For many local businesses, that need to haul light to medium-heavy freight, a cargo van is the backbone of their operation.
A cargo van can haul their products to their customers the fastest way available.
Whichever your need is, the type of cargo van you need has much to do with the kind of work you do.
Below, find a list of some of the best cargo vans for business broken down into large cargo capacities and small cargo capacities.
Small cargo vans
1. Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van
By folding down the seats, this minivan model offers plenty of cargo space.
Unfortunately, the production of the Dodge Grand Caravan model stopped. You can buy it in a used condition.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the most affordable options.
It features a classic design, one v6 powertrain option, and a six-speed transmission.
Features:
- Rear Back Up Camera
- All-Speed Traction Control
- Electronic Stability Control
- Steel Safety Frame
2. Nissan NV200 cargo van
The production of the Nissan NV200 model has stopped as well, which means that it is available now only in a used version.
That also means that the Nissan NV200 is affordable and you just need to find a buyer who used the vehicle very gently.
This Nissan NV200 model could be the perfect fit for small business owners that need to haul their equipment and tools to the workplace.
The Nissan NV200 is a small vehicle and it has cargo space limitations.
However, if you need more interior space for storage, you can fold down the passenger seat to make more room.
The NV200 features a low floor allowing easy cargo loading. Its compact structure allows the vehicle to maneuver through city streets in a breeze.
The Nissan has asymmetrical rear 40/60 split rear doors that can open up to 180 degrees.
The NV200 offers:
- Dual sliding side doors.
- 2.0-liter and a 4 cylinder engine.
- 25 mpg.
- Up to 122.7 cubic feet of cargo room.
- Easy loading doors.
- Fold-down passenger seat.
- Under-seat storage.
3. Mercedes-Benz Metris cargo van
This cargo van was made for urban environments. That is why it maneuvers easily throughout city streets.
Besides that, the Mercedes Metris cargo van is an offering from Mercedes-Benz providing excellent gas mileage.
With an ECO Start/Stop function, the Metris reduces fuel consumption and emissions by turning off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Features:
- MPG: Up to 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
- Seven-speed automatic transmission.
- Engine: 2.0 liter four-cylinder.
- Payload: 2,150 pounds.
4. RAM ProMaster City cargo van
The ProMaster City is a mid-sized cargo van option.
For a compact vehicle, this vehicle has lots of cargo capacity. The interior of the cargo area is designed to be configured in any way your job requires.
The dual sliding doors can open up to 26 inches and it has a flat-load floor, which allows loading and unloading freight easier.
Also, this compact van provides impressive fuel economy. The ProMaster features a nine-speed automatic transmission that helps obtain a great mpg mark.
Features:
- Four-Wheel Antilock Brake System
- Brake Assist
- Electronic Stability Control
- Side Impact Beams
- Front Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners
- Gas mileage: 21 miles per gallon city/28 miles per gallon highway
- Max payload: 1,900 pounds
- nine-speed automatic transmission.
5. Ford Transit Connect cargo van
Ford's Transit Connect is one of the top-selling compact vans in America.
Owners of catering, electrical businesses, or field service technicians love the spacious cargo area that can be configured for a range of jobs. Upfitting options include racks and bins, partitions, ladder racks, gas-type conversions, and advanced telematics hardware.
Also, this van is suitable for businesses that travel great distances to serve their customers
Besides that the Transit Ford Transit Connect is front-wheel drive and includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, efficient fuel economy, and the auto start/stop technology.
The Transit Connect provides a swing-out rear cargo door. The rear cargo doors provide 180 degrees of clearance.
The Transit Connect comes in two models: the XL and the XLT. The XLT has more safety features that we recommend if you have wiggle room in your budget.
Features:
Large cargo vans
6. Ford Transit cargo van
The Ford Transit is one of the best-selling vans in America.
Many small business owners prefer its user-friendly solutions that are designed for commercial use. Its pleasant driving dynamics make it easy to steer around city streets and comfortable on the highway.
This van is equipped with 10-speed automatic transmission.
The heavy-duty E-Transit features a fully electric powertrain offering a driving range of 108 to 126 miles per battery charge (depending on the model). This cargo van’s battery can cover an entire workday.
The standard option provides a rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel option comes at an extra cost.
Ford offers several body configurations such as the regular, long, and long-EL (extended length) models and it also comes with three roof type options such as low, medium, or high.
In the Ford Transit van, one of the best features is its cargo space.
For example, in a high roof option, an individual as tall as 6' 5" can stand up in the cargo space.
This cargo van is equipped with plenty of room for racks, bins, storage utilities, tie-down hooks, handles, extra lighting, individual shelving units equipment, tools, and anything else you could need.
Features:
- MPG: 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- Payload capacity: 4,640 lbs.
- Roof height: 82.2” to 110.4”.
- Dimensions: 220-264″ L x 81″ W x 82-109″ H.
- Cargo volume: 280.9 to 536.4 cubic feet.
7. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cargo van
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van is a reliable vehicle and is the best option that can handle heavy-duty work.
It also comes at a higher price than its counterparts in this category of large cargo vans. And there is a good reason for that.
The van has a powerful engine. It has a comfortable and high-quality cabin. And it is available as an all-wheel drive option.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van has a large interior cargo area. It provides rear and side doors making it a useful option for delivery drivers or business owners who need to carry lots of tools.
The van comes in three different body lengths and two different roof heights. It also comes with a 4X4 option.
Features:
- Gas mileage: 24.5 miles per gallon.
- Cargo space: 319 cubic feet, for the Low Roof version and 532.6 cubic feet for the High Roof Extended version.
- Max payload: 6,790 pounds.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 8,550 to 12,120 lbs.
- Seating capacity: Two to three.
- Max towing rating: 5,000 pounds to 6,790.
- Engine: 2.0 liter four-cylinder, 3.0 L V6 diesel.
8. Freightliner Sprinter cargo van
Freightliner has been producing medium and heavy-duty trucks for years. They know a bit about making a good vehicle for business.
The Freightliner Sprinter offers an impressive cargo capacity, two wheelbases (144″ or 170”), two roof sizes (standard or tall), a 4×4 option, as well as an extended length option.
The Freightliner Sprinter cargo van is available with a diesel or gas engine. It has been optimized for reduced internal engine friction and a more efficient belt drive system.
9. Chevrolet Express cargo van
The Chevrolet Express is a classic cargo van for city driving.
It doesn't have the polished ride or modern features of competitors, but it stays in the running due to its heavy-duty platform and excellent towing ability.
This van provides a choice between two wheelbases and four engine types and it comes with a 31-gallon fuel tank.
The Chevrolet Express cargo van is also available in regular or extended versions.
The Express cargo van only comes in one roof height (cab high). So, this van is an option unless you need the ability to stand up inside the cargo area.
The Express also offers a choice of two transmission options.
Features:
- Available 464 foot-pounds max torque.
- Choice of three engines (two gas, one diesel).
- Standard rear swing-out doors.
- Available sliding side cargo door.
- Available 401 max horsepower.
- 4,280 pounds max payload.
- Engine Options: 4.3L V6 engine and 6.6L V8 engine/2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel I4 engine.
- Horsepower: 181 hp – 401 hp
- Torque: 298 lb-ft of torque – 464 lb-ft of torque
- Payload Capacity: 4,280 pounds
10. GMC Savana Cargo Van
It is not the most modern cargo van example in the list.
The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana have been around for many years because these vans are true heavy-duty workhorses with some impressive abilities. Their powerful engines allow them to do some of the challenging jobs.
One of the greatest features of this vehicle is its competitive payload and towing capacities. It also comes with an extended wheelbase option.
It comes with a sliding or split-swing door that is only available on the right side of the vehicle.
The cargo area measures 239.7 cubic feet for the short wheelbase option. This is only a few cubic feet below the class average, but the long wheelbase option will expand space to 284.4 cubic feet.
The Chevy Express has a fuel tank capacity on our list of 31 gallons and it comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Features:
- Gas mileage: 14 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.
- Cargo space: 284.4 cubic feet.
- Max payload: 4,280 pounds.
- Engine Options: 4.3L V6 engine/6.6L and V8 engine/2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel I4 engine.
- Horsepower: 181 hp – 401 hp.
- Torque: 298 lb-ft of torque – 464 lb-ft of torque.
11. RAM ProMaster cargo van
The Ram ProMaster Cargo Van is a full-size commercial van with a configurable platform and advanced technology.
The RAM ProMaster boasts the lowest load floor height. It also has both standard and high roof options.
The ProMaster offers the best options for step-in height and a comfortably low-load floor.
Besides the roof options, it comes in three body lengths.
Unlike many other full-sized vans, the ProMaster features front-wheel drive.
Features:
- Gas mileage: 14 miles per gallon
- Cargo space: 259 cubic feet
- Max payload: 4,680 pounds.
- Engine type: Petrol
12. Nissan NV2500 cargo van
The Nissan NV2500 is one of the biggest commercial vans of its kind.
This model features a ladder-type frame, powerful V8 engine, seven-speed automatic transmission, and truck-like design for maximum cargo capacity.
When you’re inside the high roof version, you will even be able to stand up comfortably.
