Minivans From $20,000 to $25,000

What To Expect In This Price Range:

• Four or six-cylinder engines standard on passenger vans
• Automatic transmissions standard
• Fuel economy of minivans better than mid-size and larger SUVs
• Lots of cargo space
• Seating for up to eight
• Entry-level full-size cargo vans

For $21,245, you can buy a base model Kia Sedona, the short wheelbase version of the Korean manufacturer’s minivan. With a long wheelbase Kia Sedona LX starting at $24,245, Kia remains the only company offering minivans in two lengths. While there is slightly less room for rear passengers, the biggest differences in the two vehicles are the extra cargo room available behind the third row in the longer van and the more popular options and features on the more up market LX version.

The Dodge Grand Caravan was the first minivan and for a long time the most popular -- and with good reason. The Grand Caravan has been the originator of many minivan features, such as a driver's side sliding door and later power-operated door and liftgate options as well as seats that fold down and into the floor. Today’s model, a 2008 debut that starts at $22,725, offers dozens of features and options that make living with a minivan far easier than without for families on the go.

At $23,995, the Hyundai Entourage, a similar vehicle to the long wheelbase Sedona from sister company Kia, offers excellent value and a 10-year warranty, just like the Kia. The Toyota Sienna, like the Dodge Grand Caravan, carries an excellent reputation in the market to support its strong sales. The only car-based minivan currently available with an all-wheel drive option, the $24,540 Sienna uses a version of Toyota’s 3.5-liter V6 that produces 266 hp, making it the most powerful minivan on the market.

The $21,135 Ford Transit Connect Wagon, a front-wheel drive cargo van that is intended more for businesses than families, still comes standard with a rear bench seat to bring capacity to five passengers. Much larger than the transit connect, the Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo Van starts at $24,365 and includes a 301-horsepower V8 engine, something you will not find in any minivan. The Chevy's corporate twin the GMC Savana 1500 Cargo Van also starts at $24,365 and offer the same features. If you need a cargo van with all-wheel drive, then the Express 1500 and Savana 1500 are the only ones to choose from.