Minivans once dominated suburban landscapes in the 1980s, famously saving Chrysler from bankruptcy and becoming ubiquitous in school pickup lines with their convenient sliding doors. However, nearly all Americans eventually shifted to SUVs and pickup trucks, vehicles often less practical but perceived as much cooler. Now, minivans are making a comeback.
Minivan sales in Canada increased 34% in 2025 to 42,377 units, and U.S. sales rose 20% to 395,352 units. This marks the best year for minivans in Canada since 2020, and represents one of the strongest recoveries recorded by any segment recently.
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Chrysler Pacifica - a top-selling minivan in the U.S. Photo: Chrysler |
Price plays a significant role. Prices for large three-row SUVs have surged, with this segment seeing the largest average price increase in Canada in 2025, up 8%, according to an Auto News report.
Minivans offer greater flexibility, more usable space, and maintain a comfortable, elevated driving position. Additionally, these models feature clever functionalities designed by people who have actually loaded strollers, hockey gear, and flat-pack furniture without hassle.
Automakers are also redesigning minivans to appear more robust and modern. For example, the Kia Carnival is styled like a luxury SUV, while the Toyota Sienna draws inspiration from the Supra sports car.
The Chrysler Pacifica, despite being an older model due for an upgrade, remains a strong seller, with 110,006 units sold in the U.S. Stellantis sold 16,688 units in Canada across its Pacifica and Grand Caravan lines.
The Toyota Sienna leads the Canadian market with 15,218 units sold and saw a 35% increase in the U.S. to 101,486 units.
However, it's not just families returning to minivans. Gig economy drivers are adopting vans for deliveries, while older buyers and grandparents appreciate them for long road trips. Toyota also reports a growing number of people choosing the Sienna for outdoor adventures: folding the seats flat creates a convenient mobile living space.
As more buyers recognize the practicality of minivans in real life, this segment's quiet revival appears less like a temporary trend and more like a long overdue, practical reassessment.
My Anh
