Eight Passenger minivan

Consumers looking to invest in a new vehicle that can seat 8 people almost always need it for a specific set of circumstances. Shuttling a large family around town demands a different set of features than carrying a group of climbers to base camp. One size certainly doesn’t fit all, so we’ve summarized the main features and strengths of the ten most capable 8 passenger vehicles of 2017 to help you determine which option is the best fit for your situation.

2) 2017 Honda Odyssey – $29, 850

Honda’s 2017 Odyssey hits all the right notes as a minivan. Comfortable seating, available rear-seat entertainment, a great safety record, and plenty of space all combine to make the Odyssey popular among reviewers.

Powered by a 248-hp 3.5L V-6 coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Odyssey’s FWD powertrain gives drivers adequate power even when fully laden. It handles well given its size and minivan chassis, and gets good gas mileage for a people carrier.

The Odyssey plays to its strengths, giving buyers cavernous space and comfy seats. All three rows are comfortable for long trips, with ample space to comfortably seat adults. Adjustable second row seating allows the Odyssey to be tailored to fit whatever people hauling needs are thrown at it, and even the third row can seat adults on short trips.

Thanks to the signature minivan sliding doors, accessing the third row is far less difficult than in an SUV. Optional rear-seat entertainment gives those in the back rows something to do on long trips, and the Odyssey gets a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

3) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica – $28, 595

Best Minivan

Bordering on a luxury designation, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica gets a handful of new toys for this year, and refines some of the qualities that made it a desirable minivan option last year. The interior looks better than ever, with soft-touch surfaces scattered throughout and a strong focus on comfort. It also earns itself a nod from the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+.

A new 9-speed automatic helps bring the Pacifica’s 3.6L V-6’s 287-hp to the road, and doesn’t suffer as many of the drawbacks seen in similar 9-speed automatics this year. It doesn’t handle at all like a minivan, with crisp cornering, good maneuverability and far less body roll than would be expected from a larger vehicle. It’s one of the most enjoyable minivans to drive on the market today. It also gets great gas mileage, coming in at a combined 22 mpg, one of the best in its class.

The second and third row seats can fold flat all the way into the floor, something that’s hard to find in a minivan. This lowers the load-ceiling and allows buyers to fit taller items into the cavernous rear of the Pacifica. When the seats are up, the Pacifica will comfortably seat adults in both the second and third rows, with head and legroom to spare in the second row.