![2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L, front 7](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/2019_Chrysler_Pacifica_Touring_L%2C_front_7.4.19.jpg)
Minivan (sometimes called simply as van) is a North American
car classification for vehicles designed to transport passengers in the rear seating row(s), with reconfigurable seats in two or three rows. The equivalent classification in Europe is MPV (multi purpose vehicle). Minivans often have a 'one-box' or 'two-box'
body configuration, a higher roof, a flat floor, sliding doors for rear passengers, and high
H-point
The H-point (or hip-point) is the theoretical, relative location of an occupant's hip: specifically the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of the body — as used in vehicle design, automotive design and vehicle regulation ...
seating. Minivan was also equivalent in Southeast Asia as the Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV).
Compared with a
full-size van
A van is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. Depending on the type of van, it can be bigger or smaller than a pickup truck and SUV, and bigger than a common car. There is some varying in the scope of the word across ...
, most minivans are based on a passenger
car platform
A car platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components, over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of cars, often from different, but somewhat related, marques. It is pra ...
and have a lower body. Early models such as the
Ford Aerostar
The Ford Aerostar is a range of vans that was manufactured by Ford from the 1986 to the 1997 model years. The first minivan produced by Ford, the model line was marketed against the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and the first two generations of the ...
and
Chevrolet Astro
The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, in ...
utilized a compact pickup truck platform.
The largest size of minivans is also referred to as 'Large MPV' and became popular following the introduction of the 1984
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan (and the long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan) is a series of minivans that was manufactured by Chrysler from the 1984 to 2020 model years. The Dodge version of the Chrysler minivans, the Caravan was marketed as both a passenger v ...
and
Renault Espace
The Renault Espace is a five-door car manufactured by the French carmaker Renault since 1984 for five generations. It is classified as a large MPV/ minivan within the M-segment. The first three generations of the Espace were amongst the first c ...
. Typically, these have platforms derived from D-segment passenger cars or compact pickups. Since the 1990s, the smaller
compact MPV
Compact MPV (an abbreviation for Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is a vehicle size class for the middle size of MPVs. The Compact MPV size class sits between the mini MPV and large MPV (minivan) size classes.
Compact MPVs remain predominantly a ...
and
mini MPV
Mini MPV— an abbreviation for mini multi-purpose vehicle— is a vehicle size class for the smallest size of minivans/MPVs. The mini MPV size class sits below the compact MPV size class and the vehicles are often built on the platforms of B-s ...
sizes of minivans have also become popular.
Etymology
The term ''minivan'' originated in both North America and in the United Kingdom in 1959. In the UK, Minivan referred to a small van manufactured by Austin and it was based on the newly introduced Mini car. In the US, the term was used in order to differentiate the smaller passenger vehicles from
full-size van
A van is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. Depending on the type of van, it can be bigger or smaller than a pickup truck and SUV, and bigger than a common car. There is some varying in the scope of the word across ...
s (such as the Ford E-Series, Dodge Ram Van, and Chevrolet Van), which were then simply called 'vans'.
The first known use of the term minivan was in 1959; however, it was not until the 1980s that the term became commonly used.
Predecessors
Before the "minivan" term exists, the 1936
Stout Scarab is often regarded as the first minivan. The passenger seats in the Scarab were moveable and could be configured for the passengers to sit around a table in the rear of the cabin. Passengers entered and exited the Scarab via a centrally-mounted door.
The
DKW Schnellaster
The DKW Schnellaster, also known as the DKW F89 L, was a van produced by DKW from 1949 to 1962. Alongside the DKW F89 passenger car, it was the first vehicle to be manufactured by the new Auto Union conglomerate in Ingolstadt following the re-es ...
— manufactured from 1949 until 1962 — featured
front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longit ...
, a
transverse engine
A transverse engine is an engine mounted in a vehicle so that the engine's crankshaft axis is perpendicular to the direction of travel. Many modern front-wheel drive vehicles use this engine mounting configuration. Most rear-wheel drive vehicles ...
, flat floor and multi-configurable seating, all of which would later become characteristics of minivans.
In 1950, the
Volkswagen Type 2
The Volkswagen Type 2, known officially (depending on body type) as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, or, informally, as the Bus (US), Camper (UK) or Bulli (Germany), is a forward control light commercial vehicle introduced in 1950 by the Ge ...
adapted a bus-shaped body to the chassis of a small passenger car (the Volkswagen Beetle). When Volkswagen introduced a sliding side door to the Type 2 in 1968, it then had the prominent features that would later come to define a minivan: compact length, three rows of forward-facing seats, station wagon-style top-hinged tailgate/liftgate, sliding side door, passenger car base.
The 1956–1969
Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla (Type 186) is a six-seater car produced by Italian automaker Fiat from 1998 to 2010. Based on the Bravo/Brava, the Multipla was shorter and wider than its rivals. It had two rows of three seats, where its compact MPV competit ...
also had many features in common with modern minivans. The Multipla was based on the chassis of the
Fiat 600
The Fiat 600 ( it, Seicento, ) is a rear-engine, water-cooled city car, manufactured and marketed by Fiat from 1955 to 1969 — offered in two-door fastback sedan and four-door Multipla mini MPV body styles.
Measuring only long, its all-n ...
and had a
rear engine and
cab forward layout.
The early 1960s saw Ford and Chevrolet introduce "compact" vans for the North American market, the
Econoline Club Wagon and
Greenbrier respectively. The Ford version was marketed in the
Falcon
Falcons () are birds of prey in the genus ''Falco'', which includes about 40 species. Falcons are widely distributed on all continents of the world except Antarctica, though closely related raptors did occur there in the Eocene.
Adult falcons ...
series, the Chevrolet in the
Corvair 95 series. The Econoline grew larger in the 1970s, while the Greenbrier was joined by (and later replaced by) the
Chevy Van.
File:Stout Scarab.JPG, Stout Scarab
(1936–1942)
File:Dkw-schnellaster-bus.jpg, DKW Schnellaster
The DKW Schnellaster, also known as the DKW F89 L, was a van produced by DKW from 1949 to 1962. Alongside the DKW F89 passenger car, it was the first vehicle to be manufactured by the new Auto Union conglomerate in Ingolstadt following the re-es ...
(1949–1962)
File:1966 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Deluxe Microbus (21905686831).jpg, Volkswagen Type 2
The Volkswagen Type 2, known officially (depending on body type) as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, or, informally, as the Bus (US), Camper (UK) or Bulli (Germany), is a forward control light commercial vehicle introduced in 1950 by the Ge ...
(1950–1967)
File:Fiat 600D Multipla (1965) , Dutch licence registration DM-71-06 pic1.JPG, Fiat 600 Multipla
The Fiat 600 ( it, Seicento, ) is a rear-engine, water-cooled city car, manufactured and marketed by Fiat from 1955 to 1969 — offered in two-door fastback sedan and four-door Multipla mini MPV body styles.
Measuring only long, its all-new ...
(1956–1969)
Characteristics
Chassis
In contrast to larger vans, most modern minivans/MPVs use a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, while some model lines offer all-wheel drive as an option. Alongside the adoption of the form factor introduced by
Chrysler minivans
The Chrysler minivans are a series of minivans that have been produced and marketed by the American automaker Chrysler since the 1984 model year. Currently in its sixth generation, the model line is marketed worldwide, primarily in North Ameri ...
, the configuration allows for less engine intrusion and a lower floor in the passenger compartment. In line with larger full-size vans, unibody construction has been commonly used (the spaceframe design of the
Renault Espace
The Renault Espace is a five-door car manufactured by the French carmaker Renault since 1984 for five generations. It is classified as a large MPV/ minivan within the M-segment. The first three generations of the Espace were amongst the first c ...
and the
General Motors APV minivans being exceptions).
Minivans/MPVs are produced on either distinct chassis architecture or share platforms with other types of vehicles such as sedans and
crossover SUV
A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles ( ...
s.
Body style
![Honda Odyssey Touring flickr Upsilon Andromedae DEC2008](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Honda_Odyssey_Touring_flickr_Upsilon_Andromedae_DEC2008.jpg)
Minivans/MPVs use either a
two-box or a
one-box body design with
A, B, C and D pillars. The cabin may be fitted with two, three, or four rows of seats, with the most common configurations being 2+3+2 or 2+3+3. Compared to other types of passenger vehicles, the body shape of minivans is designed to maximize interior space for both passengers and cargo. It is achieved by lengthening the
wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels. For road vehicles with more than two axles (e.g. some trucks), the wheelbase is the distance between the steering (front ...
, creating a flatter floor, taller roof, and more upright side profile, but not as prominent as commercial-oriented vans that are boxier in profile. Practicality and comfort for passengers are also enhanced with a larger rear cargo space opening and larger windows.
Some minivans/MPVs may use sliding doors while others offer conventional forward-hinged doors. Initially, a feature of the 1982
Nissan Prairie
The is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Nissan from 1981 to 2004. Considered a mini MPV or a compact MPV. It was also marketed as the Multi in Canada and the Stanza Wagon in the United States. In Japan, it was exclusive to '' Nissan Blu ...
, the 1996
Chrysler minivans
The Chrysler minivans are a series of minivans that have been produced and marketed by the American automaker Chrysler since the 1984 model year. Currently in its sixth generation, the model line is marketed worldwide, primarily in North Ameri ...
introduced a driver-side sliding door; by 2002, all minivans were sold with doors on both sides of the body. Most minivans are configured with a rear
liftgate
A tail lift (term used in the UK, also called a "liftgate" in North America) is a mechanical device permanently installed on the rear of a work truck, van, or lorry, and is designed to facilitate the handling of goods from ground level or a load ...
; few minivans have used panel-style rear doors, for example, cargo versions of the
Chevrolet Astro
The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, in ...
,
Ford Aerostar
The Ford Aerostar is a range of vans that was manufactured by Ford from the 1986 to the 1997 model years. The first minivan produced by Ford, the model line was marketed against the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and the first two generations of the ...
, and the
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
The Mercedes-Benz Vito is a mid-sized light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by Mercedes-Benz, available as a panel van, chassis cab, or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), carrying cargo or up to eight passengers. In the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, it i ...
.
Interior
![2015-03-03 Geneva Motor Show 3391](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/2015-03-03_Geneva_Motor_Show_3391.JPG)
Most minivans are designed with a reconfigurable interior to carry either passengers or cargo. The first examples were designed with removable rear seats unlatched from the floor for removal and storage (in line with larger vans); however, users gave poor reception to the design as many seats were heavy and hard to remove. In 1995, the
Honda Odyssey Honda Odyssey can refer to three motor vehicles manufactured by Honda:
* Honda Odyssey (ATV), an all-terrain vehicle (1977—1989)
* Honda Odyssey (minivan), a brand of two different Honda minivan models for different markets
** Honda Odyssey (inte ...
was introduced with a third-row seat that fold flat into the floor, which was then adopted by many competitors, including
Chrysler
Stellantis North America (officially FCA US and formerly Chrysler ()) is one of the " Big Three" automobile manufacturers in the United States, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is the American subsidiary of the multinational automoti ...
that introduced third-row and
fold-flat second-row seats in 2005.
