If you’ve got cargo, these automakers have vans for you
Kia PV5.
Ram ProMaster.
GMC Savana.
Chevrolet Express.
Ford E-Transit.
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter.
The van segment is an important one for many fleets, whether it’s to move cargo, or to get tools and equipment to a job. The core models are still around, although there have been a few changes to the segment. Electrified vans are still available, but Chevrolet’s BrightDrop has been discontinued. And while compact and midsize vans have disappeared from the market, a new one is coming, and while we don’t have a lot of information on it yet, we’ve included it here. For battery-powered models, the range shown is an estimate.
Chevrolet Express
The Chevrolet Express, and its GMC Savana sibling, are the elders on our list. The Express offers a V6 or V8 engine, in rear-wheel-drive, and in 2500 or 3500 configurations, both of them in two wheelbase lengths. It comes in a single WT (Work Truck) trim, and with options such as vinyl or cloth seats, an available swing-out passenger-side door, trailering package, and locking rear differential.
The Specs
Engines:
4.3-litre V6: 276 hp/298 torque
6.6-litre V8: 401 hp/464 torque
Drivetrain: RWD
Maximum towing capacity range: 7,100 – 10,000 lbs
Maximum payload capacity range: 3,188 – 4,405 lbs
Maximum cargo capacity range: 6,779 – 8,031 litres
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit offers two wheelbase lengths; regular, long, or extra-long bodies; and with low, medium, or high roof. Only one or two seats are available, as the previous crew van with second row has been discontinued. Two V6 engines are offered, depending on the configuration. One is naturally-aspirated and the other is turbocharged, which Ford calls EcoBoost. All-wheel drive is available. Three configurations of T-150, T-250 and T-350 are available, and that last one can be ordered with dual rear wheels.
The Specs
Engines:
3.5-litre V6: 275 hp/260 torque
3.5-litre EcoBoost V6: 300 hp/400 torque
Drivetrain: RWD, AWD
Maximum cargo capacity range: 6,984 – 13,798 litres
Maximum towing capacity range: 5,300 – 6,900 lbs
Maximum payload capacity range: 3,195 – 5,103 lbs
Ford E-Transit
The all-electric E-Transit comes in three lengths, and with low, medium, or high roof. Its 68-kWh (usable) battery is mounted below the floor, and its motor drives the rear wheels. An available Pro Power Onboard inverter can supply 2.4-kW of power for running tools or equipment. Depending on the configuration, battery range is estimated between 228 and 255 kilometres.
The Specs
Power: 266 hp/317 torque
Drivetrain: RWD
Maximum cargo capacity range: 6,986 – 13,800 litres
Maximum payload capacity range: 2,799 – 3,249 lbs
GMC Savana
The sibling to the Chevrolet Express is the same basic vehicle but with some slight differences in its features and trim. It also offers the V6 or V8 engine, in 2500 or 3500, and with rear-wheel drive. Its longevity helps make it easy to find parts or to upfit it, and offers a relatively low cost of entry.
The Specs
Engines:
4.3-litre V6: 276 hp/298 torque
6.6-litre V8: 401 hp/464 torque
Drivetrain: RWD
Maximum towing capacity range: 7,100 – 10,000 lbs
Maximum payload capacity range: 3,275 – 4,492 lbs
Maximum cargo capacity range: 6,779 – 8,031 litres
Kia PV5
The Kia PV5 is expected to go on sale in Canada later this year as the automaker’s first commercial vehicle here. It’s all-electric and its length puts it about halfway between the compact and midsize vans no longer sold here. While full information is yet to come, it offers some 5,000 litres of interior volume. It’s built on the same platform that underpins Kia’s EV6 and EV9 consumer vehicles, and preliminary estimates put it around 416 km on a charge. It has a 71.2-kWh battery, front-wheel drive, and features including a Google-based infotainment system and 360-degree camera.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Sprinter offers two small diesel engines, one with standard output and the other high-output, and with RWD or an available AWD system that distributes torque up to 50/50 front to rear. The two-passenger model comes in four configurations of 2500, 3500, 3500XD and 4500, along with two wheelbase lengths and a total of three body lengths and two roof heights. It also comes as a five-seater, in 2500 only, and in two lengths and with high roof.
The Specs
Engines:
2.0-litre I4 Turbodiesel Standard Output: 168 hp/295 torque
2.0-litre I4 Turbodiesel High Output: 208 hp/332 torque
Drivetrain: RWD/AWD
Maximum towing capacity range: 5,000 - 7,500 lbs
Maximum payload capacity range: 3,825 - 6,733 lbs
Maximum cargo capacity range: 13,800 - 15,083 litres
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
The fully-electric version of the Sprinter comes in two wheelbase lengths and with standard or high roof. The shorter version has a standard electric motor, while the extended version can be optioned with a high-output motor. With its available 113-kWh battery, range is estimated at 331 km. Available options include a driver’s-side sliding door, rear fixed sunroof, roof rail mounting racks, heated windshield, and comfort seat.
The Specs
Power:
Standard Output: 136 hp/295 torque
High Output: 204 hp/295 torque
Driveline: RWD
Maximum payload capacity range: 2,624 – 3,516 lbs
Maximum cargo capacity: 13,800 litres
Ram ProMaster
The ProMaster is the only full-size van with front-wheel drive, giving it a lower step-in height. It comes in 1500, 2500, and 3500 configurations, in three wheelbase lengths and with low or high roof, while the 3500 can be ordered with a super-high roof. All use a naturally-aspirated V6 engine.
The Specs
Engine: 3.6-litre V6: 276 hp/250 torque
Drivetrain: FWD
Maximum towing capacity range: 6,480 – 7,500 lbs
Maximum payload capacity range: 3,890 – 4,965 lbs
Maximum cargo capacity range: 7,334 – 13,112 litres
Ram ProMaster EV
The electric version of the Ram ProMaster comes only in 3500, with 159-inch extended wheelbase, and with high or super-high roof. It uses a 110-kWh battery pack and with an estimated range of 289 km. As with the gas ProMaster, its electric motor drives the front wheels. Available features include a digital camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, and automatic locking and unlocking.
The Specs
Power: 268 hp/302 torque
Drivetrain: FWD
Maximum payload capacity range: 2,910 – 3,170 lbs
Maximum cargo capacity: 13,112 litres
