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Seattle Auto Show Official Guide
I
t wasn’t that long ago
that the minivan and the
station wagon were both
thought to be endangered
species. Happily, the van and
wagon are staging comebacks,
along with the rest of the auto
industry.
Both genres make great sense
for families on the go — what-
ever their configuration. Mini-
vans offer seating for seven or
eight passengers, easy-access
sliding doors, ample cargo
room and plenty of in-flight
options. Wagons boast the
benefits of cargo and passenger
space with more of the creature
comforts and ridability of a
sedan.
Today’s family road trip can
bear little resemblance to the
boring old drive to grandma’s
when you add some of the
mobile entertainment centers
found in many 2013 minivans.
Satellite radio, state-of-the-art
sound and video systems, and
voice-activated navigation are
just a few of the game chang-
ers. More fuel-efficient engines,
people-friendly interiors and
superior safety systems now
come standard.
Look for masters of the mini-
van, such as the Honda Odys-
sey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona,
Mazda5, Nissan Quest, Dodge
Grand Caravan and the vener-
able Chrysler Town & Coun-
try. Sweet wagons include the
Ford Flex, Hyundai i30, MINI
Clubman, Subaru Outback,
Audi A7, BMW 5 series, Toyota
Venza and Volvo XC70.
Minivans: Not just for family hauling anymore
Above: Hyundai i30. Below left: Chrysler Town & Country. Below right: Toyota Sienna.
