All-Wheel-Drive Minivans: What Are Your Options?
If you’re here, you probably love everything that makes a minivan a minivan: sliding doors, easy kid access, and a trunk that handles strollers and groceries with ease. The question I get all the time is: “Which minivans are all-wheel drive?”
Hey there, I'm Kelly, the Car Mom. If you're new around here, welcome! I'm a mom of four, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician CPST), and I review cars for moms and families.
Which Minivans Offer AWD?
Toyota Sienna : AWD available, and every Sienna is a hybrid.
Chrysler Pacifica (gas model) : AWD available. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is front-wheel drive only.
If you want the full side-by-side of all four vans (seat hardware, third-row access, cargo, the nitty-gritty), check out my Minivan Showdown on the blog. It’s the family-focused minivan comparison I couldn’t find anywhere else, so I created it!
Is AWD Your Top Priority? You Might Need an SUV
This is where it helps to think about your real-life driving conditions. As you know, AWD helps with traction when you’re starting, stopping, or cornering on slick roads, but it doesn’t fix one key limitation of minivans: ground clearance.
Even if you find a van with AWD, it still sits lower to the ground than most SUVs. That means it’s not ideal for deeper snow and SUV may be a safer bet.
For a list of my favorite family-friendly SUVs, you can check out this list!
Don’t Have AWD? Make Your Minivan Winter-Capable
If the van you love doesn’t offer AWD (or you can’t find one in stock), there’s a very practical plan B that works for most families:
Get a dedicated set of winter tires.
This matters more than you think. Real winter tires stay soft in the cold, clear slush, and grip ice far better than all-seasons. On plowed city and suburban streets, FWD + winter tires is a winning combination!
Toyota Sienna AWD: Why Families Pick It
MSRP starting at $39,485
I am a huge fan of Toyota Sienna. If you want great fuel economy without giving up space, the Sienna is an easy win. The hybrid + AWD combo is such a dream. While it can be hard to find them in stock these days, they are a top pick from me when it comes to minivans.
What stands out for families:
Second-row long tracks for flexible legroom and easier buckling.
The seatbelts are attached to the seats (not just to the vehicle’s frame), so you can still slide or move seats even when car seats are installed.
Amazing trunk space!
Chrysler Pacifica AWD (Gas): Why It Makes Sense
MSRP starting at $43,645
What stands out for families:
Stow ’n Go second-row seats on gas models that fold into the floor for instant cargo.
Packed with safety features, even on lower trims. The Pacifica includes essentials like blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking without making you upgrade to the highest trim level.
Three words: Car Seat Tilt!
The Kia Carnival & Honda Odyssey (They’re FWD Only—And Still Great)
I know, I know, you need AWD. But in case you’re open to a minivan with winter tires, here are two more options to consider.
Kia Carnival: Beautiful, modern interior; big, square cargo opening; flexible second-row options. It feels more “SUV-like” inside while keeping the minivan perks.
Honda Odyssey: The car-seat configuration champion. Magic Slide second row and, loads of tethers and lower anchors. A true car seat machine!
If AWD isn’t make-or-break for you, both of these vans can be fantastic everyday family haulers. The full pros/cons are in my Minivan Showdown if you want the deeper dive.
Which AWD Minivan Should You Choose?
If you’re choosing between the Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica for AWD, go with the Sienna!
It’s hybrid, so you’ll get awesome fuel efficiency, tons of flexibility in the second row, and way better reliability. The Sienna can be tough to find but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
AWD Minivans: Frequently Asked Questions
Which minivans offer AWD right now?
Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica (gas). The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is FWD.
I really want the Carnival or Odyssey. Am I out of luck?
I don’t think so! Depending on your driving conditions, Pair FWD with winter tires and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how capable they feel for normal winter driving.
Where can I compare all four vans side by side?
My Minivan Showdown blog lays out the family-first differences: seat hardware, third-row access, cargo, and the features that make everyday life easier.
At the end of the day, most minivans are more similar than they are different. They all offer the sliding doors, family-friendly car seat setups, and huge cargo space that make life easier with kids. What really matters is finding the one that fits your family’s priorities, whether that’s AWD for winter driving, Stow ’n Go seating for flexible cargo space, or the most flexible car-seat setup.
If you’re ready to compare your options, head over to my Minivan Showdown for the full breakdown, or check out my YouTube tours to see how each van works for real families!
What minivan are you most interested in? Tell me in the comments!