, and abundance of gadgets make them comfortable and convenient for families large and small. But despite the large number of minivans on the market, only two models have room for eight. All trims of the Honda Odyssey except for the LX automatic and the Toyota Sienna LE front-wheel drive, XLE V6 front-wheel drive, and SE V6 front-wheel drive have set themselves apart from the pack by having the most seating capacity of all minivans.
The 8 passenger minivan is a must for large families. It has the space to transport children, parents, pets, and supplies in an inviting abode.
The Toyota Sienna is the less expensive of the eight passenger minivans. It is not lacking in comforts or gadgets, though. It has a base manufacturer price of $26,145 while the highest priced 8-passenger version starts at $32,975.
The Sienna 8 passenger minivan comes standard with two sliding doors that can be powered as an option, 17-inch wheels, tinted rear windows, roof rails, AM-FM-CD-MP3 radio, air conditioning with three zones, eight cup holders, power locks and windows, keyless entry, ABS, stability control, traction control, rear parking sensor, tire pressure monitoring, engine immobilizer, and LED rear lighting.
Higher trim versions of the Sienna 8 passenger minivan include features such as XM satellite radio, fog lamps, power rear door, power moon roof, spoiler, backup camera, and tow package. Only front-wheel drive is available for Sienna minivans with 8 passenger capacity.
Fuel mileage for the Sienna ranges from 18 to 24. The Toyota Sienna is a sporty, family-friendly vehicle that will readily handle the varying loads of life from day to day.
The Honda Odyssey is the other of the two 8-passenger minivans. Along with the Sienna, it has been totally remade to comply better with consumers’ needs. The Odyssey is priced from $31,225 up to $43,525. Its fuel mileage is 18 to 27 miles a gallon.
Standard features include garage door opener, floor mats, rollover sensing, ABS, tire pressure monitor, power locks, power windows, power mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Other Odyssey models include features such as navigation system, leather steering wheel, seat position memory, heated front bucket seats, 12 speakers, power moon roof, power lift gate, fog lights, xenon headlamps, and 18-inch wheels.
Like the Sienna, the Odyssey is only made in front-wheel drive for the 8 passenger version. Both the Odyssey and the Sienna include a 36-month warranty and a 60-month powertrain warranty regardless of price or trim level.
Both the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna are great 8 passenger minivans.
Their abundant space, range of trim choices, luxurious interiors, and stunning designs make choosing between them a difficult decision. Both have the space, power, and features to make any trip—to the dentist, the store, the mall, the bank, the beach, or the mountains—memorable, comfortable, and safe.
The Odyssey is the pricier of the two, but with its added cost comes added benefits. The Sienna is not cheap on features or options. Both of these minivans are reliable, cozy, and well-designed machines prepared for the life minivans have followed since their inception.
Now to be clear, these vehicles are the only two minivans that are made with eight seats. All other minivans have room for five to seven. There are other full-sized vans that have many more than eight seats. So whether for work, play, or both, the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey are the perfect fit for the modern family.