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April 10, 2025 – When actress Constance Wu posted a glowing tribute to her Toyota Sienna on Instagram last week, she didn’t expect to spark a national conversation about family transportation. But for millions of millennial parents who grew up being told minivans were “uncool,” her words hit home: “I don’t want an SUV, I want something that reflects who I am: And I am mom.”
Wu’s unabashed love for her minivan isn’t just a celebrity quirk. It’s part of a broader cultural shift as millennials, now in their prime parenting years, rediscover the practicality of a vehicle their parents once rejected. According to recent sales data from Cox Automotive, minivan sales in the U.S. rose 8% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival leading the charge.
Every generation rebels against the previous one. Boomers traded station wagons for minivans; Gen X and early millennials swapped minivans for SUVs. The SUV was marketed as a rugged, adventurous alternative to the “soccer mom” stereotype. But as Wu points out, that narrative was both gendered and illogical.
“Minivans are objectively better for most families,” says automotive journalist Dan Edmunds, who has tested over 200 family vehicles. “They have lower floors for easier loading, sliding doors that don’t ding other cars, and more usable interior space than any SUV at the same price point.”
The station wagon era gave way to the minivan in the 1980s, thanks largely to Chrysler’s Town & Country and Dodge Caravan. By the year 2000, minivans held a 7% market share. Then came the Ford Explorer, and the SUV craze began. But what many forget is that minivans never truly disappeared—they just evolved.
Wu’s 2025 Toyota Sienna is a perfect example of how far the segment has come. Every Sienna is now a hybrid, returning an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined—better than many compact sedans. It also offers all-wheel drive, a feature once reserved for SUVs. The starting price of the Sienna LE is $37,685, slightly undercutting the Kia Carnival Hybrid ($38,500).
But the real magic is in the details. Wu’s Instagram reel shows her loading up the cargo area with “little blue barf bags” for her motion-sick child, a small but relatable touch that resonated with thousands of parents. The Sienna’s second-row seats can slide forward for easy access to the third row, and the available built-in vacuum cleaner (a $475 option) makes cleanup a breeze.
“I’ve reviewed the Sienna in the same configuration as Wu’s, and it’s the most thoughtfully designed family vehicle I’ve ever driven,” says Edmunds. “The hybrid powertrain is smooth, the cabin is whisper-quiet, and the infotainment system is intuitive. It’s a minivan that doesn’t compromise on driving dynamics.”
Despite the minivan’s advantages, many families still default to three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride. But these vehicles often have higher floors, narrower third rows, and worse fuel economy. The SUV’s popularity is largely a matter of image.
“There’s a persistent stigma that minivans are for people who have given up,” says Dr. Eliza Thornton, a sociologist studying consumer behavior at the University of Michigan. “Millennials are starting to question that assumption. They value authenticity and practicality over status symbols.”
Wu’s post is a case in point. She explicitly states she’s not being paid by Toyota—she just genuinely loves her van. That kind of authenticity is gold for a brand like Toyota, which has seen a 12% increase in social media engagement around the Sienna since Wu’s post went viral.
I’ll admit: I don’t drive a minivan. My wife and I have one child, and we chose a Honda CR-V hybrid. It’s big enough for us, and I can squeeze two more kids in the back if needed. But I understand the appeal of a minivan—especially for families with two or more children.
The turning point for me was a weekend trip with my brother’s family. They have a Kia Carnival Hybrid, and I was amazed at how easily they loaded the kids, strollers, and luggage. The sliding doors meant no more nerving parking lot dings. The kids could walk to the third row without climbing over seats. And the ride was smoother than my CR-V.
“If you’re a parent, a minivan is a place to be,” Wu said in her Instagram caption. “To exist. To pass countless mornings on the way to kindergarten, and endless hours driving to grandma’s 80th birthday party.” She’s right. The minivan isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a mobile living room.
As of 2025, there are four main minivan choices in the U.S.:
All four are excellent, but the Sienna and Carnival are the top picks for efficiency and value. The Odyssey remains a favorite for families who prioritize interior room, while the Pacifica PHEV is best for those who can plug in daily.
Constance Wu isn’t the only celebrity championing the minivan. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was spotted loading his kids into a custom Sienna last year, and singer Pink has often praised her Carnival. The stigma is fading, and millennials are leading the charge.
If you’re in the market for a family vehicle, don’t let outdated notions steer you toward an SUV. Test-drive a minivan. You might be surprised by how much you love it—just like Wu.
Top image: Toyota/Instagram
