Best small vans by mpg

Choosing the right fuel-powered small van for your business will depend on a range of factors from price and payload capacity to maintenance costs, cabin comfort, and fuel efficiency. It’s that last factor we’ll focus on in this article, because better mpg can lead to significant long-term savings, often offsetting the upfront purchase price.

All mpg figures below are the official WLTP combined cycle results, accurate as of September 2025 and sourced from the latest manufacturer brochures and price lists available.

We've reviewed and enjoyed our time with both the Ford Transit Connect PHEV and the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo eHybrid. Both use the same platform and impress with an extraordinary claimed fuel economy of up to 565 mpg, made possible by a hybrid setup combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery. Of course, achieving that headline figure depends heavily on regular charging and making full use of the 70-mile electric range and 300-mile petrol range.
The hybrid versions are a little pricier than their petrol or diesel counterparts, and their payload capacity is slightly reduced (typically 640–740 kg depending on body length and trim). This is lower than the diesel models, but still adequate for most needs. On the road, the transition between petrol and electric power is smooth and largely unnoticeable, making for a refined drive. Overall, vans like these serve as an excellent stepping stone for businesses or drivers looking to experience electric mobility without giving up the practicality of a combustion engine.

Matching that impressive fuel economy is the LEVC VN5, a clever range-extender electric van — and yes, it does look a lot like a London cab. That’s no coincidence, since it’s built by the very same manufacturer. While not a fully electric vehicle, the VN5 uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine purely as a generator producing electricity to power the electric motor. It’s a smart system that blends efficiency with flexibility.
The VN5’s standout feature, however, is its remarkably tight 10.1-metre turning circle allowing it to manoeuvre effortlessly in confined urban spaces, which is a real advantage for city driving. Payload capacity varies by trim, typically between 680 and 830 kg so it’s worth checking the exact model if you need to carry heavier loads. It’s not the cheapest van on the market either, but for those drawn to its exceptional efficiency and agility, it’s worth exploring finance or leasing options to make ownership more accessible.

Although it shares its platform with the Nissan Townstar and Renault Kangoo, the Mercedes-Benz Citan actually comes out on top for fuel efficiency — particularly in the ‘110 L1 Manual’ Base trim which features a 1.5-litre diesel engine capable of just over 55 mpg
It’s unfortunate that this model is being discontinued, but you can still find examples of the latest generation on the used market. While it may cost a little more than the Kangoo, its efficiency, refined feel and the prestige of that three-pointed badge help justify the price. On top of that, it comes well-equipped with a strong suite of safety and comfort features making it a smart and polished small van choice.

What do the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Proace City and Vauxhall Combo have in common? Quite a lot, actually. They all share the same platform and powertrain built around a 1.5-litre diesel engine that delivers an impressive 54.4 mpg. To achieve that figure, you’ll want either a short or long wheelbase model equipped with the 100 bhp engine and manual gearbox Together, these vans make up a strong and versatile line-up, with only minor differences separating them. The Peugeot and Toyota versions stand out for their more refined cabins, while the Vauxhall and Fiat often come with particularly competitive lease deals. Meanwhile, the Citroën tends to offer the best equipment levels as standard. Whichever badge you choose, you’ll get a van that’s practical, efficient and capable, with some models offering payloads exceeding 1,000 kg. In short, they all do the job exceptionally well, so it really just comes down to which badge and deal you prefer.

The Kangoo isn’t just stylish—it’s a genuinely capable workhorse with competitive load-carrying abilities. Its wide range of powertrains means there’s something to suit almost every need, and the cab is thoughtfully designed with the driver in mind. Build quality is excellent, too.
To get the top mpg rating, you’ll want to choose a model fitted with the 95 bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine with manual transmission. Just be aware that its safety tech is a little limited (though security is solid), and service intervals and warranty aren’t class-leading, though they are in line with most competitors. That said, the Kangoo arguably drives better than almost any other small van on the market. It’s definitely worth a test drive, and I’d be surprised if anyone walked away disappointed, especially given how competitively priced it is, whether on lease or finance.

We recently ranked the best electric vans by range. You might also want to have a look at our article about the best electric pick-up trucks currently available if you need something to drive for business and pleasure.

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