Along with far more stable handling characteristics (from a longer wheelbase), the new vans adopted mechanical commonality with light-truck product lines (allowing for increased durability).

On the General Motors chassis, the Minotour can be equipped with the option of CNG (compressed natural gas) or propane-fueled powertrains.

In addition to the Daimler-produced Sprinter being unable to directly compete with Ford and General Motors counterparts in terms of cost, engineering concerns came into play.

[1] In a 2002 mockup of a prototype, Thomas engineers discovered that the heavily reinforced body design of the Minotour far exceeded the GVWR rating for the then-current version of the cutaway-chassis Sprinter.

The Thomas MyBus (marketed as MyBus by Thomas Built Buses) is a variant of the Minotour marketed as a MFSAB (Multi-Function School Activity Bus); it is a vehicle intended for entities transporting children (or other individuals) in a group setting, but are not making use of traffic-control devices; these vehicles have been required to take the place of 15-passenger vans due to the risk of rollover in the latter.

Sharing the basic body of the Minotour, the MyBus differs primarily in its more aerodynamic front and rear roof cap styling.