Most Economical Vans
The table below shows the most economical vans arranged by combined MPG.
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact van. None of the full size vans are
very fuel efficient although the two wheel drive vans with their smaller
engines perform better than the all wheel drive ones.
Full size vans are going to cost you a lot of money in fuel to run and are
best suited for businesses rather than individuals.
If a hybrid version of these full size vans existed, it would probably be
around 20 - 25% more fuel efficient, but businesses are very cost focused
so the fuel savings would need to be able to offset the increased purchase
price.
| Economical Car |
Engine |
City MPG |
Hwy MPG |
Combined |
| Ford Transit Connect |
2.0L gasoline |
22 |
25 |
23 |
| Chevrolet Express 1500 2WD |
4.3L gasoline |
15 |
20 |
17 |
| GMC Savana 1500 2WD |
4.3L gasoline |
15 |
20 |
17 |
| Ford E150 Econoline 2WD |
4.6L gasoline |
13 |
17 |
15 |
| Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD |
5.3L gasoline |
13 |
17 |
14 |
| GMC Savana 1500 AWD |
5.3L gasoline |
13 |
17 |
14 |
Ford Transit Connect
The most economical van in the U.S. is the Ford Transit Connect.
Its a compact van with 135 cu ft of cargo space (by comparison the full
size Chevrolet Express has 217 cu ft). Compact vans are very popular in
Europe but are relatively new in the U.S.
In its first year on the North American market, the Transit Connect was
awarded "North American Truck of the Year 2010" at the North American International
Auto Show.
The van is perfect for small businesses undertaking fairly lightweight operations
where a full size van is not required. Being a full 6 MPG more thrifty than
its nearest competitor, such businesses can shave a considerable amount
on operating expenses.