For years, soccer moms have been clamoring for a hybrid minivan. After all, who is more sensitive to fuel economy and gas prices than the legions of heroic parents hauling kids and groceries throughout suburbia? Despite the pent-up demand, it will be a few years—at best—before a hybrid minivan is available in the United States.
Toyota has had a hybrid version of its Estima minivan in Japan for several years, though the hybrid model was dropped in the van’s latest edition.
Chrysler has hinted at the possibility of adding a hybrid system to a family-oriented people-mover like the minivan. There's always the option of putting a diesel engine in the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. But that's wishful thinking. For the time being, we have a E85 Dodge Caravan, an expensive electric conversion, conventional wagons, and...a waiting game.
