Best City Vans of 2022

City vans are essential to the logistical networks in a community; whether it be as a family van, or as a service or delivery car, city cargo vans are the workhorses we use to get things completed. We thus expect them to be fuel-efficient, passenger-friendly, and to provide enough space for most vocational needs. With so many options on the table, it becomes difficult to make the right decision when it comes to purchasing. Should you purchase the microvan, should you go with the AWD version? There are many things to take into consideration, and that’s why we’re here to make that decision easier.

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2022 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon
8.4
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
7
Safety
9
Value
#2
2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van
8
BuzzScore
8
Design
5
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
9
Safety
8
Value
#3
2022 Ram ProMaster City Passenger Wagon
7.9
BuzzScore
6
Design
7
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
7
Infotainment
9
Reliability
7
Safety
9
Value
#4
2022 Ram ProMaster City Cargo Van
7.8
BuzzScore
7
Design
5
Performance
10
MPG
8
Interior
8
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#5
2021 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo
6.9
BuzzScore
6
Design
4
Performance
8
MPG
8
Interior
5
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value

What to Consider When Buying

Things to look out for when deciding whether to purchase or not include the following:

Pros

  • Tons of cargo room
  • Multi-purpose layout
  • Towing potential
  • User-friendly in black and white on paper

Cons

  • Not exactly fuel-efficient
  • Heavy curb weight places strain on certain parts.
  • Difficult to maneuver in tight areas
  • Not always passenger-centric

City Van Characteristics

With so much choice in the segment, there are a few specifications common to the city van. This includes:

  • Interior space - Whether you purchase a second-hand passenger or a corporate van, the main reason will always be for the room it offers. Minivans are focussed on carrying passengers, while a city express does duty on the front lines of the business world and requires as much cargo room as possible to maximize efficiency. In either case, the main focus is on the amount of room a hauler like this can provide.
  • Versatility - These could be an alternative to a regular passenger car, or it could be for contractors who need a reliable base from which to work. The USA loves the city van for that exact reason; its versatility and ease of reconfigurability. You can even buy an AWD version fitted with a bed and shower for outdoor adventures.
  • Towing load - Not only are 4 cylinder microvans good for taking the family on vacation but its also good for hauling stuff thanks to power plants that are more robust than the average small people carrier. In many cases, they have to pull even more equipment and baggage at the back, which is why they are fitted with powerful engines.

City Express Van

Although this title alludes to the type of workhorse most suited to urban dimensions, it is best known as the name of the contribution from Chevrolet, which was discontinued in 2018. The City Express Van, which was basically a Nissan NV200 dressed-up differently, sold less than 30,000 units over the course of the four years it was available for purchase, before GM called it quits. To look at what you can get, make sure to read through our individual reviews of each brand’s offering.

FAQs

Should I buy new or used?

Getting a used micro-class vehicle should take careful consideration. Obtaining a new one will cost more, but most second-hand units tend to have very high mileage and could prove to be unreliable. Look out for clearance sales at local dealers, or make sure to go with a clean title and solid maintenance history.

What are the best vans for small businesses?

For small enterprises that want to keep costs low, one can look at smaller front-wheel-drive vehicles. These offer more loading area, thanks to their drivetrain layout and should consume less fuel due to its simple drivetrain setup saving you time and increasing practicality.

Are vans expensive to service?

The price you pay for owning one could be big enough to put it up for sale in some cases. Older cars can start to rack up the cost, and maintenance intervals are shorter than normal but maintained correctly, they will pay for themselves.

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