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.
While the best vans for all manner of purposes may differ, there are always key attributes that are shared between the top-rated vans:
When looking to buy vans over an SUV or other family vehicle, there are a few things to consider, for better or worse: