VW Caddy Review | Swiss Vans | #1 For New Caddy (2024)

Small cargo vans have become indispensable for efficient business operations in 2024. These versatile vehicles offer the perfect balance of compact size and cargo capacity, making them ideal for urban deliveries, service-based businesses, and small-scale transport needs. As fuel efficiency and maneuverability continue to be top priorities for fleet managers and business owners, the demand for the best small cargo vans has seen a significant increase. Source

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 small cargo vans that are leading the market in 2024. From the popular Ford Transit Connect to the reliable Volkswagen Caddy Cargo, we’ll examine the features, performance, and value proposition of each model. Whether you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient option, the best cargo van for a small business, or simply the best small cargo van for the money, this article will help you make an informed decision for your business needs.

Ford Transit Connect

VW Caddy Review | Swiss Vans | #1 For New Caddy (1)

The Ford Transit Connect has established itself as a top contender in the small cargo van market for 2024. This versatile vehicle offers a perfect blend of compact size and cargo capacity, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking efficiency and practicality.

Ford Transit Connect Features Best Small Cargo Van

The 2024 Ford Transit Connect comes with a range of impressive features that cater to the needs of modern businesses. It offers both standard and long wheelbase options, allowing customers to choose the size that best suits their operational requirements. The interior has been modernized with a new 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system, both supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.

One of the standout features of the Transit Connect is its versatility. The Kombi model, for instance, comes with foldable second-row seats, allowing for an easy switch between passenger and cargo modes. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for businesses that need to transport both people and goods.

Ford has also introduced a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant for 2024. This setup combines a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 150 hp and 330 Nm of torque. The PHEV model boasts an impressive electric-only range of up to 68 miles, supported by fast charging capabilities including 11 kW AC and 50 kW DC charging options.

Ford Transit Connect Payload Best Small Cargo Van

The Ford Transit Connect offers impressive payload capacity, making it a reliable choice for businesses with significant cargo needs. The vehicle has a load payload of 955 kg, which is substantial for its size class. The load volume stands at 3.7 cubic meters, providing ample space for various types of cargo.

The van’s dimensions further enhance its cargo-carrying capabilities:

Load Length: 2150 mm
Load Width: 1628 mm
Loaddeck Wheel Arch Width: 1230 mm
Reardoor Height: 1136 mm
Sidedoor Height: 1228 mm
Sidedoor Width: 846 mm

These dimensions allow for efficient loading and unloading of goods, making the Transit Connect a practical choice for businesses that require frequent cargo transport.

Ford Transit Connect Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for businesses looking to optimize their operational costs, and the Ford Transit Connect delivers in this aspect. The vehicle offers impressive fuel economy figures, with diesel variants achieving up to 50.4 MPG and petrol models reaching 47.0 MPG.

Real-world data from 409 Ford Transit Connects, covering 11.9 million miles, provides valuable insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency:

2023 models: Average 24.7 MPG
2022 models: Average 26.0 MPG
2021 models: Average 25.8 MPG
2020 models: Average 22.8 MPG

These figures demonstrate the Transit Connect’s consistent fuel efficiency across different model years, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.

The Ford Transit Connect comes with a Ford Protect Service Plan for 2 years, based on up to 20,000 miles. This plan provides peace of mind for businesses, although it’s worth noting that wear and tear are not included and may incur additional charges.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo

The Volkswagen Caddy Cargo stands out as a confident, capable, and versatile van that caters to the needs of modern businesses. With its innovative design and advanced features, it has become a top choice for those seeking efficiency and practicality in a small cargo van.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Features Best Small Cargo Van

The Caddy Cargo boasts an impressive array of features that enhance its functionality and comfort. Its redesigned interior offers a higher and wider load bay, allowing for larger loads and, for the first time, the ability to load Euro pallets widthways into the rear load bay. This increased capacity makes it easier to handle various tasks on the spot, eliminating sudden surprises at work locations.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Payload

Despite its compact design, the Caddy Cargo demonstrates impressive cargo-carrying capabilities. The standard wheelbase model offers a storage capacity of 3.1 m³ (as per the SAE V6 standard), while the Caddy Maxi provides an even more generous 3.7 m³ of space.

The van’s dimensions have been increased compared to its predecessor, with the standard Caddy measuring 4500 mm in length, an increase of 93mm. The wheelbase has grown by 73mm to 2755mm, and the load space width has increased by 57mm to 1613mm. These enhancements allow for easier loading and unloading of goods.

