Got a group getaway in the works? The most important decision you’ll make is which vehicle to take. If you’re in the planning stages, you might be wondering what’s the difference between a van and a minivan and which is the right choice for your trip.
In this post, we’ll explore the difference between a van and a minivan, while considering passenger capacity, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and more! Let’s dive in.
What’s the difference between a passenger van and a minivan?
What makes a van a passenger van vs a minivan? We have to think about a few factors, including size, comfort, and intended use. The chart below clarifies the main differences between the two vehicles and in which scenarios you’d drive each.
Overall, if you’re looking for an everyday vehicle for a small family, a minivan is a great option. If you’re looking for something for your group’s cross-country road trip or winter ski vacation, a passenger van may be a better fit.
Choosing the right van based on your needs
Selecting the right van for your trip comes down to three factors: size, needs, and the type of trip you’re taking.
Group size
Families and groups under eight passengers could be comfortable in a minivan. Groups of eight to 15 passengers may find the spaciousness of a passenger van more pleasant.
Luggage needs
Are you bringing multiple suitcases? Camping gear? Beach essentials? If you’re planning on toting cargo, a passenger van will provide ample room for it all.
Type of trip
For small families heading out on a short weekend getaway to a U.S. city, a minivan is a perfect fit. On the other hand, if you’re planning a longer journey, a passenger van’s height dimensions provide space to stand and stretch, as well as spread out and relax. Headed to a pet-friendly destination? Your pup will appreciate the comfort of a passenger van.
City hopping vs. long road trips
Not sure which vehicle to choose based on your destination? Let’s compare urban breaks to long-distance road trips.
City hopping
There are advantages to both passenger van and minivan rentals when driving in the city. Since driving a minivan is similar to driving a car, it’s generally well-suited to urban areas and tight parking. This is because minivans typically have a tighter turning radius and compact size.
A full-size passenger van might not have the same maneuverability, but it still offers significant advantages for groups driving in the city. With a passenger van, you get higher seating capacity, elevated visibility, and the versatility to travel over a variety of terrain.
Need some ideas? A few of our favorite urban escapes include:
- Monuments and museums in Washington, D.C.
- Freedom Trail and food tours in Boston
- Kid-friendly activities in Nashville
- Fun day trips from Philadelphia
Long road trips
There are more obvious reasons to opt for a full-size passenger van for long-distance travel. While a minivan might work for small groups, short distances, and little luggage, it may not prove spacious enough when on the road for long stretches at a time.
For instance, a Greenvans’ passenger van’s mid-roof height of six feet offers ample room for passengers to stand up inside the vehicle. Individual bucket seats can easily be configured to fit more riders or more cargo, at no extra charge.
While a minivan might boast better fuel efficiency in general due to its smaller size, you can easily organize a fuel-efficient extended journey in a full-size passenger van with the help of an app or two.
Consider these notable scenic routes for your road itinerary:
- Exploring the southwest’s Grand Circle national parks
- Discovering the most quintessential New England towns
- Embarking on a Christmas road trip to New York
What else to consider when it comes to minivans vs. passenger vans
Leave no stone unturned when researching minivan vs. passenger van rentals. Here are four considerations you won’t want to overlook.
Rental company reputation: Thanks to sites like Google and Yelp, researching a rental company’s reputation doesn’t take much effort. Why are reviews so important? Customer feedback will:
- Help you decide whether to rent from a major rental agency or an independent one
- Ensure the agency’s reliability
- Report on real life rental experiences
- Provide insight on satisfaction through testimonials
Maintenance and roadside assistance: Inquire about the rental company’s maintenance policies and roadside assistance services. For example, Greenvans provides a 24-hour on call emergency number to ease your mind while on the road.
Unlimited mileage package: Ask about the daily mileage limit that comes with your rental van. In the case of mileage, there is no difference between a van and minivan, as most rental agencies charge a per-mile fee once the limit has been exceeded. To avoid surprise charges upon return, consider purchasing an unlimited mileage package.
Insurance coverage: Insurance is required when renting any kind of vehicle. Some personal plans cover rentals, but if yours does not or it’s not comprehensive enough, ask the rental agency about packages. For instance, Greenvans offers a general liability insurance package, plus four ad-on options to increase the level of coverage.
FAQs about minivan rentals vs. full-size passenger van rentals
Do minivans count as vans?
Yes, minivans are considered a type of van, designed primarily for transporting passengers as opposed to cargo. Minivans usually feature two to three rows of reconfigurable seats. They are often referred to simply as “vans,” and are considerably smaller than a typical passenger van.
Is a minivan a passenger van?
Yes, a minivan is technically a type of passenger van as it carries passengers and offers features like sliding doors for easy access and a lower floor for seamless entry and exit.
Are there differences in driver licensing requirements for vans and minivans?
There is no difference between van and minivan rentals when it comes to driver licensing requirements. A government-issued Class E driver’s license can be used to drive both a van and minivan. However, larger passenger vans that exceed a capacity of 16 passengers may require a special commercial driver’s license (CDL) depending on local regulations.
How many passengers does a minivan hold?
A minivan typically holds a maximum of seven to eight passengers.
Choose a full-size passenger van for a comfortable, easy group trip! Get your rental quote today.
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