Hi All,
I've filtered the choices down to the following based on crash test data:
2015+ Toyota Sienna
2014+ Honda Odyssey
2017+ Chrysler Pacifica
2015+ Kia Sedona
IIHS has their crash test videos on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZC8Ykl1esE
Data on web site:
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/odyssey-minivan/2014
Vehicles excluded from my list are earlier models, and following brands: Ford, Dodge, VW, Mazda, Nissan:
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/nissan/quest/2015
My current choices put the cost closer to $20K range. If you're looking to buy used, I highly recommend checking carfax for accident and maintenance records. For example, if you're buying a high mileage Odyssey, you want to check if timing belt has been replaced. If not, then then it'd cost you $1k. Also, if you want features like blind spot detection (BSD), it may be better to buy a higher end model with BSD instead of installing one aftermarket ($1400).
I've also noticed some dealerships are lazy or lack supervision. Lots of staff sitting around doing nothing while the interior of the cars left dirty. You don't really need much training to use a spray bottle, brush and vacuum cleaner on car interior. Professional car wash grade steam cleaners on roller cart (for carpets) are about $2,000 and would make the car interior much cleaner. But no. The salesperson said, "not my job" and "if you buy it, you can pay someone to steam clean it". What?
Some dealers like Shift and Hertz offer 1-week guaranteed returns. Shift will even deliver the used car to you for test drive. However, if you plan to visit Shift, you need to book appointment at least a day ahead. Without appointment, you might be able to let you see the car on lot but not test drive it.
Notes on Toyota Sienna:
2015-2020 Sienna has reinforced driver's side cage; however, this was not extended to the front passenger side (https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a22749780/minivans-iihs-front-passenger-crash-tests/). Thus, this minivan has some risk to front passenger leg injury, but still far better than certain competitors where you might be crippled. The 2021+ model has remedied this issue.
Of the four minivan models that we've tried, the Sienna gave the best "elbow room" inside. This includes grandparents test in rear row. For long distance trips this will help reduce fatigue. I can see why Sienna is popular with highest resale value. As matter of fact the grandparents offered to chip in $$ if we buy a Sienna with the pull-down sunshades. As an interesting feature Sienna's have a large cubbyhole on left side of trunk to store the removable center seat from center row. The space would be prefect to store emergency backpacks/supplies/first aid kits and still allow rear seat to fold down flat.
For used 2015 models you're looking at $18k-$22k+. Not cheap.
Notes on Honda Odyssey:
2014+ Honda Odyssey has some of the best safety ratings. It's also a couple grand less vs Sienna on resale market. The infotainment system is basically same as what they used on my wife's Acura. Instead of radar blind spots detector you may find models with a camera fitted to front passenger side mirror. They eventually discontinued the camera and went with BSD system.
Grandparents test in rear row: despite the Odyssey having comparable or better legroom and headroom on paper, the shape of the van gave a more cramped feel which may result with more fatigue on longer trips. They demand the Sienna.
For used 2014 models you're looking at $15K-$16K+.
Notes on Chrysler Pacifica:
2017+ Pacifica has improved safety ratings ranked higher than Sienna. Interior elbow space is somewhat comparable to the Honda Odyssey. If you want one Hertz has a large inventory of 2019 models with 70k-75k miles starting at low $20K range:
https://www.hertzcarsales.com
The Pacifica's interior feels less refined to Honda or Toyota, but acceptable. The 2nd row bucket seat might be a bit cramped for bigger folks. In the used market the 2017 models are priced comparable to 2014-2015 Odyssey. Will take Grandparents to inspect one tomorrow.
Noes on Kia Sedona:
2015 Sedona also has high safety ratings. However, be warned that this is a vanilla minivan with lower price point to match. Later models have improved interior at higher price. We went to see a 2015 base model and it felt like a car made in 1980's. Still, it's a bargain at ~$12k. But I don't think the grandparents will like it.