Hot New Minivans and Vans

Improving gas mileage is shaping up to be the driving force for this year's minivans, a segment known for putting practicality before style. Chrysler touts a 2 mpg improvement on the highway in its Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans thanks to a retuned six-cylinder engine; both models now tie the Honda Odyssey for best large-minivan mileage. So does the new Volkswagen Routan, which is essentially a twin to Chrysler's models. The Routan does have its own outside styling and suspension tuning, and it will be marketed slightly upstream of the other two. Among full-size vans, very little has changed this year; most significant is the fact that Ford's E-Series has gained a modernized interior and some work-friendly gadgets.

Hot Vans and Minivans for 2009
All minivans are listed in alphabetical order and are from the 2009 model year.
	Chrysler Town & Country	$25,730- $36,530
	Chrysler is one of several automakers this year to retune a drivetrain for better efficiency; its Town & Country now ties the Honda Odyssey for the segment's highest mileage, at 17/25 mpg city/highway with a powerful 4.0-liter V-6. Choice of three V-6 engines Standard side curtain airbags Standard electronic stability system Swiveling or collapsible seats Optional live satellite TV
	Dodge Grand Caravan	$21,975 - $27,825
	The Dodge Grand Caravan receives the same drivetrain and mileage upgrades as the Town & Country, and both have some new high-tech safety options that are worth checking out. Standard electronic stability system Available Swivel 'n Go seating Available power-folding third row Available Sirius Backseat TV Available blind-spot and rear cross-path warning
	Ford E-150, E-250, E-350	$25,060 - $34,695
	Fresh off a major nose job last year, the E-Series receives an interior update for 2009, and it also adds some optional telematics and tool-tracking systems that commercial users could find helpful. New front-end styling Three duty ratings Redesigned instrument panel and console Available V-8, V-10 and diesel engines Standard electronic stability control on wagon and recreational vans Standard electronic throttle control Standard oil cooler
	Volkswagen Routan	$24,700 - $38,400
	Though related to the Town & Country and Grand Caravan, the Routan will have unique steering and suspension tuning; its interior shares Chrysler's styling but uses slightly better materials. Related to Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8-liter or 4.0-liter V-6 Six-speed automatic Available backseat TV Available MP3-ready hard drive