Full-size: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Minivan: Ford Transit Connect

Last year, Mercedes-Benz brought the Sprinter under its (and Freightliner's) wing, and Ford introduced the Transit Connect to U.S. shores. By calendar year 2012, we should see a passenger version of the Nissan NV. For now, though, most of the vans are the same as last year.

The Sprinter may be the most expensive, but it's also highly versatile and high quality. We can't resist the Transit Connect as minvan winner -- it's really more miniature van than minivan, and is currently the only one in that size range ready for hard work. It has a payload capacity of 1500 pounds, comparable to that of a half-ton pickup.