Are there V8 minivans?
There are currently no factory V8-powered minivans in mainstream production. Most modern minivans rely on V6 or hybrid powertrains to balance space, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Minivans have evolved toward efficient, family-focused drivetrains. While buyers often want strong acceleration and towing capability, automakers have largely reserved V8 options for full-size vans and large SUVs rather than the compact-to-midsize minivan class. Here’s what that means in practice and where power options do stand today.
Current minivan engine options
Below is a snapshot of the leading minivan models on sale today and the engines they use.
- Toyota Sienna — 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid system (about 245 horsepower combined), with available all-wheel drive.
- Honda Odyssey — 3.5-liter V6 (about 280 horsepower).
- Chrysler Pacifica — 3.6-liter V6 (about 287 horsepower); Pacifica Hybrid also available with a 3.6-liter V6 hybrid powertrain (around 260 horsepower combined).
- Kia Carnival — 3.5-liter V6 (about 290 horsepower).
These engines reflect the current approach: V6s for traditional minivans, with one hybrid option, the Sienna, leading the battery-electric-like efficiency path in this segment.
Why V8 minivans are rare
Several factors explain the scarcity of V8-powered minivans in today’s market.
- Fuel economy and emissions concerns push manufacturers toward four-cylinder hybrids or V6s rather than V8s in family vehicles.
- Interior packaging and weight considerations favor smaller, efficient powertrains that preserve cargo and seating space.
- Market demand for practicality over raw horsepower means few buyers seek a V8 in a family-hauling minivan.
- For those who want V8 power, the available options typically lie with full-size vans or large SUVs rather than the minivan category.
In short, if V8 power is a priority, consumers must look beyond the minivan segment to full-size vans or large SUVs, or consider aftermarket modifications at considerable cost and complexity.
Historical context
V8s in vans: a brief look back
Historically, the minivan class has not been a stronghold for factory V8 engines. Early and current minivans have concentrated on V6 and hybrid powertrains to maximize interior space, curb weight, and efficiency. By contrast, older full-size vans—used for commercial fleets and heavy-duty hauling—sometimes offered V8 options, underscoring a clear division between the minivan and the traditional full-size van categories.
Today, that distinction remains intact: V8s are rare in minivans, while full-size vans and certain large SUVs provide the horsepower and payload enthusiasts might seek, but at the cost of greater size, fuel use, and often, different ownership costs.
Alternatives for power and utility
If the goal is strong acceleration, high towing capacity, or substantial interior space, buyers can consider these alternatives, keeping in mind they fall outside the traditional minivan classification.
- Full-size vans with V8 options from earlier generations (for buyers open to used models): these offer substantial payload and towing but are larger and less car-like than modern minivans.
- Large SUVs with V8 power: models such as the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition provide three-row seating and robust towing, though ride and efficiency differ from minivans.
- Newer, non-V8 options in the same vehicle family: many buyers opt for efficient V6 or hybrid minivans and supplement with towing equipment or advanced driving aids.
Ultimately, the market today favors efficiency and practicality in the minivan segment, with power delivered primarily through V6s and hybrid systems rather than V8 engines.
Summary
There are no current factory V8 minivans in mainstream markets. The segment’s engines favor V6s and hybrid powertrains to balance interior space, weight, and fuel economy. For buyers seeking V8 power, the practical path is to explore full-size vans or large SUVs outside the minivan category, or consider non-factory modifications with considerable trade-offs. In today’s lineup, the modern minivan remains defined by efficiency and versatility rather than V8 horsepower.
Which minivan has the biggest engine?
The 12 Most Powerful Minivans, Ranked By Horsepower
- Dongfeng Motor Voyah Dream (2024-present): 429 hp.
- Lexus LM 500h (2024-present): 366 hp.
- Volkswagen ID.
- Toyota Sienna V6 (2017-2020): 296 hp.
- Kia Carnival (2021-present): 287 hp.
- Chrysler Pacifica (2016-present): 287 hp.
- Honda Odyssey (2017-present): 280 hp.
Is the Honda Odyssey a V8?
All Odyssey models have a 3.5 L J35Z8 V6 that makes 248 bhp (185 kW) at 5700 rpm and 250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) of torque at 4800 rpm.
Do any minivans have a V8?
However, there is one minivan out there which can haul a large family and also sports a V8 under the hood. The only one of its kind on the US market, the GMC Savana is a long-running model, whose retro looks tell of the three decades it has spent on the market with minimal changes.
Is there a Van with a V8 engine?
What engine does the 2023 Chevrolet Express van use? From the 4.3L V6 engine, you can get an impressive 298 lb. -ft. of torque and from the 6.6L V8 a remarkable 401 horsepower with 464 lb.
