vanlike

Vanlike refers to a style of vehicle that shares characteristics with traditional vans but often incorporates elements of other vehicle types, such as SUVs or passenger cars. The term is not a formally defined automotive category but is used colloquially to describe vehicles that are larger and more spacious than typical sedans or hatchbacks, offering greater cargo or passenger capacity, while potentially having a sleeker design or more car-like driving dynamics than a full-sized commercial van.

Vehicles described as vanlike might include minivans, which are specifically designed for family use with sliding doors and flexible seating arrangements. However, the term can also extend to crossover SUVs that have a more elongated and boxy profile, or even certain "micro-vans" or "car-based vans" that are built on car platforms but offer a taller roofline and more utilitarian interior space. The key distinguishing feature is usually a perceived blend of van-like practicality and passenger car comfort or maneuverability. These vehicles often aim to bridge the gap between traditional passenger cars and larger, more commercial-oriented vans, appealing to consumers who need more space than a typical car but not necessarily the full utility of a cargo van.