The 12 passenger van is part of category of vans that are called full-size vans. These vans are used for purposes that are slightly different from how they were used in the past. Because of the burgeoning popularity of SUVs and minivans, full-size vans are not as extensively used as every day vehicles as they used to be. Instead, they now tend to be used either as business vehicles or as company people carriers for groups of people going to the same office. They can probably carry more of a load and any other form of vehicle and security and safety is far superior to an open truck. In addition, if you need to transport more than eight people, a 12 passenger van is your answer.

Is It Right For You?

The market for a 12 passenger van is not as large as it used to be but the land still occupies an important niche in the world of transportation. If you are planning to buy a 12 passenger van, we will take a look at a few of the vehicles that are available on the market to give you a much better feel for what you can expect. You should also keep in mind that a 12 passenger van is not exactly an ideal family vehicle and if that is your requirement, you are probably better off with a minivan or an SUV. They will give you a far more comfortable ride while costing you much less for fuel.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

A 12 passenger van that is very highly ranked by many reviewers and experts is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. If you need a vehicle that transports a fair amount of cargo or a fair number of people, this is the work vehicle for you. The Sprinter has at different times been badged as a Dodge or a Freightliner but has carried a Mercedes badge for the last two years. The vehicle has been upgraded to the high Mercedes standards including superior build quality, a larger choice of options and a Bluetec diesel engine that is much more fuel efficient.

It has an extremely spacious interior but you should know that some experts think that the engine is underpowered. Other reviewers have pointed out that GM and Ford vans can carry up to 15 people while the Sprinter only seats 12. But the Sprinter is generally considered to be a very good van because of the amount of interior space arguably the most in its class, a low step up height as well as an economical engine that will not cost you a fortune in fuel bills.

In fact, if you need a vehicle that carries your employees or your customers and their equipment, the Sprinter is probably the best vehicle in its class. The interior height makes it possible for occupants to stand up and walk around. The load floor is low enough to the ground for equipment and baggage to be quickly and conveniently loaded and unloaded. Though some people might feel that the engine is underpowered, it does its job in moving the vehicle efficiently and with good handling. It is considerably more expensive than the other vehicles in the class but, for the premium that you pay, you get a superior build quality as well as ease of driving and handling.

Here is what Consumer Guide has to say about the Sprinter “Unlike most commercial vans that have been converted to passenger service by an aftermarket upfitter, Sprinter feels like a solid piece, engineered from the start to move a small crowd in comfort and with ease. Prices can climb quickly, though operational costs should be tempered by Sprinter’s outstanding-for-the-class fuel economy.”

Chevrolet Express

The 2011 Chevrolet Express is available in three configurations of which one is a 12 passenger van. This vehicle makes an excellent work horse if you have to haul a lot of people safely and in reasonable comfort. It is a pretty basic vehicle without any pretensions and ideal for businesses who are not particularly bothered about interior luxury and comfort. However, it has to be said that the interior is out of date and probably the worst of this class.

Because of the various options that are available such as the choice of engines and a choice of rear wheel and all wheel drive, you should be able to find an Express that meets your specific requirements. Because it provides plenty of flexibility, you can, for instance, outfit it as a school bus. Do not buy the Express for family transport unless you have to move more than eight people regularly and frequently. The vehicle is basic and you will have to pay extra for even options like rear heating, rear air-conditioning and better upholstery. You would be better off renting a 12 passenger van for infrequent requirements if your SUV or your minivan can handle most of your regular requirements.

Ford E-Series

A 12 passenger van that competes directly with the Express is the Ford E-Series which is another boxy looking no-nonsense utilitarian vehicle. The vehicle, formerly known as the Econoline, will complete 50 years of production in 2011 and the design was last upgraded in 2009. It is the best-selling vehicle in this category. Experts say that to the vehicle is better than it was in the past, it is far from the leader in its category. Unless you absolutely require the space or the towing capability, you should look at a smaller vehicle

The E-Series is available in two models the E-150 and the E-350. With E-150 vans, you can only buy vans configured to a standard length whereas with the other model, you get the choice of standard or extended length. The E-Series passenger van, which Ford calls the E-Series wagon, holds 12 passengers in the regular length configuration. They are also available in a variety of trims. Here is what Consumer Guide has to say “GM’s vans offer all-wheel drive and driver-side cargo doors, but otherwise, Econoline lags GM’s offerings only in quietness. The same goes for cargo versions. Still, most minivans can do a full-sizer’s job except when it comes to outright load space and towing capability.”