Finding the Right Van for You

Finding the perfect van to fit your needs has never been easier with Cars.ca. Whether you’re looking for the versatility of a minivan, the robust cargo space of a cargo van, or the spacious seating of a passenger van, we have a comprehensive inventory from all top OEMs to match your requirements. Our selection ensures that you can find a vehicle with the right seating configurations, comfort features, and storage solutions to suit your lifestyle. Explore our information below, along with a deep inventory, to discover the ideal van that combines practicality, convenience, and flexibility for your everyday needs.

Which kind of van is right for you?

The three primary types of vans on the market are:

Minivans

Minivans are family-friendly vans that typically seat 7-8 passengers. They’re built and designed with families in mind, along with everyday versatility. Minivans are highlighted by seating capacity/arrangement options, interior space focused around comfort, family-forward features, accessibility and convenience. For most car buyers, a minivan is the van type that they’re often looking for.

Cargo Vans

Cargo vans are the workhorse type of vans. These work-oriented vans provide a large amount of customizable space to meet your needs of transporting goods. Thus, you’ll find a big focus on cargo space, with, typically, no rear seating, all supported by a durable frame to handle these heavy loads, and frequent use, along with accessible features like wide cargo areas and access paneling to make loading and unloading as easy as possible.

Passenger Vans

Passenger vans do as their name suggests, built to transport a large amount of passengers at once. These vans typically carry around 10-15 passengers, used most often for group transport or shuttle services. Passenger vans are highlighted by their high seating capacity, spacious interiors, accessible entry and exit, along with their durable construction.

id buzz

The Best Minivans on the Market in 2025

Currently, there are 5 minivans available as new vehicles for sale in Canada:

Chrysler Grand Caravan (formerly the Dodge Grand Caravan)
Chrysler Pacifica
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Acknowledging that ‘best’ is a subjective term, let’s talk through the primary features that minivan buyers consider when purchasing.

Seating Configuration & LATCH Availability

Seating configurations are a huge focus for minivan buyers, as they directly impact passenger capacity, flexibility, comfort, and cargo space. We know that buyers often look for models that accommodate their family size and allow easy adjustment of seats for different use cases. Features like sliding doors, removable seats, and flexible arrangements are crucial for accessibility and versatility, balancing the need for passenger seating with cargo space.

What is LATCH and why is it important?

LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children and is a system for installing children’s car seats or booster seats that utilize the lower anchor connection from the seat to hook in where the seat cushion meets the seat back, in addition to the upper connection hook anchored to the back of the car seat for maximum security in the vehicle. It ensures that the car seat is not reliant on seatbelts alone to stay put when the vehicle is moving.

What Minivans Have Been Discontinued?

Several notable minivans have been discontinued over the years, largely due to market demands, and differing automaker strategies to capture the interest and needs of car buyers. Many of these models have been replaced by newer, current versions, while some are wholly not in production ayn more. While these discontinuations mark a sad end for some favourite family-friendly vehicles, they also pave the way for new innovations and designs in the segment. If you’re looking for a used minivan, these are the model years to consider: