This time, we’ll be ranking the most fuel-efficient minivans (domestic cars) as of 2025 (Reiwa 7). We’ll be looking at models that are currently on sale in 2025. There are likely many people who want spaciousness for various reasons, such as wanting a spacious car for comfort after having a child, or wanting to regularly transport friends but not being able to fit five people . We hope this article will be helpful for anyone considering a minivan.
Top 10 fuel-efficient Japanese minivans released in 2024
A survey of fuel-efficient minivans on sale as of January 2024 revealed that the Sienta boasts overwhelming fuel economy in Japan, with a WLTC mode fuel economy of 28.8km/L. The Noah/Voxy also boasts impressive fuel economy of 23.0km/L in the WLTC mode, compared to the Stepwagon and Serena, both of which are in the same category.
| Ranking | Manufacturer | Car name | WLTC mode fuel economy |
Maximum number of passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Toyota | Sienta | 28.8km/L | 3-row, 7-seater |
| 2nd place | Toyota | Noah | 23.0km/L | 3-row, 8-seater |
| 2nd place | Toyota | Voxy | 23.0km/L | 3-row, 8-seater |
| 4th place | Honda | Freed | 20.9km/L | 3-row, 6-seater |
| 5th place | Honda | Odyssey | 20.8km/L | 3-row, 7-seater |
| 6th place | Nissan | Serena e-POWER | 20.6km/L | 3-row, 8-seater |
| 7th place | Honda | Step WGN | 20.0km/L | 3-row, 8-seater |
| 8th place | Toyota | Alphard | 17.7km/L | 3-row, 7-seater |
| 8th place | Toyota | Vellfire | 17.7km/L | 3-row, 7-seater |
| 10th place | Mitsubishi | Delica D:5 | 13.6km/L | 3-row, 6-seater |
| 11th place | Lexus | LM | 13.5km/L | 2-row, 4-seater |
| 12th place | Nissan | Elgrand | 10.8km/L | 3-row, 7-seater |
| 13th place | Nissan | caravan | 10.5km/L | 3-row, 9-seater |
| 14th place | Toyota | Grand Ace | 10.0km/L | 3-row, 8-seater |
| 15th place | Toyota | Hiace Super Long |
8.8km/L | 4 rows, 10 seats |
Top 15 fuel-efficient Japanese cars: Latest car information
What is the definition of a minivan?
There is no standard or technical definition for a minivan. It refers to a vehicle with a relatively large interior length and height relative to the overall length. It generally has a seating capacity of six or more people. It is often called a tall wagon or a high-roof wagon.
SIENTA
Grand Ace
Alphard
Serena
Voxy
Step WGN
1st place: New Sienta Fully Redesigned
In developing the new Sienta, the company aims to further refine the “user-friendly interior space” of the first generation, while retaining the attractive features of the “easy-to-handle 5-number size,” “latest safety and security equipment,” “low fuel consumption,” and “affordable price.”
It offers a larger interior space than the previous model. It achieves high aerodynamic performance and adopts a newly developed platform that reduces weight, lowers the center of gravity, and increases body rigidity by more than 30%, making it a significant improvement over the previous model. The suspension employs a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam coil spring rear suspension. The minimum turning radius is 5.0m, allowing for smooth maneuvering on narrow roads and in parking lots.
There’s no doubt that this new model will evolve into a completely different car. The ride quality will change with more soundproofing and improved body construction. Despite being a 5-number size, the interior space is spacious and the interior is more luxurious than the previous model.
While maintaining the easy-to-handle 5-number size that prioritizes maneuverability in everyday life, the overall height has been increased by 20 mm from the previous model to a low floor ground clearance of 330 mm, and the height of the power sliding door opening has been widened to 1200 mm, an increase of 60 mm from the previous model , making it easier to get in and out. While maintaining the flat floor with no steps, it has achieved excellent ease of getting in and out of the rear seats.
The height of the back door opening has been increased by 15 mm (compared to the previous model), and the luggage compartment height has also been increased by 20 mm (compared to the previous model), making it easier to load and unload luggage.
Adopts ” TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) ” and “GA-B platform.”
The new generation ” inline 3-cylinder 1.5L direct injection Dynamic Force Engine M15A type ” employs a new, compact THS II engine. It is combined with a ” Direct Shift-CVT “ with a launch gear .
The hybrid model also features an E-Four (4WD) model . A newly developed double wishbone rear suspension is used exclusively for 4WD. The gasoline 4WD model will be discontinued.
It is equipped with the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense , an advanced preventive safety technology .
The car comes standard with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch display audio , Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A DCM in-car communication device is also standard.
It features an external power supply function (optional for hybrid vehicles) that can supply up to approximately 5.5 days’ worth of electricity for an average household.
New Sienta specs
| Specifications | New Sienta Hybrid |
New Sienta gasoline |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,280mm | 4,280mm |
| Overall width | 1,695mm | 1,695mm |
| Overall height | 1,695mm (2WD) 1,715mm (4WD) |
1,695mm (2WD) 1,715mm (4WD) |
| Wheelbase |
2,750mm | 2,750mm |
| engine | Inline 3 1.5L + motor M15A-FXE type |
In-line 3-cylinder 1.5L engine M15A-FKS type |
| Maximum power | 67kW (91ps) / 5500rpm |
88kW (120ps) / 6600rpm |
| Maximum torque | 120Nm (12.2kgfm) / 3800-4800rpm |
145Nm (14.8kgfm) / 4,800-5,200rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
Front: 59kW (80ps) Rear: 2.2kW (3.0ps) |
– |
| Motor Max Torque |
Front: 141Nm (14.4kgm) Rear: 44Nm (4.5kgm) |
– |
| WLCT mode fuel economy |
28.2-28.8km/L (2WD) 25.3km/L (4WD) |
18.3km/L |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD (E-Four) |
2WD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people/7 people | 5 people/7 people |
| Minimum turning radius |
5.0m | 5.0m |
| Drive system | Electric continuously variable transmission |
Direct Shift- CVT |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
28.2 to 28.8km/L |
18.3 to 18.4km/L |
| price | 2,380,000 yen to 3,108,000 yen |
1,950,000 yen to 2,560,000 yen |
2nd place: Toyota New Noah Fully Redesigned Model
Toyota will be fully redesigning the new Noah, which will go on sale on January 13, 2022. The previous model was first released on January 20, 2014, so this will be the first full model change in eight and a half years . Toyota’s strategy is to focus more on the Noah than the Voxy, and from now on the Noah will have a wider range of grades and a cooler, more refined exterior design. In the long term, it is expected that the Noah will become more popular, just like the Alphard.
Noah
It uses the newly developed “GA-C platform” called ” TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) .”
The fifth-generation hybrid system employs THS II with a reduction mechanism, which combines the inline 4-cylinder DOHC 1.8L engine “2ZR-FXE” with a motor .
Uses a bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery and a pleasant pedal .
Comes standard with an external power supply function that can supply up to approximately five days’ worth of power to an average household.
The gasoline engine is a new in-line 4-cylinder 2.0L direct injection “Dynamic Force Engine . “
The front seats are equipped with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch display audio system, a T-Connect SD navigation system, and a Yamaha premium sound system with 8-channel speakers , while the rear seat entertainment system uses a 14-inch OLED display. “Apple CarPlay” and “Android Auto” are also available. A DCM in-car communication device is standard equipment.
A power tailgate (with anti-pinch function) is adopted.
It features hands- free power sliding doors on both sides .
Toyota Teammate ” Advanced Park with Remote Function ” provides on-screen and voice/buzzer guidance, and assists with backing into a target parking position confirmed on the screen and exiting from parallel parking by operating the steering wheel, shift position, accelerator and brake. Furthermore, a dedicated smartphone app is available, allowing remote operation from outside the vehicle to park.