In terms of payload, the Caddy Cargo can transport up to 700kg with ease, including up to 100kg on the roof. Specific payload weights vary according to the model and engine specification:

1.5 TSI petrol model: 711-606kg
2.0 TDI 75PS: 687kg
2.0 TDI 102PS: 677-638kg
2.0 TDI 122PS: 702-636kg

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Fuel Economy

The Caddy Cargo offers impressive fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for businesses. The van comes with a range of engine options, including three diesel and one petrol variant. The 2.0 TDI diesel engines are available in 75, 102, and 122PS outputs, while the 1.5 TSI petrol engine produces 114PS.

Volkswagen has implemented innovative technologies to enhance fuel economy. The diesel engines feature a new twin dosing system that provides a double dose of AdBlue, significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared to the previous model. The petrol engine is equipped with Active Cylinder Technology, which temporarily deactivates two of the four cylinders at light engine loads to save fuel.

These advancements have resulted in a fuel consumption reduction of up to 10% compared to the previous generation. While specific figures may vary, diesel models have been reported to achieve fuel economy figures approaching 60mpg, while petrol variants offer returns in the mid to low-40s mpg range.

Renault Kangoo

The Renault Kangoo has established itself as a versatile and efficient small van, catering to the needs of modern businesses. With its innovative design and practical features, the Kangoo has earned recognition as the International Van of the Year 2022, solidifying its position in the competitive small van market.

Renault Kangoo Features

The Kangoo offers a range of features that enhance its functionality and user experience. It comes with improved loading facilities, making it easier for businesses to manage their cargo efficiently. The van is equipped with 20 driver-assistance systems, ensuring safety and convenience for the driver. These include an active emergency braking system and lane keeping assist, which provide peace of mind during both urban and long-distance journeys.

One standout feature is the rear vision assistance, which allows drivers to keep an eye on everything happening behind the vehicle. This proves particularly useful in tight urban environments or when maneuvering in confined spaces.

The Kangoo’s interior has been designed with the driver’s comfort in mind. It features an 8-inch central screen with an easy link multimedia system, compatible with both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™. This allows for seamless smartphone integration, providing access to apps and connected services for a modern, personalized driving experience.

Renault Kangoo Payload Best Small Cargo Van

The Renault Kangoo offers impressive payload capacities, making it suitable for a wide range of business needs. The van is available in two lengths, with the longer version providing increased cargo space and payload capacity.

For the standard wheelbase model, the maximum payload reaches 850kg. The long-wheelbase version, however, boasts an even more impressive maximum payload of 987kg. This puts the Kangoo in a competitive position, even though it falls slightly short of the 1,000kg mark offered by some rivals like the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner.

In terms of cargo volume, the standard Kangoo van provides 3.3 cubic meters of space. The long-wheelbase model significantly increases this to 4.2 cubic meters, surpassing some competitors in its class. This extra space makes the Kangoo ideal for businesses that need to transport larger items or greater volumes of cargo.

An innovative feature of the right-hand-drive Kangoo is the easy inside rack. This clever addition allows for the storage of ladders just under the roof, leaving the lower part of the storage area free for other items. This maximizes the use of available space and adds to the van’s versatility.

Renault Kangoo Fuel Economy

The Renault Kangoo offers a range of engine options to suit different business needs and driving preferences. These include petrol, diesel, and all-electric powertrains, each with its own fuel economy benefits.

For businesses that primarily handle lighter loads, the petrol model is a suitable choice. When kept at lower weights, this version can achieve fuel economy figures of up to 41.5mpg, according to Renault’s claims.

The diesel variants offer even more impressive fuel efficiency. The Blue dCi manual transmission model boasts an official fuel economy of 53.3mpg. When combined with the Kangoo’s 54-liter fuel tank, this translates to a potential range of over 620 miles on a single tank. However, it’s important to note that heavy payloads will impact this figure.

For businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint, the all-electric Kangoo E-Tech provides an eco-friendly alternative. This model offers a WLTP-tested range of 186 miles from its 44kWh battery, outperforming some competitors with larger battery capacities. This makes the E-Tech version an attractive option for businesses operating primarily in urban environments or those with predictable daily routes.

Citroen Berlingo

The Citroen Berlingo has established itself as a versatile and efficient small van, catering to the needs of modern businesses. With its practical design and impressive features, the Berlingo has become a popular choice for companies seeking a reliable and cost-effective vehicle for their operations.

Citroen Berlingo Features

The Berlingo offers a range of features that enhance its functionality and user experience. It comes equipped with up to 17 Driving Assistance Systems, ensuring safety and convenience for the driver. These systems are optional depending on the model version.

