Bread Box Battle: Chrysler Town & Country vs Honda Odyssey vs Nissan Quest vs Toyota Sienna

No change at the top
Unfortunately, the Nissan Quest has few merits that set it apart from the others. Although it drives competently and comfortably, we can't help but think that buyers will be better served by one of the other three competitors here. Chrysler takes home the most-improved award, but that's not enough for a victory. Its midlife update has been shockingly thorough, and yet the Town & Country still needs a ground-up redesign to bring the interior, chassis, and transmission in line with the best vehicles in its class. It is, however, the minivan for those who value versatility above all else. Honda and Toyota build seriously great minivans, and it is really a matter of individual priorities to pick a winner. For many -- maybe even most -- buyers, the Honda is the best choice, pushed ahead by its superior fuel economy and more premium interior. Despite that, I'm choosing the Sienna as my favorite. It's a better driver with an excellent, practical interior, and, at a $3388 as-tested discount versus the Odyssey, it's also a better value. The Specs CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY
PRICE: $30,995/$40,090 (base/as tested)
ENGINE: 3.6L V-6, 283 hp, 260 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic
EPA MILEAGE: 17/25 mpg HONDA ODYSSEY
PRICE: $28,580/$44,030 (base/as tested)
ENGINE: 3.5L V-6, 248 hp, 250 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic
EPA MILEAGE: 19/28 mpg NISSAN QUEST
PRICE: $28,560/$35,390 (base/as tested)
ENGINE: 3.5L V-6, 260 hp, 240 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: Continuously variable
EPA MILEAGE: 19/24 mpg TOYOTA SIENNA
PRICE: $26,610/$40,642 (base V-6/as tested)
ENGINE: 3.5L V-6, 266 hp, 245 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic
EPA MILEAGE: 18/24 mpg