Here’s what you need to know about how comfortable 12 passenger vans are:
Although 12 seater passenger vans are more comfortable than cargo vans, they’re still less comfortable than normal passenger vehicles (e.g. SUVs) due to their more commercially-oriented design.
A full-size SUV has a more comfortable ride, seats, and car-like amenities.
It’s worth noting that passenger vans share the same platforms as cargo vans, which are primarily made for commercial purposes and comfort isn’t one of their strongest points.
However, there are still 12 seat passenger vans that provide plenty of comfort for both the passengers and the driver, a great example being the very popular Ford Transit passenger model.
Comfort-oriented large passenger vans like the Transit sport a quiet and smooth ride, responsive handling and plenty of standard safety technologies.
12 seater passenger vans are comfortable because of the vast passenger room, which comes from the several rows of seating (up to 4) that are configured in the following way:
- 2 bucket front seats.
- 1 row of 3 seats in front of the sliding side door.
- 1 row of 3 seats behind the sliding side door with a walk-through.
- 1 row of 4 seats in the back.
To help you get a better idea of just how comfortable 12 passenger vans are, in this article I’ll cover the following topics:
- The 5 most comfortable 12 seater passenger vans.
- How to drive passengers in comfort.
The 5 Most Comfortable 12 Seat Passenger Vans
Here’s the list of the 5 most comfortable 12 seat passengers vans on the market that I’ve personally compiled for you:
1. Ford Transit 12 Passenger Van
Sample model – Ford Transit T-350 XL 148” medium roof RWD
| Interior Passenger Space | ||||
| Front row: | Headroom – 52” | Legroom – 41.3” | Hip room – 60.7” | Shoulder room – 67.9” |
| Second row: | Headroom – 55.8” | Legroom – 33.7” | Hip room – 69.6” | Shoulder room – 71.4” |
| Third row: | Headroom – 55.8” | Legroom – 35.6” | Hip room – 67.3” | Shoulder room – 67” |
| Fourth row: | Headroom – 55.8” | Legroom – 35.6” | Hip room – 68.0” | Shoulder room – 67.8” |
| Cargo capacity (with all seats in place) | 93.9 ft³ |
| Interior Amenities |
| Seat material – Cloth.1st-row seating – Bucket.2nd-row seating – Bench.3rd-row seating – Bench.Power windows – Yes.Rear climate control – Manual.12V DC power outlet – Front only. |
The 12 seat passenger version of the legendary Ford Transit is available in different body lengths and roof height options in several trim levels.
Some of the Transit’s highlights include a refined interior, smooth and quiet ride, responsive handling, and a good amount of standard safety tech.
This great well-rounder also offers removable seats, which means that it can easily be transformed into a cargo van if needed.
The most popular model in the Transit lineup, is the 350 XL 148” wheelbase, medium roof RWD version equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that has a starting price of $45,095.
2. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 12 Passenger Van
Sample model – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 standard roof V6 144” RWD.
| Interior Passenger Space | ||||
| Front row: | Headroom – 47.3” | Legroom – 38.9” | Hip room – 63.7” | Shoulder room – 67.4” |
| Second row: | Headroom – N/A | Legroom – N/A | Hip room – N/A | Shoulder room – N/A |
| Third row: | Headroom – N/A | Legroom – N/A | Hip room – N/A | Shoulder room – N/A |
| Fourth row: | Headroom – N/A | Legroom – N/A | Hip room – N/A | Shoulder room – N/A |
| Cargo capacity (with all seats in place) | 78.6 ft³ |
| Interior Amenities |
| Seat material – Cloth.1st-row seating – Bucket.2nd-row seating – Bench.3rd-row seating – Bench.Power windows – Yes.Rear climate control – Manual.12V DC power outlet – Front and rear. |
Mercedes-Benz is known for making refined premium vehicles, and the German auto manufacturer’s 12 seat passenger van is no exception.
The Sprinter might be more expensive than the other entries on this list, but that’s because it offers some of the very best cabin refinement and tech features in this particular class.
