Stow 'n Go seating is genuinely brilliant, fold the second row flat into the floor and suddenly you're hauling plywood sheets where car seats used to be. The interior space embarrasses most three-row SUVs, and it drives better than any minivan has a right to. But auxiliary batteries die with alarming frequency, transmissions have failed at 24,000 miles, and electrical gremlins will put you on a first-name basis with your service advisor. Owners either adore theirs after 150,000 miles or regret it after 30,000, there's almost no middle ground. If you're buying used, budget for an extended warranty. If you need the utility and can stomach the risk, nothing else in the segment offers this combination of space and versatility.
This is the minivan for people who swore they'd never drive one, sharp styling that doesn't broadcast 'parent mobile,' genuinely impressive tech, and a price that undercuts the Sienna by thousands. The tradeoff: Kia's reliability reputation isn't Toyota-level, and while the V6 Lambda engine has a solid track record, the brand's GDI four-cylinders have a history of failures that spooks buyers. The new 2026 hybrid looks excellent on paper (30+ mpg) but hasn't logged enough miles to prove itself. If you're keeping it through the 10-year warranty and value style plus features over resale, it's compelling. If you need 200k trouble-free miles or AWD for winters, the Sienna is the safer bet.