Adopts a ” digital key ” (Voxy only). This function allows you to “lock/unlock + start the engine” using the digital key app and your smartphone’s Bluetooth® function . When using the digital key, you must first pair it with the car in the settings.
2nd place: Toyota New Voxy Fully Redesigned
Toyota will be fully redesigning the new Voxy and releasing it on January 13, 2022. The previous model was released on January 20, 2014, so this will be the first full model change in eight and a half years . At present, the Voxy is a more popular model than the Noah, and as mentioned above, it is equipped with many of the same advanced features as the Noah, making it a more recommended model compared to other companies.
Voxy
About the new Noah Voxy specs
| Specifications | New Noah Voxy |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,695mm |
| Overall width | 1,730mm |
| Overall height | 1,895mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm |
| engine | Inline 4 DOHC 1.8L + motor (THS II) |
| Maximum power | 72kW (98ps) / 5,200rpm |
| Maximum torque | 142Nm (14.5kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
70kW (95PS) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
185Nm (18.9kgfm) |
| Rear motor maximum output |
30kW (41PS) |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
84Nm (8.6kgfm) |
| System Output | 103kW (140ps) |
| gross vehicle weight | 1630kg to 1670kg |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 23.4km/L |
| price | 3,050,000 yen to 3,960,000 yen |
4th place: Nissan New Serena Fully Redesigned Model
Nissan will fully redesign the new Serena (C28 model) and release the gasoline version on December 22, 2022, with the e-POWER version scheduled for spring 2023.
The exterior and interior designs have been completely redesigned.
Adopts a new “Nissan emblem.”
It will adopt Renault-Nissan’s new platform, CMF (Common Module Family) .
It is equipped with the next-generation “e-POWER” and uses a ” 1.4L inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine .”
Equipped with a “12.3-inch full LCD digital meter” and “9-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen display NISSAN CONNECT.”
The car is equipped with the ProPilot driving assistance system . The top-of- the-line LUXION model will be equipped with the new ProPilot 2.0 driving assistance system .
It uses Renault-Nissan’s new platform, CMF (Common Module Family) . The exterior design and front and rear bumper designs have been changed. It features a large grille with LED daytime running lights mounted on top.
The interior features a new steering wheel, a 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter , and a large 9-inch or 12.3-inch latest infotainment system. Soft padding has been used on the top surface of the instrument panel to enhance the sense of luxury. The NissanConnect infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console features a small shifter knob and rotary selector for terrain settings, as well as an electric parking brake and hold function.
The dual back door, which allows luggage to be loaded and unloaded without opening the entire back door, has also been made easier to use. By reviewing the opening size, it can now be used in tighter parking spaces.
The hands-free automatic sliding door has been designed with an emphasis on ease of operation, including improved sensor sensitivity.
The engine is a 1.4L in-line 3-cylinder engine , and the second-generation “e-POWER” has been upgraded with a newly developed motor and inverter for improved power, smoothness, and quietness .
The new model is equipped with the “360° Safety Assist” system, which has more advanced functions than the previous model , and is made up of seven types of advanced driving assistance systems: “Intelligent Emergency Braking,” “Pedal Misapplication Prevention Assist,” “Adaptive High Beam Assist/High Beam Assist,” “Reverse Vehicle Detection Alert (RCTA),” “Intelligent Lane Departure Warning (LI/LDW),” “RCTA Reverse Vehicle Detection Alert,” and “Sign Detection Function.”
