A van is a type of vehicle used for transporting goods or people.
Vans can be small, like the ones used by delivery companies, or they can be large enough to hold several people or even a family.
Some vans are meant for off-road driving, while others are better suited for city streets.
There are actually quite a few different types of vans on the market.
Let’s take a look at different types of vans and explain what they’re used for.
Types of Van
There are all sorts of vans out there, each serving a different purpose. Here are 11 popular types of vans:
1. Standard White Van
Standard White Van, or SWV, is a type of van that is typically used for deliveries and other commercial purposes.
The vans are generally white in color, and they have a standard size and shape.
This makes them easy to identify, and it also makes them very popular for businesses that need to make deliveries.
In addition to their practicality, Standard White Vans are also very affordable, which makes them a good choice for many small businesses.
However, because they are so common, they can sometimes be difficult to find in parking lots and other areas where they are needed.
2. Cargo Van
A cargo van is a type of van that is used to transport cargo. Cargo vans are often used by businesses to transport goods from one location to another.
They are also sometimes used by individuals to move large items or large quantities of items.
Cargo vans typically have a higher roof than passenger vans, and they often have side doors and rear doors that open for loading and unloading. Some cargo vans also have sliding doors on the sides.
3. Passenger Van
A passenger van is a type of vehicle designed to transport people.
Passenger vans typically have a capacity of between seven and 15 people, making them ideal for larger groups or families.
They often feature amenities such as air conditioning and comfortable seating, and some models even come equipped with television screens and DVD players.
Passenger vans are available in both gas and diesel variants, and many are now available with all-wheel drive for added traction in snow or off-road conditions.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable family car or a vehicle to transport a group of friends, a passenger van is an excellent option.
4. Minivan
A minivan is a body style of vehicle. In general, minivans have a ‘one-box’ or ‘two-box’ body configuration, a high roof, a relatively wide chassis, and three rows of seats.
Minivans often have sliding doors for the purpose of ease of passenger ingress/egress to the rear seating rows.
Minivans are often provided with entertainment systems similar to those found in aircraft.
These systems typically include DVD players and screens mounted on the ceiling that can play video games or display images from an auxiliary camera mounted on the vehicle.
5. Sprinter Van
A Sprinter van is a vehicle designed for cargo or passenger transport. The van typically has a high roof and long wheelbase, making it well-suited for carrying large loads.
Sprinter vans are available in both diesel and gasoline versions, and they can be equipped with a variety of features such as rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and automatic transmission.
One of the main benefits of owning a Sprinter van is the ability to customize the interior to meet your specific needs.
For example, you can install shelves, racks, and bins to store cargo, or you can add seats and seatbelts to accommodate passengers.
Whether you need a vehicle for business or pleasure, a Sprinter van can be an excellent choice.
6. Conversion Van
A conversion van is a full-size van that has been customized for passengers’ comfort and convenience.
It usually includes features such as captain’s chairs, a television, a DVD player, a sunroof, beds, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Conversion vans can be used for a variety of purposes, including family vacations, road trips, and tailgating parties.
They are also popular among people who need extra space for carrying sports equipment or musical instruments.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious way to travel or just need some extra room on your next road trip, a conversion van is an excellent option.
7. Step Van
A step van is a type of truck that is used to deliver goods and materials. The van has a high roof and a low floor, which makes it easy to load and unload.
Step vans are often used by companies that provide delivery services, such as UPS or FedEx.
They are also commonly used by food companies, as the high ceilings allow for large quantities of food to be stored.
Step vans can be either diesel or gasoline-powered, and they typically have a manual transmission.
Most step vans have a panel body, which means that the sides and back are made of metal panels.
This makes the van more durable and easier to repair if it sustains damage.
8. Box Van
A box van is a type of truck that is typically used for transporting large, heavy items.
Box vans typically have a large, rectangular cargo area that is enclosed by four walls and a roof.
This makes them ideal for carrying items that need to be protected from the elements, such as furniture or appliances.
Box vans can also be equipped with special features, such as lifts and ramps, which make it easier to load and unload heavy cargo.
