Looking for a cargo van that won’t break the bank on fuel costs? Our guide covers the best mpg cargo vans, from compact to full-size, and highlights the features that make them fuel-efficient.
Top Fuel-Efficient Cargo Vans
When it comes to cargo vans, fuel efficiency is a crucial factor to consider. The cost of fuel can add up quickly, especially for businesses that rely heavily on their vans for daily operations. Fortunately, there are many fuel-efficient cargo van options available on the market. But what makes a cargo van fuel-efficient? And which options are the most effective? Let’s dive in and explore the top fuel-efficient cargo vans, including diesel engine options, gasoline engine options, and hybrid and electric models.
Diesel Engine Options
Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency, and cargo vans are no exception. Diesel engines typically offer better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts, especially for long-distance driving or for carrying heavy loads. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, for example, offers a diesel engine option that boasts an impressive 24 miles per gallon on the highway. The Ford Transit, another popular cargo van, also offers a diesel engine option that gets up to 22 miles per gallon on the highway. Diesel engines are also known for their durability and long lifespan, making them a popular choice for businesses that rely on their vans for heavy use.
Gasoline Engine Options
While diesel engines may offer better fuel economy, gasoline engines are still a popular choice for many cargo van owners. Gasoline engines are often less expensive to purchase and maintain than diesel engines, making them a more affordable option for small businesses or individuals. The Ram ProMaster, for example, offers a gasoline engine option that gets up to 20 miles per gallon on the highway. The Ford Transit also offers a gasoline engine option that gets up to 20 miles per gallon on the highway. Gasoline engines may not offer the same level of fuel efficiency as diesel engines, but they are still a viable option for those who prioritize affordability and ease of maintenance.
Hybrid and Electric Models
As the world continues to shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly options, hybrid and electric cargo vans are becoming increasingly popular. The Ford Transit, for example, offers a hybrid model that boasts an impressive 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also offers an electric model, known as the eSprinter, which has a range of up to 168 miles on a single charge. Hybrid and electric cargo vans offer not only improved fuel efficiency but also reduced emissions and a quieter, smoother ride. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more hybrid and electric cargo van options become available on the market.
Best MPG Cargo Vans by Size
When it comes to fuel efficiency, cargo van size plays a significant role. Smaller vans tend to be more fuel-efficient due to their lighter weight and smaller engines, while larger vans often require more power to haul heavier loads. But what are the best MPG cargo vans in each size category? Let’s dive in and explore.
Compact Vans (Under 200 cu. ft.)
Compact cargo vans are perfect for small businesses, city deliveries, or contractors who need a reliable work vehicle. They’re agile, easy to park, and often have better fuel economy than their larger counterparts. The Ford Transit Connect, for instance, boasts an impressive 27 MPG combined rating, making it an excellent choice for urban driving. Other compact vans worth considering include the Ram ProMaster City and the Mercedes-Benz Citan, both of which offer competitive MPG ratings.
Mid-Size Vans (200-300 cu. ft.)
Mid-size cargo vans offer a sweet spot between compact and full-size models. They provide ample space for cargo and passengers while still being relatively fuel-efficient. The Ford Transit, for example, has a mid-size variant that achieves up to 24 MPG combined. The Ram ProMaster and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also offer mid-size options with respectable MPG ratings. These vans are ideal for small to medium-sized businesses or families who need a versatile work vehicle.
Full-Size Vans (Over 300 cu. ft.)
Full-size cargo vans are the behemoths of the road, offering massive interior space and impressive towing capacities. While they’re not as fuel-efficient as their smaller counterparts, they’re still capable of achieving decent MPG ratings. The Ford Transit, for instance, has a full-size variant that achieves up to 22 MPG combined. The Ram ProMaster and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also offer full-size models with competitive MPG ratings. These vans are perfect for large fleets, construction companies, or families who need a reliable workhorse.
Fuel-Saving Features to Consider
When shopping for a fuel-efficient cargo van, it’s crucial to consider the features that can make a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance. After all, who doesn’t want to save on fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint? In this section, we’ll dive into the top fuel-saving features to look out for, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next cargo van.
Aerodynamic Design
Aerodynamic design is a critical aspect of fuel efficiency. A sleek, streamlined body can reduce air resistance, allowing your van to glide smoothly through the air and consuming less fuel in the process. Think of it like a swimmer in a streamlined position – they can swim faster and more efficiently, using less energy to cover the same distance. Similarly, an aerodynamically designed van can cut through the air with ease, resulting in better fuel economy. Some vans take this to the next level by incorporating features like active grille shutters, which can open and close to control airflow and optimize fuel efficiency.
