2022 Lemon Aid New Car Reviews - Minivans

2022 Chrysler Grand Caravan   NOT RATED     What’s new The Grand Caravan is available in a single, comprehensively-equipped SXT trim. Comments The Grand Caravan is powered by FCA's ubiquitous 3.6L-V6 that sends power to the front wheels via a nine-speed conventional automatic transmission. Chrysler shifted 2714 Grand Caravans last year, small numbers compared with those of the popularly-priced Dodge-branded version of the same nameplate. Towing is not recommended but the manufacturer.  Pricing The SXT, the sole trim offered, with a power driver's seat, alloy wheels, dual power sliding doors, a power tailgate, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and an alarm system, is very well equipped. The sole option is the Safetytec Group, which adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, forward collision warning, including pedestrians, autonomous emergency braking, rear parking sonar, navigation, and a number of minor features, for just  $1495. Reliability New model. Not rated. The Pacifica it is based on is reliable for the first few years, deteriorating after that.   Specifications Body Style:  4SW Occupants:  2/2/3 Engines: 3.6L-V6 (287 HP)  Transmissions: 9A  Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive City Fuel Economy:  12.4L/100 km Highway Fuel Economy:  8.4L/100 km Active Safety Features:  Forward collision warning, including pedestrians, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000 Current Generation Debut:  2021 Country of Origin:  Canada IIHS Ratings: Sm. Front Driver: NR Mod. Front: NR Side: NR Roof: NR Sm. Front Pass: NR Head/Seat: NR Headlight: NR   NHTSA Rating:

2022 Chrysler Pacifica   What's New Numerous minor trim and equipment changes, including the Limited replacing the Touring L trim. The Pinnacle range-topper is now equipped with a trailer package. Performance The Pacifica delivers a surprising amount of driving pleasure for a vehicle in this category. The 3.6L V6 accelerates with verve and is nicely mated to its nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pacifica's ride-handling compromise is near ideal for a family hauler, but its steering is precise and its brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The hybrid model is quicker and quieter than the conventional model as well as being more economical. The 16 kWh battery pack can propel the Pacifica up to 50 kilometres in full electric mode and can be recharged in as little as two and a half hours. Fuel economy of eight to ten litres per 100 kilometres once the battery pack has been depleted is quite parsimonious for such a large vehicle. Comments The Pacifica was expected to eventually supplant the Grand Caravan and in a sense did as a decontented Pacifica is noe sold as a Grand Caravan. The Pacifica moved away from typically minivan proportions toward something sleeker and more sporting than its predecessor or the plethora of three-row crossover vehicles potential buyers might also consider. The range-topping model has a very elegant, luxuriously appointed interior. Most Pacificas will be powered by a 3.6L V6 sending power to the front wheels via a nine-speed automatic but the hybrid powertrain has proved popular in jurisdictions with government rebates for PHEV vehicles. Towing capacity is not recommended on the hybrid and 1633 kilograms (3600 lbs.) on the conventional V6 model. With 4513 units sold in Canada last year, the Pacifica sold in roughly the same numbers as the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival.   Pricing  With the advent of the entry-level Grand Caravan, the Pacifica has moved upmarket and is now very nicely equipped. With sliding, power doors, heated steering wheel and front seats, leather upholstery, self parking and parking sonar, the Touring-L is very well equipped. The Limited adds a dual-panel sunroof, ventilated front seats, Nappa leather and a Harmon-Kardon audio system, but is overpriced. The Pinnacle trim adds an entertainment system, the FamCam and a trailering package, and is reasonably priced. All-wheel drive costs an $3700 more than a conventional model of the same trim. PHEV: There is no inherent logic in the pricing of the hybrid which is, in the Limited and Pinnacle trims, less expensive than the conventional variants. Pacifica hybrid buyers can access a $5000 rebate from the federal government, $8000 from Quebec and $1500 from British Columbia.    Reliability Reliability is slightly below average. The Pacifica exibited some issues during the first three years or production but it seems to have settled down more recently. Though very expensive, an extended warranty may be a prudent idea if you plan to keep the van past the three year/60,000 basic warranty.     Specifications Body Style:  4SW Occupants:  2/2/3, 2 3 3 Engines: 3.6L-V6 (287 HP)*, 3.6L-V6 H (260 HP combined)  Transmissions: 9A*, E-CVT  Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive* City Fuel Economy:  14.1L/100 km Highway Fuel Economy: 9.4L/100 km Active Safety Features: Optional forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot, rear cross traffic and lane departure warnings, a lane keep assist system and adaptive cruise control with stop and go Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000  Current Generation Debut:  2017 Country of Origin:  Canada IIHS Ratings: Sm. Front Driver: G Mod. Front: G Side: G Roof: G Sm. Front Pass.: G Head/Seat: G Headlight: A   NHTSA Rating:

2023 Honda Odyssey   What's new The 2023 Odyssey was quietly released in the spring of 2022. Trim lines and equipment have been revised, including a standard rear entertainment system and a Black Edition trim package.   Performance Tested in Touring trim, Honda's V6 is smooth and very punchy. The ten-speed automatic works seamlessly and harnesses the power of the big V6 very well. Fuel economy is aided by both the multi-speed automatic transmission and the cylinder deactivation system that is standard on the Odyssey. The push-button gear selector is unusual but works well enough once you are used to it.  The gigantic 19 inch wheels of the Odyssey Touring lend a crisp edge to its steering but Honda has managed to combine precise steering with a comfortable ride. The Odyssey's ride becomes firmer when heavily laden but never becomes uncomfortable. Comments The Odyssey is powered by a 280 horsepower direct-injected V6 that sends power to the front wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.  The Odyssey offers very generous space and cabin materials are luxurious. The so-called Magic Seat centre row seats can either be used as captain seats, moved laterally together to ease access to the third-row seat, and forward to be permit front row occupants to reach second row passengers more easily. Comfort and convenience features include WiFi as well as CabinWatch and CabinTalk devices that permit the driver to monitor second and third-row passengers visually and communicate with them through the audio system of the van. Standard active safety equipment includes collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot with rear cross traffic warnings. Towing capacity of the EX, EX-L and Touring trims is 1360 kilograms (2998 lbs.) with the "Black" model rated for 1587 kilograms (3499 lbs.). With 4125 units sold last year, the Odyssey is about as popular as the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival, but way behind the sales of the Toyota Sienna.  Pricing At nearly $46,000, the base Odyssey, the EX, is nicely equipped but significantly more expensive than the base LX was three years ago. The EX-L trim upgrade adds an accoustic windshield, front and rear parking sonars, a memory system, a power tailgate and leather seating, resulting in a pleasant vehicle but at a price that is much higher than the value of the additonal equipment. The Touring trim includes navigation, wireless cellphone charging, ventilated front seats, power-fold mirrors and an upgraded audio system, but is significantly overpriced. Like other Honda "Black" trims, the one offered on the Odyssey lacks value for the money asked.  Reliability Good reliability predicted. Unproven automatic transmissions. Power sliding door durability could be a trouble spot.  Specifications Body Style:  4SW Occupants:  2/2/3, 2/3/3 Engines: 3.5L-V6 (280 HP) Transmissions: 10A  Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive City Fuel Economy:  12.2L/100 km Highway Fuel Economy:  8.5L/100 km  Active Safety Features: Standard forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking lane departure warnin, a lane keep assist system and adaptive cruise control. Optional blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors.    Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000 Current Generation Debut:  2018 Country of Origin:  United States IIHS Ratings: Sm. Front Driver: G Mod. Front: G Side: G Roof: G Sm. Front Pass.: G Head/Seat: G Headlight: A   NHTSA Rating:

2022 Kia Carnival   NOT RATED   What’s new Kia abandoned the Sedona nameplate for its minivan in favour of Carnival, the moniker they have used overseas for years. Kia markets the Carnival as a Life Utility Vehicle (LUV), rather than a minivan.  Comments Built on a 190 mm (7.5 inch) longer wheelbase and 155 mm (6.1 inches) longer overall than the Sorento, the new Carnival is the biggest Kia.  With Sorento-like frontal styling and a school-of-Telluride side profile, the Carnival is very much a Kia and also very good looking. The proportions of the Carnival suggest crossover instead of minivan, which may tempt people who really want a versatile and roomy minivan but don't buy one as minivans are unfashionable.  On the premium EX+ and SX trims, the driver faces, not conventional gauges, but a low-profile, but vastly wide computer tablet. Vehicle speed and other readouts are clustered in front of the driver, with infotainment functions grouped over the dash centre stack. The tablet rests upon a low-profile, horizontally-arrayed dashboard. Mainstream models feature conventional main gauges separated by an electronic info-panel. Like other Kia-Hyundai products, controls for audio and climate are quite easily understood. The rest of the design is very interesting, yet visually calm, and cabin materials, look very attractive.  With second-row bucket seats, the Carnival can seat seven but can welcome eight passengers if equipped with a 40/20/40 split-bench second row seat.  Unlike Toyota, who abandoned their silky V6 for the current Sienna, Kia has retained its sonorous, naturally aspirated V6 for the Carnival. The 3.5L-V6 produces 290 horsepower, power from with reaches the front wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.  A full array of active safety equipment is available on the Carnival, but much of it is optional. A forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking are standard on all trims but you have to step up to the the EX to get blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and active cruise control. Towing capacity is 1587 kilograms (3500 lbs.). With 4125 sold last year, the Carnival had a solid debut year is neck and neck with the Odyssey and Pacifica.  Pricing The base LX model is reasonaby equipped but expected equipment such as active cruise control and blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, aren't included until you move up to the EX trim level. Moving from the LX to LX+ adds heated front seats and steering wheel, a power driver's seat, Keyless Go, power sliding doors, three-zone climate control and wireless cellphone charging, at a reasonable price. The EX upgrade adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, active cruise control and a power passenger seat, but is a bit expensive. The EX+ trim includes the computer tablet dashboard and a 360 degree camera, but is priced beyond the value of the content. The range topping SX trim features leather seating, heated second-row seating, cooled front and middle row seats and a memory system for the driver's seat, and is offered at a fair price.  Reliability Average to above average reliability predicted during the warranty period.  Specifications Body Style:  4SW Occupants:  2/2/3, 2/3/3 Engines: 3.5L-V6 (290 HP)  Transmissions: 8A  Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive City Fuel Economy:  n.a. Highway Fuel Economy:  n.a Active Safety Features: Standard forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking. Optional blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings and active cruise control.   Warranty: 5/100,000 Current Generation Debut:  2022 Country of Origin:  South Korea IIHS Ratings: Sm. Front Driver: G Mod. Front: G Side: G Roof: G Sm. Front Pass.: G Head/Seat: G Headlight: P   NHTSA Rating:

2022 Toyota Sienna   NOT RATED What’s new Middle row ottoman seats are avaialbe on some models for 2022. Comments Like the new Venza, the Sienna is built on the Toyota’s TNGA-K platform. Sadly, Toyota’s punchy 3.5L V6 is no longer available. Given the chronic shortage of hybrid powertrains on the RAV4, it is surprising that Toyota has chosen hybrid power exclusively for the latest version of its minivan. Though the new Venza has migrated to a Lithium-Ion battery pack, Toyota has retained its proven Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack for the Sienna. The 2.5L gasoline four and electric motors combine to produce 245 total system horsepower. Power reaches the front wheels via a CVT automatic; on all-wheel drive models, power is delivered to the rear wheels by electric motors. Properly equipped, the new Sienna can tow up to 1590 kilograms (3500 lbs.). Toyota's comprehensive Safety-Sense 2.0 collision avoidance system is standard. Automatic braking while in reverse is included on premium trims. The minivan is equipped with middle-row side airbags, a driver’s side knee airbag and an airbag embedded in the front passenger seat-cushion.  The Sienna is fronted by a slim grille that sits above a massive air intake. The side profile has more character than the outgoing model, with prominent blisters surrounding the rear wheels, like Toyota's Highlander. Dimensions are essentially unchanged from the last Sienna. The driver faces clearly-marked analogue gauges. A large free-standing infotainment screen resides at the top centre of the dashboard under which there are straightforward climate controls. Minivan owners appreciate a sense of openness, so it is odd to see Toyota crowd the once-clear space with a wide, high-mounted centre console that would be more appropriate to a sports car. The rest of the cabin design is sober and traditional, and the interior fittings look more upscale than the last-generation Sienna. The Sienna LE and XLE seat eight, whereas premium trims accept seven occupants. Range-topping models are available with second-row footrests that deploy from the seat cushions, like a living-room reclining chair. The new Sienna will offer seven USB ports and up to 18 cupholders. Available equipment includes a digital rearview mirror, a 1080p rear entertainment unit, an on-board vacuum cleaner and a refrigerator. Towing capacity is 1585 kilograms (3494 lbs.). With nearly 12,000 units sold last year, the Sienna is the category killer.  Pricing The Sienna is sold in L(uxe) and S(port) trim themes. An all-wheel drive version of the Sienna costs from $1860 to $2000 higher than the same trim with front-wheel drive.   The base LE trim, with alloy wheels, power sliding doors, heated front seats and steering wheel and triple zone climate control, is nicely equipped. The XLE adds a sunroof, a foot-gesture operated tailgate and sliding side door, a power passenger seat and a number of minor features, at a price that reflects the value of the extra equipment. With leather seating, ottoman style middle row seats, ventilated front seats, navigation and a JBL-branded audio system, the Limited is priced nearly twice the value of the additional content. On the S side of the trim lines, the base SE, with navigation, a sunroof, foot-gesture-operated tailgate and side sliding doors, power driver's seat and second-row captain chairs, is nicely equipped. With a JBL audio system, a rear entertainment system and wireless cellphone charges, the XSE is very nicely equipped but is overpriced.   Reliability Above average reliability with few issues reported if the van is serviced according to the recommendations of its maker. Power sliding doors are now more durable on the Sienna than on other minivans equipped with this feature.  Specifications Body Style:  4SW Occupants:  2/2/3, 2/3/3 Engines: 2.5L-4 H (245 HP)  Transmissions: CVT  Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive* City Fuel Economy: 6.8L/100 km Highway Fuel Economy:  6.6L/100 km Active Safety Features: Standard forward collision warning, including pedestrians, autonomous emergency braking, a lane keep assist system and adaptive cruise control. Optional blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings   Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000 Current Generation Debut:  2021 Country of Origin:  United States  IIHS Ratings: Sm. Front Driver: G Mod. Front: G Side: G Roof: G Sm. Front Pass.: G Head/Seat: G Headlight: G   NHTSA Rating: