We had a dodge grand caravan when the kids were young. Yes, it was not sexy or fun, but it was damn practical and we never regretted it. Lots of roadtrips and good memories.
Although not a Toyota one the two very best family vehicles we ever owned were a one ton 1983 Chevy G 30 passenger van that lasted to 180,000 miles and a 2001 Chevy Astro that was still running great after 190,000 miles and 18 years until the tin worm devoured it. Both hauled everything and everyone everywhere. I highly recommend a minivan.
I grew up with a Grand Caravan. I think mini vans are not the only option. There are 3 row SUVs and also full size trucks like I did. 11yr old and 2yr old here and we love our truck. We all fit fine in our 2014 Audi Q5 too.
Thanks for sharing. During summer vacations I’ve rented the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and the Chrysler Pacifica. All are very nice, functional, and practical. I found the Pacifica to be more luxurious in the interior and the V6 power is great.
@@ToyotaRav4limited Not sure if the pacifica is unreliable, but we rented a top trim hybrid. Compared to the sienna we rented the following year, I felt the sienna had better handling and throttle response. Fair comparison since both were hybrids, but I could tell the 2 brands have different philosophies on how a hybrid performs. Womp womp to stellantis for that.
Had a couple of minivans. Toyota and Honda. They were ok but wife always complained about not being up high. Thats when we went with the XC90 and she loved it. Now she is in a second gen sequoia and she will never will part with it, even though its now got almost 230k.
Great New Video Content! Test drive others together and get a feel what is easier for your wife with the carseats, her opinion on needed options and driving them. Its just the circle of life of what vehicle is needed for her currently.
I’ve rented a pilot and odyssey in the last couple years. The odyssey handled so much better and surprisingly much more cabin and cargo space. I’d still prefer the sienna. I rented one through turo in Hawaii and loved everything about it. But I hated the pacifica! Horrible throttle response.
I think if you go with a mini van that is the best very sporty. We raised 3 boys and ended up with an Excursion since we pulled a camper. Very heavy duty. But in the end let her decide
When our kids were young we had a mazda 5 and I have to say it was a pretty nice setup. Could seat 6 and was small enough to make parking easy and was actually pretty peppy with good mpg. The problem with minivans is with extra seats you become a taxi for your friends, family, and in-laws.
I love my Mustang and Truck but when my kids were small I really like a minivan . But I had a Honda Odyssey. But now I think I would go for the Toyota. Great video
I loved my 1997 Grand Voyager and 2001 Grand Caravan I had it was super easy to load our son in his carrier. We put my full sized futon in the back and did Overlanding before it was a thing. We used to drive to Grass Volleyball tournaments all decked out in the back. We could open the passenger side door and rear door and have a nice breeze. I really would love to get back into one just for all the room and get back to doing Uber/Lyft but getting the XL pay.
The 3rd row in a burb is more cramped compared to any minivan. My kids complained when they had to climb to the back of a yukon that we rented from our new england vacation. Didn’t exactly enjoy driving curvy roads either compared to our 10 yr old sienna.
Large suvs are only good for long straight highway drives. Once you hit canyon curves, they become a white knuckle drive. Mainly physics cuz they’re so top heavy body on frames.
It is mind boggling to me how expensive these mini-vans are now. My wife and I bought a brand new 2008 Honda Odyssey EXL for $26,400. The sticker was $34,500 and because of the cash for clunkers program the gub'a'ment was pushing at the time, the 1998 Mustang my wife brought to the marriage we were able to get $4,000 off the final price which was $30,000. Bottom line, even with inflation these vans today are so over priced Hope you all enjoy it. We were literally at the same spot of our marriage as you guys two kids and one on the way. Finished with five kids so that Odyssey was used every day. I have it still in the drive way and my second oldest drives it now to school. It has 229,347 miles as of today.
I think u should look at the honda odessey too. I know the sienna is hybrid but odessey has more features the elite varient it has a tv in the second row for kids i dont think sienna has that
@BenHardyCars yeah I understand that u forgot about odyssey being fwd because awd is helpful in snow how can I forget that as someone who has an awd car and traveled in lake effect snow I understand what u mean.
Bro everyday you think you need to change vehicles 😂 I vote to let things fail first. Then you actually know what you need and you'll appreciate it more if you're fixing an actual problem. Along the way you'll adapt to some things and realize theyre not big issues. I think we have similar personalities. We are always staying one step ahead but then have no way of knowing if we actually accomplished anything.
Shown here is the natural progression of the domesticated American male Homosapien… 15 years from now Ben will be making a video about his new Corvette…. What’s the over under on if he will still be rocking the long hair and beard?
Give up on the Sienna. Your wife will never be happy with one. For the next test drive, consider a BMW X7 three row. Let;s see if that puts a smile on her face.
Fast forward 6 months to a video titled "Why we hate our minivan". Ben will explain why they just don't need a minivan and will still be chasing that G-wagon. Just buy it already Ben.
Why a minivan over a three row SUV? Only two kids here, but we raised them and all their gear in CRVs. Interior design of Sienna seems a little outdated. Practical and boring. Interested to see a comparison review between this and your other options. KIa EV9? 😉
Ok stop with soccer equipment statement . We all know soccer has no equipment except for shoes and shin pads. Please use hockey, lacrosse and for majority of Americans FOOTBALL equipment. Where in the hell did soccer got associated with that sport. The other one yes. That’s my soap box rant. By the way mini vans are the ultimate transportation for a growing family and there stuff that comes with it. And at one point in our driving career we need those vehicles.
Your husband/wife dynamic is UA-cam gold.
We had a dodge grand caravan when the kids were young. Yes, it was not sexy or fun, but it was damn practical and we never regretted it. Lots of roadtrips and good memories.
Love our Honda Odyssey. Have had it for 8 years with zero issues. Very practical.
I bought a Sienna XLE when my kids were young. Have to say, it was the best thing ever. Especially all doors being power.
When Ben Hardy shows up to test drive a vehicle……
Saleaman: just take it, you know more than me
LOL
Although not a Toyota one the two very best family vehicles we ever owned were a one ton 1983 Chevy G 30 passenger van that lasted to 180,000 miles and a 2001 Chevy Astro that was still running great after 190,000 miles and 18 years until the tin worm devoured it. Both hauled everything and everyone everywhere. I highly recommend a minivan.
Ben Hardy went from driving a Ram TRX to driving a mini-van😂
😂
This is the natural progression of the domesticated male homosapian… Did I spell that right? 😜
He can alwats apply T-Rex stickers on the Sienna
Maybe a wrap. If he wanted to all out 😅
I grew up with a Grand Caravan. I think mini vans are not the only option. There are 3 row SUVs and also full size trucks like I did. 11yr old and 2yr old here and we love our truck. We all fit fine in our 2014 Audi Q5 too.
Thanks for sharing. During summer vacations I’ve rented the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and the Chrysler Pacifica. All are very nice, functional, and practical. I found the Pacifica to be more luxurious in the interior and the V6 power is great.
And it not reliable van so womp womp
@@ToyotaRav4limited Not sure if the pacifica is unreliable, but we rented a top trim hybrid. Compared to the sienna we rented the following year, I felt the sienna had better handling and throttle response.
Fair comparison since both were hybrids, but I could tell the 2 brands have different philosophies on how a hybrid performs.
Womp womp to stellantis for that.
Had a couple of minivans. Toyota and Honda. They were ok but wife always complained about not being up high. Thats when we went with the XC90 and she loved it. Now she is in a second gen sequoia and she will never will part with it, even though its now got almost 230k.
Family man Ben making those big family life decisions and transactions. Handle your affairs Ben! You keep that family togetherness and happiness.
Great New Video Content! Test drive others together and get a feel what is easier for your wife with the carseats, her opinion on needed options and driving them. Its just the circle of life of what vehicle is needed for her currently.
