Initially, the minibus category was positioned primarily as a commercial mode of transport for transporting passengers. These are city minibuses, intercity minibuses, etc. But now many choose them for family use, that is, for joint trips with all members of a large family. This allows you to give up several cars, not to call a taxi, but to get to the right place together in one car.
Volkswagen Transporter
Criteria for choosing a family minivan
Buying a minivan should be taken very seriously. The price of this car may be relatively low, but, nevertheless, you will have to pay a tidy sum to purchase it, and this is a serious matter.
It is better for a private driver to choose a minivan together with his family members, because, as we have already said, a minivan for private ownership is a family car. Therefore, comfort for the whole family comes first. Companies purchasing such cars should, when choosing, focus on its spaciousness.
Let's consider the main points for choosing a minivan wisely:
- the price of the car and planned maintenance costs;
- number of seats and luggage compartment capacity;
- assessment of engine power, suspension quality and drive type;
- installation by the manufacturer of functional equipment that provides convenient control and comfort inside the car.
Many car enthusiasts attach particular importance to the appearance of the car, but in this case they will not have too much choice, because most minivans have almost the same shape, regardless of the model.
The dimensions of modern vans are almost no larger than those of other mid-size cars, regardless of whether it is a hatchback, a station wagon, or a sedan. Therefore, the owner of a minivan cannot worry about maneuverability in city traffic jams or in tight parking lots.
Moreover, the individual design of this car increases its safety, and the high seating position provides good visibility, so the minivan is simply irreplaceable when transporting passengers.
Now let’s look at the ten best minivans, from which you can choose a very worthy campervan.
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:
- Spacious interior - thanks to this quality, even a long trip will not seem so tiring, 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, the car can accommodate all the necessary things that are needed for living outdoors 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, naturally, will depend on the design features of the seats), accordingly, the car can be freely repurposed as a vehicle for cargo transportation.
- The practicality of the car 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 on the driver’s license.
- Aerodynamic characteristics - the classic type of minivans, namely their teardrop shape, provides excellent aerodynamic qualities that significantly reduce fuel consumption in comparison with other passenger cars.
- Comfortable – even 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 disabled people and the elderly, because... The step at the entrance is not particularly high.
- Maintenance - a mini-van will not require any special frills in terms of maintenance and the costs will be quite comparable to a regular passenger car.
- Popular among 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 the car.
Still, despite the abundance of specific advantages, minivans also have their own disadvantages, which, for example, neither minibuses nor station wagons have:
- Due to the fact that the car is most often high, the side wind can force the driver to reduce speed while driving, and this indicates slightly worse handling than that of a sedan or station wagon.
- Entering the cabin is not as comfortable as compared to a full-fledged bus or minibus, because you have to bend down a little.
- 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. It can be seen from this that the manufacturers, having relied on the practicality of their car, thereby limited its 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 greater load capacity, sufficient for their size. From this it is clear that when driving on uneven roads, an empty car will seem unstable and will be difficult to control.
- Due to the fact that mini-vans were developed as counterweights to minibuses, they are poorly suited for daily use as a main vehicle.
- Mid-size and full-size models can be quite difficult to drive in busy urban areas.
Advantages of 7-seater models
Separately, it is necessary to mention the rather rare models with 7 seats (including the driver). They will be distinguished by:
- Spacious interior - passengers are seated in a more, so to speak, “vertical” way, which will affect the amount of freed up space during the trip, and this significantly affects comfort, especially on a long journey.
- The functionality of the vehicle - 6 seats can always be easily and quickly transformed to solve immediate problems, be it expanding passenger space or increasing the trunk.
- The 7-seater minivan is characterized by its small dimensions and weight, which means economical fuel consumption, as well as the absence of special financial costs for paying taxes and fees for its operation.
Contenders
The choice of minibuses for families is quite large. If you focus on reliability, safety, comfort and decent technical characteristics, then you should pay attention to the rating of minibuses compiled for you.
The presented cars sell well and are considered reliable and safe types of vehicles. The final assessment is yours, since each buyer makes a choice based on personal preferences, requirements and wishes for the car.
The best method of selection is to study several potential minibus options at once. By comparing them, you can buy the best beads directly for your family.
Each minibus presented has everything to claim the title of the best. But the concept of best is quite subjective. That’s why we offer several decent minibuses to choose from to make the final decision easier.
Representatives of the following automakers were selected based on the parameters of reliability, safety and comfort:
- Volkswagen;
- Mercedes;
- Hyundai;
- Peugeot;
- Citroen;
- Ford;
- Fiat.
It is among these car brands that we invite you to make a choice. Each of the minibuses has a lot of good things that can satisfy your needs, wishes or fit into the budget available for purchasing a car. We will get to know the candidates to join your family garage.
Volkswagen Transporter Kombi City
As the name suggests, this passenger version of minibuses from the famous German automaker is intended primarily for urban operating conditions. But if you are a big fan of country outings with the whole family, then you can confidently say that this car will definitely not let you down in terms of reliability. There are modifications with a long wheelbase (LR) and a short version (KR).
At a cost of about 2.5 million rubles, you can choose one of two diesel power unit options: 102-horsepower or 140-horsepower. The first is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, the second – with a six-speed manual.
One of the undoubted advantages is its extensive functionality. In particular, we can note the presence of a multifunctional multimedia system that can monitor the driver’s condition and warn if it detects signs of fatigue. The 9-seater minibus is equipped with Climatic air conditioning, a carbon cabin filter, an additional heater for heating the interior, the Light and Visibility package, thermally insulated side windows and many other goodies.
The main advantage of the car is practicality and reliability, characteristic of all minibuses of this model range - it is no coincidence that the Transporter is considered one of the most popular cars of this class on the Russian market. You could even say it’s popular, if you take into account the cargo-passenger version.
Among the disadvantages, it should be noted the high cost of maintenance (compared to Japanese cars), as well as the not very good quality of interior trim.
The car topped the rating of minibuses in terms of the ratio of reliability and quality to cost, and deservedly so. The veteran holds the brand and will certainly delight brand followers for a long time with new, more improved modifications.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Another representative of the German automobile industry, on the contrary, is distinguished by the excellent quality of interior finishing, also characterized by rich equipment and a more significant line of engines in quantitative terms.
Although the automaker positions the V-Class as a minivan, in most respects (size, layout) it is a typical minibus, ideal for everyday transportation of family members. But still, his strong point is traveling over long distances - thanks to the spacious and comfortable interior, as well as a fairly spacious luggage compartment.
Questions of wise choice
In the process of selecting a family car in the back of a minivan, you should pay close attention to the following defining points:
- Availability of security systems;
- Luggage compartment volume 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;
- Convenient transformation of seats (folding/unfolding);
- Sufficient engine power;
- Availability of an automatic transmission (for this class of cars, automatic transmission is preferable).
Separately, it is worth paying attention to individual safety systems, namely strong seat belts for each seat, the presence of airbags, all seats must be equipped with headrests. The remaining automatic functions must be subject to random testing to ensure they are working properly. It is worth remembering that the final 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 are folded in such a way that not only does the trunk increase, but also a small table can be comfortably and firmly installed in the free space. The final stage will be checking all the documents, by analyzing which you need to find out whether this modification of the minivan is approved for use in the country. Also, if a car is purchased in “used” status, is it pledged to financial/leasing organizations, and are there any other encumbrances on the car?
Ten best minivans worth buying
Opel Meriva
Despite the fact that this car took only tenth place in the ranking, it is quite an excellent minivan. Its design will please both adults and little members of your family. This minivan was released in 2010 and immediately captivated car enthusiasts with its functional qualities and design features.
For example, the driver's and passenger doors open in different directions, which is very convenient when boarding. This is due to the fact that the passenger door hinges are attached to the rear of the body. Plus, thanks to this door design, the space for passengers in the cabin has significantly increased. The trunk opens almost 90 degrees, which gives additional convenience during its operation. This minivan has a power of 140 hp and its engine capacity is 1.4 liters.
KIA Venga
Five doors and compactness are the first features of this minivan, released in 2009. Due to its small dimensions, this minivan is classified as class “B”, but at the same time it is one of the best cars in this class. In any case, it solves the tasks set by the driver no worse than larger vehicles. It has a comfortable high seating position, a fairly spacious interior and a spacious trunk, as well as a long wheelbase. Petrol engine 1.4 or 1.6 liters.
Volkswagen Touran
The updated line of this minivan has a very interesting exterior. Large arches on the wheels and expressive design turn it into a luxury camper van. The roof is panoramic, but at the same time it has roof rails, which makes it possible to transport a wide variety of cargo.
Volkswagen's electronic equipment will also be a pleasant surprise for the driver: parking sensors that signal unexpected obstacles on the road, as well as a LightAssist device that independently turns on the light if it detects an approaching vehicle in the oncoming lane. Even though this campervan came in eighth place, it is quite reliable and safe, and therefore will always be a great choice for a large family.
Citroen C4 Picasso
In seventh place is the handsome Picasso. Its unusual futuristic design amazes with its originality. It is safe to say that the Citroen company has made a real revolution in the modern automotive industry.
This minivan has a number of functional advantages: its control panel is decorated with a seven-inch touch screen and an excellent media system. It should be noted that this car has been updated, as a result of which it surpasses the first version in all respects.
Ford S-Max
It ranks sixth in our ranking. The S-Max first rolled off the assembly line in 2006. A distinctive feature of the visual design is the kinetic design, expressed in the apparent speed of the car. As the manufacturers themselves say, this body shape makes the car move rapidly even if it stands still.
Plus, such outlines significantly increase the degree of aerodynamics of the minivan. The long wheelbase and large body give the car good stability and make it safer. Ford is equipped with fog lights, ABS, stability control and many other devices, including a navigation system, cruise control and a camera.
Honda Freed
The Honda Freed's seven seats testify to the spaciousness of the minivan, which, paradoxically, is a fairly compact car. The seating position is relatively low, but it is what gives the car good stability and makes the interior spacious. Great campervan for a large family.
Toyota Alphard
After the latest update, this van has acquired a new design, quite bold and original, ahead of the times. Quality and reliability are the main characteristics of a minivan. It has a high level of functionality: ionizer, intelligent access system, audio system, climate control for three seasons.
Externally, the car resembles a sports car, making it visually appear smaller. The excellent finishing of the exterior and interior will delight any owner with comfort and quality. Fourth place in our rating will not at all prevent this minivan from becoming a favorite for your family.
Citroen Berlingo Multispace
In the second generation, this minivan received an updated design, a high-quality interior and improved driving performance. Its suspension, similar to those found on passenger cars, significantly reduced the load capacity, but at the same time the interior became much more spacious. Climate control, electrical accessories and other functional devices make the comfort of this car quite attractive. Diesel engine, 90 hp. – productive and environmentally friendly.
Dodge Caravan R/T 2015
claims to be the sportiness of its brainchild. The original design and seventeen-inch wheels suggest just such an idea. The minivan has a very good engine of 283 hp. and a volume of 3.6 liters. It has electric windows and a rigid suspension. Functional advantages: climate control, touch screens in the cabin, voice media system, parking sensors.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
It is not surprising that the first place was taken by the car of this particular company. But, nevertheless, it is worth noting that this car is completely unusual both from the manufacturer and among minivans. The body of this car is a fairly successful hybrid of a crossover, station wagon and van, but the comfort can be easily compared to luxury sedans.
Unfortunately, not all models may be on sale in our country, but the option with a gasoline engine of 388 hp. quite accessible. All models have automatic transmission, and more expensive versions have climate control, parking sensors, seat heaters and many other various options.
Conclusion on buying a family minivan
All of the listed minivans are designed primarily for transporting passengers, but transporting goods is also possible.
Samples of vans released over the past ten years leave no doubt about their reliability and comfort, and at the same time convince any driver of their purpose for long trips as part of a large family.
How to choose the right minivan - watch the video:
Differences between a minivan and other types of bodies
Differences from the station wagon
Unlike a station wagon, it is quite possible to transport any household item in a mini-van. However, both the minivan and the station wagon, although they have much in common, also have fundamental differences, the main of which will be their own dimensions and the specifics of the body. Here are some of the features:
- A station wagon is always significantly smaller than a minivan;
- The station wagon has only five seats, but the van can have nine;
- The station wagon body almost matches the sedan and has an elongated rear end. The minivan has practically no hood 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 on your driver’s license, but to drive a minivan, category “B” is sufficient. Well, the purpose itself - a minibus is more suitable for commercial passenger transportation, while a minivan is considered a family car.
Differences from crossover
You can often hear that a crossover and a minivan are functionally similar in many ways. And this may indeed be the case. Both have good interior ergonomics and high ground clearance. But the crossover has better handling, and the minivan is able to transform its seats, which will increase the luggage space.
Comfort comes first
While working on the creation of minivans, the designers sought to create a vehicle that would be convenient for transporting several passengers and their luggage. Today there are cars on sale with a number of seats from 5 to 7 or more. The best option is considered to be seven-seater models: the back row of seats can be folded or removed, placing luggage in their place, and the remaining seats are quite enough to accommodate two children with their parents.
7-seater minivan models boast good stability and handling, they show good results in crash tests - which means that their safety is at the proper level. Each manufacturer strives to take into account all the shortcomings of previous versions and create the perfect car. That is why in the modern car market there is such an abundance of a wide variety of minivans that compete with each other in quality, attractiveness and price. Conventionally, all representatives of the minivan family, where there are 7 seats in the cabin, can be divided into two price categories - up to 1 million rubles and more than 1 million rubles.
