Rating of the best minivans for 2022

Modern automakers are able to produce vehicles in various body types. Most of all, there are passenger modifications on the market, such as a station wagon, roadster or liftback. At the same time, for motorists with a large family, such options are not very practical, therefore, a special type of body was developed specifically for them - a minivan.

First of all, family minivans are distinguished by their increased capacity. This transport has from four to eight seats (not counting the driver's) and has a spacious luggage compartment, not to mention an extremely spacious cabin. Depending on the cost, the car in question will have a certain level of comfort, but as for the domestic market, budget models are very popular on it.

Minivan - general information

If we start from the literal translation of this term from English, then its direct meaning will be “small van”. However, situations often arise in which minivans are confused with minibuses, based only on the etymology of the term.

The main characteristics of mini-vans can be called:

1. "Coverless" (single-volume) or "half-bonnet" (one and a half volume) version of the body. In the latest modifications, there are already two-volume models (that is, with a full hood).
2. The seats are arranged in three rows (maximum 8 passengers and driver).
3. The body of the van is slightly higher than that of the station wagon, however, it will not work to stand in it, like in a minibus.
4. Any driver who has a driver's license with an open category "B" can drive a mini-van.
5. The rear doors are made in a sliding or hinged version.

The classic variants of small vans are always shaped without a hood.This is due to the fact that the engine compartment in the car is located as close as possible to the passenger compartment. That is why the automaker allows himself to compensate for the rather decent dimensions of the car.

The management of the category of cars in question does not differ much from a conventional passenger car, in addition, a minivan itself is considered a passenger vehicle (as evidenced by the need to have category “B” rights). As a rule, in most models, the hood visually looks like an extension of the windshield and rises vertically. This design is to the taste of many beginners, because in this case the driver can see the road much better than in samples with a long hood.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the excellent transformation parameters of mini-vans. Many models allow you to move the rear rows of seats as close to the front row as possible in order to increase the space for the luggage compartment.

If we draw parallels with station wagons, hatchbacks or sedans, then the body of a minivan can rightfully be called the most comfortable. Seats for passengers can be combined in one row, or they can have a separate design option with personal armrests.

Minivan models are very popular among people with a large family or among entrepreneurs in the sphere of medium and small businesses engaged in the field of passenger transportation. At the same time, large companies often purchase such vehicles for corporate transportation. Also, a minivan is perfect for tourist trips and trips with an overnight stay in nature.

At the very initial stage of their production, all mini-vans had only rear-wheel drive.With the development of technology, their transmission has become both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It is worth mentioning that some Western auto giants have been focused only on the production of cars of this type for a long time and are now considered veterans of this market. These include the Chrysler company - the release of mini-vans at one time saved it from ruin.

The name "van" appeared in the name due to the fact that the first minivans really looked like the mobile vans of the American colonists. In the future, samples began to be produced with original body options with “pointed noses” and a “teardrop” body shape, however, the old name remained with this class of cars. Today they can have both commercial and family purposes.

Existing types and dimensions

Unlike other classes, minivans do not imply a strict classification, but are only divided into “mid-size” and “full-size”, “compact” class and “mini” and “micro” classes.

"Medium Size" and "Full Size"

This group includes machines with the largest dimensions. In length, they can start from 4.6 meters and reach 5 meters or more. As a rule, such samples are produced by North American manufacturers, however, European auto giants can also present worthy options in this group. Such cars are distinguished by impressive dimensions and a spacious passenger compartment, which allows you to use the car for long trips as part of a large family.

"Compact"

The body length of such models starts from 4.2 meters and cannot be more than 4.6 meters. Usually they are based on the platform of a car from the "golf" category.Such models are especially popular in Europe and the Middle East. Among American users or in the expanses of the former USSR, they are much less common.

"Mini" and "Micro"

The category "mini" includes cars whose length does not exceed 4.1 meters. The “micro” category has its own standards - the length of their body cannot exceed 3.4 meters. Their most important advantage is considered to be economy, small size and maneuverability. Most of all, they are common in countries with a large population and the presence of a small area (South East, Japan, India, China). Despite its small size, there is still enough space in the cabin for both passenger and cargo transportation. In turn, models from this group can be modified, which makes it difficult to classify the resulting car.

