On The Look Out For Hyrbrid Minivans

One could not help but wonder how it came to be that hybrid versions of different brands and models are now available in the market but hybrid minivans are difficult to come by.  Automakers have built and sold sedans, mini compact cars, and sport utility vehicles but hybrid minivans are still continents away from us.  Hybrid minivans are what a lot of growing families are need and are looking for for their practical and convenient use.  Consider the ease of handling, maneuverability (think about old ladiesa trying to park), spacious storage space and its ample seating capacity and options.  Just add the fuel efficiency feature to these and what comes to mind are your dream minivans.

A growing number of would-be buyers of these hybrid minivans are especially (or is it “hungrily”?) looking  at Toyota for its hybrid version of Estima which has been around since 2001 in Japan, and even completely redesigned in 2007, but still have to find its way to the United States.  One car aficionado reports that the Toyota Estima has been rumoured to be introduced to the country year after year since 2001 but it remains to be fulfilled until now.  The latest news is Toyota Sienna hybrid minivans will be released in the United States within the year (2008) but let us cross our fingers on that—soccer moms who are fervently dreaming up hybrid minivans are crossing their fingers on both hands for that!

While waiting and dreaming for your first hybrid minivan, you may be interested in hearing what an American who lives in Tokyo and is a proud owner of a Toyota Estima hybrid version has to say.  These hybrid minivans seats eight people but remains comfortable and has a good storage space (exactly what soccer moms are looking for!).  It has good acceleration, very reliable, and of course—gets very great gas mileage.  Drool over moms!  This same guy enthuses that this hybrid minivan is the best car he has ever owned.

Sad to say, only the moms in Japan seem to be the only ones enjoying these minivans for the moment.  There are also talks about a bigger hybrid minivan from Toyota—the Alphard.  This hybrid minivan is much larger than the Estima and the features are more luxurious with larger seats and automated doors and remote controlled curtains that you can open and close from the driver’s panel.

Now, if you can’t wait, and you can’t hold on to your old gas-guzzler, or you remain car-less for a couple of months more or years (no definite date is given yet as to when the first hybrid minivans would be released in the United States), you might as well go for the usual gasoline or diesel only minivan, or you may opt for a the midsized crossover cars (the “wagons that look like Sports Utility Vehicles but ride like cars”) or small SUVs.

If your route is mostly on city streets, you may do well with a hybrid version but if you spend most of your driving time on freeways, you can go ahead with a conventional minivan.  Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for any indication of any brand of hybrid minivans coming.