We ordered and obtained a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV at the start of the pandemic. I wanted to give it the license plate, “VANNA,” because it was a white van…
We bought it because we saved $10K in EV credits, and I wanted my kids to be transported in comfort. It had TV screens, a Blu-ray player, and a panoramic sunroof. We also quickly realized how necessary it was to transport our Newfoundlands. Getting giant breeds into any vehicle can be difficult, so having a van is basically a requirement.
We had been happy with our van until my wife, unfortunately, got into a multiple-car accident. The Pacifica was deemed to be totaled, and we needed to decide how to proceed.
The Options
I had previously looked at possible EV replacement options. I support EV vehicles when you need a new vehicle. We could have bought another Pacifica PHEV, but the fact that Chrysler is a dying brand makes me hesitate. I don’t know if Pacificas will still be sold in five years.
There is also a new contender, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz. I had literally been waiting years for this vehicle. It looks remarkable, and I really wanted it to be our next car. But the price and range eliminated it from the finalists.
Unfortunately, the only EV that was even briefly considered was the EV9. But it is high off the ground, which makes it hard for a ramp to safely get our Newfoundland in the car. I had been obsessed over the Rivian, but not only is it expensive, but it is even higher off the ground. Also, both cars would prevent our dog from standing up in the car.
Minivans were the only choice.
Van Life
I don’t understand why Americans are obsessed with SUVs. They are worse than minivans in almost every category.
Since the ID.Buzz and Pacifica were already eliminated; the choice was between the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Kia Carnival.
The 2025 Toyota Sienna is basically a mirage. Toyota dealers do not have any in stock. I didn’t want to pay another thousand dollars to rent a minivan for a month, waiting for one to arrive, only to pay over MSRP for it. That left the Honda Odyssey and the Kia Carnival. I think the Odyssey’s interior is hideous, and after we test-drove the Carnival, it didn’t even seem worth it to look at the Honda.
The KIA Carnival
Even five years ago, I would never have considered a KIA for our family car. I didn’t know much about the brand, and my Dad’s hate for Korean steel prevented me from even considering it. But after learning about their EV lineup and the brand’s best-in-class warranty, it became a lot easier to choose.
We went with the top-of-the-line model, SX Prestige. We debated between the hybrid and the gas versions, but the gas version was 3-4K cheaper and honestly felt better to drive.
There were plenty of safety features that we enjoyed. The highway drive-assist and blind spot cameras were impressive. It also has a passenger-view camera that allows us to check in on our big black dog. For me, however, the interior just felt more modern, and the double-paned windows made it a nice, quiet ride.
We’ve left Vanna White behind, but look forward to our new Big Blue.