High-end minivans may include distinguished features such as captain seats or
Ottoman seats, as opposed to
bench seat
A bench seat is a full width continuous pad forming the front seat of automobiles. The second row of seating in most sedans is usually a bench. The third row of most SUVs and minivans, which may be forward-facing or rear-facing, is also a bench ...
s for the second row.
North America
Minivans developed for the North American market are distinct from most minivan/MPVs marketed in other regions such as Europe and Asia owing to their larger footprint and larger engine. , average exterior length for minivans in North America ranged around , while many models uses
V6 engines with more than mainly to fulfill towing capacity requirements which is demanded by North American customers.
In 2021, sales of the segment totalled 310,630 units in the U.S. (2.1% of the overall car market), and 33,544 in Canada (2.0% of the overall car market). , the passenger-oriented minivan segment consists of the
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Toyota primarily for the North American and select East Asian markets. It is named for the Italian city of Siena, in the region of Tuscany. It replaced the first generation Previa van ...
,
Chrysler Pacifica Chrysler Pacifica is a nameplate used by Chrysler for a variety of vehicles.
The name was first used on a luxury minivan concept vehicle in 1999, and later a crossover concept in 2002.
From 2004 to 2008, it was used on a mid-size crossover, and ...
,
Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager (and the long-wheelbase Chrysler Grand Voyager) is a minivan produced by the Chrysler division of Stellantis. In the current lineup, it is positioned as the lower-end Chrysler minivan, having replaced the Dodge Grand Cara ...
,
Honda Odyssey Honda Odyssey can refer to three motor vehicles manufactured by Honda:
* Honda Odyssey (ATV), an all-terrain vehicle (1977—1989)
* Honda Odyssey (minivan), a brand of two different Honda minivan models for different markets
** Honda Odyssey (inte ...
, and
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival ( ko, 기아 카니발) is a minivan manufactured by Kia since 1998. It is marketed globally under various nameplates — prominently as the Kia Sedona — which is now unused in favor of the Carnival.
The first generat ...
.
File:2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Limited, front 1.14.21.jpg, Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Toyota primarily for the North American and select East Asian markets. It is named for the Italian city of Siena, in the region of Tuscany. It replaced the first generation Previa van ...
(2020–present)
File:2021 Honda Odyssey (facelift), front 12.12.20.jpg, Honda Odyssey Honda Odyssey can refer to three motor vehicles manufactured by Honda:
* Honda Odyssey (ATV), an all-terrain vehicle (1977—1989)
* Honda Odyssey (minivan), a brand of two different Honda minivan models for different markets
** Honda Odyssey (inte ...
(2018–present)
File:2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan SE, Front Left, 03-25-2021.jpg, Chrysler Pacifica/Voyager
(2019–present)
History
1970s and 1980s
![Dodge Caravan 1985 (35460915174)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Dodge_Caravan_1985_%2835460915174%29.jpg)
In the late 1970s, Chrysler began a development program to design "a small affordable van that looked and handled more like a car."
The result of this program was the first American minivans based on the
S platform, the 1984
Plymouth Voyager
Plymouth Voyager is a nameplate for a range of vans that were marketed by the Plymouth division of Chrysler. From 1974 until 1983, the Voyager was a full-size van, sold as the counterpart of Dodge Sportsman (later the Dodge Ram Wagon). For 1984 ...
and
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan (and the long-wheelbase Dodge Grand Caravan) is a series of minivans that was manufactured by Chrysler from the 1984 to 2020 model years. The Dodge version of the Chrysler minivans, the Caravan was marketed as both a passenger v ...
. The S minivans debuted the minivan design features of front-wheel drive, a flat floor and a sliding door for rear passengers.
The term minivan came into use largely in comparison to size to
full-size van
A van is a type of road vehicle used for transporting goods or people. Depending on the type of van, it can be bigger or smaller than a pickup truck and SUV, and bigger than a common car. There is some varying in the scope of the word across ...
s; at six feet tall or lower, 1980s minivans were intended to fit inside a typical garage door opening.
In 1984, ''The New York Times'' described minivans "the hot cars coming out of Detroit,"
noting that "analysts say the mini-van has created an entirely new market, one that may well overshadow the...
station wagon
A station wagon ( US, also wagon) or estate car ( UK, also estate), is an automotive body-style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door ( ...
."
In response to the popularity of the Voyager/Caravan,
General Motors
The General Motors Company (GM) is an American Multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is the largest automaker in the United States and ...
released the 1985
Chevrolet Astro
The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, in ...
and
GMC Safari
The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, in ...
badge-engineered twins, and Ford released the 1986
Ford Aerostar
The Ford Aerostar is a range of vans that was manufactured by Ford from the 1986 to the 1997 model years. The first minivan produced by Ford, the model line was marketed against the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari and the first two generations of the ...
. These vehicles used a traditional
rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-wheel ...
layout, unlike the Voyager/Caravan.
To match the launch of minivans by American manufacturers, Japanese manufacturers introduced the
Toyota TownAce
is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. It was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda and incorporated on . Toyota is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, producing about 10 m ...
,
Nissan Vanette
The is a cabover van and pickup truck produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan from 1978 until 2011. The first two generations were engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division for private, personal ownership, with the last two genera ...
, and
Mitsubishi Delica
The is a range of vans and pickup trucks designed and built by the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors since 1968. It was originally based on a cabover van and pickup truck introduced the previous year, also called the Delica, its name a cont ...
to North America in 1984, 1986, and 1987, respectively. These vehicles were marketed with the generic "Van" and "Wagon" names (for cargo and passenger vans, respectively).
