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No minivan sold new in the US has true four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case. Two models offer all-wheel drive: the Toyota Sienna and the gas-engine Chrysler Pacifica. The Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival and Chrysler Voyager are front-wheel drive only, according to the EPA's fuel-economy data.
At a Glance
| Minivan | Drive offered | How the AWD works | Tow rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Sienna (hybrid) | Front-drive or AWD on every grade | An electric motor drives the rear wheels; no driveshaft | 3,500 lb (Woodland Edition with hitch) |
| Chrysler Pacifica (gas V6) | Front-drive or AWD | A driveshaft and clutch send power to the rear when needed | Up to 3,600 lb with Trailer Tow Group |
| Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid | Front-drive only | No AWD offered | — |
| Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, Chrysler Voyager | Front-drive only | No AWD offered | — |
Toyota Sienna: AWD on Every Grade
The 2026 Sienna is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid making 245 total system horsepower through a continuously variable transmission. Toyota makes AWD standard on the Woodland Edition and Platinum and optional on the LE, XLE, XSE and Limited. Its AWD has no transfer case or rear driveshaft: a separate electric motor drives the rear axle. Toyota says the front-to-rear torque split runs from 100:0 at a steady cruise to 20:80 on slippery surfaces, and that up to 80% of torque can go to the rear wheels when pulling away to limit front-wheel slip.
The EPA rates the 2026 Sienna at 36 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 35 mpg with AWD. Toyota says the Woodland Edition adds nearly half an inch of ground clearance and rates it at 3,500 lb of towing with its tow hitch.
Chrysler Pacifica: AWD on the Gas V6
The Pacifica's AWD uses a power transfer unit on the nine-speed automatic, a three-piece driveshaft and a rear drive module with an electronically controlled wet clutch. Chrysler says the system engages on its own, based on inputs such as low outside temperature, windshield-wiper use, wheel slip and rough roads. When AWD isn't needed, the power transfer unit and rear drive module disconnect so the driveshaft stops spinning, which cuts driveline drag.
The engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 rated at 287 hp and 262 lb-ft. For the 2027 model year Chrysler lists AWD on the Select, Limited and Pinnacle trims (standard on Pinnacle) and a towing capacity of up to 3,600 lb with the optional Trailer Tow Group. Chrysler says the Pacifica is the only minivan that pairs AWD with second-row Stow 'n Go seats; the driveshaft's three-piece design keeps the fold-into-floor seats. When Chrysler launched Pacifica AWD for 2021, it was offered on gas models only; the plug-in hybrid (EPA-rated at 82 MPGe and 30 mpg on gas for 2026) is front-wheel drive. The EPA rates the 2026 front-drive V6 at 22 mpg combined.
Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival and Chrysler Voyager: Front-Drive Only
The EPA lists every 2026 Honda Odyssey (3.5-liter V6, 10-speed automatic, 22 mpg combined) and every 2026 Kia Carnival as front-wheel drive. The Carnival comes with a 3.5-liter V6 (21 mpg combined) or a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid (32 mpg combined). The 2026 Chrysler Voyager (3.6-liter V6, 22 mpg combined) is also listed only with front-wheel drive. If you want AWD in a minivan, the Sienna and the gas Pacifica are the only choices.
What Minivan AWD Does and Doesn't Do
Consumer Reports' snow testing found that all-wheel drive helps a vehicle get moving from a stop and accelerate on a slippery surface. It did not help braking or some kinds of cornering. In CR's tests, an AWD Honda CR-V on its original all-season tires took almost 700 feet to stop from 60 mph in snow. CR recommends four winter tires for any vehicle in snowy regions, whatever its drivetrain.
CR also lists what AWD lacks compared with a 4x4: there's no low range for slow crawling and no heavy-towing ability. Neither minivan system has a two-speed transfer case or a locking differential, so neither can gear down for a steep, loose climb. If you need that, look at the best 3-row 4x4 SUVs. The AWD vs 4WD in snow comparison covers where each drivetrain helps.
How We Research This
This page uses each manufacturer's published specifications and the EPA's fuel-economy listings, not first-hand testing by our team. See how we rank and affiliate disclosure.
Toyota, Chrysler, Honda and Kia are trademarks of their respective owners. 4x4 & Overlanding is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by any vehicle manufacturer.
Recommended gear
A first recovery kit for any 4WD
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Best for a complete strap, shackle and glove kit in one bag.
- Straps, shackles, gloves, damper and a recovery bag in one kit.
- Covers most vehicle-to-vehicle recoveries without buying parts separately.
Best for getting unstuck from sand, mud or snow without another vehicle.
- Nylon recovery boards that give spinning tires grip in sand, mud or snow.
- Double as a shovel to clear sand from in front of the tires.
Best for airing all four tires down to a set pressure at once.
- Automatic deflators preset between 6 and 30 PSI.
- Air all four tires down at once, then stop at the set pressure.
Best for airing back up before you hit pavement.
- Portable 12V compressor rated to 150 PSI.
- Sized for truck and SUV tires.
We research products from manufacturer specs and owner feedback; we don't test them ourselves. How we choose.
Sources
- Toyota Newsroom — 2026 Toyota Sienna Packs in More Standard Features — Sienna grades and AWD availability (standard on Woodland Edition and Platinum, optional on LE, XLE, XSE, Limited); rear electric-motor AWD with a 100:0 to 20:80 torque split; 245 hp hybrid; nearly half an inch of added Woodland clearance; 3,500 lb towing for the Woodland Edition with hitch.
- FuelEconomy.gov — 2026 Toyota Sienna — EPA listings: 2026 Sienna front-drive at 36 mpg combined and AWD at 35 mpg combined.
- Stellantis Media — 2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWD — How Pacifica AWD works (power transfer unit, rear drive module with wet clutch, three-piece driveshaft), automatic engagement triggers, driveline disconnect, 287 hp and 262 lb-ft V6, AWD on gas models only (not the hybrid).
- Chrysler (PR Newswire) — 2027 Chrysler Pacifica — 2027 AWD availability on Select, Limited and Pinnacle (standard on Pinnacle); only minivan with AWD plus second-row Stow 'n Go; up to 3,600 lb towing with the Trailer Tow Group.
- FuelEconomy.gov — 2026 Chrysler models — EPA listings: 2026 Pacifica V6 (22 mpg combined), Pacifica Hybrid (82 MPGe, 30 mpg on gas) and Voyager (22 mpg combined, front-wheel drive).
- FuelEconomy.gov — 2026 Honda Odyssey — The only 2026 Odyssey listing: 3.5L V6, 10-speed automatic, front-wheel drive, 22 mpg combined.
- FuelEconomy.gov — Gas Mileage of 2026 Kia Carnival — 2026 Carnival 3.5L V6 (21 mpg combined) and 1.6L turbo hybrid (32 mpg combined), both front-wheel drive.
- Consumer Reports — Do You Really Need AWD in the Snow? — AWD helps acceleration but not braking or some cornering in snow; AWD CR-V on all-season tires took almost 700 ft to stop from 60 mph in snow; AWD lacks low range and heavy-towing ability; four winter tires recommended.