The minivan is a ubiquitous vehicle that is a must-have for many people. While it’s normally thought of a family car, their versatility and spaciousness make them great for many kinds of lifestyles.
History of the Minivan
The first minivan was introduced by Volkswagen in the ’50s. In the ’80s, Chrysler started manufacturing the Dodge Caravan.
The Chrysler minivan quickly became popular, and other companies scrambled to create their own versions. In 1984, Ford came out with the Aerostar, followed by the Toyota Van in 1985 and the Chevrolet Astro in 1985.
Today, there are many different types of minivans on the market, from entry-level to luxury. You can find a minivan to fit just about any budget and need.
With seating for seven or even more passengers, minivans are a must for any family. Also, they have plenty of cargo room. It’s a lifesaver when shopping, heading for a beach day, or even on a road trip.
Here are some of the most popular types of minivans:
1. Luxury Minivan
Luxury minivans are designed for room, comfortable rides with premium features. They typically come with leather seats, power everything, a sunroof, and more.
If you’re looking for a luxurious way to transport your family, a luxury minivan is the way to go. The very best minivans luxury trims can cost upwards of $50,000. They have everything you didn’t know you needed, like footrests for passengers.
Also, they have state-of-the-art safety systems and features that help with many aspects of driving. You might not think you need some of these things, but once you have them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
One key feature of luxury minivans are the upgraded infotainment systems. Each passenger having their own screen almost comes standard. Also, the speaker systems will be upgraded, and it will have all of the best compatibility with Apple Play or Android.
Reasons to drive a luxury minivan:
- You have a large family and want them to be as comfortable as possible
- You frequently transport adults and need the features to make the ride smooth
- You want all of the best tech features
- You have the budget for a luxury car
2. Entry-Level Minivan
On the other side of the spectrum from luxury minivans are entry-level options. These are more basic vehicles, usually without some of the fancier features.
You can still find versions that seat seven or eight passengers, but they might not have all of the bells and whistles. If you’re on a budget or don’t need all of the extra space and features, an entry-level minivan is a great choice.
Reasons to drive an entry-level minivan:
- You want a basic car for a good price
- You don’t need all of the extra features of a luxury model
- You have a large family and want them to be comfortable
- You frequently transport adults and need the features to make the ride smooth
3. Van Camper Conversion
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path option, consider van camping. This is when you take a regular van and convert it into a camper.
This can be done with just about any vehicle, but minivans are a popular choice because they offer so much space. You can either do the conversion yourself or hire someone to do it for you.
Once your van is converted, you’ll have a place to sleep, cook, and store your things while you’re on the road. This is a great option for people who love to travel and explore. It’s also much cheaper than buying a traditional RV.
Reasons to convert a minivan into a camper:
- You want to travel and explore without spending a lot of money
- You want to be able to go off-the-beaten-path
- You like the idea of having your own space while you’re traveling
4. Electric Minivan
Electric cars are becoming more and more popular as technology improves. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option, consider an electric minivan.
These cars have many of the same features as regular minivans, but they’re powered by electricity instead of gas. Electric cars have a lot of benefits.
They’re much better for the environment, and they’re often cheaper to operate than gas cars. Electric cars also tend to have more torque, so they accelerate faster.
Reasons to drive an electric minivan:
- You want to be environmentally friendly
- You want a car that’s cheaper to operate
- You want a car that accelerates quickly
5. Standard Minivan
Standard minivans are the most common type of minivan on the market.
They typically seat seven or eight people and have features like power windows and locks, cruise control, and keyless entry. Standard minivans are a great option for families who
Some popular luxury minivans includes:
- Mercedes-Benz Metris
- BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
- Cadillac XT5
6. Midrange Minivan
Midrange minivans are a step up from standard minivans. They typically have more features, like leather seats, a sunroof, and upgraded infotainment systems.
They’re a good option for people who want a bit more luxury in their minivan.
Some popular midrange minivans includes:
- Honda Odyssey
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Ford Transit Connect
7. Multi-Purpose Vehicle
Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) are a type of car that’s becoming more and more popular. They’re similar to minivans, but they typically have fewer seats.
This makes them a good option for people who need a lot of cargo space.
Some popular MPVs includes:
- Nissan Quest
- Kia Sedona
- Toyota Sienna
8. Hybrid Minivans
Hybrid minivans are a great option for people who want to save money on gas. They run on electric power and gas, so they’re more fuel-efficient than regular minivans.
This type of minivan would be great for long car rides. Hybrid options are increasing, and many popular minivan models are now available in hybrid versions.
Why consider a hybrid minivan:
- You want to save money on gas
- You want a more fuel-efficient minivan
- You have a long car ride planned
Some popular hybrid minivans includes:
- Toyota Prius V
- Honda Odyssey Hybrid
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
9. MicroVan
Microvans are a type of vehicle that’s becoming more and more popular. They’re smaller than regular minivans, and they typically seat two to four people. This makes them a great option for people who don’t need a lot of space.
They have the stability that you need from a van in one super cute package. The microvan has two doors standard and some may have a sliding door. You can also expect a good sized cargo area to store your items.
Reasons to buy a microvan:
- You need a small vehicle
- You want the stability of a van
- You need a vehicle with good cargo space
Some popular microvans includes:
- Volkswagen Caddy
- Mercedes-Benz Metris Worker
- Ford Transit Connect XL
10. Minibus Van
Minibus vans are a type of vehicle that’s becoming more and more popular. They’re larger than regular minivans, and they typically seat eight to fifteen people. This makes them a great option for people who need a lot of space.
They have all the amenities of a regular van plus some added extras. You can usually expect features like air conditioning, DVD players, and reclining seats. This type of van is perfect for group trips or large families.
Why consider a minibus van:
- You need a lot of space
- You’re going on a group trip
- You have a large family
11. Panel Van
Panel vans are a type of vehicle that’s becoming more and more popular. They’re similar to minivans, but they don’t have any windows.
This makes them a great option for people who need a lot of space but don’t want the distractions of outside noise or light.
They’re perfect for businesses that need to transport large items. They typically have a lot of cargo space and features like shelves and racks.
Why consider a panel van:
- You need a lot of space
- You want to avoid distractions
- You need to transport large items
Some popular panel vans includes:
- Ford Transit Connect
- Ram ProMaster City
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
12. RV
RVs are a popular choice for people who want to travel and explore. They’re available in many different sizes, and they typically have all the amenities of a home.
This makes them a great option for people who want to take long trips or live on the road. RVs come with a lot of expenses, though.
They’re often more expensive than other types of vehicles, and they require fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
13. Step Van
Step vans are a type of vehicle that’s becoming more and more popular. They’re similar to panel vans, but they have a step up in the back. This makes them a great option for people who need to transport large items.
They typically have a lot of cargo space and features like shelves and racks.
Why consider a step van:
- You need a lot of space
- You want to transport large items
Some popular step vans includes:
- Ford Transit
- GMC Savana
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Which Minivan is Right for You?
Now that you know about all the different types of minivans on the market, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Consider your needs and preferences, and then choose the type of van that best fits your lifestyle.
Source:
10 Different Types Of Vans Explained – LemonBin Vehicle Guides
