With fuel prices rising all the time, economy is becoming an ever-more vital factor when choosing a van. Small vans promise some of the best mpg figures thanks to their comparatively lightweight nature.
These are the most economical small vans, ranked by the most fuel efficient version in their respective ranges. Despite many of the small vans sharing crucial components, body shapes and engines, there is still a difference between the major models from the likes of Citroen, Vauxhall and Toyota.
All of these models conform to the latest Euro 6D (or Euro 6.3) emissions standards and all are diesel, for now at least.
We’ve also taken a look at the most economical small vans coming soon, as several manufacturers have new models on the way in the coming year, and the other small vans that don’t fit into this category that you might want to take a look at.
Of course, if you don’t want to use any diesel at all then you’ll be after our guide to the best electric vans.
6. Toyota Proace City 1.5 100PS – 51.4mpg
The Toyota Proace City uses the exact same engine and body shape as, let’s face it, most of the other vehicles in the small van sector. Toyota takes a more concentrated approach to its range than the other brands, though, and chooses to concentrate on offering the models it thinks will be more popular. Small variations in specification levels will have an impact on efficiency, too.
It speaks volumes of the choice available to buyers that even the van that comes last in this list is still capable of more than 50mpg on the more stringent WLTP fuel economy tests.
5. Vauxhall Combo Cargo 1.5 100PS – 52.3mpg
The Vauxhall Combo’s most economical model uses the same 100hp 1.5-litre diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox as the Toyota Proace City. It doesn’t matter which trim you go for, so long as you choose the ‘2000’ model with the lower gross vehicle weight. The official fuel economy takes a slight dip if you go for the 2300 version, but by less than 1mpg so there is no major penalty for doing so.
5. Renault Kangoo ML19 Blue dCi 95 six-speed manual – 53.3mpg
The Renault Kangoo offers a selection of engines, with two diesel options and one petrol. It is the lower-powered diesel that is the most economical of the three, though, with an official rating of 53.3mpg. This engine only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful option is only paired with a seven-speed automatic. This doesn’t drastically impact its economy, though, as it has an official rating of 50.4mpg.
5. Mercedes-Benz Citan 110 L1 six-speed manual – 54.3mpg
The Mercedes-Benz Citan shares the same engines and fundamental design as the Renault Kangoo, but it pips its close relative when it comes to out-and-out economy, with an official figure that is 1.0mpg more efficient. This could be due to a selection of factors as the Merc engineers were allowed to develop their own take on the van right from the start.
Like the Kangoo, it is a 95hp engine that powers this van however, unlike the Renault, this is the only engine offered in the Citan. For now at least.
4. Ford Transit Connect L1 1.5 75PS and 100PS, six-speed manual – 55.4mpg
Breaking up the procession of Stellantis models is the current and soon-to-be replaced Ford Transit Connect. This is also the first model where you get a choice of engines – both the 75hp and the 100hp models offer the same 55.4mpg official fuel economy. We’d go for the 100hp model, though, as it offers a bit more all-round useability.
As with the majority of the economical vans in this list, it is the entry-level trims that fare better when it comes to saving fuel. Models such as the Sport and the Active come with things like bodykit add-ons and raised ride heights that lower the efficiency so they are better avoided if economy is all.
=2. Citroen Berlingo 1.5 100PS – 55.7mpg
The Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot’s similarities are such that there is nothing to separate their respective most efficient models.
There is no really low-powered version of the Berlingo, so this 100hp model promises a good blend of all-round performance and economy. As with every other model on this list, you have to go for the manual gearbox, though. The automatic transmission is only offered on the higher-powered engine so you get a double penalty, although the 130hp model with the auto is still capable of an impressive 54.3mpg.
=2. Peugeot Partner 1.5 100PS – 55.7mpg
As with the Citroen Berlingo, so it is with the Peugeot Partner. The most economical model is a core version for the Partner so there is no compromising to be had if you want to save diesel.
The other bonus is that you get the same official fuel economy whether you go for the shorter or longer of the two lengths on offer. In another bonus, you can even go for the Crew Van, with its extra row of seats and sliding bulkhead. Despite the extra weight, it offers the same 55.7mpg as the panel van.
1. Volkswagen Caddy C20 2.0TDI 75PS or 2.0TDI 102PS, 6-speed manual – 57.6mpg
The most efficient vehicle in the small vans class is one of the newest – the Volkswagen Caddy manages just over 2mpg better than its closest competitor, with an official figure of 57.6mpg.
There is also a choice of power outputs, with both the 75hp and 102hp models claiming the same maximum official figure. They are the most efficient engines ever fitted to a Caddy and come with regenerative braking and start stop as standard to help make most of every tankful of fuel.
Other small vans coming soon
Nissan Townstar
The Nissan Townstar is the third van to benefit from the partnership that is behind the Kangoo and Citan. Although there aren’t many details out about the Townstar yet, Nissan has confirmed that it will only be offered with a petrol and an electric model in the UK – no diesel. This means that those who want an old-fashioned economical model will either have to go electric or look elsewhere.
Other smaller vans
Ford Transit Courier 1.5 75 PS/100 PS – 65.7mpg
What about the Ford Transit Courier? As it is a smaller van than the others on this list it therefore has an advantage when it comes to fuel economy, so it doesn’t seem fair to compare it directly to the others. Thanks to its diminutive dimensions, and its auto-start-stop system, this 1.5-litre diesel is capable of a decent 65.7mpg, regardless of whether you go for the 75hp or 100hp model.
Toyota Corolla Commercial – 61.4mpg
The Toyota Corolla Commercial is a real standout as it is the only car-derived van of its size – it is much bigger than the Fiesta Van – and it is the only commercial vehicle with a traditional petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
This helps it to an official fuel economy of 61.4mpg. The relatively low payload means you won’t be able to carry huge loads to ruin that efficiency either. Small mercies.
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