In 1989, the
Mazda MPV
The Mazda MPV (Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicle) is a minivan manufactured by Mazda. Introduced in 1988 as a rear-wheel-drive model with optional selectable four-wheel drive, this was replaced in 1999 with a front-wheel-drive version with optional ...
was released as the first Japanese-brand minivan developed from the ground up specifically for the North American market. Its larger chassis allowed for the fitment of an optional V6 engine and four-wheel drive. In contrast to the sliding doors of American minivans, a hinged passenger-side door was used. A driver-side door was added for 1996, as Mazda gradually remarketed the model line as an early crossover SUV.
By the end of the 1980s, demand for minivans as family vehicles had largely superseded full-size station wagons in the United States.
1990s
![Toyota Sienna -- 07-09-2009](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Toyota_Sienna_--_07-09-2009.jpg)
During the 1990s, the minivan segment underwent several major changes. Many models switched to the front-wheel drive layout used by the Voyager/Caravan minivans. For example, Ford replaced the Aerostar with the front-wheel drive
Mercury Villager
The Mercury Villager is a minivan that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford. The first of two minivans sold by Mercury, two generations were sold from the 1993 to 2002 model years. Competing against the Chrysler minivans and the General ...
for 1993 and the
Ford Windstar
The Ford Windstar (later the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey) is a minivan that was produced and sold by Ford. The replacement for the Ford Aerostar, the Windstar adopted the front-wheel drive configuration of the Chrysler minivans. From the ...
for 1995. The models also increased in size, as a result of the extended-wheelbase ("Grand") versions of the Voyager and Caravan which were launched in 1987. An increase in luxury features and interior equipment was seen in the Eddie Bauer version of the 1988 Ford Aerostar, the 1990
Chrysler Town & Country
The Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan that was manufactured and marketed by Chrysler from 1990 to the 2016 model years. The third of the Chrysler minivans introduced, the 1990 Town & Country shared its nameplate with the flagship Chrysler st ...
, and the 1990
Oldsmobile Silhouette
The Oldsmobile Silhouette is a minivan manufactured by General Motors for model years 1990–2004 over two generations.
Production ended when General Motors discontinued its Oldsmobile brand in 2004. GM continued to market badge engineered v ...
. The third-generation Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country – released for the 1996 model year – were available with an additional sliding door on the driver's side.
Following the 1990 discontinuation of the Nissan Vanette into the United States, Nissan also ended the sale of the second-generation
Nissan Axxess
The is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Nissan from 1981 to 2004. Considered a mini MPV or a compact MPV. It was also marketed as the Multi in Canada and the Stanza Wagon in the United States. In Japan, it was exclusive to '' Nissan Blue ...
. Nissan reentered the segment by forming a joint venture with Ford to develop and assemble a minivan which became the
Nissan Quest
The Nissan Quest is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Nissan for model years 1993–2017 over four generations.
The first two generations (internally designated V40 and V41) of the Quest were short-wheelbase models co-developed and manufac ...
and its Mercury Villager counterpart.
Toyota also introduced the
Toyota Previa
The Toyota Previa, also known as the in Japan, and Toyota Tarago in Australia, is a minivan that was produced by Toyota from 1990 until October 2019 across three generations.
The name "Previa" is derived from the Spanish and Italian for "prev ...
in 1990 to replace the Van/Wagon in North America. It was designed solely as a passenger vehicle sized to compete with American-market minivans. For 1998, the
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Toyota primarily for the North American and select East Asian markets. It is named for the Italian city of Siena, in the region of Tuscany. It replaced the first generation Previa van ...
became the first Japanese-brand minivan assembled in North America, replacing the Toyota Previa in that market. For 1999, Honda introduced a separate version of the
Odyssey for North America, with North America receiving a larger vehicle with sliding doors.
2000s and 2010s
![2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT, front 10](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/2017_Dodge_Grand_Caravan_GT%2C_front_10.27.21.jpg)
The highest selling year for minivans was in 2000, when 1.4 million units were sold. However, in the following years, sales of minivans began to decrease. In 2013, sales of the segment reached approximately 500,000, one-third of its 2000 peak.
Market share of minivans in 2019 reached around 2% after a steady decline from 2004, when the segment recorded above 6% of share. It has been suggested that the falling popularity of minivans is due to the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, and its increasingly undesirable image as a vehicle for older drivers or the
soccer mom
The term soccer mom broadly refers to an American, middle-class, suburban woman who spends a significant amount of her time transporting her school-age children to youth sporting events or other activities, whether or not they are soccer relat ...
demographics.
Due to the market decline, North American sales of the
Volkswagen Eurovan
The Volkswagen Transporter (T4), marketed in North America as the Volkswagen EuroVan, is a van produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles between 1990 and 2004, succeeding the Volkswagen Type 2 (T3) and superseded by t ...
ceased in 2003. Ford exited the segment in 2006 when the
Ford Freestar
The Ford Windstar (later the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey) is a minivan that was produced and sold by Ford. The replacement for the Ford Aerostar, the Windstar adopted the front-wheel drive configuration of the Chrysler minivans. From th ...
was canceled, Chrysler discontinued its short-wheelbase minivans in 2007, and General Motors exited the segment in 2009 with the cancellation of the
Chevrolet Uplander. However, Volkswagen marketed the
Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat minivan and rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, with revised styling, content features, and suspension tuning from the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.
Manufactu ...
(a rebadged
Chrysler RT minivans) between 2009 to 2013. In 2010, Ford started importing the commercial-oriented
Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact panel van sold by Ford since 2002. Developed by Ford of Europe, the model line replaced sedan-based vans ( Ford Escort and Ford Courier vans) with a dedicated commercial vehicle platform. The model lin ...
Wagon from Turkey. A similar vehicle, the
Mercedes-Benz Metris entered the North American market in 2016.
The
Kia Sedona
Kia Corporation, commonly known as Kia (, ; formerly known as Kyungsung Precision Industry and Kia Motors Corporation), is a South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It is South Korea's second lar ...
, which was introduced for the 2002 model year, is notable for being the first minivan from a South Korean manufacturer in the region. For 2007,
Kia
Kia Corporation, commonly known as Kia (, ; formerly known as Kyungsung Precision Industry and Kia Motors Corporation), is a South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It is South Korea's second lar ...
also introduced the three-row
Kia Rondo
The Kia Carens ( ko, 기아 카렌스) is a car manufactured by Kia since 1999, spanning over four generations, and was marketed worldwide under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Rondo. The initial three generations had a compact MPV bo ...
compact MPV, where it was prominently marketed as a crossover due to its small size and the use of hinged rear doors.
Another compact MPV released to the market was the
Mazda5 5M or 5-M may refer to:
* 5M model, a troubleshooting and risk-management model used for aviation safety
* Sibaviatrans (IATA code), a former airline
* 5M, a Toyota M engine
Toyota Motor Corporation's M family of engines were a longitudinally mou ...
in 2012, which is a three-row vehicle with rear sliding doors. Mazda claimed the model "does not fit into any traditional (North American) segmentation." The
Ford C-Max
The Ford C-Max (stylized as Ford C-MAX and previously called the Ford Focus C-Max) is a car produced by the Ford Motor Company from 2003 to 2019. It has a five-door compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) design. The Ford Grand C-Max has a longer wh ...
was released for 2013 as a
hybrid electric
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a type of hybrid vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) system with an electric propulsion system (hybrid vehicle drivetrain). The presence of the electric powertrain is intended ...
and
battery electric compact MPV with sliding doors, although it did not offer third-row seating in North America.
Europe
In Europe, the classification is commonly known as "MPV" or "people carrier" and includes smaller vehicles with two-row seating.
History
1980s
The 1984
Renault Espace
The Renault Espace is a five-door car manufactured by the French carmaker Renault since 1984 for five generations. It is classified as a large MPV/ minivan within the M-segment. The first three generations of the Espace were amongst the first c ...
was the first European-developed minivan developed primarily for passenger use (as the
Volkswagen Caravelle/Vanagon was a derivative of a commercial van). Beginning development in the 1970s under the European subsidiaries of Chrysler, the Espace was intended as a successor for the
Matra Rancho
The Matra Rancho is a leisure activity vehicle created by the French engineering group Matra, in cooperation with the automaker Simca, to capitalize on the off-road trend started by the Range Rover. The Rancho provided an "off-road look" at a lower ...
, leading to its use of front-hinged doors. While slow-selling at the time of its release, the Espace would go on to become the most successful European-brand minivans.
Initially intending to market the Espace in North America through
American Motors Corporation
American Motors Corporation (AMC; commonly referred to as American Motors) was an American automobile manufacturing company formed by the merger of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and Hudson Motor Car Company on May 1, 1954. At the time, it was the ...
(AMC), the 1987 sale of AMC to Chrysler canceled the plans for Renault to do so. In the late 1980s, Chrysler and Ford commenced sales of American-designed minivans in Europe (categorized as full-size in the region), selling the
Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager (and the long-wheelbase Chrysler Grand Voyager) is a minivan produced by the Chrysler division of Stellantis. In the current lineup, it is positioned as the lower-end Chrysler minivan, having replaced the Dodge Grand Cara ...
and Ford Aerostar. General Motors imported the Oldsmobile Silhouette (branded as the Pontiac Trans Sport), later marketing the American-produced
Opel/Vauxhall Sintra.
1990s
In the 1990s, several joint ventures produced long-running minivan designs. In 1994,
badge engeenered series of
Eurovans was introduced produced by
Sevel Nord
Sevel S.p.A. (acronym of "Società Europea Veicoli Leggeri" - "Société Européenne de Véhicules Légers" (''European Light Vehicle Company'')) is an Italian automotive company which produces light commercial vehicles. It was first established ...
and marketed by Citroën, Fiat, Lancia, and Peugeot. The Eurovans were produced with two sliding doors; to increase interior space, the gearshift was located on the dashboard and adopted a petal-type handbrake. In 1995, Ford of Europe and Volkswagen entered a joint venture, producing the
Ford Galaxy
The Ford Galaxy is a seven-seater car produced by Ford of Europe from June 1995 to April 2023. Considered in the motor industry to be a large multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), it was the first Ford-brand MPV produced and marketed outside of North Ame ...
,
SEAT Alhambra
The SEAT Alhambra is a seven-seater minivan that was built from 1996 to 2020. It was manufactured under the SEAT brand from June 1996 onwards at the Volkswagen Group's AutoEuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal. It shares the same platform with the Vo ...
, and
Volkswagen Sharan
The Volkswagen Sharan is a seven-seater minivan that was produced by the German Volkswagen Group and built at the AutoEuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal, with a front-wheel-drive version across two generations, from 1995 to 2022. Through badge engin ...
badged vans that featured rear side doors that were front-hinged rather than sliding.
In 1996, Mercedes introduced the
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
The Mercedes-Benz Vito is a mid-sized light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by Mercedes-Benz, available as a panel van, chassis cab, or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), carrying cargo or up to eight passengers. In the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, it i ...
, it is available as a standard panel van for cargo (called Vito), or with passenger accommodations substituted for part or all of the load area (called V-Class or Viano). In 1998, the
Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla (Type 186) is a six-seater car produced by Italian automaker Fiat from 1998 to 2010. Based on the Bravo/Brava, the Multipla was shorter and wider than its rivals. It had two rows of three seats, where its compact MPV competit ...
was released. A two-row, six-seater MPV with a 3+3 seat configuration borrowing its name from
an older minivan, it is notable for its highly controversial design.
