Toyota Wheelchair Vans vs Honda Wheelchair Vans

Choosing a wheelchair van that works for your lifestyle and your budget is important. It can be overwhelming looking at all the similarities and differences. In the case of a Toyota and a Honda wheelchair van, we have made a hassle-free comparison to help you make an informed decision. 

Comparing a Toyota Wheelchair Van to a Honda Wheelchair Van

In order to properly compare the two, we need to ensure each vehicle is outfitted with the same conversion kit. In this case, the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey we will be comparing, are both outfitted with the VMI in-floor converter. 

Toyota Wheelchair Vans

The typical van that is used as a wheelchair van is the Toyota Sienna. When converting the Toyota Sienna, VMI has to make a few changes to the actual vehicle. This includes:

• Moving the rear axle and the seats backwards by 12 inches 
• Dropping the floor by 12.75 inches
• Changing the rear suspension
• Changing the exhaust
• Changing the fuel tank placement

The actual wheelchair ramp features:

• In-floor ramp style
• An easy-to-use control system
• PowerKneel, which makes it easy to get in and out of the van
• 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on the conversion components

Honda Wheelchair Vans

The typical van that is used as a wheelchair van is the Honda Odyssey. When converting the Honda Odyssey, VMI has to make changes to the actual vehicle including: 

• A 12.75 inch floor drop
• Change of the ramp angle

The actual wheelchair ramp includes the same features:

• In-floor ramp style
• An easy-to-use control system
• PowerKneel, which makes it easy to get in and out of the van
• 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on the conversion components

The Main Differences

There are a few main differences between a Toyota Wheelchair Van and a Honda Wheelchair Van with the VMI converter. These differences include:

• A two-inch difference in headroom. (The Toyota starts with more headroom before the floor drop, meaning there are two more inches of headroom in the Toyota.)
• Four additional inches of useable floor space on the Toyota. When converting the Toyota Sienna, VMI has to move the rear components of the vehicle backwards. This leaves more floor space.
• Price. There are certain requirements that a vehicle must meet to be converted into a wheelchair van with VMI. One of these requirements is that there must be power-sliding doors. When comparing the cheapest options available that meet this requirement, the Honda still costs almost $2000 more. 

Which one is better? 

This example compared the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna with the VMI converter. Whether you choose a Honda or a Toyota wheelchair van is really up to you. There is really no right or wrong answer to this question. Both the Toyota wheelchair van and the Honda wheelchair van have their strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the make, model, and converter, you can create the wheelchair van that best suits you. The one that is best for you and your family is dependent on your lifestyle, your needs, and your budget. 

Paul Sherry Conversion Vans

Choosing the wheelchair van that is right for your family and your lifestyle is important. It is necessary for you to choose the vehicle make and the converter that works for you. Thankfully, Paul Sherry Conversion Vans has a knowledgeable team of experts that can guide you in the right direction. With decades of experience, our friendly staff stays up-to-date on all the latest from Toyota and Honda. We know what will fit your needs and your budget. 

Visit our Piqua dealership today, call us (866) 906-8303, or look through our online inventory. Our staff is waiting to help you get into the wheelchair van that suits you.