When it comes to moving large items, box vans are the preferred choice for many businesses and individuals.
9. Minibus Van
A minibus, also called a typewriter or microbus, is a small commercial vehicle designed to carry 9-16 people.
Minibusses are typically used for local public transport, airport transfers, and school transport. They are also popular as private hire vehicles for parties and events.
Unlike a full-sized bus, a minibus is easy to maneuver in tight spaces and can be parked in a standard parking space.
The most popular minibus models in the UK include the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and VW Transporter.
10. Panel Van
A panel van is a type of van with paneled sides, typically used for commercial purposes.
Panel vans are often used for deliveries, as they have more space than a normal car and can easily accommodate large items.
Panel vans are also popular for conversion into campervans, as they provide a comfortable and spacious living area.
While panel vans are not as common as they once were, they remain a popular choice for those who need a reliable and spacious commercial vehicle.
11- Reefer Van
A Reefer van is yet another type of minivan that’s similar to a cargo van but with one key difference: it has a refrigeration unit installed.
This is basically a cooling van with a refrigerator that allows the van to be used for transporting perishable goods that need to be kept cool.
One key advantage of the chiller van is in hot and cold food delivery when you need to keep the food either hot or cold during transport.
Other common uses for reefer vans include transporting flowers, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive materials that require temperature-controlled transport.
Based on the work and requirements there are now different types of refrigerated vans available. These include:
- Full-freezer and Semi-freezer vans
- Chiller conversion or insulation vans with a refrigeration component attached
What are the types of passenger vans?
Passenger vans come in several types, each designed to meet specific needs for comfort, capacity, and convenience. The most common are standard passenger vans, which typically seat 8–12 people and are ideal for families, small groups, or shuttle services.
Then there are extended or full-size vans, offering seating for up to 15 passengers—perfect for schools, tour operators, or businesses that need to transport larger groups without compromising comfort. For those seeking a blend of luxury and practicality, conversion vans stand out.
These vans are customized with plush seating, entertainment systems, and extra legroom, making them excellent for long-distance travel or executive transport.
On the other end of the spectrum, minivans remain a favorite for families due to their compact design, sliding doors, and flexible seating configurations. They balance spaciousness with easy handling, making them practical for both city driving and road trips.
Meanwhile, shuttle vans and mobility vans serve more specialized purposes—shuttles often used by hotels, airports, and corporate campuses, and mobility vans equipped with wheelchair-accessible features to ensure inclusivity.
With such a wide range of passenger van types, there’s a solution for virtually every need, whether it’s daily commuting, commercial transport, or comfortable group travel.
What are the different brands of vans available?
When it comes to passenger vans, a variety of well-known brands cater to different budgets, capacities, and comfort levels.
Ford is one of the most recognized names, offering the Ford Transit, which is popular for its durability, spacious seating options (up to 15 passengers), and modern safety features.
Mercedes-Benz brings luxury into the segment with the Sprinter Van, known for its high-end interiors, smooth ride, and advanced technology—often chosen for executive travel and premium shuttle services.
For families and everyday use, Toyota and Honda stand out with their minivans—Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey—which are favorites in the U.S. thanks to reliability, family-friendly features, and easy handling.
Chrysler Pacifica is another strong player in the minivan category, especially for those seeking hybrid options.
On the commercial and shuttle side, Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana are long-time workhorses, favored by schools, tour operators, and businesses for their strength and seating capacity.
Meanwhile, Nissan NV Passenger offers a practical balance of space and versatility, appealing to both families and small businesses.
Each brand emphasizes different strengths—luxury, affordability, durability, or innovation—making it easier for buyers to pick the right van that fits their lifestyle or business needs.
Conclusion
There are a variety of different types of vans available on the market, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The type of van you choose will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable way to travel, a conversion van is an excellent option.
If you need a vehicle that can accommodate large and heavy loads, a box van is an ideal choice.
And if you’re looking for a vehicle that can seat up to 16 people, a minibus is the perfect solution.
Whatever your needs, there’s sure to be a van that’s perfect for you.