Ben in all seriousness my family avoided the minivan and bought the 3-row Honda Pilot which is essentially a minivan in SUV form.
A less useful harder to get into minivan
I suppose that you are probably right but we never had any problems with the functionality of the Honda Pilot.
I’ve rented a pilot and odyssey in the last couple years.
The odyssey handled so much better and surprisingly much more cabin and cargo space.
I’d still prefer the sienna.
I rented one through turo in Hawaii and loved everything about it.
But I hated the pacifica! Horrible throttle response.
My kids no longer ding the crap out of my other car : sliding doors are awesome. Enjoy. Embrace it.
🤣
3:54 Omg! Congratulations! Nothing more amazing than carrying a baby!
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
If I were a few yrs younger I’d love to have one more… 😩🥰🥰🥰
I think if you go with a mini van that is the best very sporty. We raised 3 boys and ended up with an Excursion since we pulled a camper. Very heavy duty. But in the end let her decide
When our kids were young we had a mazda 5 and I have to say it was a pretty nice setup. Could seat 6 and was small enough to make parking easy and was actually pretty peppy with good mpg. The problem with minivans is with extra seats you become a taxi for your friends, family, and in-laws.
I love my Mustang and Truck but when my kids were small I really like a minivan . But I had a Honda Odyssey. But now I think I would go for the Toyota. Great video
I loved my 1997 Grand Voyager and 2001 Grand Caravan I had it was super easy to load our son in his carrier. We put my full sized futon in the back and did Overlanding before it was a thing. We used to drive to Grass Volleyball tournaments all decked out in the back. We could open the passenger side door and rear door and have a nice breeze.
I really would love to get back into one just for all the room and get back to doing Uber/Lyft but getting the XL pay.
minivans have a way more comfortable third row than any SUV I’ve been in
Even a Suburban?
The 3rd row in a burb is more cramped compared to any minivan. My kids complained when they had to climb to the back of a yukon that we rented from our new england vacation.
Didn’t exactly enjoy driving curvy roads either compared to our 10 yr old sienna.
Large suvs are only good for long straight highway drives.
Once you hit canyon curves, they become a white knuckle drive. Mainly physics cuz they’re so top heavy body on frames.
We have a Sienna. Love it. Best vehicle for a family.
Wow dude! She’s so pretty! Congrats!
The kids must be so cute! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Great video you two are awesome.
Cool video Ben having your wife Choosing the next vehicle for your growing family
Yes. Minivans are the best all around vehicle out there. I have an old Sienna and I don’t even have kids.
Cats?? 😂😂 just kidding
Don't think your wife was super stoked about the Sienna, but they are nice and practical. I would rather drive a Sequoia, too, lol.
Ben why not get a expedition max or suburban?
If you go platinum you get JBL sound system as well
It is mind boggling to me how expensive these mini-vans are now. My wife and I bought a brand new 2008 Honda Odyssey EXL for $26,400. The sticker was $34,500 and because of the cash for clunkers program the gub'a'ment was pushing at the time, the 1998 Mustang my wife brought to the marriage we were able to get $4,000 off the final price which was $30,000.
Bottom line, even with inflation these vans today are so over priced Hope you all enjoy it. We were literally at the same spot of our marriage as you guys two kids and one on the way. Finished with five kids so that Odyssey was used every day. I have it still in the drive way and my second oldest drives it now to school. It has 229,347 miles as of today.
I think u should look at the honda odessey too. I know the sienna is hybrid but odessey has more features the elite varient it has a tv in the second row for kids i dont think sienna has that
Front wheel drive is a deal breaker
@BenHardyCars yeah I understand that u forgot about odyssey being fwd because awd is helpful in snow how can I forget that as someone who has an awd car and traveled in lake effect snow I understand what u mean.
@BenHardyCars I didn't know they upgraded the tech inside sienna that looks like a new centre screen.
He Now Likes the toyota sienna instead of the ram trx
So, What is Mrs H's Verdict on the Mini-Van?
🫡 Now take a trip, and a nap or two.
Ben makes videos everyday and we know what else is part of his daily routine!
Glad to see beautiful loving American families.
What type of deals you're seeing right now for minivans?
Bro everyday you think you need to change vehicles 😂 I vote to let things fail first. Then you actually know what you need and you'll appreciate it more if you're fixing an actual problem. Along the way you'll adapt to some things and realize theyre not big issues.
I think we have similar personalities. We are always staying one step ahead but then have no way of knowing if we actually accomplished anything.
You need an odyssey for that J series sound above 4k rpm.
5.37 Minivan, mominivan, mom, that comment was so funny.
Whatever works. It's not a bad thing unless you can't afford a nice one and you have to get a base model like I had to get.
Base model is still a nice car
Yep, I called it!
The utility of the minivan can’t be beat when you have little kids.
Smart man. Have only 2 kids, but now 2 Siennas (‘24 XLE for work, ‘25 Woodland for Mrs).. 😂 We’re ready for a football team!
Why Sienna over Carnival?
Shown here is the natural progression of the domesticated American male Homosapien… 15 years from now Ben will be making a video about his new Corvette…. What’s the over under on if he will still be rocking the long hair and beard?
Very smart man 🎉
I told you months ago to get a van, but you got those two landdcruisers
That Van kicks butt.
Was it this car u said u need to wait 6months or someother I am curious
Give up on the Sienna. Your wife will never be happy with one. For the next test drive, consider a BMW X7 three row. Let;s see if that puts a smile on her face.
Kids are older but when young just couldn’t do it. I get practicality but did three row suv.
Softec is bad.. on my 2018 Prius with 97k miles its bubbling, peeling and lost its form. I hate it. Wanted leather
Odyseey has a cabin camera that might help to see the kids back
Bruh... Just keep the 2 Land Cruisers and call it a day
Ben is actually doing a 3rd seat review. I suppose this guys family is getting bigger.
That end 😂
🫡 now take a trip and a nap or two.
Fast forward 6 months to a video titled "Why we hate our minivan". Ben will explain why they just don't need a minivan and will still be chasing that G-wagon. Just buy it already Ben.
Fun video! 👍
wow you have a young wife
We are the same age
Compared with Ford Transit
Here's to hoping an auto manufacturer will make a mini van with 4-wheel drive, 4 inch lift, and off-road suspension
Toyota made a one off for SEMA, taking the chassis from a Tacoma and slapping the sienna body on top. It was a beast IMO.
Why a minivan over a three row SUV? Only two kids here, but we raised them and all their gear in CRVs. Interior design of Sienna seems a little outdated. Practical and boring. Interested to see a comparison review between this and your other options. KIa EV9? 😉
Just get a suburban
New ones are unreliable sadly
Since when is 2 kids a lot of kids? I've known people that had like seven kids
We will have more
Do any of your other wives get jealous that they are not in any videos?
I was joking 💀
Ok stop with soccer equipment statement . We all know soccer has no equipment except for shoes and shin pads. Please use hockey, lacrosse and for majority of Americans FOOTBALL equipment. Where in the hell did soccer got associated with that sport. The other one yes. That’s my soap box rant. By the way mini vans are the ultimate transportation for a growing family and there stuff that comes with it. And at one point in our driving career we need those vehicles.
I have 3 boys and wouldn’t be caught dead in a lame minivan. My sons are car enthusiasts so they wouldn’t either, lol.
I won't beg or pay$$ Toyota!! I've moved on to better alternatives!!!
Like what? 😂😅
Yeah like what? Don’t be all ambiguous like.
Honda Jack!!
@@jbug2350 HONDA lol
@@Tom-ej8bb I had a Honda. I had tons of problems with it. I wasn't impressed. 👎🏽
When I saw the title, I made a Ben Hardy "O" face lile he does for video thumbnails
American dream multiple kids and a wife that stays home than go to a soccer game after a hard days work. fun