You might be wondering if that new minivan you have your eye on will fit in your garage or parking space. After all, these are big vehicles with tons of space on the inside - they are bound to be longer than most regular cars, right? Well, we are here to help you answer that very question. By combing through various sources, including each manufacturer's website, we have thoroughly researched the lengths of not only the base models of each current model year minivan but each trim level as well. We would hate to have you buy a trim level that measures differently than what you expected! Reading through some of these measurements, you might just be surprised at what you can fit in your garage!
Lengths of all 2020 Minivans:
Chrysler Pacifica:
(All trims): 203.8 inches
Dodge Caravan:
SE, SE Plus: 202.8 inches
SXT: 203.7 inches
Ford Transit Connect Wagon:
(Extended Wheelbase [EWB]): 190 inches
(Short Wheelbase [SWB]): 174.2 inches
Honda Odyssey:
(All trims): 203.2 inches
Kia Sedona:
(All trims): 201.4 inches
Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van:
Standard Wheelbase: 202.4 inches
Toyota Sienna:
LE, XLE, Limited: 200.6
SE: 200.3
Okay, now that we know that basic information, we can really dig into the topic. Let's cover the basics of each minivan's length before covering some related topics.
Minivan Length
As you can see from the measurements listed, nearly all modern minivans share a very similar length of somewhere between 200 and 203 inches, with the Ford Transit Connect falling far outside of that range. Here, we have listed all of the current minivans in order of shortest to longest overall length.
Ford Transit Connect Wagon
With a minimum length of just 174.2 inches, a Ford Transit Connect can actually be shorter than a Honda Civic. And even the extended wheelbase version, at 190 inches, is shorter than a Honda Accord. This makes the Transit Connect one easy minivan to drive around, and it should fit in just about any garage.
Of course, the tradeoff is interior space. The Ford cannot offer the same second- or third-row legroom as any of the competitors, not to mention total cargo capacity (either 77.6 or 106 cubic feet, total). Still, for someone who just wants a small van with sliding rear doors that can seat up to 7 people, the Transit should be on your list.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna has not received a significant update since 2010. Perhaps that is why it is the second-shortest van on this list and the shortest traditional minivan. Other, newer, offerings like the Odyssey and Pacifica measure a couple of inches longer than the Toyota. And the sportier Sienna SE trim level comes in an even shorter package, thanks to its stylish body lines.
While modern shoppers appear to crave a slightly longer box for their new minivans, Toyota's aging architecture comes in handy for anyone with parking constraints. And you will hardly notice the shorter package on the inside as the Sienna offers 150 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row, 87.1 behind the second, and 39.1 behind the third.
Considering a Sienna? Check out these posts -
How Much Does a Toyota Sienna Cost?
Toyota Sienna: What Are the Common Problems?
Kia Sedona
The Kia Sedona is currently in its third generation, and its 201.4-inch length puts it mid-pack amongst the competition. That sweet spot, in conjunction with its cheaper price, makes it a minivan worth considering.
Even though it boasts an additional inch in length over the Sienna, however, the Kia Sedona fails to offer as much cargo space. According to edmunds.com, the Sedona only has 142 cubic feet of overall cargo room and just 33.9 behind the third row.
Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van
The Mercedes-Benz Metris is another relatively unconventional minivan option. Like the Sedona, this newcomer hits the mid-range mark as far as length is concerned. It is also noticeably more van-like than most of the other vehicles here, which might be a good or bad thing, depending on what you're after.
One benefit is that Mercedes has managed to cram tons of cargo space into its 2o2.4-inch exterior. In fact, with 186 cubic inches of available cargo capacity, this is the most spacious minivan on our list. That makes it a great option for anyone who is looking for the best bang for their buck when it comes to interior room.
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge's Caravan is another entry with multiple lengths to consider. Most trim levels come in at the 202.8-inch mark. Opt for the SXT, however, and that length stretches to 203.7, thanks to some revised exterior styling.
That makes the aging Dodge Grand Caravan one of the longest on the list. And that's quite surprising, considering it is also the oldest model on here, having debuted way, way back in 2008. With just 140 cubic inches of interior cargo space, however, the Dodge is not making the most of its length.
Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey was given a total update in 2018, making it one of the freshest minivans on the market. That refresh includes a rather long 203.3-inch overall length. That might pose some problems for length-conscious consumers.
Honda, as always, has made the most of that length, however, so it really is an asset for shoppers looking for the most space, regardless of the exterior dimensions. With up to 158 cubic feet of overall cargo room behind the first row, 92 behind the second, and 38.6 behind the third, this is one spacious people hauler.
Chrysler Pacifica
As the longest minivan on the market, Chrysler's sleek and modern Pacifica marks the end of our list. At .5 inches longer than the Odyssey, the Pacifica should be your last choice if you are trying to maximize your garage space, or if your priority is a vehicle that can fit in the smallest of city parking spaces.
Those looking for the most interior space should also keep looking, as several models boast more room inside than Pacifica's 140 cubic inches. That doesn't mean this Chrysler doesn't have much to offer, however, as many reviewers have rated it the best-performing minivan in comparison tests.
How Long is That?
Knowing the lengths of all current minivans on sale is great for comparing them to each other, but what do those lengths really mean? Well, to put those numbers in some perspective, here are the lengths of some of the most popular vehicles on the road today:
Ford F150 Supercrew: 231.9 to 243.7 inches
Chevy Suburban: 224.4 inches
Chevy Tahoe: 204 inches
Toyota Camry: 192.1 to 192.7 inches
Chevy Equinox: 183.1 inches
Toyota Rav4: 180.9 to 181.5 inches
Is a Minivan an Oversized Vehicle?
So, can you park these minivans in a spot designated for oversized vehicles? No, they aren't that big.
According to lawinsider.com, an oversized vehicle is one that exceeds either 85 inches in height, 80 inches in width, or twenty feet (240 inches) in length. None of the vehicles on this list exceed any of those measurements.
Is it Hard to Drive - and Park - a Minivan?
Will you struggle with the size of a minivan? Well, it's all relative - depending on what you are used to driving, a minivan may seem small or big. Compared to a half-ton pickup or most truck-based SUVs (Ford Expedition, Chevy Suburbans and the like), minivans and their car-based chassis will seem downright nimble. That's because of the relatively short length and tight turning circles modern minivans offer.
If, however, you are used to piloting smaller cars like a Toyota Corolla or Subaru Impreza, however, jumping up to a minivan will take some getting used to. To maximize space, minivans tend to have long wheelbases compared to SUVs and cars. That means that tight parking lot maneuvers will seem difficult for anyone not used to driving a vehicle of this size. Ultimately, however, a minivan's size should not pose a problem for any competent driver after a short break-in period.
Find that Perfect Van
Using our list of minivans and their lengths, you should be able to narrow down which models will work best for you. There are many other factors to consider, of course, but a vehicle that is too long can be a deal-breaker no matter what kinds of features or incentives they offer. Hopefully, you can soon find the best van for your purposes and enjoy all of that wonderful space and convenience that few other vehicles can match!