For some time now, the cargo van has been the most practical way of moving loads of goods around town, and often between cities. Available in a variety of configurations, from the nimble short-body, low-roof style, to those with a long wheelbase and a high top, there is a work van out there to suit almost any application. But, while these automobiles care more about being practical and dependable, that is certainly not all there is to them. Our reviews cover every aspect of each, from the all-important capacity figures to what is under the hood. Interior comfort and features are discussed, too. With competitors from the likes of Ford and Chevrolet, here are the best cargo vans of 2025.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.

1

Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

Our list of the best cargo vans is fairly short, since there simply aren’t many being made, and those that are produced today get the job done well enough. The first cargo van on our list is the Chevrolet Express. The Express is available as either the 2500 or 3500, and the base price for the cheaper option starts at $41,800 before the destination charge. The standard powertrain for both versions is a 4.3-liter V6 that makes 276 horsepower and 298 lb-ft of torque, but there is an available 6.6L V8 that makes 401 hp and 464 lb-ft.

As for the main reason people buy cargo vans, the interior can hold up to 283.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and can be configured for use by contractors, electricians, and plumbers for various shelving and racks inside that meet each professional’s needs. The Chevy is outdated in many respects, but it gets the job done reliably, which is all that many buyers in this segment want.

2

GMC Savana Cargo Van

Like the related Express work van, the GMC Savana is another General Motors van that’s built with job sites in mind. Like GM’s other work vans, the Savana hasn’t had a cosmetic update in decades, but they killed off the CD player a few years ago. Nevertheless, it’s well overdue for an update or replacement sometime soon. The current Savana is nearly identical to the Chevy Express in terms of specs. The van starts at $41,800 for the 2500 with a regular wheelbase, and comes with a 4.3-liter V6 as standard. That engine has the same power as the Chevy mentioned above, and also has an available 6.6L V8 with the same specs, as well. The maximum cargo space is 283.6 cubic feet in models with an extended wheelbase.

3

Ram ProMaster EV

For a more modern commercial van, take a look at the Ram ProMaster EV. As more and more large companies are adopting electric vehicles into their fleets, Ram decided to join the ranks by making an all-electric work van. The most basic version of this van starts at $56,495, but there are multiple options for an extended wheelbase and higher roof that increase in price. The only powertrain is a single electric motor to turn the front wheels at 268 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. The ProMaster EV’s range is where this work van falls short, since it has an estimated range of just 164 miles. The interior, however, more than makes up for that; the ProMaster EV can hold up to 524 cubic feet in the extended wheelbase with a “super high” roof.

Despite its size and the fact that there was no cargo in my test van, the EV proved easy to drive on sopping wet asphalt. I’d have liked a bit more time to test it out on the highway, but local roads are, under typical situations, where the Ram ProMaster EV will mostly be driven. Though I didn’t have the chance to clock 0-60 launches, the van – when unloaded – is surprisingly quick, thanks to the instant torque provided by its single electric motor.

– Paul Eisenstein, CarBuzz

4

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van

The best cargo van for those who want a mix of modern comfort features and practical interior space is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, but until we fully review it, it doesn’t have a BuzzScore. The first Sprinter was brought to the US in 2001, and to this day, Mercedes-Benz is putting as much effort into these vans as it does into luxury cars. The base-level Sprinter starts at $50,830 for a 144-inch wheelbase and a standard-height roof, but they also come with a 170-inch wheelbase and a higher roof for just under $60k. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel powertrain that makes 170 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque as standard, or you can opt for a high-output version of the same engine that makes 211 hp and 332 lb-ft. The Sprinter can hold up to 469 cubic feet of cargo when configured correctly.

What To Consider Before Buying Work Vans

There are certainly a number of larger vehicles on the roads nowadays, with many SUVs giving an impressive amount of space in the trunk. However, this level of utility cannot compete with the box truck, which devotes the majority of its body to the performance of its true purpose. So what exactly sets the delivery van apart from the rest of its ilk?

Pros

• Unbeatable cargo capacity
• Generally quite well priced
• More than powerful enough to perform heavy work
• Easier to load thanks to rear and side doors instead of a liftgate

Cons

• Most offer little or no advanced features
• Comfort is middling on all but the luxury brands
• Fuel economy never impresses

Who Buys Cargo Vans?

For the most part, these machines are sought after by those who have a commercial enterprise to run. It may be true that even the everyman on the street can purchase one, but many of the lowest prices and some choice luxuries are reserved for fleet operators. These are the people and businesses that are willing to invest large amounts of capital in new vehicles on a regular basis. Manufacturers seem to expect that most other consumers who need to move items now and then would rather lease than purchase.

What Is The Most Reliable Cargo Van?

Reliability data isn’t always widely available for commercial cargo vans, but it’s hard to argue against the Chevy Express and GMC Savana. They’ve been around for ages, so their mechanicals are proven. The absence of advanced technologies also means that there’s less to go wrong with these two models.

What is the best cargo van?

While the Ford Transit is undoubtedly the most popular, that does not make it the perfect choice. The Mercedes Sprinter is more comfortable to spend time in, and it can haul heavier loads. However, it is a bit harder to maneuver around town than small delivery vans. Although more expensive, the electric Ram ProMaster is another solid choice.

What is the cheapest van?

At just over $40k, the GMC Savana and Chevy Express are the most affordable cargo vans you can buy for 2025.

Sources: Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Mercedes-Benz