Inside the cabin, the Berlingo transforms into a mobile office. It features a secure Top Box for safely storing laptops or tablet devices, along with an optional 220V socket to keep them charged on the go. There’s also a USB port and a 12V socket available. The Extenso® cab includes a pivoting writing table, making it easier to work while on the move.

The Berlingo is available in two body lengths: a standard Size M version at 4.40 m long and an extended Size XL version at 4.75 m. This allows businesses to choose the length that best suits their specific needs. The van also offers one or two sliding side doors, each measuring 675 mm wide and 1072 mm high, to facilitate easy loading and unloading regardless of parking conditions.

Citroen Berlingo Payload Best Small Cargo Van

The Citroen Berlingo impresses with its cargo-carrying capabilities. The load volume ranges from 3.30 m3 to 4.40 m3 (with Extenso® cab), depending on whether you choose the M or XL version. The maximum payload varies between 800 kg and 1000 kg, making it suitable for a wide range of business needs.

Specific payload capacities differ across models. For instance, the Enterprise M Berlingo Van M PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed Manual offers a payload of 990 kg, while the XL Berlingo Van XL BlueHDi 100 S&S 6-speed Manual Enterprise provides 939 kg. The Crew Van Enterprise XL BlueHDi 100 S&S 6-speed manual Enterprise model has a payload of 840 kg.

Citroen Berlingo Fuel Economy

The Berlingo offers a choice of efficient PureTech petrol or BlueHDi diesel engines, both designed to suit various driving requirements, from city center stop-start driving to longer motorway journeys. For enhanced driving comfort, there’s an optional 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox featuring steering wheel gearshift paddles.

Fuel economy figures vary across different models. The BlueHDi 100 S&S 6-speed Manual versions, both in M and XL sizes, offer the best fuel efficiency, achieving up to 54.4 mpg combined. The BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 Auto versions provide slightly lower efficiency at 51.9 mpg combined. The petrol PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed Manual model offers between 37-48 mpg.

In terms of CO2 emissions, the BlueHDi diesel models emit between 136-161 g/km, while the PureTech petrol model emits 142-171 g/km. These figures remain consistent across both M and XL versions of the van.

With its 61-liter fuel tank, the Berlingo can cover up to 500 miles on a single fill, depending on the engine choice and driving conditions. This impressive range, combined with its efficient engines, makes the Citroen Berlingo an economical choice for businesses looking to optimize their operational costs.

Peugeot Partner

The Peugeot Partner stands out as a versatile and efficient small cargo van, designed to simplify daily business operations. This van combines agility, ease of parking, and large load capacity, making it an ideal choice for various commercial needs.

Peugeot Partner Lease Features

The Partner boasts an impressive array of features that enhance its functionality and user experience. It comes equipped with up to 17 Driving Assistance Systems, ensuring safety and convenience for the driver. These systems are optional depending on the model version.

One of the standout features is the optimized i-co*ckpit. It includes an agile and compact steering wheel with new controls for easy driving, a 10-inch touchscreen, and a 100% digital 10-inch instrument cluster. This setup provides a safer and more intuitive driving experience.

The Partner also offers advanced connectivity options. Users can access connected services to ease their journeys and daily life. The Connect ONE service focuses on safety, while Connect PLUS emphasizes on-board comfort and transport time optimization.

Peugeot Partner Payload

The Peugeot Partner impresses with its cargo-carrying capabilities. It offers a loading capacity of up to 4.4 m3 and a payload of up to 780 kg. The van also has a towing weight of up to 750 kg, adding to its versatility.

Specific payload capacities vary across different models:

Standard length: Up to 1,059 kg
Long length: Up to 1,057 kg

The usable volume ranges from 3.3 m3 to 4.4 m3, depending on the chosen configuration. The Partner is available in two body lengths: a standard version at 4.40 m long and an extended version at 4.75 m. This allows businesses to choose the length that best suits their specific needs.

Peugeot Partner Fuel Economy

The Partner offers a range of efficient engine options to suit various driving requirements. These include PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines, designed for both city center stop-start driving and longer motorway journeys.

Fuel economy figures vary across different models:

PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed Manual: 6.3-7.6 L/100 km combined
BlueHDi 100 S&S 6-speed Manual: 5.2-6.1 L/100 km combined
BlueHDi 130 EAT8 (96 kW): 5.4-6.5 L/100 km combined

CO2 emissions range from 136 to 171 g/km, depending on the engine choice. It’s important to note that actual fuel consumption and CO2 emission values may vary significantly based on factors such as optional equipment, ambient temperature, driving style, vehicle weight, and road conditions.

For businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint, Peugeot also offers an all-electric version of the Partner, the E-PARTNER. This model provides a range of up to 213 miles (WLTP Combined) with its 50kWh battery, making it an attractive option for urban operations or predictable daily routes.

Toyota Proace City

The Toyota Proace City stands out as a versatile and efficient small cargo van, designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Based on a van developed and built by Citroen, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, it offers a unique blend of reliability and innovative features.

Toyota Proace City Features

The Proace City comes with an impressive array of features that enhance its functionality. It offers two body lengths: Short (4408mm) and Long (4753mm), catering to different cargo needs. The van’s Smart Cargo system provides a hatch in the bulkhead and allows the front passenger seat to be folded downwards, extending the load length significantly.

For 2024, all Proace City models come equipped with Toyota’s Smart Cargo system as standard. This feature extends the load length by 1.3m, allowing for the transport of longer items such as ladders and piping. The passenger seatback can also be folded to form a desktop, adding to the van’s versatility.

The van offers excellent accessibility with options for rear swing doors or a lifting tailgate. Side doors can be fitted to either side or both, enhancing efficiency in loading and unloading.

Toyota Proace City Payload Best Small Cargo Van

The Proace City impresses with its cargo-carrying capabilities. It offers a generous payload of up to 1 ton, positioning it among the best in its class. The Short version provides a load volume of 3.8 cubic meters, while the Long version offers 4.4 cubic meters.

Payload capacities vary across different models:

Short wheelbase (SWB) electric version: up to 780kg
Long wheelbase (LWB) electric version: up to 753kg

The van’s dimensions allow for the transport of two Euro pallets in the rear. Additionally, the Proace City boasts a towing capacity of up to 1.35 tons for diesel models and 750kg for electric versions.

Toyota Proace City Fuel Economy

The Proace City offers a range of efficient powertrain options to suit various business needs. The core diesel engine is a 1.5-liter unit available in two power outputs:

101bhp (102 DIN hp/75kW) version with six-speed manual transmission
129bhp (130 DIN hp/96kW) version with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission

Fuel economy figures for the diesel models are impressive:

99bhp version: 48.7-49.6mpg (WLTP)
128bhp version: 46.3-47.1mpg (WLTP)

With a 53-liter fuel tank, the lower-powered van offers a theoretical range of 578 miles, while the higher-powered version can achieve up to 549 miles on a single tank.

For businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint, Toyota also offers an all-electric version of the Proace City, providing an eco-friendly alternative for urban operations and predictable daily routes.

Conclusion Best Small Cargo Van

The small cargo van market in 2024 offers a diverse range of options to suit various business needs. From the versatile Ford Transit Connect to the efficient Toyota Proace City, each model brings its own strengths to the table. These vans have a significant impact on business operations, providing the perfect balance of compact size, cargo capacity, and fuel efficiency. Their innovative features and adaptable designs make them indispensable tools for companies looking to optimize their transport and delivery processes.

As businesses continue to evolve, so too will the small cargo van market. The trend towards electrification, as seen with models like the Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Peugeot e-Partner, points to a future where eco-friendly options become increasingly prevalent. This shift, coupled with ongoing advancements in connectivity and driver assistance technologies, suggests that small cargo vans will keep playing a crucial role in shaping the future of efficient and sustainable business operations.

FAQs Best Small Cargo Van

What small van was awarded the title of Small Van of the Year in 2024?
The Renault Kangoo was honored as the ‘Best Small Van’ at the Business Van Awards 2024, adding another award to its collection.

Which small vans are considered the most reliable currently?
Among the top small vans noted for their reliability are the Renault Kangoo/Nissan Townstar, Ford Transit Courier, Citroen Berlingo/Fiat Doblo/Peugeot Partner/Toyota Proace City/Vauxhall Combo, Mercedes Citan, Volkswagen Caddy Cargo, and Ford Transit Connect.

What are the most reliable cargo vans available on the market?
For those considering a used commercial van, the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Ram ProMaster are recommended for their reliability. Each offers unique features and benefits, making it crucial to evaluate your specific business needs when choosing.

Which commercial van is the best investment for 2024?
The top cargo vans for 2024, offering good value for money, include the Ford Transit Cargo Van, Ford E-Transit Cargo Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo Van, Ram ProMaster Cargo Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van, GMC Savana Cargo Van, and Chevrolet Express Cargo Van.