Market reaction to these new full-size MPV models was mixed. Consumers perceived MPVs as large and truck-like despite boasting similar footprints as large sedans. Arguably, cultural reasons regarding vehicle size and high fuel prices were a factor. During 1996 and 1997, the Western European MPV market expanded from around 210,000 units to 350,000 units annually. However, the growth did not continue as expected, resulting in serious plant
overcapacity
Capacity utilization or capacity utilisation is the extent to which a firm or nation employs its installed productive capacity. It is the relationship between output that ''is'' produced with the installed equipment, and the potential output whi ...
.
Renault set a new "compact MPV" standard with the
Renault Scénic
The Renault Scénic () is a car which was produced by French car manufacturer Renault, the first to be labelled as a small multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in Europe. The first generation was based on the chassis of the Mégane, a small family car ...
in 1996 which became popular. Based on the C-segment
Mégane platform, it offered the same multi-use and flexibility aspects as the larger MPVs in a much smaller footprint.
2000s
After the success of the Renault Scénic, other makers have developed similar European-focused products such as the
Opel Zafira
The Opel Zafira is a car manufactured and marketed across three generations between 1999 and 2019 by Opel. Based on the Opel Astra platform, it is developed to occupy the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment.
The Zafira was also marketed unde ...
that offered three-row seating,
Citroën Xsara Picasso
The Citroën Xsara Picasso is a car produced by Citroën from 1999 to 2012. It has a five-seater five-door compact MPV design.
Trim range
At the time of its release, two trim levels were available, LX and SX. Later designations were 'Desire', ...
and others.
Asia
Japan
In Japan, the classification is known as and defined by its three-row seating capacity.
Before the birth of minivans with modern form factors, tall wagon-type vehicles with large seating capacity in Japan were known as light vans. It commonly adopts
mid-engine
In automotive engineering, a mid-engine layout describes the placement of an automobile engine in front of the rear-wheel axles, but behind the front axle.
History
The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive format can be considered the original layout of ...
,
cab over
Cab-over, also known as cab over engine (COE), cab forward (U.S.), flat nose (Canada), or forward control (UK), is a body style of truck, bus, or van that has a vertical front, "flat face" or a semi-hood, with the cab of the truck sitting a ...
design and rear-wheel drive layout with one-box form factor. Examples included the
Toyota TownAce
is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. It was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda and incorporated on . Toyota is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, producing about 10 m ...
,
Toyota HiAce
The (pronounced "High Ace") is a light commercial vehicle produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. First launched in October 1967, the HiAce has since been available in a wide range of body configurations, including a minivan/M ...
,
Nissan Vanette
The is a cabover van and pickup truck produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan from 1978 until 2011. The first two generations were engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division for private, personal ownership, with the last two genera ...
,
Mitsubishi Delica
The is a range of vans and pickup trucks designed and built by the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors since 1968. It was originally based on a cabover van and pickup truck introduced the previous year, also called the Delica, its name a cont ...
and
Mazda Bongo
The , also known as Mazda E-Series and the Ford Econovan, is a cabover van and pickup truck manufactured by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda since 1966. The Bongo name was also used for the Bongo Friendee, which is not a cabover de ...
. These vehicles were based on commercial vehicles, which created a gap compared to sedans in terms of ride quality and luxury.
The
Nissan Prairie
The is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Nissan from 1981 to 2004. Considered a mini MPV or a compact MPV. It was also marketed as the Multi in Canada and the Stanza Wagon in the United States. In Japan, it was exclusive to '' Nissan Blu ...
released in 1982 has been considered to be the first Japanese compact minivan. Derived closely from a compact sedan, the Prairie was marketed as a "boxy sedan", configured with sliding doors, folding rear seats, and a lifting rear hatch.
The
Mitsubishi Chariot
The Mitsubishi Chariot is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1983 to 2003. It is a small multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Based on the SSW concept car first exhibited at the 23rd Tokyo Motor Show in 1979, the MPV derives its n ...
adopted nearly the same form factor, instead using wagon-style front-hinged doors.
In 1990, Toyota introduced the
Toyota Estima
The Toyota Previa, also known as the in Japan, and Toyota Tarago in Australia, is a minivan that was produced by Toyota from 1990 until October 2019 across three generations.
The name "Previa" is derived from the Spanish and Italian for "previ ...
in Japan, which carried over the mid-engine configuration the TownAce. Along with its highly rounded exterior, the Estima was distinguished by its nearly panoramic window glass. The Estima was redesigned in 2000, adopting a front-wheel drive layout and offered with a
hybrid
Hybrid may refer to:
Science
* Hybrid (biology), an offspring resulting from cross-breeding
** Hybrid grape, grape varieties produced by cross-breeding two ''Vitis'' species
** Hybridity, the property of a hybrid plant which is a union of two dif ...
powertrain since 2001. In 2002, Toyota introduced the
Toyota Alphard
The is a minivan produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven or eight-seater with petrol and hybrid engine options. Hybrid variants have been available since 2003, which incorporates Toyota's Hybrid Synergy ...
which was developed as a luxury-oriented model.
Nissan introduced the
Nissan Serena
The is a minivan manufactured by Nissan, joining the slightly larger Vanette. It was also marketed by Suzuki as the between 2007 and 2022. The car was engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division and launched in 1991 as a compact pass ...
in 1990 and the
Nissan Elgrand
The is a minivan manufactured by Nissan Shatai for Nissan since 1997, available in three generations, with model codes E50 (1997–2002), E51 (2002–2010), and E52 (2010–present). The E50 Elgrand was also configured and produced as a light ...
in 1997.
