When you think of compact vans, you might imagine tight spaces and limited cargo room. However, many of today’s compact vans are designed to maximize storage without sacrificing maneuverability. These versatile vehicles offer impressive cargo capacity while maintaining a small footprint, making them ideal for those who need the best of both worlds. Let’s explore some of the top compact vans that provide surprisingly large cargo space.
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Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect is a standout in the compact van market, offering up to 127.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the long-wheelbase version. Its low load floor and wide-opening rear doors make loading and unloading easier, while its compact size allows for easy maneuverability in urban environments. With its efficient engine options, it provides a great balance of space, functionality, and fuel economy.
Mercedes-Benz Metris
The Mercedes-Benz Metris is known for combining luxury and practicality in a compact van. It offers up to 199 cubic feet of cargo space, making it one of the most spacious in its class. It’s also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, which is remarkable for a vehicle of its size. The Metris also comes with a range of safety features, including active brake assist and crosswind assist, making it a reliable choice for businesses.
Ram ProMaster City
With up to 131.7 cubic feet of cargo space, the Ram ProMaster City is designed to handle more than its size suggests. It features a versatile cargo area with nearly vertical walls, maximizing usable space. The 178 horsepower engine delivers strong performance, and its payload capacity of 1,885 pounds makes it ideal for commercial use. Its practical design is perfect for city driving and tight spaces.
Nissan NV200
The Nissan NV200 may be compact, but it offers a generous 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The van’s low floor height and large sliding side doors make it easy to access and load items. It’s also extremely fuel-efficient, with a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to cut operating costs while maximizing cargo volume.
Chevrolet City Express
Though discontinued, the Chevrolet City Express remains a favorite in the compact van category. It offers 122.7 cubic feet of cargo space, much like the Nissan NV200, as they share a platform. With wide rear doors and flat-folding front passenger seats for extra-long items, it’s a versatile workhorse ideal for urban delivery or small businesses.
Peugeot Partner
The Peugeot Partner impresses with up to 129.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload capacity of over 2,000 pounds. It also features the Moduwork system, which allows the passenger seat to fold down for additional space. This van is designed for efficiency and practicality, making it perfect for small business owners needing to transport goods in urban areas.
Renault Kangoo
Renault’s Kangoo is a popular choice in Europe for those looking for a compact yet spacious van. It offers up to 148 cubic feet of cargo space, thanks to its smart design. The Kangoo also includes features like foldable passenger seats and wide-opening rear doors, making it easy to load bulky items. Its range of efficient engines makes it a cost-effective choice for businesses.
Volkswagen Caddy
The Volkswagen Caddy is a versatile compact van that provides up to 123 cubic feet of cargo space in its extended version. It offers excellent build quality and a comfortable driving experience, making it a great all-around choice. Its rear sliding doors and flexible seating configuration make it suitable for both cargo and passengers, appealing to various business needs.
Citroën Berlingo
The Citroën Berlingo has long been favored for its practical design and cargo space, offering up to 141 cubic feet of cargo capacity in its extended wheelbase version. It also features clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, and its comfortable ride makes it a versatile option for both urban and rural deliveries.
Fiat Doblo Cargo
With a maximum cargo volume of 123 cubic feet, the Fiat Doblo Cargo is compact yet spacious. Its square cargo area and flat load floor make it ideal for carrying bulky items. It also features an impressive payload capacity of 1,764 pounds. The Doblo is known for its efficient diesel engine options, making it an economical choice for businesses.
Vauxhall Combo
The Vauxhall Combo offers up to 126 cubic feet of cargo space in its long-wheelbase model. It’s designed for functionality with a low load height and sliding side doors. The Combo is also praised for its fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for businesses needing a reliable van for city and suburban deliveries.
Toyota ProAce City
The Toyota ProAce City combines Toyota’s reliability with a spacious cargo area of up to 137 cubic feet. It features dual sliding doors and a flat load floor, making it easy to load items of all sizes. Its efficient engines and low running costs make it an excellent option for small businesses.
Opel Combo Cargo
The Opel Combo Cargo is a twin to the Vauxhall Combo, offering the same 126 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s designed for versatility and can carry up to 2,000 pounds of payload. With its practical interior layout and numerous safety features, it’s a solid choice for businesses in need of a dependable work van.
Hyundai H-1
The Hyundai H-1 is a slightly larger van, offering up to 130 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s built for durability, with a robust suspension that can handle heavier loads. The H-1 also comes with a variety of modern conveniences, including advanced safety systems and a comfortable cabin, making it a good option for long-distance transport.
Maxus V80
The Maxus V80 is known for its spacious interior, offering up to 138 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s designed to handle heavier payloads, making it ideal for larger deliveries. Its wide rear doors and high roof option provide easy access to cargo, and its fuel-efficient engine makes it a practical choice for businesses.
Mitsubishi Delica D:5
The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 is unique in that it offers a blend of SUV features with van-like cargo capacity. It provides ample storage space while being compact enough to handle rough terrain, thanks to its 4WD capability. The Delica is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need to carry gear while maintaining maneuverability.
Suzuki Every
The Suzuki Every is one of the smallest vans on this list, but it’s surprisingly spacious with a flat cargo area and foldable rear seats. It’s perfect for light commercial use, especially in urban areas where parking and narrow streets are a concern. Its fuel efficiency and compact size make it a popular choice for small deliveries.
Dacia Dokker Van
The Dacia Dokker Van offers up to 115 cubic feet of cargo space, making it ideal for small businesses needing to transport goods in tight spaces. It’s affordable, fuel-efficient, and offers easy loading access with sliding side doors and a low floor height. Its rugged design makes it suitable for both urban and rural deliveries.
LDV G10
The LDV G10 is slightly larger than most compact vans but offers excellent value with up to 160 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s also available with either petrol or diesel engines, offering flexibility depending on your needs. The G10 provides a smooth ride and comfortable cabin, making it a strong contender for long-distance cargo transport.
Honda Acty
The Honda Acty is a kei van, offering compact dimensions but clever design to maximize cargo space. It’s designed primarily for light commercial use in tight urban environments. Despite its small size, the Acty offers impressive cargo space for its class, making it perfect for delivery services.
Kia Venga
The Kia Venga is a compact MPV that offers surprising interior space, including a flexible cargo area. With fold-flat rear seats, it can offer significant room for cargo while still being small enough for urban driving. The Venga is known for its reliability and low running costs, making it a practical choice for small businesses.
Skoda Roomster
The Skoda Roomster is unique in its design, offering a large cargo area thanks to its high roof and flexible seating options. It can carry up to 1,500 pounds of cargo and has a roomy interior that belies its compact exterior. Its practical design makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking for both cargo and passenger flexibility.
Fiat Fiorino
The Fiat Fiorino offers up to 66 cubic feet of cargo space, but its compact size makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets. It’s ideal for small businesses needing a nimble vehicle for deliveries. The Fiorino’s efficient engines also make it a great option for those looking to keep fuel costs down.
Mahindra Supro Van
The Mahindra Supro Van is a budget-friendly option that offers impressive cargo space for its size. It’s designed for Indian markets but has gained popularity globally due to its robust build and fuel efficiency. The Supro’s compact design makes it ideal for businesses that need to navigate crowded streets while still carrying a significant load.
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
While technically a pickup truck, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross offers ample cargo space in its bed, making it a versatile choice for those needing both passenger and cargo capabilities. Its off-road capabilities and strong build make it perfect for businesses that operate in rugged terrain.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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