Vans and minivans

The biggest differences between vans and minivans is are that vans tend to be more utilitarian and larger in size.

Vans typically have either an open-back cargo area behind the front seats, or multiple rows of seats, and are primarily used for transporting cargo or passengers.

Minivans are more family-focused, with most all having three rows of seats, and better size for everyday use.

A lot of minivans offer flexible seating with the ability to fold the seats into the floor, though Stow 'n Go is registered trademark of Chrysler.

Stow n' Go, which enables folding the second and third rows flat into the floor, is available on Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler Town and Country, and Dodge Grand Caravan models; however, it's not a standard feature on all models. Additionally, hybrid and all-wheel drive models do not offer the ability to stow the second row as the space under the floor is used by the added powertrain components.

Other minivans do offer the ability to fold the third row flat into the floor, with Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sedona, Kia Carnival, and Nissan Quest all offering this feature.

The Toyota Sienna Hybrid has an EPA-estimated rating of 36 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient minivans on the market.