Which Minivans Seat 8 Passengers?
by Faith Davies
For large families, an eight-passenger minivan provides ample space for everyone as well as additional cargo space. Today's minivans offer a variety of luxury features designed to keep families comfortable while on the road. Both American and foreign automobile manufacturers make minivans that seat up to eight passengers, and each company includes its own standard features in its models.
Toyota Sienna
Produced by car manufacturer Toyota, the 2011 Sienna minivan has the ability to accommodate up to eight passengers. The van comes with either a V6 or a four-cylinder engine and has all-wheel drive available as an option. The 2011 Toyota Sienna received a designation as a "Top Safety Pick" for its model year from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Measuring 200.2 inches long, the van provides a total maximum of 150 cubic feet of cargo space. As of November 2010, the starting price of the Toyota Sienna was $24,460.
Chrysler Town and Country
The 2010 Chrysler Town and Country offers removable and adjustable seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The vehicle has a V6 engine standard and an optional E85-compatible engine that allows drivers to purchase alternative ethanol fuel in addition to gasoline. The 2010 Chrysler Town and Country's exterior measures 202.5 inches in length. The vehicle has a total maximum cargo volume of 143.8 cubic feet. The Town and Country includes numerous child-friendly features and options in the van, including a built-in child's safety car seat and stain resistant fabrics. The starting price of the 2010 Chrysler Town and Country as of November 2010 was $25,175.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is the Town and Country's twin. It features optional adjustable seating for up to eight passengers. As an option, the vehicle offers an electronic entertainment system for the back row of seats that drivers can stow away with the touch of a button when space is necessary for cargo. The 2010 Grand Caravan has a standard V6 engine and an optional E85 fuel package available. Kids can enjoy the television built into the van's backseat for their viewing pleasure. The Grand Caravan is 202.5 inches in length. Depending on the exact trim, the Grand Caravan has around 140 to 145 cubic feet of interior cargo space. The starting price for the Dodge Grand Caravan was $21,800 as of November 2010.
Honda Odyssey
Made by Honda, the 2011 Odyssey minivan can seat up to eight passengers. A 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard in all 2011 Odysseys. The Odyssey measures 202.9 inches in length, and its interior has a maximum cargo volume of 148.5 cubic feet. The Odyssey has a backseat entertainment center with a television and DVD player; it is compatible with MP3 players, allowing passengers to listen to music on their personal electronic storage devices via the vehicle's speakers. The starting price for the 2011 Honda Odyssey was $27,800 as of November 2010.
Writer Bio
Faith Davies has been writing professionally since 1996, contributing to various websites. She holds an LAH insurance license in the state of Pennsylvania and has experience as a bank branch manager and lending officer. Davies graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in art history.