New Serena e-POWER specifications
| Specifications | New Serena | New Serena e-POWER |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,690mm to 4,765mm | 4,690mm to 4,765mm |
| Overall width | 1,690mm to 1,715mm | 1,690mm to 1,715mm |
| Overall height | 1,870mm | 1,870mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,870mm | 2,870mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.0 L | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 1.4 L + Motor type: EM57 |
| Maximum power | 110kW (150ps) / 6,000rpm |
72kW (98ps) / 5,600rpm |
| Maximum torque | 200Nm (20.4kgm) / 4,400rpm |
123Nm (12.5kgm) / 5,600rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
– | 120kW (163ps) / 4,400-5,000rpm |
| Motor Max Torque |
– | 315Nm (32.1kgm) / 2,400-4,000rpm |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD | 2WD |
| Passenger capacity | 8 people | 7 to 8 people |
| WLCT mode fuel economy | 13.0km/L to 13.4km/L |
18.4km/L to 20.6km/L |
5th place: Honda New Step Wagon Fully Redesigned Model
Honda will be fully redesigning the Stepwgn, releasing it as the sixth generation in May 2022. The previous model went on sale on April 24, 2015. This will be the first full model change in seven years since its release . The design has been revamped with the grand concept of ” #WonderfulLife .” While the concept remains the same as the previous model, the body size has increased and all models are now number 3. Honda says, ” This is a new size that will change minivans. ” The overall length is 4,800mm to 4,830mm, the overall width is 1,750mm, the overall height is 1,840mm to 1,845mm, and the wheelbase is 2,890mm. The lineup will include the AIR and SPADA models.
It features a 10.25-inch instrument cluster. The center display uses an 11.4 – inch Honda CONNECT navigation system . It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As an original option, a 15.6-inch rear seat monitor can be digitally connected to the Gathers navigation system to enjoy high-definition images. Through the Honda CONNECT in-car communication module equipped with next-generation connected technology, the car offers the connected service Honda Total Care Premium, which allows you to enjoy a safer and more comfortable car life .
Honda New Step Wagon Specifications
| Specifications | New Stepwagon Hybrid model |
New Step Wagon NA model |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,800mm to 4,830mm | 4,800mm to 4,830mm |
| Overall width | 1,750mm | 1,750mm |
| Overall height | 1,840mm to 1,845mm | 1,840mm to 1,845mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,890mm | 2,890mm |
| engine | Inline 4 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC + Motor “SPORT HYBRID i-MMD” |
1.5L straight 4 direct injection DOHC i-VTEC turbo |
| Maximum power | 107kW (145ps) / 6,200rpm |
110kW (150ps) / 5,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 175Nm (17.8kgm) / 4,000rpm |
203Nm(20.7kgm)/ 1,600-5,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
135kW (184ps) / 5,000-6,000rpm |
– |
| Motor Max Torque |
315Nm (32.1kgm) / 0-2,000rpm |
– |
transmission |
(electric continuously variable transmission) | CVT |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery | – |
| Drive system | 2WD (FF) | 2WD(FF)/4WD |
| JC08 mode fuel economy | 25.0km/L | 15.0-17.0km/L |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 20.0km/L | – |
| Price Forecast | 3,382,500 yen to 3,846,700 yen |
2,998,600 yen to 3,653,100 yen |
7th place: About the new “Alphard” and “Vellfire”
It adopts the newly developed “GA-K platform” based on TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) .
It is equipped with a new engine: a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + hybrid system and a 2.4L direct injection turbo engine .
Equipped with the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense ( TSS3 ) and advanced driving assistance technology Toyota Teammate [Advanced Drive] .
The front seats are equipped with a 12.3 – inch large full LCD digital meter , a 14-inch display audio, a T-Connect SD navigation system and a Yamaha premium sound system (all higher grades), while the rear seat entertainment system uses a 14.1-inch display. It also features a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers) , Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A DCM in-car communication device is standard equipment.
A power tailgate (with anti-pinch function) is available on all higher grade models.
Hands-free sliding doors are available on all higher grades.
Advanced Park (HV has remote function) provides operation guidance through on-screen displays, voice and buzzer sounds, and assists with backing into a target parking position confirmed on the screen and exiting from parallel parking by operating the steering wheel, shift position, accelerator and brake.In addition, a dedicated smartphone app is available, allowing you to park remotely from outside the vehicle.
