Yahoo Autos 8 excellent minivans you can't buy in the United States
Americans have fallen out of love with minivans. For some reason, a super-practical, multi-seat vehicle that can haul almost anyone and anything is less popular than giant SUVs that make it difficult to access the third row. The rest of the world hasn’t forgotten the minivan’s virtues, and many well-known automakers offer a whole rainbow of family carriers, some of which offer clever camping and luxury features. Here are some forbidden-fruit vans we can’t buy in the United States.
Toyota Noah/Voxy
The Toyota Noah and Voxy have been around since the early 2000s and sit below the Alphard (more on that below) in the automaker’s van line. Toyota’s sales model in Japan seems complicated from the outside, as the company sells different vehicles at different types of dealerships. The Noah was originally sold at Toyota’s Corolla Stores before the automaker shifted its model to the van in all locations in 2020. Now in their fourth generation, the van twins offer unique family-friendly features like a step system and use Toyota’s latest hybrid system.
Toyota Alphard
The Toyota Alphard is a stately minivan sold in several countries and regions, including Bangladesh, China and the Middle East. It’s now in its third generation and features Lexus-like styling with a massive cabin. The Alphard is available with several powertrain options, including some it shares with Lexus and other Toyota models, including the ES 350 and Highlander. Toyota equips the Alphard with several advanced safety features, and the van can comfortably carry up to eight people. That said, the Alphard is more expensive than many of its rivals in the markets where it’s sold, so people may consider other options.
Mitsubishi Delica
If you’ve spent any time in the automotive corners of social media, you’ve seen a Delica. They’re everywhere now, as Americans figure out that a small, light van with real ground clearance and four-wheel drive is a great thing. Mitsubishi has made different vehicles under the Delica name, including a truck and a kei car, but the minivan is the one most of us recognize. The Delica entered its fifth generation way back in 2007 and got a facelift in 2019. It’s still available with four-wheel drive, though Mitsubishi also sells a front-drive version. Today’s van is light years away from the classic models we can import here and features a massive grille with unique front lighting fixtures.
Nissan Serena
The Nissan Serena has been around a shockingly long time and is entering its sixth generation in 2023. Nissan offers hybrid and gas engine choices, and the van can seat up to seven people. It’s larger in most dimensions than its Toyota and Kia rivals but lighter than both. Top trims are surprisingly luxurious with diamond-stitched leather upholstery and neat features like fold-down second-row food trays with drink holders.