Lightweight Materials
Lightweight materials are another key factor in reducing fuel consumption. The logic is simple: the lighter the van, the less energy it requires to move. By using advanced materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, or high-strength steel, manufacturers can shave off precious pounds while maintaining the van’s structural integrity. This, in turn, can lead to significant fuel savings over time. For example, a van with an aluminum body can weigh up to 400 pounds less than a similar model with a steel body, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Advanced Transmission Systems
Advanced transmission systems play a vital role in optimizing fuel efficiency. Modern transmissions are designed to adapt to different driving conditions, adjusting gear shifts to ensure the engine operates within its most efficient range. This can include features like automatic start/stop technology, which shuts off the engine when the van is idling, and restarts it when the driver is ready to move again. Additionally, some transmissions can optimize gear shifts for specific driving styles, such as city driving or highway cruising, to further improve fuel economy. By working in harmony with the engine, advanced transmission systems can squeeze every last mile out of a gallon of fuel, making them an essential consideration for fuel-conscious buyers.
Real-World MPG Performance
In the real world, fuel efficiency is not just about the number on the sticker. It’s about how your cargo van performs in everyday driving scenarios. Whether you’re zipping through city streets or cruising down the highway, your van’s MPG can make a significant impact on your bottom line. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of real-world MPG performance.
City Driving Fuel Efficiency
City driving is notorious for its stop-and-go traffic, tight corners, and pedestrian-dense areas. All these obstacles can significantly lower your van’s fuel efficiency. But, which cargo vans can handle the urban jungle with ease? The answer lies in their city MPG ratings. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter boasts an impressive 22 MPG in the city, while the Ford Transit comes in at 20 MPG. These numbers may not seem like much, but they can add up to significant fuel savings over time. Ever wondered how much you can save? Let’s put it this way: if you drive 20,000 miles per year, a 2 MPG difference can save you around $500 annually.
Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency
On the flip side, highway driving is where many cargo vans shine. With fewer stops, less congestion, and more consistent speeds, vans can really show off their fuel-sipping capabilities. The Ram ProMaster, for example, can achieve an impressive 28 MPG on the highway. That’s like driving from New York to Los Angeles and back again on a single tank of gas! But, what makes some vans more highway-friendly than others? One key factor is their aerodynamic design, which we’ll explore later.
Combined MPG Ratings
Of course, most of us don’t drive exclusively in the city or on the highway. We need a more realistic picture of our van’s fuel efficiency. That’s where combined MPG ratings come in. These ratings take into account both city and highway driving to give us a better understanding of our van’s overall performance. The Ford Transit, for instance, has a combined MPG rating of 22. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes in at 24 MPG. These numbers may not be as flashy as their individual city or highway ratings, but they provide a more accurate representation of real-world driving.
Cargo Van MPG Comparison
When it comes to fuel efficiency, every mile per gallon counts, especially for businesses relying on cargo vans for daily operations. With various models on the market, comparing their MPG performance is crucial to make an informed decision. In this section, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of fuel economy by pitting three popular cargo vans against each other: Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Ram ProMaster.
Ford Transit vs. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are two of the most popular cargo vans on the market. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Transit’s 2.0L EcoBlue diesel engine boasts an impressive 25 MPG combined, while the Sprinter’s 2.1L diesel engine manages a respectable 24 MPG combined. However, the Transit’s gasoline-powered 3.5L V6 engine takes the lead with 22 MPG combined, outranking the Sprinter’s 2.0L gasoline engine, which achieves 20 MPG combined. The question is, which engine type is more suitable for your business needs?
Ram ProMaster vs. Ford Transit
The Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit are often compared due to their similar sizes and capabilities. In terms of fuel efficiency, the ProMaster’s 3.6L V6 gasoline engine lags behind the Transit’s 3.5L V6 gasoline engine, with 21 MPG combined compared to 22 MPG combined, respectively. However, the ProMaster’s lighter curb weight and more aerodynamic design might give it an edge in city driving, where traffic and congestion can quickly drain fuel tanks. Will the ProMaster’s unique design features make up for its slightly lower MPG rating?
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs. Ram ProMaster
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ram ProMaster are often pitted against each other in the full-size cargo van segment. When it comes to diesel engines, the Sprinter’s 2.1L diesel engine outperforms the ProMaster’s 3.0L diesel engine, with 24 MPG combined compared to 23 MPG combined, respectively. However, the ProMaster’s gasoline-powered 3.6L V6 engine manages a respectable 21 MPG combined, closing the gap with the Sprinter’s 2.0L gasoline engine, which achieves 20 MPG combined. Which engine type and features will ultimately sway your decision?