The 5 vans that make the best minivans in 2025

Many of us experience the same thing: We test drive or own a large SUV and, when it comes time to travel with three children, a stroller, two bikes and half a storage unit, we realize that the trunk is too small and the third row is only for "emergency" use.This is where a well-designed van becomes, in practice, the best minivan you can buy: Sliding doors for easy access, seats that slide or remove without drama, and a trunk that still exists even with seven or eight people inside.To select these five options, we have focused on what really defines life on board: acoustic and suspension comfort for family travel, the ergonomics of the second and third rows (seat height, knee angle, ease of fastening child seats), the modularity of the set (rails, individual seats, real tables and not just decorative ones), the boot capacity when everyone is traveling, and active safety with assistants that really help to arrive less tired. We also assessed the dynamic behavior with the van loaded (because that's how they'll be driven most of the time) and, of course, the logic of the mechanics.

Why do we prioritize combustion engines and not electric or plug-in hybrid versions? Because when the primary use is for long trips with family and luggage, "Door-to-door" delivery dictates the timelineAt highway speeds, the batteries lose charge more quickly, charging stops disrupt the journey, and the extra weight is noticeable both in the filtering of bumps and in the braking and swaying when the vehicle is at full speed. A good modern diesel It maintains a steady pace with stable fuel consumption, offers real-world range that lets you choose where to stop, and refuels in minutes.If 80% of the vehicle's life will be spent in the city, delivering goods, or in environments with easy charging, then a PHEV/EV makes sense, but if you mostly drive on highways, travel with family and luggage, The logic of comfort and travel logistics continues to favor the internal combustion engine. Based on that criterion, these are, in order, the Vans that best "act as minivans" today.

Toyota Proace Verso: the logic that always works

Proace Verso does not seek to dazzle with artifice. What he proposes is to do everything right where it hurts the most when you're traveling with people and luggage.There are several body lengths and 7, 8, or 9-seat configurations, but the differentiating factor is how it utilizes space. The sliding doors create a wide access opening, The floor is low and the second row offers a generous sliding range...those that allow you to play with the passengers' legs and, at the same time, save a serious trunk space even with three rows deployedThe climate control for the rear seats is not a timid "add-on" feature; it regulates well and maintains a uniform temperature without forcing the front row to shiver.

On the road, it's exactly what you want on a long trip: a suspension setup designed to filter out bumps, not to show off in corners. Honest steering that avoids constant corrections and sound insulation that, while not reaching that of a premium grand tourer, reduces the fatigue from the hum and road noise that, hour after hour, makes all the difference.The natural recommendation for those who drive a lot of miles is the 2.0 diesel with automatic transmission. It's the combination that allows you to drive at low revs, ease in overtaking, and ranges that truly let you choose where to stop. Details such as the ease of folding or removing seats, the robustness of the upholstery, or the height of the bench —neither too low nor too high— have just finalized a proposal that It may not be the most eye-catching of the groupBut when you accumulate kilometers, it's usually the option you turn your attention to, partly because The Toyota network has a service reach that provides great peace of mind.

All the information on the Toyota Proace Verso, here.

Volkswagen Multivan (T7): pure modularity with a passenger car feel

The Multivan is the perfect example of how to take the minivan concept to another level thanks to modularity. The T7's architecture brings the driving experience closer to that of a large passenger car.: natural driving position, a front axle that "really" turns and an overall feeling of control that requires no adaptation. But what's truly captivating are the rails and the individual seats that move wherever you want.They rotate in the second row to create a "lounge" and combine with a central table that is not a toy: it goes up, down and advances to where you need it to work with a laptop, play cards or have a snack without turning everything into a circus.

With three rows in use, the trunk space remains usable.And here's another practical detail: the new seats weigh considerably less than those of the previous generation, so reconfiguring the cabin isn't a weightlifting exercise. In terms of dynamics, The Multivan has that composure you appreciate when the wind blows or the road surface undulates.: He has no strange movements and always conveys serenity. If what you want is to travel without plugging in and keep consumption down, the 2.0 TDI with automatic transmission is the most sensible balance between speed and fuel consumption. If you don't drive too many kilometers outside the city each year and prefer a more lively feel, the revamped plug-in hybrid also makes sense. The important thing is that, once you adjust the seats and table to your liking, this is the van that most closely resembles bringing your living room inside.…and that, with children, teenagers and grandparents, is worth its weight in gold.

All the information about the VW Multivan T7, here.

