And from a fuel economy standpoint, minivans generally achieve better gas mileage than most full-size SUVs. The minivan deserves some respect for the expert way it meets such a wide array of challenges. The Honda Odyssey tops our list of recommended minivans for 2013.
https://www.edmunds.com/minivan/2013/buying-guide.html
It is the closest I’ve come to fun driving in a minivan / SUV. It carries my family of three, two 26″ adult mountain bikes (front wheels removed, bikes upside down facing the rear) , a 16″ kids bike (standing up across the back cargo area) and a days worth of food/gear.
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/what-is-the-most-fuel-efficient-minivan.html
Fuel sippers and guzzlers in all vehicle categories. Last updated: February 2017. The lists below highlight the vehicles within each category that achieved the best or worst gas mileage in our tests. We have selected mpg cutoffs that are relative to each category. For example, a vehicle that gets 19 mpg would not be a standout among wagons, but it would be among the highest in the midsized SUV or minivan categories. Click through to each model overview page to find out how the vehicles rate in our road tests, reliability, safety, and more.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/best-worst-fuel-economy/index.htm
Love ‘em or loathe ‘em these versatile vehicles are designed to excel at hauling, whether it’s taking a passel of kiddies to soccer practice after school or hauling a load of building material home from the lumber yard. Stylish and sporty they are NOT, but modern minivans are as practical and honest as the week is long. They’re also pretty thrifty, maximizing cargo capacity while minimizing fuel consumption. And that’s a subject on the top of every consumer’s mind these days: efficiency.
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/what-is-the-most-fuel-efficient-minivan.html
Most Fuel Efficient By Class Size Vans, Cargo Type. 1  1984 Toyota Cargo Van 2WD, 4 Cyl., Manual 5-spd, 2.0 liters. 2  1984 Toyota Cargo Van 2WD, 4 Cyl., CA model, Manual 5-spd, 2.0 liters. 3  1984 Toyota Cargo Van 2WD, 4 Cyl., CA model, Automatic 4-spd, 2.0 liters.  1984 Toyota Cargo Van 2WD, 4 Cyl., Automatic 4-spd, 2.0 liters.
http://www.bestongas.com/top/class/Vans,%20Cargo%20Type
Minivans are considerably more expensive than they once were. Though some offer spartan models starting in the low-$20,000 range, most start in the upper $20,000s. From there, slathering on equipment can leave luxury-lined models passing the $45,000 mark.
https://www.edmunds.com/minivan/
Family buyers should zero in on a minivan's second-row seat, as each model usually offers some sort of unique configuration or feature that may benefit your family. Some stow into the floor, some have built-in footstools, some feature removable center positions and some slide laterally to accommodate three-abreast child seats.
https://www.edmunds.com/minivan/
2013 Minivan/Van Buying Guide. Top Recommended Minivans/Vans. The minivan rarely gets respect, yet nothing else matches its practical utility when it's time to move a lot of people or a lot of stuff, and this is something that parents, carpoolers, business owners or yard-sale junkies can all appreciate.
https://www.edmunds.com/minivan/2013/buying-guide.html
Cars.com photo by Evan Sears. Minivans are family-hauling stars, but where they don't shine as brightly is in fuel efficiency. Large, heavy and V-6-powered, the minivan class gets an average combined EPA rating of 20 mpg.
https://www.cars.com/articles/which-minivan-gets-the-best-mileage-1420681208917/
passengers and some cargo will appreciate the space efficiency that minivans provide. Compared to the traditional (and now rare) station wagon, the boxy shape of a minivan offers far more room inside, not to mention the tall cabin makes it far easier for kids and adults to get in and out.
https://www.edmunds.com/minivan/
what minivan gets the best gas mileage
The Honda Odyssey minivan gets the best gas mileage. The Honda Odyssey gets the best gas mileage.