10 Best Cargo Vans

2017 Ram Promaster Forklift Loading ・ Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

When it comes time to purchase a new cargo van, two of the most important considerations are its capability and its operating costs. Thankfully today’s cargo vans have a wide range of cargo space configurations, payload capacities and towing capacities, combined with efficient engine options that help minimize the amount of money you need to spend to keeping them moving. Since there are so many different options available you can select the van that best fits your hauling and towing needs, without having to deal with the aerodynamic and weight side-effects that come with an over-sized vehicle. To see which vehicle is best for you take a look at our list of the ten best cargo vans.

10) Nissan NV

The full-size Nissan NV series is available in Standard Roof or High Roof and in NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD versions, but in only one length. Engine options include a 4.0-liter V6 with 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque or a 5.6-liter V8 with 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The High Roof versions can carry up to 323.1 cubic feet of cargo, while the maximum payload capacity is 3,937 pounds in the Standard Roof NV3500 HD model. Models with the V6 engine can tow up to 7,000 pounds, while V8-powered models can tow up to 9,500 pounds. The NV is a very capable van, and is an easy addition to our list of the ten best cargo vans.

Photo by Nissan

9) Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana

The full-size Chevrolet Express Cargo and GMC Savana Cargo are the only ‘traditional’ vans left on the market. Power for the Express comes from either a 4.8-liter V8 with 285 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque or a 6.6-liter turbodiesel with 260 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. The Savana doesn’t get the diesel but gets the 4.8-liter V8 and adds a 6.0-liter V8 with 342 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. Both vans are available in both regular and extended wheelbase versions, and in 2500 and 3500 spec. The extended wheelbase versions feature 284.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the gasoline powered 3500 models have a payload capacity around 4,000 pounds. Towing capacity is up to 10,000 pounds.

Photo by General Motors

8) Nissan NV200

The Nissan NV200 is a small cargo van that is only available in one body configuration (though in two trims). Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque backed by a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 24 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, for a combined 25 mpg. Maximum cargo volume is 123 cubic feet and maximum payload is 1,480 pounds, but unfortunately the NV200 is not rated for towing. Still the NV200 should be enough van for most people, and makes our list of the top ten best cargo vans. Whether you go for the Nissan or the closely related Chevrolet City Express will be largely a matter of preference.

Photo by Nissan

7) RAM ProMaster

The RAM ProMaster is unique in the  full-size van segment thanks to its front-wheel drive configuration, which allows for a lower load floor than any other van in its class. Available engines are a 3.6-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque or a 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with 174 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Maximum towing capacity is on the low end at 5,100 pounds, but you might not need to tow a trailer since maximum payload capacity of the 3500 Cargo is 4,440 pounds and the longest high roof version can hold 463 cubic feet of cargo. The unique features and capabilities of the RAM ProMaster mean that it should be on everyone’s shortlist of the ten best cargo vans.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

6) Chevrolet City Express

The Chevrolet City Express is a small cargo van based on the Nissan NV200. Power comes from the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 131 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque backed by a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is also the same at 24 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, for a combined 25 mpg. Maximum cargo capacity is 123 cubic feet and payload capacity is 1,500 pounds (up slightly over the Nissan). Like the NV200, the City Express is not rated for towing. One are where the City Express comes up short compared to the NV200 is in the warranty department, where the Chevy offers a 5 year 60,000 mile warranted instead of Nissan’s 5 year 100,000 mile offering.

Photo by General Motors

5) Ford Transit Connect

The Transit Connect is a small van that is available in both regular and long-wheelbase versions. Power comes from either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 178 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The latter engine is slightly more economical, and is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, for a combined 25 mpg. Maximum cargo volume is 129 cubic feet and the maximum payload capacity is 1,620 pounds. Maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds, which is impressive for a small vehicle. That capability means that the Ford Transit makes the top half of our list of the ten best cargo vans.

Photo by Ford

4) RAM ProMaster City

The RAM ProMaster City is a small cargo van that is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 178 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque backed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, for a combined 24 mpg. For such a small vehicle the ProMaster City is remarkably capable with 132 cubic feet of cargo space, a max payload capacity of 1,883 pounds, and a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. If you’re looking for a capable small cargo van take a look at the ProMaster City which earns a spot near the top of our list of the ten best cargo vans.

Photo by Ram Trucks

3) Mercedes-Benz Metris

The Mercedes-Benz Metris is a mid-size van powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Cargo space is a very usable 186 cubic feet, max payload capacity is 2,502 pounds, and maximum towing capacity is 4,960 pounds, all numbers which straddle the line between the small and large vans. Fuel economy of the Metris is 21 miles per gallon in the city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, making it more efficient than the larger vans and nearly as frugal as some of its smaller competitors. The Metris does a great job of filling its niche, and for that reason deserves its stop near the top of our list of the ten best cargo vans.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2) Ford Transit

The Ford Transit is a full-size van available in a number of length, roof, and payload configurations that should meet just about any need. Engine options include a 3.7-liter V6 with 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel with 185 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Transit has a maximum cargo volume of 487 cubic feet and a max payload capacity of 4,560 lbs. When properly equipped the Ford has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. Add them up and the numbers are good enough to put the Transit into the number two spot on our list of the top ten best cargo vans.

Photo by Ford

1) Freightliner / Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Sprinter is a large cargo van available from both Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz. Power comes from either a 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel with 161 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque or an optional 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel with 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Most models are rear-wheel drive, but the six-cylinder diesel is also available in four-wheel drive (some models even have a low-range transfer case available as an optional extra). Max payload capacity when properly equipped is well over 5,000 pounds, max towing is also 5,000 lbs, and maximum cargo volume is a huge 530 cubic feet. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty van that’s ready to work, the Sprinter tops our list of the ten best cargo vans.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz