SUVs have taken over American roads, with minivans falling into obscurity. They used to dominate the roads for their extra space and practicality, but many customers now want a higher driving position and a car that’s capable of doing some light adventuring.
All-wheel-drive minivans can provide a lot of versatility that SUVs offer but with more usable space in the cabin thanks to a shape that maximizes every dimension. With their improved traction, they can handle tricky conditions better than their FWD counterparts, giving you confidence that you’re safe when the going gets tough. There aren’t many minivans with AWD in 2026, but here’s the best of the bunch.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
1
Chrysler Pacifica
Base Trim Engine
3.6L Pentastar V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
TorqueFlite 9-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
287 HP @6400 RPM
Base Trim Torque
262 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
19/28/22 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
2026 Chrysler Pacifica Specs
Engine
3.6L V6
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Power
287 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
Maximum cargo space
140.5 cubic feet
Fuel efficiency (city/highway/combined)
17/25/20 mpg
Chrysler has quietly gone along making minivans that are comfortable and spacious. The Pacifica is the more expensive of the two models, which are essentially the exact same car with different trim levels. As standard, the 3.6L V6 sends power to only the front wheels, but AWD can be optioned into any of the three trims for about an extra $3,000. Towing capacity is 3,600 lbs. AWD minivans offer versatility not just in how they drive and their grip, but also the space they provide.
Inside the Pacifica, there’s 140.5 cubic feet of space with all the seats folded, and when you fold the rear two rows flat, it can easily become a van that you can transport big flat goods in. Even if you have all the seats up, there’s still 32.3 cubic feet of space, which is seriously impressive and great for a big family road trip. Speaking of road trips, those who want to take long journeys will prefer the PHEV version, but you’d be giving up all-wheel-drive and some power.
A minivan doesn’t have to be any less comfortable than its SUV counterpart, either, and the Pacifica is comfortable whatever row you’re sat in. There’s 39 inches of legroom in the second row, and 36.5 in the rearmost spaces. As standard, there’s rear HVAC controls, heated seats in the front, and blindspot detection warning. If you spend a little more, you can even get rear heated seats, a 19-speaker setup and captain’s chairs in the second row.
While we’ve only driven the hybrid model, we can say that the interior storage was generous and the rear seats comfortable. The 360-degree camera works great, and so does the interior camera which lets you see the kids in the back of the vehicle. It’s a competent family car that’ll slip right into your routine and have AWD capability when you need it.
Related
Best Hybrid Minivans Of 2026
These vehicles combine impressive versatility with great efficiency.
2
Toyota Sienna
Base Trim Engine
2.5L Dynamic Force I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
CVTi-S CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
245 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
176 lb.-ft. @ 4400 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
36/36/36 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
2026 Toyota Sienna Specs
Engine
2.5L hybrid 4-cylinder
Transmission
CVT
Power
245 hp
Torque
TBA
Maximum cargo space
101.0 cubic feet
Fuel efficiency (city/highway/combined)
34/36/35 mpg
The Toyota Sienna makes great use of the available space with features you might not find in other family cars. That includes a vacuum cleaner and a fridge, which will make family life with young kids much easier to manage. While there’s less total cubic feet of space for cargo, it has more space in the furthest back row on this list. There’s 38.7 inches of legroom, and with 33.5 cubes in the trunk with all the seats up, adults and all their things can easily fit in this 4-wheel-drive minivan.
Space isn’t the only good thing about this minivan, either, as there’s an engine under the hood that’ll save you money long-term. Its hybrid assistance means you get 35 combined mpg and a 630-mile range. Luckily, going for the AWD option doesn’t hurt fuel economy too much, so you can enjoy great fuel mileage without worrying about grip. There might not be a need for speed in this minivan, but you don’t need much more than it gives you. The way it delivers power through the CVT is smooth and refined, and that’s all we want in this family car.
Inside, the refinement continues. The sliding doors are powered, the second row can be switched for captain’s chairs, and with seven USB ports around the cabin, everyone is equipped for a long drive. If you’re serious about showing off the AWD potential of this minivan, the Woodland edition is the one for you. This trim comes with increased ground clearance, Woodland themes inside, and 1500W-capable power outlets for when you’re camping. It might not be as capable as a seven-seat SUV, but it’s enough for the vast majority of people.
Overall, the Senna might not have the space capabilities of the Pacifica, but it does have features on its side. You’ll be getting a much more modern powertrain with far better MPG figures (saving you money in the long term) and the knowledge that Toyota is one of the leading brands for reliability in the US. The Woodland is also the beast AWD minivan if you’re doing some camping and light trail driving.
Related
Do Americans Finally Think The Minivan Is Cool Again?
Buyers are clearly looking for value and rising minivan sales show where to find them.
Characteristics Of All-Wheel-Drive Minivan Cars
This is a very niche segment, so you can expect most of the remaining all-wheel-drive minivans to share many of their characteristics. These include:
- Superior levels of passenger and cargo capacity
- Easy to drive thanks to their sturdy grip
- All-weather driving capabilities for mud and snow
- Equipped with loads of comfort and entertainment features
- Safe, making them ideal family vehicles
Related
Best Hybrid Minivans Of 2026
These vehicles combine impressive versatility with great efficiency.
What To Consider When Buying Minivans With AWD
The US automotive market offers buyers a wide choice of models and body styles, so why should you pick one of the more obscure ones, like an all-wheel-drive van? These are some factors to consider.
Pros
- Easy to drive with added grip
- Very comfortable ride quality
- Spacious and well-appointed cabins
- Standard 3-row seating configurations with 7- or 8-seater setups
- Long list of standard features, especially safety tech
Cons
- Subpar mpg figures
- Can be difficult to reach third-row seats
- Less off-roading capabilities
- Limited options in this segment
Related
The Most Reliable Used Minivan For Families On A Tight Budget
If you have a family and are looking for a reliable minivan from the mid-2000s, this is the best choice on the market.
What are the best minivans with AWD?
There are only a few minivans still for sale in the US, and of those, only three can be had with AWD. The Chrysler Pacifica is the clear winner as the more premium and comfortable option, though it can get pricey if you want the best it has to offer. The Toyota Sienna and VW ID.Buzz are two of the other best AWD minivans.
Do minivans with AWD get good mileage?
Generally speaking, no. Minivans are quite heavy, and adding AWD only compounds this issue. As such, their fuel economy takes a hit.
Are AWD minivans reliable?
The Chrysler Pacifica scores very high reliability ratings, which is not surprising for vehicles specifically designed to endure the wear and tear of family life.
Sources: Chrysler, Toyota