Non-standard samples

When it comes to small vans, most motorists first of all call their unusual appearance the main difference. Indeed, a semi-hooded or cabover form looks rather unusual (in comparison with standard two- or three-volume machines). However, most models of minivans are able to successfully undergo a qualitative modification, which, for example, will increase their aerodynamic properties, and at the same time give a fancy appearance. A striking example of this is the Japanese modernization of the Toyota Previa MK1, which has a non-standard design - the engine is located under the cabin floor.

Advantages and disadvantages of minivans

It is always worth considering that a mini-van is more of a compromise between a commercial vehicle and a passenger car.Thus, considering it as a separate body category, it is necessary to take into account all its advantages and disadvantages. Their indisputable advantages include:

• The spaciousness of the cabin - thanks to this quality, even a long trip will not seem so tedious, because a sufficient level of comfort will be provided (in fact, for the sake of this quality, a similar body model was developed).
• The capacity of the trunk - this property makes it indispensable for tourist trips, because in addition to passengers - family members and guests, you can put in the car all the necessary things that are needed for living in nature or in a tent camp.
• The ability to fold the rear row of seats - thanks to this function, the trunk can increase two to three times (which, of course, will depend on the design features of the seats), respectively, the car can be freely converted into a truck for transportation.
• The practicality of the car - it is achieved through the optimal combination of relatively small dimensions and increased capacity. In addition, the increased popularity among motorists is justified by the fact that for cargo transportation on it there is no need to open the cargo category in the driver's license.
• Aerodynamic characteristics - the classic look of minivans, namely their teardrop shape, provides excellent aerodynamic qualities that significantly reduce fuel consumption compared to other passenger cars.
• Comfort - tall passengers will feel great in the cabin, even regardless of which row they are sitting in.
• Accessibility for people with limited mobility - the cabin is perfect for transporting the disabled and the elderly, because.the step at the entrance is not very high.
• Maintenance - a mini-van does not require any special frills in terms of maintenance and is quite comparable in terms of costs to a regular passenger car.
• Popular with all generations - although mini-vans are positioned as family cars, they are sometimes chosen by young people, because it is possible to place a powerful audio system in the back of a car.

Nevertheless, despite the abundance of specific advantages, minivans also have their own disadvantages, which are not present, for example, neither minibuses nor station wagons:

• Due to the fact that the car is most often high, the side wind can force the driver to slow down while driving, and this indicates a slightly worse handling than a sedan or station wagon.
• The entrance to the salon is not so comfortable, in comparison with a full-fledged bus or minibus, because you have to bend down a little to carry it out.
• In most cases, the vehicles in question do not have such a powerful engine, so the car does not seem very dynamic, compared to cars in other body types. This shows that the manufacturers, relying on the practicality of their car, thereby limited it in terms of speed.
• In the cold season, warming up the entire cabin takes a long period of time - the reason for this is that the luggage compartment is in no way separated from the main cabin.
• The vast majority of minivans are equipped with reinforced suspension, in order to give them a greater carrying capacity, sufficient for their size. From this it is clear that when driving on a rough road, an empty car will seem unstable and will be poorly controlled.
• Due to the fact that mini-vans were developed as counterweights to minibuses, they are poorly suited for daily operation as the main vehicle.
• Mid-size and full-size models are quite difficult to drive in urban areas with heavy traffic.

Advantages of 7-seat samples

Separately, it is necessary to mention rather rare models with 7 seats (including the driver). They will be distinguished:

1. Spacious cabin - passengers are seated in a more, so to speak, “vertical” way, which will affect the amount of space released during the trip, and this significantly affects comfort, especially on a long journey.
2. The functionality of the vehicle - 6 seats are always easy and quick to transform to solve momentary problems, whether it is the expansion of passenger space or an increase in the trunk.
3. The 7-seater minivan is small in size and weight, which means economical fuel consumption, as well as the absence of special financial costs for paying taxes and fees for its operation.

Differences between a minivan and other types of bodies

Differences from the wagon

Unlike a station wagon, it is quite possible to transport any household item on a mini-van. However, both the minivan and the station wagon, although they have much in common, also have cardinal differences, the main of which will be their own dimensions and the specifics of the body. Here are some of the features:

• The station wagon is always substantially smaller than the minivan;
• The station wagon has only five seats, while the van can have nine;
• The station wagon body almost corresponds to the sedan, has an elongated rear end. In a minivan, the hood is practically absent and smoothly “flows” into the windshield.

