Trucks

Vans

Sedans

Best Vans of 2023

When a hatchback or family sedan simply won’t suffice for the school run, and an SUV isn’t a practical enough car, a van is the next step up in terms of hauling capabilities. Separated into three classifications - minivans, cargo, and passenger vans - these large vehicles fulfill a variety of purposes, from catering for road trips to carrying your business all across the USA. Fortunately, the US has a broad range of designs and types of vans from many brands, with a large selection geared towards various prices as well as practicality and usability in the real world.

Key considerations when it comes to van vehicles include their versatility in both seating and cargo-moving capacity, as well as cost and, crucially, gas mileage - ensuring your family carrier gets the best mpg to make it affordable. Safety ratings are important, too, and only the top vans are capable of scoring the best marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, giving you peace of mind that your loved ones will be kept safe. Here is a list of the best van models of 2023 according to our BuzzScore.

Top Picks

Best Minivans

See All Minivans

Latest Van Reviews

Model Overview

2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger And Cargo Van Review: A Well-Pressed Blue Collar

Model Overview

2023 Chevrolet Express Passenger And Cargo Van Review: Stone-Age Survivor

Model Overview

2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van Review: Classy Carrier

Characteristics of the Top-Rated Vans

While the best vans for all manner of purposes may differ, there are always key attributes that are shared between the top-rated vans:

Sizeable bodies: While small iterations are easy to maneuver in tight spaces, the most practical van models are those that provide ample space for people and their things.
Diverse configurations: Whether it’s bench seats or captain’s chairs, swing or sliding doors, or simply numerous roof heights and body lengths, vans align with the needs of just about any buyers thanks to their extensive customization options.
Strong engines: It’s easy to review the newest vans in isolation and think a frugal engine is sufficient, but when fully loaded, these machines need to be capable of toting large payloads and towing big trailers with ease.

What to Consider When Buying New Van Models

When looking to buy vans over an SUV or other family vehicle, there are a few things to consider, for better or worse:

Pros

Capacious cabins are ideal for sizeable families
Minivans have access to an abundance of safety features
Traditional variations are arguably the best trade vehicles of all time
Duality of cargo and occupant space
Versatile cabins

Cons

Substantial dimensions hinder maneuverability
Van prices can get expensive
Color choices are often limited and not very premium
Certain brands don’t cater to the minivan segment
Not the most fuel-efficient vehicle style

FAQs

What are the best new vans on the market?

This can, once again, be broken down into the three sub-segments within the overall classification. When it comes to family-focused options, the Chrysler Pacifica is simply leagues ahead of its rivals, and with AWD added for 2021, it has only gotten better. Compact city passenger vans are few and far between, but the Ford Transit Connect is versatile, easy to drive, and packs modern features, making it a surefire winner. In the realm of full-size haulers, the Ford Transit isn’t just the best-ever selling vehicle of its type, but it’s the best money can buy, especially after its recent overhaul at the end of 2019.

What transmissions are available?

Much like traditional cars, vans are also moving away from manual transmissions. Automatic vans are now the most popular, combining efficiency, smoothness, and ease of use in one single package.

What vans best suit businesses?

It all depends on what you will be using it for, how many people you need to transport, or the size of the payload you need to carry. All this will affect whether you choose a compact or full-size derivative. Likewise, carpool companies might prefer the security and versatility of a minivan.

Best Vans of 2023

Top Picks

Best Minivans

Best City Vans

Best Passenger Vans

Best Cargo Vans

Best Electric Cargo Vans

Best Vans for Families

Latest Van Reviews

Characteristics of the Top-Rated Vans

What to Consider When Buying New Van Models

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What are the best new vans on the market?

What transmissions are available?

What vans best suit businesses?

Browse Vans by Make