US and Canadian minivan sales surge 20%‑34% in 2025, reviving the once‑dormant segment. See why families, gig workers and seniors are choosing minivans now.
After decades of quiet streets, the minivan is back in the spotlight. In 2025, North American sales jumped 20% in the United States and 34% in Canada, turning the segment from a niche afterthought into a growth engine.
Sales Spike in 2025
According to Auto News, Canadian minivan registrations hit 42,377 units, the strongest year since 2020. In the United States, dealers delivered 395,352 vehicles, a 20% rise over the previous year. These numbers mark one of the most pronounced recoveries across any automotive category in recent memory.
Why Minivans Are Winning Back Buyers
The surge isn’t a fleeting fad; it’s driven by practical economics. Large three‑row SUVs—a traditional alternative—saw average prices climb 8% in Canada during 2025, making the once‑affordable minivan a more attractive value proposition.
Minivans combine a high driving position with a cavernous interior, offering:
- Easy access for children, pets and cargo
- Flexible seating that folds flat for a mobile living space
- Lower fuel consumption compared with comparable SUVs
These attributes appeal not only to families but also to gig‑economy drivers, seniors, and anyone who needs a reliable, versatile vehicle.
Design Refreshes Make Minivans Look Modern
Manufacturers have shed the boxy stereotype by giving minivans a sleek, SUV‑inspired look. The Kia Carnival now resembles a premium crossover, while the Toyota Sienna borrows sporty cues from the Supra line.
Key Players: Chrysler, Toyota, Kia
The revitalized segment is anchored by a few standout models:
- Chrysler Pacifica: Still a bestseller with 110,006 units sold in the U.S.; Stellantis moved 16,688 Pacificas and Grand Caravans in Canada.
- Toyota Sienna: Leads the Canadian market with 15,218 vehicles and posted a 35% increase in the U.S., reaching 101,486 units.
- Kia Carnival: Gains traction thanks to its upscale styling and advanced infotainment features.
Beyond Families: Gig Economy and Seniors
Short‑term contract drivers are swapping cargo vans for minivans, appreciating the balance of payload capacity and passenger comfort. Meanwhile, older buyers value the easy entry, spacious cabin, and the ability to convert the interior into a comfortable road‑trip lounge.
Outlook
As more consumers recognise the functional benefits of minivans, the segment is poised for sustained growth. With SUV price pressures unlikely to ease soon, the minivan’s resurgence appears to be a pragmatic shift rather than a temporary trend.
Whether you’re loading kids into car seats, hauling equipment for a delivery gig, or planning a cross‑country adventure, the modern minivan offers a blend of space, style and value that’s finally winning back the North American market.