Minivan vs. MPV

In the US, we drive minivans. In Europe, they drive MPVs and mini-MPVs.

In the US, minivans are massive, have sliding side doors, seat between 7 – 9 people, come replete with DVD players, nav screens, and have 6 cylinder gas engines that return about 16 – 17 MPG.

In Europe, MPVs go from small to massive, have four swing doors, seat between 7 – 8 people, come replete with DVD players, nav screens, and have turbocharged 4 cylinder diesel engines that return in the neighborhood of 30 MPG.

Next-generation VW Sharan

In the US, minivans have names like “Caravan”, “Freestar”, “Odyssey”, and “Quest”.

VW Routan (re-skinned Chrysler Town & Country)

In Europe, MPVs have names like “S-Max”, “Espace”, “Scenic”, “Sharan”, “Picasso”, and “Zafira”.

There are two mini-MPVs sold in the US: the Kia Rondo, and the Mazda5. Dodge/Chrysler’s minivan is sold in Europe, but is built in Austria.

30 MPG in Europe. What the hell is wrong with the American market?