In 1995, Honda entered the minivan segment by introducing the
Honda Odyssey Honda Odyssey can refer to three motor vehicles manufactured by Honda:
* Honda Odyssey (ATV), an all-terrain vehicle (1977—1989)
* Honda Odyssey (minivan), a brand of two different Honda minivan models for different markets
** Honda Odyssey (inte ...
. The Odyssey was designed with front-hinged doors and as derived from the Honda Accord. As the result, it came with advantages such as sedan-like driving dynamics and a lower floor to allow for easy access.
In a design feature that would become widely adopted by other manufacturers, the Odyssey introduced a rear seat that folded flat into the floor (replacing a removable rear seat). The Odyssey evolved to become a low-roof, estate-like minivan until 2013, when it adopted a high-roof body with rear sliding doors. Honda also produced the
Honda Stepwgn
The Honda Stepwgn (stylised as ''STEPWGN'', pronounced "step wagon") is a minivan produced by Honda since 1996. It is designed with a higher cabin, in contrast to the Odyssey and also the Stream respectively. Additionally, it can accommodate eigh ...
mid-size MPV since 1996, which is designed with a higher cabin and narrow width, and the
Honda Stream
The Honda Stream is a car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda since October 2000. The second generation model was officially presented on 13 July 2006. It has been described as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or as an estate car.
__TOC__ ...
since 2002 to slot below the Odyssey.
In 2020, minivans made up 20.8% of total automobile sales in Japan behind SUVs and compact hatchbacks, making it one of the largest minivan markets in the world.
South Korea
In South Korea, both the "minivan" and "MPV" terms are used.
The
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival ( ko, 기아 카니발) is a minivan manufactured by Kia since 1998. It is marketed globally under various nameplates — prominently as the Kia Sedona — which is now unused in favor of the Carnival.
The first generat ...
(also sold the Kia Sedona) was introduced in 1998 with dual sliding doors. Sharing its configuration with the Honda Odyssey, the
Hyundai Trajet
The Hyundai Trajet (Hangul: 현대 트라제 ; pronounced as ''trajay''), is a seven-seater car that was manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company between 1999 and 2008. Described as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the series was officially launched ...
was sold from 1999 to 2008. Introduced in 2004, the
SsangYong Rodius is the highest-capacity minivan, seating up to 11 passengers. It was discontinued in 2019.
Current minivans marketed in South Korea are the Kia Carnival and Hyundai Staria, along with imported options such as the Toyota Sienna (originally for North America) and later generations of Honda Odyssey.
China
In 1999,
Shanghai GM
SAIC General Motors Corporation Limited (More commonly known as SAIC-GM; ; formerly known as "Shanghai General Motors Company Ltd", "Shanghai GM"; ) is a joint venture between General Motors Company and SAIC Motor that manufactures and sells Chev ...
commenced production of the
Buick GL8
The Buick GL8 is a minivan that is produced by Shanghai GM, a joint-venture between Chinese automaker SAIC Motor and American automaker General Motors. It is only sold in China.
Introduced in 1999, the first generation Buick GL8 is similar to t ...
minivan, derived from a minivan platform designed by GM in the United States. After two generations of production, the GL8 is the final minivan produced by General Motors or its joint ventures today. It remained dominant in the high-end minivan segment in the market.
Sales of minivans in China increased rapidly in 2015 and 2016, when the Chinese government lifted the
one-child policy
The term one-child policy () refers to a population planning initiative in China implemented between 1980 and 2015 to curb the country's population growth by restricting many families to a single child. That initiative was part of a much br ...
in favor of the
two-child policy which pushed customer preference toward three-row vehicles in anticipation of a larger family. In 2016, 2,497,543 minivans were sold in China, a major increase from 2012 which recorded 936,232 sales. However, sales volume had shrunk ever since, with only 1,082,028 minivans sold in the domestic market in 2021 (4.1% of the total car market), around 720,000 of which were sold by domestic manufacturers.
Indonesia
The MPV segment is the most popular passenger car segment in Indonesia with a market share of 40 percent in 2021.
India
The category is commonly known as multi utility vehicle (MUV) or MPV. In
fiscal year
A fiscal year (or financial year, or sometimes budget year) is used in government accounting, which varies between countries, and for budget purposes. It is also used for financial reporting by businesses and other organizations. Laws in many ...
2020, sales volume of the segment totalled 283,583 vehicles, or 10.3% of industry total.
Size categories
Mini MPV
Mini MPV – an abbreviation for Mini Multi-Purpose Vehicle – is a vehicle size class for the smallest size of minivans (MPVs). The Mini MPV size class sits below the compact MPV size class and the vehicles are often built on the platforms of B-segment hatchback models.
Several minivans based on B-segment platforms have been marketed as 'leisure activity vehicles' in Europe.
These include the
Fiat Fiorino
The Fiat Fiorino is a small commercial vehicle produced by the Italian car manufacturer Fiat since 1977. Its first two generations have been the panel van derivatives of other small models, such as the Fiat 127 and Fiat Uno, while the curre ...
and
Ford Transit Courier
The Ford Transit Courier is a leisure activity vehicle marketed by Ford of Europe. Making its debut as a model of 2014 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Transit Courier is the smallest vehicle of the product range of the Ford Transit. Deriving i ...
.
Examples:
Compact MPV
![2018 Volkswagen Touran 1](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/2018_Volkswagen_Touran_1.6.jpg)
Compact MPV – an abbreviation for Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle – is a vehicle size class for the middle size of MPVs/minivans. The Compact MPV size class sits between the mini MPV and minivan size classes.
Compact MPVs remain predominantly a European phenomenon, although they are also built and sold in many Latin American and Asian markets. As of 2016, the only compact MPV sold widely in the United States was the Ford C-Max.
Examples:
Related categories
Leisure activity vehicle
![2020 Peugeot Rifter GT Line Long BlueHDi 1](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/2020_Peugeot_Rifter_GT_Line_Long_BlueHDi_1.5.jpg)
A leisure activity vehicle (abbreviated LAV), also known as van-based MPV and ''ludospace'' in French, is the passenger-oriented version of small commercial vans primarily marketed in Europe.
One of the first LAVs was the 1977
Matra Rancho
The Matra Rancho is a leisure activity vehicle created by the French engineering group Matra, in cooperation with the automaker Simca, to capitalize on the off-road trend started by the Range Rover. The Rancho provided an "off-road look" at a lower ...
(among the first crossover SUVs and a precursor to the Renault Espace), with European manufacturers expanding the segment in the late 1990s, following the introduction of the
Citroën Berlingo
The Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner are a range of multi-purpose vehicles produced by the PSA Group and later by Stellantis. They are sold both as panel vans for use as commercial vehicles and as a passenger variant with rear seats and w ...
and
Renault Kangoo
The Renault Kangoo is a family of multi purpose vehicles manufactured and marketed by Renault since 1997, in commercial as well as passenger variants, across three generations. For the European market, the Kangoo is manufactured at the MCA plan ...
.
Leisure activity vehicles are typically derived from
supermini or
subcompact
Subcompact car is a North American classification for cars smaller than a compact car. It is broadly equivalent to the B-segment (Europe), supermini (Great Britain) or A0-class (China) classifications.
According to the U.S. Environmental Prot ...
car platforms, differing from
mini MPV
Mini MPV— an abbreviation for mini multi-purpose vehicle— is a vehicle size class for the smallest size of minivans/MPVs. The mini MPV size class sits below the compact MPV size class and the vehicles are often built on the platforms of B-s ...
s in body design. To maximize interior space, LAVs feature a taller roof, more upright windshield, and longer hood/bonnet with either a
liftgate
A tail lift (term used in the UK, also called a "liftgate" in North America) is a mechanical device permanently installed on the rear of a work truck, van, or lorry, and is designed to facilitate the handling of goods from ground level or a load ...
or barn doors to access the boot. Marketed as an alternative to sedan-derived
small family car
The C-segment is the 3rd category of the European segments for passenger cars and is described as "medium cars". It is equivalent to the Euro NCAP "small family car" size class, and the compact car category in the United States.
In 2011, the C ...
s, LAVs have seating with a lower
H-point
The H-point (or hip-point) is the theoretical, relative location of an occupant's hip: specifically the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of the body — as used in vehicle design, automotive design and vehicle regulation ...
than MPVs or minivans, offering two (or three) rows of seating.
Though sharing underpinnings with superminis, subcompacts, and mini MPVs, the use of an extended wheelbase can make leisure activity vehicles longer than the vehicles they are derived from. For example, the
Fiat Doblò
The Fiat Doblò is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by Italian automaker Fiat since 2000. It was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2000. A second-generation Doblò succeeded the original vehicle in 2010 for most market ...
is one of the longest LAVs with a total length of , versus the of the
Opel Meriva
The Opel Meriva is a car manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Opel on its Corsa platform, from May 2003 until June 2017 across two generations. Described as a mini MPV, it was marketed as the Vauxhall Meriva in the United Kingdom, w ...
(a mini MPV) and the of the
Peugeot 206
The Peugeot 206 is a supermini car (B-segment) designed and produced by the French car manufacturer Peugeot since May 1998 as a replacement to the Peugeot 205. Developed under the codename ''T1'', it was released in September 1998 in hatchback fo ...
SW (a supermini).
Asian utility vehicle
![03 toyota revo sr (cropped)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/03_toyota_revo_sr_%28cropped%29.JPG)
An Asian utility vehicle (abbreviated AUV) is a term originating from the Philippines to describe basic and affordable vehicles with either large seating capacity or cargo designed to be sold in developing countries. These vehicles are usually available in minivan-like wagon body style with a seating capacity of 7 to 16 passengers, and are usually based on a compact pickup truck with
body-on-frame chassis and
rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-wheel ...
to maximize its load capacity and durability while maintaining low manufacturing cost. Until the 2000s, AUVs were popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines, Taiwan, and some African markets.
The first AUV is the
Toyota Tamaraw/Kijang, which was introduced in the Philippines and Indonesia since 1975 as a pickup truck with optional rear cabin. In the 1990s, other vehicles such as the
Isuzu Panther/Hi-Lander/Crosswind and
Mitsubishi Freeca/Adventure/Kuda emerged in the AUV segment. Modern equivalent of AUV is the
Toyota Innova
The Toyota Innova is a car manufactured by the Japanese carmaker Toyota since 2004. It is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or minivan and mainly sold with three-row seating. Its official name in Indonesia is Toyota Kijang Innova, while for other ...
, an MPV that is the direct successor to the Kijang which in its first two generations were built with body-on-frame construction. The third generation of the vehicle switched to
unibody
A vehicle frame, also historically known as its '' chassis'', is the main supporting structure of a motor vehicle to which all other components are attached, comparable to the skeleton of an organism.
Until the 1930s, virtually every car ha ...
construction.
Three-row SUV
With the decline of the minivan/MPV category in many regions such as North America and Europe in the mid-2010s, SUVs and crossovers with three rows of seating became popular alternatives. Compared to minivans, three-row SUVs lose sliding doors and generally offer less interior space due to the higher priorities on exterior styling and higher
ground clearance
Ride height or ground clearance is the amount of space between the base of an automobile tire and the lowest point of the automobile (typically the axle); or, more properly, to the shortest distance between a flat, level surface, and the lowest p ...
.
References
Further media
; Videos:
*
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