The small van is a great idea on paper.
Its compact size, lower price, and cargo-friendly interior make it appealing to small businesses or larger companies looking for a fleet of work vehicles. Smaller than a full-size van like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or even a minivan, the small van fits a transportation niche.
Sadly, no manufacturer sells new small vans in America anymore. However, there is some hope. Many automakers have options in their portfolio that could make small vans more appealing while looking to the future. Only one automaker I contacted would discuss plans. For the rest, I looked at what exists here and around the globe and came up with some ideas.
Here is where we stand now with small vans and what we would love to see come to dealer showrooms in upcoming years.
1. Chevrolet City Express This model was only around for three years. Based on the Nissan NV200 (more on that later), the City Express had a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, 133-horsepower engine. It could carry 122 cubic feet of cargo and had a 1,500-pound payload. It was 186 inches long on a 115-inch wheelbase. Chevrolet produced the City Express from the 2015 to 2017 model years and as part of Chevy’s line of commercial products, these vans could get service at the same location as the rest of a company’s Chevy fleet — a distinct advantage.
What we’d like to see: For 2024, Chevrolet introduced the Equinox electric SUV. With up to 319 miles of range and 210 horsepower with front-wheel drive, this SUV has the range and power small businesses would need. The all-new Equinox uses GM’s Ultium battery platform, the company’s latest electric vehicle technology. Its size would likely be close to the City Express, which is about the same dimensions as the current gas-powered Equinox. While GM suggests the Blazer EV as an option for fleet buyers, businesses may appreciate van-style cargo doors and sliding side doors.
2. Ford Transit Connect Before it ended its domestic run in 2023, the Transit Connect was the bestselling small van in America. Ford offered cargo and passenger forms with long and short wheelbases. The passenger van could seat up to six. The Transit Connect’s goal was to appeal to small businesses and families who didn’t want a traditional minivan. This van was popular in its segment — but not popular enough.
What we’d like to see: The rumor mill churned with news that Ford would base the next-generation Transit Connect on the same platform that underpins the Ford Maverick, Bronco Sport and Escape. We still hope for that, as it means there’s potential for a plug-in hybrid or hybrid. Ford also has the E-Transit Courier, an all-electric compact van for global markets, that went into production this year, which is smaller than the Transit Connect. Another interesting idea would be for Ford to scale down the electric vehicle tech in its E-Transit full-size electric van to accommodate a compact van.
3. Mercedes-Benz Metris The Metris, the largest van on this list, is closer to a midsize van than a compact one. That stature is a plus and a minus. While the Mercedes-Benz can carry more cargo than the other vans on this list, it’s also much more expensive. The Metris has much of the tech and interior features you would expect to see in a van built by Mercedes, but it didn’t resonate with American buyers. Like the Transit Connect, 2023 was its last model year.
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
What we’d like to see: Here’s what will most likely happen: Mercedes-Benz has designed an all-new, purpose-built, all-electric van architecture that they will start using in Europe in 2026. It is modular and scalable and will underpin both midsize and full-size vans worldwide. Both vans are coming to the United States. Mercedes will offer a new midsize model that will replace the Metris (name to be determined) and a new full-size van that we expect will still be named “Sprinter.”
However, the midsize van is only slated for luxury passenger use. Mercedes cites such examples as “a VIP shuttle, as a locally CO2-emissions-free mobile office, or for leisure-active families.” The company said the van’s range could be as high as 310 miles, giving well-heeled midsize van buyers an exciting new choice. For those who need a cargo van, your Mercedes choices in America will be the Sprinter powered by an internal combustion engine (which is not going away any time soon), the eSprinter or the eSprinter replacement on the new platform arriving around 2027-2028. To get a small Mercedes cargo van, you may have to import it from another country.
4. Nissan NV200 Nissan sold this petite yet capable van in the U.S. from 2013 to 2021. The smallest member of the NV line, the NV200, was sold only as a cargo van. It had the best fuel economy in its class and interior features that made it easier to work on the road. It was easy to upfit with job-specific accessories but didn’t offer a lot of power.
What we’d like to see: In some global markets, Nissan replaced the NV200 with a Renault Kangoo rebadged as the Nissan Townstar and Townstar electric vehicle. However, there’s a more logical solution for America: As with Chevrolet and its Equinox EV, Nissan has an EV SUV around the same size. The Nissan Ariya is a fully electric compact SUV with up to 304 miles of range, and it rides on a platform that could be a terrific choice for a van in the city.
5. Ram ProMaster City Last, but by no means least, is the Ram ProMaster City. Based on the Fiat Doblo, the ProMaster City arrived in the U.S. for the 2015 model year. Like the other vans on this list, Ram designed the ProMaster City to provide an easy-to-park, fuel-efficient vehicle for plumbers, bakeries, locksmiths and small-delivery services. Ram also marketed the van for personal use. The ProMaster City boasted best-in-class cargo and payload — not including the larger Metris — but ended its run in America in 2022.
What we’d like to see: Fiat developed an all-new E-Doblo for global markets. Like the ProMaster City, Fiat builds the Doblo in personal and cargo versions. The E-Doblo has more than 170 miles of electric vehicle range that is great for jobs and deliveries in urban areas and offers fast charging. It even has an available Magic Plug that you can use to power a fridge or power equipment for on-site use. Fiat offers the professional version as a cargo van with a regular or long wheelbase, a Combi with a fixed bulkhead or a long-wheelbase Crew model with an adjustable bulkhead that allows you to prioritize passengers or gear as needed. The E-Doblo would be a great addition to the ProMaster line, especially now that a full-size ProMaster electric vehicle exists.
Allyson Harwood is a veteran automotive writer and car reviewer who writes about cars, trucks and SUVs for Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. She previously wrote for Motor Trend, Truck Trend and others.
The Steering Column is a weekly consumer auto column from Cox Automotive. Cox Automotive and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are owned by parent company, Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises.
