Best Cargo Vans for Small Businesses

Choosing the right work van is especially important for small businesses. It needs to be the right size, have the right features, get decent gas mileage, be reliable, and be affordable. That shouldn’t be too much to ask, right?

New, used, gas, electric, hybrid, Ram, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Chevrolet, you have a lot of choices. With so many options to choose from, how do you decide which one is the best fit for your business? This guide will help you choose which cargo van is right for you. We’ll cover a lot of the key factors you need to consider, like payload capacity, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and reliability. We’ll also give our opinion on the best-rated cargo vans for different business needs.

Note that there are many different styles and options available for each van. Talk to your local dealer to get the specs for any model you might be considering. All images are the property of the manufacturer.

When looking for the best cargo van, start by identifying your top business needs. Knowing what features are essential to operations is important to make the right choice. Things to consider:

Payload Capacity:

Ensure the van can handle all the stuff you need to put inside it. For example, if you transport heavy things such as generators or pavers, consider a model with a higher payload capacity like the Ram ProMaster, which can carry up to 4,680 lbs. In that scenario, a little Ford Transit just isn’t going to cut it.

Fuel Efficiency:

The lower your fuel costs the more money in your pocket, so efficiency should be on your list. If your business involves frequent city stops, a van like the Nissan NV200, whose fuel economy ratings of around 24 mpg city, could save you money.

Maintenance Requirements:

Regular maintenance is key to keeping that van on the road and working for you for a long time to come. Vans with readily available parts, like the Ford Transit for example, offer more cost-effective maintenance. On the other hand, Mercedes Benz parts cost a lot more.

Safety Features:

These are important for driver and cargo protection. Avoiding injuries to people and products should be up there on the list. Look for vans equipped with features such as rearview cameras, lane departure warnings, and stability control systems.

Technology:

Tech is a double-edged sword. It can be cool but it can also be the cause of most of the trips to the shop. 

Price:

Unless you have unlimited funds, then price is probably the most important factor about a van. In that case, don’t torture yourself by looking at vans you can’t afford. I mean, who doesn’t want the coolest van with all the latest features? The question is can you afford it?

Decide which ones are the most important to you and choose accordingly.

The payload capacity determines how much weight a van can safely carry, which is crucial for businesses transporting a lot of heavy items daily. For instance, if you’re an irrigation contractor hauling pipe, valves, and trenching equipment, having a truck with the right capacity and storage space will keep jobs running on time and avoid unnecessary trips back to the yard.

Perhaps having a spacious interior is more important because you spend a lot of time standing inside the van. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s high roof option can be worth the investment if you don’t want to be hunched over all time.

Best Large Payload Vans:

• RAM ProMaster – Up to 4,820 lbs. max payload
• Ford Transit – Up to 4,640 lbs. max payload
• Chevrolet Express – Up to 4,250 lbs. max payload

Best Cargo Space Vans:

• Ford Transit – Up to 536.4 cubic feet
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – Up to 533 cubic feet
• RAM ProMaster – Up to 524 cubic feet

Fuel efficiency impacts your operating costs, so it should be a major factor in choosing you next purchase. Vans with high mileage, such as the Ram ProMaster City, which can get about 28 mpg on the highway, can reduce your fuel expenses over time. You can use the money you save for other things. In the US, there is a definite move away from smaller, fuel efficient cargo vans, as you can see by all of the top contenders being discontinued. There are still plenty of them available on the used-van market.

Be sure to consider the type of driving you’ll do. For example, city routes with frequent stops versus highway driving will definitely change which van is better.

Best Gas Mileage Vans:

• Ford Transit Connect – 24/26 MPG (City/Highway)(Only available used. Ford stopped production in 2023 in North America)

• RAM ProMaster City – 21/28 MPG (City/Highway)(Only available used – stopped production in 2022)

• Nissan NV200 – 24/26 MPG (City/Highway) (Only available used – stopped production in 2021)

If your brand is all about sustainability, you might consider some of the new electric vans like the Ford E-Transit (up to 159-mile range) or the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter (up to 273-mile range). Heads up: be ready for a little sticker shock.

A reliable van reduces unexpected downtime, and if you are a small business, being down a vehicle can really hurt. Look at models known for their durability and positive user reviews, like the Chevrolet Express, which has a reputation for longevity in service industries.

Maintenance costs should also factor into your decision. Some manufacturers offer a free maintenance plan for the first few years, making the overall cost of ownership lower. Either way – be sure to find a reliable mechanic who’s fair. Cultivate this relationship! Beer usually helps. Oh, and also track your fleet maintenance!

Best Vans for Reliability:

• Chevrolet Express – Known for simple mechanics and long lifespan
• Ford Transit – Widely used and easy to find replacement parts, and also has a robust used market
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – Built for durability, though repair costs are higher

If you’re going to be driving in places known for aggressive drivers, like major cities, you might want to prioritize safety systems, such as anti-lock brakes and airbags. For instance, the Ford Transit comes equipped with an optional blind-spot monitoring system, which can help your drivers stay safe in traffic. Technology can also improve efficiency as well. Tech like GPS and mobile connectivity can help drivers find the best routes and stay connected with dispatch.

There is also GPS tracking, which includes driver safety technology that can tell you where all your trucks and vans are 24/7 and how they are being driven. For example, alerting you on risky behaviors such as hard cornering, speeding, and even possible collisions.

Best Vans for Safety Features:

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – 360° cameras, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, so nothing is sneaking up on you
• Ford Transit – Collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control
• Chevrolet Express – Rear vision camera and side blind zone alert

If you believe all of the reviews out there, then put these guys on your short list. They are the most popular cargo vans for small businesses:

• Ford Transit Connect: (Only available used) Known for its versatility and compact size, it’s perfect for urban mobility, with payload capacities up to 1,500 lbs.
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Offers high reliability and expansive cargo space, ideal for larger loads. It comes in several configurations.
• Ram ProMaster: People love the front-wheel drive and maneuverability. Additionally, the ProMaster is available in several height and length options, making it adaptable for various industries. 
• Nissan NV200: (Only available used)  Its fuel efficiency and smaller footprint make it excellent for light cargo. In particular, it’s ideal for small delivery services.
• Chevrolet Express: Known for its robustness and excellent payload capacity. As a result, eally popular among construction professionals, it can handle bulky tools and materials.

Here’s a quick list of the best vans based on business requirements.

Best Cargo Van for General Contracting & Construction

Ford Transit Cargo Van

Why did we choose it? Because of its versatile, high payload capacity, and best customization options.

Best Midsize Cargo Van for Versatility

Ram ProMaster City or Ford Transit Custom 

Why did we choose it? Because of its flexibility with a notable payload capacity while remaining easy to drive.

Best Small Van for Urban & Delivery Businesses

Ford Transit Connect or Nissan NV200 (both can only be bought used)

Love their compact size, high fuel efficiency, and easy parking in tight spaces.

Best High Roof and Box Vans for Large Cargo

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Various configurations and a robust engine make it ideal for logistics companies requiring immense cargo space.

Best Heavy-Duty Cargo Van

RAM ProMaster or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Their high cargo volume, perfect for bulky loads, and multiple height options put them at the head of the pack.

Best Budget Cargo Van

Chevrolet Express

It’s low maintenance costs, high resale value, and widely available parts make this a great option for cost-conscious buyers.

Best Electric Cargo Van for Sustainability

Ford E-Transit or Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

Zero emissions, tax incentives, and lower long-term fuel costs add up to more green.