This write-up on Best Types of Vans Review will give you an overall assessment on vans plus their pros and cons. You can check also for Vans, Type of vans.
Types of Vans
Chrysler Voyager
This van is an ideal van used for meeting the needs of budget-conscious minivan shoppers. It has fascinating driving dynamics and is very inexpensive. Although, it contains a limited capacity of standard and available features when compared to others. The Chrysler Voyager comes in 2- trim levels and has 7-seater capacity. L FWD which starts at $29,655 is the most popular and comes with a 3.6L V6 engine and Front Wheel Drive. 19 MPG is the estimated value it delivers in the city and then 28 MPG on the highway.
Advantages
Most affordable minivan on the market. Pleasant driving dynamics. Powerful engine
Disadvantages
Lesser amenities compared to rival models. Zero ideal driver-assist features
Overall Assessment
Chrysler is the unusual bird that consists of Voyager and a Pacifica. The Voyager is extremely appealing because it is very affordable, plus it has a potent engine and delightful handling. Despite its affordable price, it has certain drawbacks. Unlike rival models, it has a limited range of standard features and amenities. But, you will likely make do with what it has to offer if you are budget-conscious.
Toyota Sienna
The 2022 Toyota Sienna has become a top pick among other minivans. This is due to its new camping-oriented trim, sleeker styling, modern interior and increased fuel efficiency from the 2021 model. The Toyota Sienna comes in 6 trim levels and has an 8-seater capacity. LE-8 Passenger FWD is the most popular style, starts at the price of $36,500 and comes with a Hybrid 2.5L 14 engine and Front Wheel Drive. It’s estimated to deliver 36 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
Benefits
Increased fuel economy. Modernized luxury interior. New outdoorsy trim
Shortcomings
Has lesser cargo space unlike competitors. Less performance is offered by hybrid powertrain
Overall Assessment
There are a couple of upgrades to the existing trim for the 2022 Toyota Sienna giving a total redesign from the 2021 model. The recent Sienna was given a sleeker exterior and made more fuel efficient. This is a result of the four-cylinder hybrid powertrain which replaced the former version V6. It remains one of only two minivans with all-wheel drive, as well as the Chrysler Pacifica.
The Sienna represents one of the most modern and luxury-like interiors in the market. In addition, it has a luxurious limo-like feel due to its second-row captain’s chair with fold-out leg rests. But, it has a drawback of less cargo space when compared to competitors.
Kia Carnival
Stylish design is added to the staid minivan formula by the Kia Carnival which provides bold sheet metal and modern cabin. Though it is less fuel-efficient to rival models due to no hybrid option. Comes in 5 trim levels and is a 7-seater vehicle and has the LXS as its most popular style. It starts with $36,235 and comes with a 3.5L V6 engine and Front Wheel Drive. Estimated to deliver 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
Pros
Has an assertive exterior design. More horsepower than competitors. Less costly when compared to key rivals
Cons
Lesser fuel efficiency when compared to rival models. Doesn’t have an all-wheel drive
Overall Assessment
Some people can’t buy a minivan even though they value its utility due to the metal sheet. However, the Kia Carnival 2023 is the perfect minivan for this category of people. It’s a family-friendly favorite as it comes with a three-row seating and power-sliding doors. Though, it looks more like a large SUV because of its exterior design featuring a flatter nose and upright styling.
A full suite of family-focused amenities is provided such as a camera system used to keep an eye on children in the rearmost seats. Above all, this minivan is more cheaper than competitors. It doesn’t have an all-wheel drive and is less fuel-efficient than rivals with hybrid powertrain such as Sienna and Chrysler Pacific. Indeed, this is an ideal model for those that want a family hauler that is stylish and practical.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is quite popular in U.S. for being extremely spacious, functional, attractive, and well equipped. Serves as the only minivan available as a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid. Comes in 7 trim levels and has a 7-seater capacity. Touring L FWD is the most popular style, which starts at $42,720 and comes with a 3.6L V6 engine and a Front Wheel Drive. In the city, it is estimated to deliver 19 MPG and 28 MPG on the highway.
Advantages
Serves as the only available plug-in hybrid powertrain. Offers a smooth ride. Huge interior is “library” quiet
Disadvantages
No all-wheel drive with the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Higher price rate than competitors
Overall Assessment
In terms of space, features, and functionality in minivans, it’s hard to beat the Chrysler Pacifica. The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the best sellers and incredibly spacious with an 8-seater capacity. Luxurious in the upper trims and has a cargo space more than most families will ever need. To maximize cargo capacity, it has Stow ‘ Go second-row seats that fold into the floor.
It’s powered by a 3.6-liter V6 and a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The Toyota Sienna is its only rival that provides all-wheel drive which is rare in the minivan class.
Honda Odyssey
The well-equipped and comfortable Honda Odyssey is family-friendly with vast interior space, a long list of safety features, a potent engine, and high quality build. A vehicle that comes in 5 trim levels and has an 8-seater capacity. Its most famous type is the Touring which starts at $45,745 and comes with a 3.5L V6 engine and Front Wheel Drive. On the highway, it’s estimated to deliver 28 MPG and then 19 MPG in the city.
Benefits
Comfortable 8-seater capacity. Refined and potent V6 engine. Smooth ride
Drawbacks
Unlike key competitors, it doesn’t offer an all-wheel drive or hybrid powertrain. The infotainment system is a bit dated
Overall Assessment
It stands as one of America’s best-selling minivans as it provides space, comfort, and features most people want. In addition, it has the highest safety rating and is known for reliability. The Odyssey has an 8-seater capacity and also having a third row that is one of the largest. In addition, the Odyssey has more cargo space than the Pacifica and Toyota Sienna.
It has a smooth and refined ride and light steering makes this van very easy to park. Serves as one of the quickest minivans though, does not offer hybrid and all-wheel drive unlike some of its rivals. Even though the van is packed with passengers, its powerful V6 engine provides a satisfying performance.
Ford Transit Connect Wagon
If you want the most space in the smallest package then the Ford Transit Connect Wagon is for you. Serves as an ideal option for small businesses, taxi drivers and families. Plus, it has outsized strength for hauling people as it is built on the same heavy-duty frame as the Connect Cargo Van. An expert moving vehicle for large commodities as a result of the back seats being able to fold back.
Despite the luxurious nature of today’s minivans, it provides similar safety tech and less bulk at a cheaper rate. Comes in 3 trim levels and has a 6-seater capacity. The XLT with Rear Symmetrical door which starts at $35,370 is its most popular type and comes with a 2.0L 14 engine and Front Wheel Drive. Estimated to deliver 24 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
Pros
Comfortable long-distance travel with refined chassis. Great configurability as a result of the smart cabin. Best-in-class infotainment system and also serves as a cargo hauler.
Cons
Lacks much sophistication as a minivan. No hybrid engine option. XL trim does not have the adequate features.
Overall Assessment
The Ford Transit Connect Wagon is an incredible passenger vehicle as it is compact and well-engineered. Strong fuel economy numbers is returned due to the smooth powertrain. There is enough space for people or oversized cargo as a result of the clever interior design. It also has best-in-class comfort and infotainment. Though, the cabin materials and amenities don’t match modern minivans, it remains one of the best in the market.
Ram ProMaster City Cargo Van
This vehicle comes in 1 trim levels and has a 2-seater capacity. The Tradesman which starts at $32,270 is the most popular type and comes with a 2.4L 14 engine and Front Wheel Drive. In the city, this van is estimated to deliver 21 MPG and then 28 MPG on the highway.
Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van
Comes in 1 trim levels and features a 2-seater capacity. The 126” Wheelbase Standard Roof which starts at $36,195 is the most popular type and comes with a 2.0L 14 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive. It is estimated to deliver 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
Ford Transit Crew Van
This van has 4 trim levels and a 5-seater capacity. The T-250 130” Medium Roof GVWR AWD is its most popular type which starts at $50,495 and comes with a 3.5L V6 engine and All Wheel Drive.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van
Comes in 5 trim levels and consists of a 2-seater capacity. The 2500 Standard Roof 144” V6 4WD is the most popular style which starts at $55,511 and comes with a Diesel 3.0L Turbo engine and Four Wheel Drive.
Ram ProMaster Cargo Van
This can be seen as an ideal work van or compact RV due to its satisfactory price and robust capability. It comes in 3 trim levels and has a 2-seater capacity. The 2500 High Roof 159” which starts at $46,045 is the most popular type and comes with a 3.6L V6 engine and Front Wheel Drive.
Advantages
It contains a smooth V6 engine and nine-speed transmission. Has a remarkable towing and hauling capacity. Infinitely customizable interior and cargo area.
Disadvantages
Lots of optional common driver safety aids instead of standards. Does not have optional all-wheel drive.
Overall Assessment
For those that desire a full-size van for business or pleasure, this is the perfect van. It serves as a better choice for big-city maneuvering as it is powered by a V6 engine and has a Front Wheel Drive. Despite this, it has impressive towing and hauling capabilities. It has become competitive with updates like a new multi-passenger Crew Van option, and a new nine-speed transmission. Plus, an inferior and infotainment update that delivers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz which are its competitors offer nice features but all three have similar towing and hauling capabilities. The ProMaster is one of the best full-size vans today because of its combination of ability, customization, and satisfactory price.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van
This vehicle comes in 2 trim levels and has a 12-seater capacity. The 2500 Standard Roof 144” V6 RWD which starts at $53,615 and comes with a Diesel 3.0L V6 Turbo engine and Rear Wheel Drive.
Ram ProMaster Window Van
When you talk about the definition of versatility, you are talking about Ram ProMaster Window Van. It is a superb solution for people and cargo as the commercial full-size van has a vast interior and many options for upfitting. The ProMaster doesn’t skimp on modern tech even though it has existed for a long time. Therefore, it is provided with WI-FI hotspot and wireless charger at the job site for extra productivity.
This vehicle comes in 2 trim levels and has a 2-seater capacity. Most popular type is the 3500 High Roof 159” Wheelbase Extended. Has a starting price at $50,280 and comes with a 3.6L V6 engine and Front Wheel Drive.
Benefits
Has an adaptable interior. Camper conversion is possible due to tall roof option. Excellent towing is offered by heavy-duty frame and V6.
Flaws
Doesn’t have the all-wheel drive option. Not sporty like rival models.
Overall Assessment
Due to its massive interior space and wide array of customizations, it’s hard to beat. Customers will acknowledge its affordable cost and appreciate the features. In addition, the tall roofline allows it serve as a mobile office. Above all, its strength and value makes it a go-to choice for fleet buyers.
Chevrolet Express Passenger Van
This comes in 2 trim levels and has a 12-seater capacity. The 2500 LT SWB is the most popular type which starts at $40,995 and comes with a 4.3L V6 engine and Rear Wheel Drive.
GMC Savana Passenger Van
The GMC Savana Passenger comes in 2 trim levels and has 12-seater capacity. The LT 3500 SWB is the most popular type which starts at $41,975 and comes with a 4.3L V6 engine and Rear Wheel Drive.
This write-up on vans review / assessment will give you an overall assessment on vans plus their pros and cons. You can check also for Vans, Type of vans.