Differences from a minibus

A minivan is considered a direct competitor to a minibus, therefore, when choosing between these two body options, first of all, you should decide on the number of passenger seats required. A minibus can contain up to 16 seats, while a minivan has only 8. To drive a minibus, you will need an additional category in your driver's license, and to drive a minivan, category "B" is enough. Well, the purpose itself - a minibus is more suitable for commercial passenger transportation, while a minivan is considered a family car.

Differences from the crossover

You can often hear that functionally a crossover and a mini-van are in many ways similar. And it really could be. Both have good interior ergonomics and high ground clearance. But the crossover has better handling, and the minivan is able to transform its seats, due to which the luggage space will be increased.

Questions of competent choice

In the process of selecting a family car in the back of a minivan, you should pay close attention to such defining points:

• Availability of security systems;
• The volume of the luggage compartment and free space in the cabin;
• Materials used in interior decoration (their environmental friendliness);
• The presence of additional drawers, niches and pockets for small items;
• Convenience of transformation of chairs (their folding/unfolding);
• Sufficiency of engine power;
• The presence of an automatic transmission (for this class of cars, automatic transmission is preferred).

Separately, it is worth taking care of individual security systems, namely, strong seat belts for each seat, the presence of airbags, all seats must be provided with head restraints.The remaining automatic functions are subject to random checks for serviceability. It is worth remembering that the last word in the selection process should always remain with the future driver. At the same time, you need to check the transformation procedure: it is important that the seats fold in such a way that not only the trunk increases, but also a small table can be conveniently and firmly installed in the vacated space. The final stage will be the verification of all documents, by analyzing which you need to find out whether this modification of the minivan is allowed to operate on the territory of the country. Also, if the car is bought in the “used” status, then whether it is pledged to financial / leasing organizations, whether there are other encumbrances on the car.

Rating of the best minivans for 2022

IMPORTANT! In this section, special emphasis will be placed on the design characteristics of the car in the body model under consideration. Its technical data (engine power, gearbox, security systems, interior filling) are selected individually!

Budget options

3rd place: Renault Dokker

Quite a popular machine in the Russian market. It features a spacious interior and a large luggage compartment. There is no third row of seats, thanks to which a family car can turn into a freight transport in a couple of minutes. The rear seats are equipped with a reliable Isofix child seat fixation system. It has window-type windows, doors are made in a sliding form. Differs in general unpretentiousness.

Name	Index
Producing country	France
Number of seats	7
Additionally	Trunk volume - up to 3000 liters
Price, rubles	820000

• Budget price;
• Unpretentiousness in service;
• Reliable fastening of child seats.

• Some uncomplicated interior.

2nd place: Opel Zafira Tourer

This compact minivan is the third generation in its lineup. Most of the modifications were made to the appearance of the car - the car began to look stylish and expensive. The cosmetics of the salon were also affected. The model is distinguished by the variability of installing powerful diesel engines, and it is also possible to integrate an automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox. The owners note the ergonomics of the cabin and good driving performance.

Name	Index
Producing country	Germany
Number of seats	6
Additionally	Ability for those modifications
Price, rubles	1 390 000

• Stylish look;
• Spacious salon;
• Excellent driving performance.

• Hard work of diesel engines.

1st place: Volkswagen Caddy

In terms of its level of comfort, it is not much different from family station wagons and is perfect for a large family. The owners note the functionality, spaciousness and convenience of the cabin. The rear door is located only on the side of the curb, which allows you to control the exit of children. In terms of maintenance, it is not characterized by any whimsicality - every three years only routine replacements and work will be required.

Name	Index
Producing country	Germany
Number of seats	5
Additionally	curb side door
Price, rubles	1 500 000

• Two full beds;
• Spacious salon;
• Child control.

• Not detected.

Middle price segment

3rd place: "Volkswagen Caravelle T6"

The manufacturer positions this car as the best option for long-distance trips with the whole family.The car is very roomy, the seats have tilt adjustment and the possibility of various installations - it is possible to turn against the direction of travel. Even the most budgetary equipment of this car provides for glass lifts, heated mirrors, climate control. The procedure for freeing up space under the luggage carriers is carried out quickly and easily.

Name	Index
Producing country	Germany
Number of seats	9
Additionally	Good basic equipment
Price, rubles	2 400 000

• Excellent equipment in the basic version;
• The possibility of reversing the seats;
• 9 seats

• High price.

2nd place: "Hyundai H-1"

This example of a family car is distinguished by its versatility and excellent handling. The vehicle performs well both in the city and on the country road. Despite its length of 5.2 meters, it can turn around in a tight radius. 7 seats can be easily transformed into two standard ones, freeing up space for the luggage compartment. The machine is equipped with a powerful diesel engine, the gearbox can be either manual or automatic.

Name	Index
Producing country	South Korea
Number of seats	7
Additionally	manual transmission / automatic transmission
Price, rubles	2 500 000

• Affordable price;
• Maneuverability;
• Multifunctionality.

• Requires high quality fuel.

1st place: "Citroen SpaceTourer"

This car is equipped by default with many electronic systems - from safety elements to media installations, which will not let you get bored on a long journey. All available 8 seats (including the driver). Despite its rather large dimensions, the car has good maneuverability.However, the manufacturer does not recommend using it on a daily basis. The interior is distinguished by a decent level of finish and will provide passengers with the best degree of comfort. The best combination of "price-quality".

Name	Index
Producing country	France
Number of seats	8
Additionally	Media electronics
Price, rubles	2 600 000

• The best combination of "price-quality";
• Availability of entertainment electronics;
• 8 places.

• Not suitable for daily travel.

Premium models

3rd place: Volkswagen Multivan

This is already the 6th representative of its line, its first generation was released already 65 years ago! During its upgrades, the car has probably acquired the most thoughtful and ergonomic interior among all minivans. Perfect for both family use and commercial transport. The trunk, after the transformation of the seats, reaches a capacious 5800 liters! The engine is reinforced with a turbine in any configuration and at the same time has a very economical fuel consumption. The owners indicate the fact that with careful use of the car, it will require only routine maintenance.

Name	Index
Producing country	Germany
Number of seats	7
Additionally	2 years manufacturer's warranty
Price, rubles	3 500 000

• Roomy trunk;
• 2-year manufacturer's warranty;
• Extended interior ergonomics.

• Not found.

2nd place: Toyota Alphard

Although this car belongs to the “compact” category, it meets all the standards of a status vehicle. It has many positive parameters that can only be inherent in sedans and SUVs.The interior is trimmed with luxurious and expensive materials, mainly natural leather and wood inserts. It looks very stylish and solid, it is characterized by sufficient capacity.

Name	Index
Producing country	Japan
Number of seats	6
Additionally	Powerful engine
Price, rubles	5 100 000

• Standard engine power - 300 horsepower;
• Expensive upholstery;
• Maneuverability.

• High transport tax in Russia.

1st place: "Mercedes-Benz V-Class"

Such a car, thanks to its stylish design, is perfect for small group business trips, for example, to a neighboring city. All components are made of high quality materials, the ergonomics of the cabin is at the level. The variability of the choice of the installed engine is available. Automatic transmission can be either 6 or 7 steps (exclusive development of Mercedes). Owners note the reliability of the gearbox, relatively long wear of rubber, and a long roomy interior.

Name	Index
Producing country	Germany
Number of seats	7
Additionally	Exclusive checkpoint "Mercedes"
Price, rubles	5 500 000

• The sample is exclusive;
• Roomy interior;
• Excellent technical specifications.

• Very high cost.

Instead of an epilogue

Indeed, a minivan may be the best solution for the whole family, especially when the family spends a lot of time on joint country trips. At the same time, it will go for corporate use for small companies of colleagues when going on picnics. The main advantage of a minivan is that it is a budget and high-quality alternative to a minibus.

Today's market for these vehicles can offer a wide range of designs for every taste and budget. At the same time, do not neglect the secondary segment, where it is quite possible to find a good car that meets all needs and at a reasonable price. However, the choice should be made primarily based on performance and not on the visual appeal of the vehicle.