Ford Tourneo Custom: perfect balance and good seating for "living together"

The Tourneo Custom has taken a generational leap, and you can tell as soon as you sit down. The driving position is more relaxed, engine and road noise insulation has improved, and from there, everything revolves around the second and third rows on rails.Being able to easily move seats and configure them face-to-face when needed completely transforms the journey: children are more entertained, adults can stretch their legs, and stops are quicker because getting in and out is easier. Connectivity has matured, with a system that "thinks like the user" and not the other way around, and tri-zone climate control with outlets in the rear rows is no longer just an equipment feature but a reason why the family doesn't stage a mutiny halfway through the trip.

With cargo and people inside, the chassis conveys composure and maintains its trajectory with fewer corrections than before. and filters out bumps more effectively. For our purposes, the EcoBlue diesel engines with automatic transmission are the perfect fit: they allow you to maintain 120–130 km/h without annoying noise and with reasonable fuel consumption, and they also offer the possibility of all-wheel drive in certain variants For those who frequent mountain passes or less hospitable climates. Drawbacks? Size is a major factor in city riding, and, as always, the top-of-the-range options increase the price; even so, if you're looking for a very solid all-in-one, the Tourneo Custom is at its best.

All the information about the Ford Tourneo Custom, here

Renault Trafic SpaceClass: robust comfort, 9 real seats and a sensible price

The Trafic in SpaceClass version plays the card of well-understood solidity. It doesn't aim to dazzle you with leather up to the roof, but rather to give you real space for seven, eight or nine occupants, with sliding seats on rails that allow you to fine-tune the perfect triangle between legs, seat height and trunkThe feeling when closing the sliding doors is good, access is ample, and if you set up the optional table, the cabin transforms into an impromptu living room with surprising ease. The climate control for the rear seats works and is operated from the back, which is where it should be; The materials, without luxuries, are designed to withstand the wear and tear of intensive family use. or a shuttle that never rests.

On the road, it's one of the most "easy to handle" when loaded because It feels settled, treads confidently, and doesn't require constant corrections with a crosswind. Two-liter diesels have just what's needed to overtake using momentum and to travel long distances without jerking or needing to play with the gearbox every few minutes; If you frequently drive at full capacity, the most powerful version with automatic transmission will make your life easier.Furthermore, the cost per kilometer, insurance, and maintenance are usually more affordable than in more aspirational options. Ideal for large families, clubs, or professionals who, without sacrificing comfort, The SpaceClass is one of those options that becomes more convincing the more you use it.

All the information about the Renault Trafic SpaceClass, here

Mercedes V-Class: the most comfortable, but also the most expensive

If you want the journey to feel shorter than it actually is, the V-Class is the benchmark. Its hallmark is the quality of its ride. It filters out small potholes and expansion joints with an authority reminiscent of large sedans, and aerodynamic noise at motorway speeds is very well contained.The driver's seat, with its MBUX ecosystem, makes managing the journey almost automatic; and in the back, depending on the configuration, you can install exceptionally comfortable individual seats with generous adjustments and well-designed support. All of this is combined with motorized sliding doors and onboard amenities that, once you experience them, you'll find hard to leave.

The flip side of the coin is well known: it's the most expensive to buy, insure, and maintain, and to get the most out of it, you need to configure it wisely.Because the assistance and comfort packages add up. In return, if you cover a lot of miles with demanding passengers—family, VIP clients, transfers—it rewards the effort with a travel experience that no other vehicle in the group can match in terms of isolation and refinement. Mechanically, the diesel engines with a nine-speed automatic transmission are the sweet spot for those who want high performance, quietness, and controlled fuel consumption; even fully loaded and on mountain passes, the most powerful version allows you to maintain cruising speeds effortlessly.

All the information on the Mercedes V-Class, here

Passenger comfort comparison table

Focused on long family trips: we selected the best thermal mechanics for each model and assessed rear passenger space and real-world logistics.

Quick purchase table by engine

How to choose between these five

If what you want is zero drama and plenty of travel with a sensible running cost, the Toyota Proace Verso is that tireless companion that never lets you down and makes the difficult easy.If your family "lives" in the passenger compartment and you reconfigure the seats every couple of days, The Volkswagen Multivan is a small miracle of modularity with a very touring-like driving feel. If you're looking for total balance and you're drawn to the latest generation of assistants and connectivity, lFord Tourneo Custom is in top shapeIf you need nine royal seats, trunk space and a sensible price, the Renault Trafic SpaceClass fits like a gloveAnd if your priority is that everyone arrives more rested than when they left, The Mercedes V-Class remains the queen of insulation… knowing that its level of performance comes at a price.When the goal is for passengers to travel in true comfort, these five prove that, in 2025, the best minivan can still take the form of a van.