Video about the Chevrolet Orlando:
Models costing over a million rubles
To complete our review, below we will consider cars that do not belong to the minivan family.
Chevrolet Tahoe
In the photo we see a luxurious beauty, made in the classic Chevrolet style. The impressive front end of the car with rectangular outlines is decorated with a recognizable radiator grille with the brand badge. The model looks very solid, and this is not surprising: its price starts at 2.28 million rubles. The spacious cabin has enough space for 7 passengers and luggage. This car successfully competes with premium cars from Cadillac - Tahoe is much more common on Russian roads than its rival.
The wheelbase of the all-wheel drive vehicle is 294.5 cm, the maximum trunk volume is 3085 liters, the minimum is 480 liters. In the Russian car market, you can purchase only one version of the model, which is equipped with a 5.3-liter gasoline engine capable of delivering 325 hp. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Chevrolet Tahoe
Ford Explorer
This “iron horse” looks the way a real “American” should look. Impressive dimensions, a powerful front end, high wheel arches, original headlights - all this cannot but attract attention when this monster rushes along the highway, rustling tires. The cabin, designed for 7 seats, allows you to travel comfortably over any distance.
The wheelbase of the model is 286 cm, the maximum trunk volume is 2285 liters, the minimum is 595 liters. Under the hood you can find a powerful 3.5-liter engine, the power of which reaches 294 hp. It is complemented by a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fans of xenon headlights and keyless entry will be disappointed by the lack of these features. But the multimedia system on Windows will please true geeks: only a true fan will be able to understand the many options that pop up on the touch screen. The estimated cost of this model starts from 1,750,000 rubles.
Ford Explorer
Cadillac Escalade
This car can rightfully be called the best car that represents seven-seater models in this price segment. The regal posture is complemented by a stylish radiator grille and the original shape of the headlights. Its adaptive suspension easily copes with any road irregularities, turning the ride into a comfortable journey. The interior is decorated with the best materials and equipped with the latest technical innovations.
The wheelbase of the car is 294.6 cm, the maximum trunk volume is 3085 liters, the minimum is 478 liters. The drive is rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The minivan is equipped with an engine whose volume reaches 6.2 liters, due to which it can demonstrate a power of 409 hp. The second option is a 6-liter engine with a power of 337 hp. The engine is complemented by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The estimated price of the model is from 3 million rubles.
Cadillac Escalade
KIA Mohave
Inexpensive, but reliable - this is how you can characterize this all-wheel drive vehicle with 7 seats. Less than 22 cm of ground clearance makes it one of the highest among representatives of this price category. Stylish, sporty design, good equipment and high-quality interior trim attract the attention of car enthusiasts who prefer to get a reliable and spacious car for their money.
The wheelbase of the KIA minivan is 289.5 cm, the maximum trunk volume is 2765 liters, the minimum is 350 liters. Manufacturers offer a choice of two engines: a 3.8-liter gasoline engine with 275 hp. with automatic transmission5 or 3 liter diesel with 250 hp. with automatic transmission8. The estimated cost of the model is from 1,770,000 rubles.
KIA Mohave
For traveling
Opel Vivaro
pros
- high-quality assembly
- inexpensive service
- excellent handling
- spacious salon
Minuses
- poor sound insulation
From 650,000 ₽
A light, comfortable and at the same time fast car is perfect for travel. Comfortable seats and a spacious interior allow you to spend many hours on the road without feeling tired. And the large trunk can easily accommodate camping equipment, sports equipment, or hunting and fishing supplies. Thanks to the galvanized body, the car is not subject to corrosion.
Mercedes-Benz Viano (Vito)
pros
- nice design
- economical fuel consumption
- high-quality assembly
- good handling
Minuses
- poor sound insulation
From 365,000 ₽
A comfortable and roomy car for long trips is an excellent choice for a family who loves to travel. Thanks to the powerful engine, the model has excellent maneuverability, and high seats provide a wide view. Due to its size, the car has a large windage area, this should be taken into account when driving in strong side winds. Thanks to the successful combination of price and driving performance, this model is among the top minivans for affordable money.
Key qualities of a family car
When choosing an eight-seater car for a family, you should clarify exactly what tasks it should perform. For getting around the city, a minivan is more than enough, while for tourist trips, where rough terrain is expected, it is more advisable to look towards SUVs.
A family car should be reliable, safe and inexpensive to maintain. Another important point is the upholstery. Traveling with children is always accompanied by snacks, which include ketchup, sweets and bulk foods. Therefore, it is better to immediately exclude premium and finicky materials, otherwise you can go broke on dry cleaning of the interior alone. The upholstery should be practical and easy to maintain.