There are 2 trim levels, 2 roof heights and 2 wheelbase options available, while all seats get a headrest as standard, while both the 4 or 5-row seating configurations utilize removable seats.
The most popular MB Sprinter version that you can get your hands on is the 2500 standard roof 2.0-liter engine with 144” wheelbase and RWD that has a starting price of $45.995.
3. Chevrolet Express 12 Passenger Van
Sample model – Chevrolet Express 3500 LS LWB V6
| Interior Passenger Space | ||||
| Front row: | Headroom – 40.85’’ | Legroom – 41.35” | Hip room – 65.48” | Shoulder room – 68.85” |
| Second row: | Headroom – 38.42” | Legroom – 36.3” | Hip room – 65.62” | Shoulder room – 68.6” |
| Third row: | Headroom – 38.5” | Legroom – 36.58” | Hip room – 63.25” | Shoulder room – 65.75” |
| Fourth row: | Headroom – 38.3” | Legroom – 36.58” | Hip room – 65.65” | Shoulder room – 69.1’’ |
| Cargo capacity (with all seats in place) | 127.2 ft³ |
| Interior Amenities |
| Seat material – Vinyl.1st-row seating – Bucket.2nd-row seating – Bench.3rd-row seating – Bench.Power windows – Yes.Rear climate control – Manual.12V DC power outlet – Front only. |
The Chevy Express offers comfortable transportation for 12 and even 15 seat passengers with its roomy interior, despite being rather simple and even outdated.
The somewhat outdated nature of this full-size van is evident from the lack of modern driver-assistance technologies and a common infotainment system.
However, this very competent passenger van is offered in 2 distinct trim levels and 2 wheelbase options, while the seats can be removed to make space if you need to carry extra cargo.
The most sensible and popular model in the Express lineup is the 3500 LS LWB RWD powered by a 4.3-liter V6 unit with a starting price of $40,495.
4. GMC Savana 12 Passenger Van
Sample model – GMC Savana LT 3500 LWB V6
| Interior Passenger Space | ||||
| Front row: | Headroom – 40.85” | Legroom – 41.35” | Hip room – 65.48” | Shoulder room – 68.85” |
| Second row: | Headroom – 38.42” | Legroom – 36.3” | Hip room – 65.62” | Shoulder room – 68.6” |
| Third row: | Headroom – 38.5” | Legroom – 36.58” | Hip room – 63.25” | Shoulder room – 65.75” |
| Fourth row: | Headroom – 38.3” | Legroom – 36.58” | Hip room – 65.65” | Shoulder room – 69.1” |
| Cargo capacity (behind front row) | 218.5 ft³ |
| Interior Amenities |
| Seat material – Cloth.1st-row seating – Bucket.2nd-row seating – Bench.3rd-row seating – Bench.Power windows – Yes.Rear climate control – Manual.12V DC power outlet – Front only. |
As you might’ve noticed, the GMC Savana offers the same interior passenger room as the Chevrolet Express.
That’s because these passenger vans are mechanically identical as both are produced by the same manufacturer – General Motors.
This means that the Savana shares the culprits of the Express, namely the outdated infotainment system. But this similarity between the vehicles also means that the GMC Savana provides plenty of interior room, comfort, and a great all-around package for transporting 12 passengers.
As for the most viable and popular Savana model, it’s the LT 3500 LWB RWD powered by the 4.3-liter V6 engine that comes with the same starting price as the Chevy Express – $40.495.
5. Nissan NV3500 12 Passenger Van
Sample model – Nissan NV passenger NV3500 HD SL V8
| Interior Passenger Space | ||||
| Front row: | Headroom – 42.8” | Legroom – 42” | Hip room – 60.6” | Shoulder room – 65.7” |
| Second row: | Headroom – 39.6” | Legroom – 33.9” | Hip room – 70.4” | Shoulder room – 69.2” |
| Third row: | Headroom – 39.8” | Legroom – 38.5” | Hip room – 67.2” | Shoulder room – 66.6” |
| Fourth row: | Headroom – N/A | Legroom – N/A | Hip room – N/A | Shoulder room – N/A |
| Cargo capacity (with all seats in place) | 28.9 ft³ |
| Interior Amenities |
| Seat material – Leather.1st-row seating – Bucket.2nd-row seating – Bench.3rd-row seating – Bench.Power windows – Yes.Rear climate control – Manual.12V DC power outlet – Front and rear. |
Despite now being discontinued in the US market, Nissan’s NV Passenger van remains a popular and comfortable people-hauler with lots of seating configurations.
One of the strong points of the NV3500 12 passenger van is the great seating comfort that’s further amplified by the relaxing interior environment.
Although certain fancy modern tech like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are lacking, the versatile interior lets you customize the amount of space you need thanks to the sliding and folding seats.
The most popular model and trim level is the NV3500 HD SL that’s powered by the mighty 5.6-liter V8 powerplant.
How to Drive Passengers in Comfort
Although a 12 passenger van might not be as comfortable as a premium sedan or SUV, you can still use some clever methods for improving passenger comfort in a van.
Here are 10 brilliant things to make the ride a better experience for all:
1. Plan For Stops on Regular Intervals
Taking a break every 2 or 3 hours is recommended on long trips to help passengers stretch and take some time to refresh.
However, feel free to make a stop even on shorter trips for optimal passenger comfort.
2. Be Gentle on the Gas on Brakes
Keep in mind that car sickness can be triggered by hard acceleration and/or braking.
That’s why you’d want to make sure that you’re gentle on the gas and brakes.
3. Try to Drive on a Smooth Road Surface
Driving in the rightmost lane is sometimes less comfortable due to the more pitted road surface from trucks and other heavy vehicles.
Thus, try to drive on a lane with a smoother road surface or simply avoid using the rightmost lanes in general.
4. Keep Up with the Flow of Traffic
Don’t go faster or slower than the vehicles in front of you.
This will help decrease the overall noise that’s generated while also reducing the need for any sudden movements.
5. Add Cushions to All Seats
Adding a lightweight cushion on top of every seat will be great news for all passengers, especially if the seats are worn out.
6. Keep Some Foods and Drinks
Another important aspect related to passenger comfort is to keep some bottles of water and heat-resistant snacks in the van in case the passengers get thirsty and/or hungry.
Just make sure that the foods you keep are packaged and won’t make a lot of mess.
7. Make Sure that the Air Filter is Clean
A dirty air filter can cause extra noise from the fan, reduced airflow, and an unpleasant smell from the vents.
That’s why you need to ensure that you don’t skip the air filter change intervals.
8. Get One of Those Car Air Fresheners
This is a very simple way for making a 12 passenger van smell nice and fresh, which will instantly make everyone feel comfier and at ease.
9. Add Lumbar Support Cushions or Pillows
If you want your passengers to feel nice and relaxing without sore backs at the end of the trip, consider adding back pillows or cushions that act as lumbar support for each seat.
10. Don’t Forget to Add Miscellaneous Items
Storing snacks and drinks is great, but you can use other clever miscellaneous items to increase the comfort levels of your 12 passenger van.
This might include neck pillows, an umbrella, blankets, and even over-the-counter medicine for car sickness.
Conclusion
12 seater passenger vans are definitely comfortable, considering that they share the same platform as cargo vans that are heavily oriented toward business and work purposes.
But passenger vans still carry plenty of comfort for all passengers, mainly due to the lots of interior room that they offer.
Although full-size SUVs will provide even more comfort, especially when it comes to ride quality, as well as fancy gadgets and car-like amenities.
However, SUVs can’t match the seating capacity of large 12 seater passenger vans, which can be a real deal-breaker for some.
And if you opt for a comfort-oriented 12 seat passenger van that has a smooth ride and the latest gadgets, you’d be pleasantly surprised to find that passenger vans can provide very decent amounts of comfort as well.