Alphard
Alphard
Vellfire
Vellfire
While maintaining the same concept as the previous model, the exterior design and front and rear bumper designs have been revised. Following on from its predecessor, the new car features ” flowing turn signals (sequential turn signals) .” The body size (length 4,995mm, width 1,850mm, height 1,935mm, wheelbase 3,000mm) remains within the standard parking garage limits (length 5,000mm x width 1,850mm or less). The new car builds on the newly developed platform known as ” TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) ,” which was introduced with the new Prius released in December 2015. Engine models feature a 2.5L inline- four direct-injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) , which achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of over 40%, the same as the new Camry. The hybrid model also uses this engine, and employs a smaller, lighter, “High-Performance Multi-Stage THS II” hybrid system for improved fuel economy. The new Alphard/Vellfire Hybrid uses the same 2AR-FXE 2.5L inline-four DOHC + motor as the Camry Hybrid, achieving a WLTC mode fuel economy of 16.5-17.7km/L. The previous model only had a 4WD (E-Four) hybrid model, but this time, for the first time, a 2WD (FF) model will be available. The 8-seater model has also been discontinued.
The interior of the new “Alphard” and “Vellfire” has been significantly improved.
The front seats feature the latest steering wheel and a shift knob with the latest design, which is the same as the new Prius and Crown. The electric parking brake and hold button is positioned for easy pressing, and the drink holder and the place-to-place charger are also conveniently located. The meter is a large 12.3 -inch full LCD digital meter , a 14-inch display audio, a T-Connect SD navigation system + JBL premium sound system (15 speakers) , and the rear seat entertainment system has a 13.2-inch display (optional). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are adopted. A DCM in-car communication device is standard equipment. (Standard equipment on the Executive Lounge)
14-inch display audio
12.3-inch large full LCD digital meter
Latest shift knob
Furthermore, the rear seats feature a “super long overhead console” and “twin dimming panoramic roof,” and “LED roof color illumination” is also used, just like the previous model. The rear seats of the top-grade “Executive Lounge” model are luxuriously equipped with “seat reclining” and “relaxation” functions, as well as “heated seat” ottomans and armrests. In addition, two ” central control touch panels ” are used , allowing intuitive operation of various comfort features such as televisions .
” Universal steps ” are installed on both sides (optional). The third-row seats are flip-up type, but the two-stage mechanism increases the second-row seating range compared to the previous model, increasing the variety of seat arrangements.
Universal Step
The moonroof shade is a separate type that allows customers to simultaneously enjoy the sky or block out the sunlight. The side sunshades are also a descending type, a first for Toyota.
New Alphard specs
The lowest grade “Z” hybrid car is not exactly cheap, starting at 6,200,000 yen. The gasoline grade “Z” starts at 5,400,000 yen, a difference of 800,000 yen. The gasoline grade continues to use the 2.5L inline 4-cylinder + Super CVT-i engine, which is a carryover, and likely accounts for the price difference. However, looking at the specs, the fuel economy (17.5-17.7km/L) is on par with that of an old compact car, and the system’s maximum output of 184w (250ps) is appealing, providing excellent driving performance. When considering resale value, the hybrid car is the obvious choice.
| Specifications | Alphard Hybrid model |
Alphard |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,995mm | 4,995mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,935mm | 1,935mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000mm | 3,000mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L engine |
| Maximum power | 140kW (190ps) / 6,000rpm |
134kW (182ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 236Nm (24.1kgm) / 4,300-4,500rpm |
235Nm (24.0kgm) / 4,100rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
134kw (182ps) | – |
| Front motor maximum torque |
270Nm (27.5kgm) | – |
| System maximum output | 184w (250ps) | – |
transmission |
Electric continuously variable transmission | Super CVT-i |
| Drive system | 2WD E-Four (4 wheel drive system) |
2WD 4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 17.5-17.7km/L (2WD) 16.5-16.7km/L (4WD) |
10.6km/L (2WD) 10.3km/L (4WD) |
| Passenger capacity | 7 people | 7 people |
summary
Minivans currently account for a large proportion of domestic sales, and Toyota dominates in total sales, likely due in part to its superior WLTC fuel economy. Among these, Toyota’s full model changes to the Alphard and Vellfire appear to have significantly boosted sales with upgraded specifications.
