The small van, an often-overlooked vehicle, holds significant potential. Its compact size, relatively low price, and cargo-friendly interior make it a practical choice for small businesses and even some families. These vans offer a niche between a full-size van and a minivan. However, one unfortunate reality is that no automakers currently sell new small vans in America.
Fortunately, there’s a glimmer of hope. Several manufacturers have vehicle options in their current portfolios that could serve the function of a small van, while also looking toward the future. We reached out to automakers to get an idea of their plans, but only one would discuss them with us. For the rest, we considered what’s available globally and in the U.S. and came up with our hopeful predictions.
Here’s where things stand with small vans—and what we wish we could see in showrooms soon:
Chevrolet City Express
This model had a short lifespan, available for only three years. The Chevrolet City Express, based on the Nissan NV200 (more on that later), featured a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, 133-horsepower engine. It provided 122 cubic feet of cargo space and a 1,500-pound payload capacity. It measured 186 inches in length with a 115-inch wheelbase.
Chevrolet produced the City Express from the 2015 to 2017 model years. A key advantage of the City Express was its integration into Chevy’s commercial product line. These vans could receive service at the same locations as the rest of a company’s Chevy fleet.
What we’d like to see: Chevrolet recently unveiled the Equinox electric SUV for 2024. Offering up to 319 miles of range and 210 horsepower with front-wheel drive, this SUV possesses the range and power that small businesses often require from their vehicles. The all-new Equinox utilizes GM’s Ultium battery platform, the company’s cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. Its dimensions would likely align with those of the City Express, which are similar to the current gas-powered Equinox. Although GM suggests the Blazer EV for fleet buyers, businesses may appreciate the cargo-friendly rear doors and sliding side doors found in vans.
Ford Transit Connect
Before it ended its run in 2023, the Transit Connect was the best-selling small van in America. Ford offered both cargo and passenger versions, with short and long wheelbases. The passenger van could accommodate up to six people. The Transit Connect was designed to appeal to small businesses and families seeking an alternative to the traditional minivan. The Transit Connect was quite popular in its segment, but not popular enough to warrant continued production.
What we’d like to see: Rumors circulated that Ford would base the next-generation Transit Connect on the same platform as the Ford Maverick, Bronco Sport, and Escape models. That rumor has been circulating for a while, and it is still a strong hope, as this would open the door to a plug-in hybrid or hybrid powertrain. Ford also offers the E-Transit Courier, an all-electric compact van for global markets, which went into production this year. The E-Transit Courier is actually smaller than the Transit Connect. Another interesting possibility would be for Ford to scale down the technology used in its E-Transit full-size electric van to fit a compact van model.
Mercedes-Benz Metris
The Metris, the largest van on our list, is closer to a midsize van than a compact one. This size presents both advantages and disadvantages. While the Mercedes-Benz Metris can carry more cargo than the other vans in this discussion, it comes with a higher price tag. It has many of the features that one would generally expect from a vehicle built by Mercedes, but it didn’t connect with the American market.
Like the Transit Connect, 2023 was the final model year for the Metris.
What we’d like to see: Here’s what we can expect to happen. Mercedes-Benz has created a new all-electric van platform, which will be used in Europe starting in 2026. This platform is modular and scalable, and will underpin both midsize and full-size vans globally. Both vans are coming to the United States. Mercedes will offer at least a new midsize model that will replace the Metris (though the name has yet to be determined). It anticipates a new full-size van that will likely retain the “Sprinter” moniker. The midsize van, however, is only slated for luxury passenger use. Mercedes describes it as suitable for “a VIP shuttle, as a locally CO2-emissions-free mobile office, or for leisure-active families.” Mercedes has said the range could be as high as 310 miles, giving those with deep pockets a new option. The cargo van choices in America will be the Sprinter with an internal combustion engine (which is not going away 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.
Nissan NV200
Nissan offered this small but capable van in the U.S. from 2013 until 2021. the smallest component of the NV line, the NV200, was aimed at cargo only. It offered best-in-class fuel economy and interior features that made it easier to work in the van. It was easy to customize it with work accessories, but it did not offer a lot of power.
What we’d like to see: In some global markets, Nissan has replaced the NV200 with a Renault Kangoo, rebadged as the Nissan Townstar and Townstar electric vehicle. However, there’s a more practical solution for America: As Chevrolet did with 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 used in a van in the city.
Ram ProMaster City
Lastly, the Ram ProMaster City. Based on the Fiat Doblo, the ProMaster City entered the U.S. market for the 2015 model year. Designed to be easy to park and fuel-efficient, the ProMaster City was built with plumbers, bakeries, locksmiths, and small delivery services in mind. Ram also targeted the van for personal use. The ProMaster City offered class-leading cargo capacity and payload, 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 offers both a personal and cargo version of the E-Doblo. The E-Doblo provides more than 170 miles of electric vehicle range, which is ideal for jobs and deliveries in urban environments. It also features fast charging capabilities. An available “Magic Plug” lets you power a refrigerator or power equipment at a job site. The professional-grade version is a cargo van in regular or long wheelbase, a Combi with a fixed bulkhead, or a long-wheelbase Crew model that has an adjustable bulkhead to prioritize passengers or equipment based on the specific needs of the job. The E-Doblo would be a solid addition to the ProMaster line, particularly now that a full-size ProMaster electric vehicle exists.
Allyson Harwood is an automotive writer and car reviewer who writes about cars, trucks, and SUVs for Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. She has written for Motor Trend and Truck Trend.
