Vans get a bad rap as “mommy mobiles” because they became the official car of suburban families. But their flexibility makes them as valuable a work vehicle as they are for hauling the kids around. Let’s take a look at the Best vans on the used market in 2022 that fit your budget.
Three Perennial Favorites and One to Watch
Here are four of our favorite models. Three of them, the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Chrysler Pacifica, are top picks year after year. And the newcomer Kia Carnival is set to make waves in this competitive segment.
All Around Convenience: Honda Odyssey
For agility and overall convenience, it’s hard to beat a Honda Odyssey. Its beefy V6 engine powers you onto the freeway easily, and it feels steady and sure-footed even on wet pavement.
The cabin and cargo areas are easy to configure to carry different combinations of people and things. And the Odyssey comes standard with must-have safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance.
Full of Family-Pleasing Features: Toyota Sienna
The used Toyota Sienna is a favorite for many reasons. It was one of the first to offer all-wheel drive, it’s got one of the most powerful V6 engines in its class, and the cargo area behind the third row can swallow a LOT of stuff.
The interior is full of available family-pleasing features, including an intercom system, Wi-Fi capability, and USB ports in every row. Like the Pacifica, the Sienna is now available in a hybrid model that returns incredible fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its size.
The Queen of Versatility: Chrysler Pacifica
Out of all of the vans, none go from kid mover to moving van as easily as a Chrysler Pacifica. The second-row Stow ‘n Go seats fold right into the floor, giving you flat storage space to move furniture, ladders, or tall plants. When upright, the captain’s chairs are roomy enough to fit rear-facing car seats, and you can use the underfloor storage space to stash diaper bags and toys.
The Pacifica is also available in a hybrid model. It delivers a quiet, cloud-like ride to lull the little ones to sleep. For the older kids and adults, there are USB charging ports deployed throughout the cabin, so everyone can enjoy door-to-door entertainment.
Kia Carnival Enters the Chat
Okay, you’re sold on the capability of a minivan, but you just don’t want to get guff from your friends about driving one. Enter the Kia Carnival MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). It’s got the versatility of a minivan with the cool factor of an SUV.
It boasts one of the largest rear cargo holds in the segment, and the three-section second-row bench seat can be removed for a downright cavernous 145.1 cubic feet of space.
Can’t Find a New One Near You? Consider Buying Used
If you’re on the lookout for family-friendly transportation, you can’t go wrong with any of these vans. However, given current market conditions in the auto industry, you might want to consider choosing a pre-owned model. There are great deals to be found on a used Toyota Sienna as well as the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica.
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