2018 vans update

Fleets looking to make deliveries, haul cargo or provide transportation often rely on light and medium duty vans to meet their business’ needs. For 2018, there are new and updated options across the market from various manufacturers.

“Demand for commercial vans continues to be strong," Julie Ellenberger, Ford's Transit brand manager, says. Ford Motor Co. (ford.com) is a U.S.-based automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer.

Whether it be the ease of transportation in urban areas, or the ability to upfit and customize to accommodate very specific needs, fleets continue to seek out replacements for aging vehicles.

“Fleet managers should set aside their past perceptions of the commercial vehicles available to them," Dave Sowers, head of Ram Commercial marketing, says. "There are opportunities to downsize some vehicles and some surprising new alternatives from companies like Ram."

A division of FCA, Ram Trucks (ramtrucks.com) is a U.S.-based brand of light and medium duty commercial vehicles.

This article serves as a summary of available Model Year 2018 vans to help fleets determine which vehicle is best for their specific applications.

Ford

Ford's three lineups of 2018 van offerings include: Transit Connect, compact commercial cargo and passenger vans; Ford Transit, full-size cargo, passenger and cutaway vans; and the E-Series cutaway van.

Cargo

The Transit Connect XL and XLT Series Cargo Van comes in short and long van lengths. These vans feature options such as rearview camera, automatic headlamps and steel mesh window guards. Additional optional packages for CNG/propane gaseous fuel-prep and trailer towing with trailer sway control are also available.

GVWR: Up to 5,270 lbs
Payload: Max. 1,610 lbs
Engine: 2.5L Duratec I-4 gas with 169 hp at 6,000 rpm and 171 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

The Transit 150, 250, 350 and 350 Heavy Duty Cargo Van comes in three lengths -- regular, long and long extended -- and three cab heights -- low, medium and high. A high-mount rearview camera is standard for all 2018 medium- and high-roof options.

GVWR: Up to 10,360 lbs
Payload: Max. 4,650 lbs
Engine: 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 gas with 275 hp at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gas with 310 hp at 5,500 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque at 2,500; 3.2L Power Stroke I-5 Turbo Diesel with 185 hp at 3,000 rpm and 350 lb-ft at 1,500–2,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

Passenger

The Transit Connect XL, XLT and Titanium Passenger Wagon comes in a passenger wagon and taxi configurations, with short and long wheelbase options.

Passenger seating: 5; 7
GVWR: Up to 5,280 lbs
Maximum payload: 1,270 lbs
Engine: 2.5L Duratec I-4 gas with 169 hp at 6,000 rpm and 171 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

The Transit 150, 350, and 350 Heavy-Duty Passenger Wagon comes in three lengths - regular, long and long extended - and three roof heights - low, medium and high. A high-mount rearview camera is standard for all 2018 medium- and high-roof options.

Passenger seating: 8; 10; 12; 15
GVWR: Up to 10,360 lbs
Maximum payload: 3,520 lbs
Engine: 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 gas with 275 hp at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gas with 310 hp at 5,500 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque at 2,500; 3.2L Power Stroke I-5 Turbo Diesel with 185 hp at 3,000 rpm and 350 lb-ft at 1,500–2,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc
Wheelbase: 130"; 148"

Cutaway

The Transit 250, 350 and 350 Heavy Duty Cutaway, Chassis Cab has several packages available, including ambulance prep, CNG/propane gaseous fuel-prep, interior and exterior upgrades, school activity bus and school bus prep, option to omit right-hand door and shuttle bus prep.

GVWR: Up to 10,360 lbs
Maximum payload: 6,020 lbs
Engine: 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 gas with 275 hp at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 3.2L Power Stroke I-5 Turbo Diesel with 185 hp at 3,000 rpm and 350 lb-ft at 1,500–2,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

The E-Series Cutaway, Stripped Chassis includes the E-350 Super Duty Cutaway, E-350 Super Duty Stripped Chassis, E-450 Super Duty Cutaway and E-450 Super Duty Stripped Chassis.

The series is available with several packages, including ambulance prep, CNG/propane gaseous fuel prep, interior and exterior upgrades, activity bus and school bus prep, option to omit right-hand door, shuttle bus prep and more.

GVWR: Up to 14,500 lbs
Maximum payload: 9,090 lbs
Engine: 6.8L EFI V10 gas with 305 hp at 4,250 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm; 6.2L SFI V8 FFV with 331 hp at 5,500 356 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

GM Fleet

GM Fleet (gmfleet.com) offers several Chevrolet and GMC options for the 2018 van market, including cargo, cutaway and passenger vehicles.

Cargo

The Chevrolet Express Cargo and GMC Savana Cargo vans offer regular and extended wheelbase options and four different engine offerings.

GVWR: 8,600 lbs
Maximum payload: 3,269 lbs
Engine: 4.3L V6 with 276 hp at 5200 rpm and 298 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm; 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel 14 with 181 hp at 3400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm; Vortec 6.0L FlexFuel V8 with 341 hp at 5,400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm; Vortex 6.0L V8 SFI Gaseous CNG/LPG capable (with fuel system installation by aftermarket upfitter).
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

Cutaway

The Chevrolet Express 3500 Cutaway and GMC Savana 3500 Cutaway (regular, long and extended length options) are designed for upfitting, with ambulance, school bus and shuttle bus configuration packages available.

GVWR: Up to 12,300 lbs
Maximum payload: 7, 271 lbs
Engine: Vortec 6.0L V8 SFI with 341 hp at 5,400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 4.3L V6 (not available on 177 wheelbase option); Vortec 6.0L FlexFuel V8 with 341 hp at 5,400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm; Vortex 6.0L V8 SFI Gaseous CNG/LPG capable (with fuel system installation by aftermarket upfitter).
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc
Wheelbase: 139"; 159"; 177" (Chevrolet)

The Chevrolet Express 4500 Cutaway and GMC Savana 4500 Cutaway (regular, long, extended length options) are designed for a variety of upfits ranging from utility and service to ambulance and rescue.

GVWR: Up to 14,200 lbs
Maximum payload: 9,169 lbs
Engine: Vortec 6.0L V8 with 341 hp at 5,400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; Vortec 6.0L FlexFuel V8 with 341 hp at 5400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; Vortex 6.0L V8 SFI gaseous CNG/LPG capable (with fuel system installation by aftermarket upfitter).
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 159"; 177" (Chevrolet)
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

Passenger

The Chevrolet 2500 and 3500 Express Passenger Vans come in regular and extended wheelbase options.

Passenger seating: 12; 15
GVWR: Up to 9,600 lbs
Maximum payload: 9,400 lbs
Engine: Vortec 6.0L FlexFuel V8 with 341 hp at 5400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 4.3L V6 with 276 hp at 5200 rpm and 298 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm; 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel 14 with 181 hp at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm; Vortex 6.0L V8 SFI Gaseous CNG/LPG capable (with fuel system installation by aftermarket upfitter).
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

The GMC 2500 and 3500 Savana Passenger Van comes in regular and extended wheelbase options.

Passenger seating: 12; 15
GVWR: Up to 9,900 lbs
Payload: Max. 9,400 lbs
Engine: Vortec 6.0L FlexFuel V8 with 341 hp at 5400 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm; 4.3L V6 with 276 hp at 5200 rpm and 298 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm; 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel 14 with 181 hp at 3400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm; Vortex 6.0L V8 SFI Gaseous CNG/LPG capable (with fuel system installation by aftermarket upfitter).
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel antilock disc

Mercedes-Benz Vans

Mercedes-Benz Vans recently released their latest generation Sprinter van model, for model year 2019, which will begin U.S. production in the second half of 2018 after the completion of a new assembly plant in North Charleston, South Carolina. The new edition will be the company's first fully connected system, featuring electric drive and individual hardware solutions for cargo space.

Mercedes-Benz Vans (mbvans.com), a division of Daimler AG, manufactures the Sprinter and Metris work vans.

The current-generation 2018 Sprinter full-sized and Metris mid-sized vans now include a rearview camera standard. The Sprinter has an additional GVWR available for both cargo and cab chassis configurations, and the Metris offers a new 135" wheelbase.

Cargo

There are a number of options available for the Sprinter and Metris Cargo van configurations.

The Sprinter Worker Cargo Van has standard and high-roof options.

GVWR: Up to 8,550 lbs
Maximum payload: 3,501 lbs
Engine:3L 6-cyl diesel with 188 hp at 3,800 rpm and 325 lb-ft torque at 1,400 to 2,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Wheelbase: 144"; 170"

The Sprinter 2500, 3500 Cargo Van has stand and high-roof options, and well as an extended wheelbase option.

GVWR: Up to 8,550 lbs
Maximum payload: 3,512 lbs
Engine: 3L 6-cyl diesel with 188 hp at 3,800 rpm and 325 lb-ft torque at 1,400 to 2,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Wheelbase: 144";170"

The Sprinter 2500 Crew Van has standard and high-roof options.

GVWR: Up to 8,550 lbs
Maximum payload: 3,237 lbs
Engine: 3L 6-cyl diesel with 188 hp at 3,800 rpm and 325 lb-ft torque at 1,400 to 2,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Wheelbase: 144"; 170"

Sprinter 3500 Cab Chassis

GVWR: Up to 11,030 lbs
Maximum payload: 6,389 lbs
Engine: 3L 6-cylinder diesel with 188 hp at 3,800 rpm and 325 lb-ft torque at 1,400 to 2,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed transmission
Wheelbase: 144"; 170"
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brake system

Metris Worker Cargo Van

GVWR: Up to 6,724 lbs
Maximum payload: 2,502 lbs
Engine: 2L 4-cyl gas with 208 hp at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,250-4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed transmission
Brakes: 4-wheel disc

Metris Cargo Van

GVWR: Up to 6,724 lbs
Maximum payload: 2,502 lbs
Engine: 2L 4-cyl gas with 208 hp at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,250 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed transmission
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Wheelbase: 126"; 135"

Passenger

Mercedez-Benz offers a number of passenger van configurations for Sprinter and Metris models.

The Sprinter 2500 Passenger Van has standard and high-roof options, as well as a 4x4 option.

GVWR: Up to 8,550 lbs
Passenger Seating: Up to 12
Maximum payload: 3,501 lbs
Engine: 3L 6-cyl diesel with 188 hp at 3,800 rpm and 325 lb-ft torque at 1,400 to 2,400 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed transmission
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Wheelbase: 144"; 170"

Metris Passenger Van

GVWR: Up to 6,724 lbs
Passenger Seating: 5, 7, 8
Maximum payload: 1,874 lbs
Engine: 2L 4-cyl gas with 208 hp at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,250 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed transmission
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Wheelbase: 126"; 135"

Metris Worker Passenger Van

GVWR: Up to 6,724 lbs
Passenger Seating: 5, 7, 8
Maximum payload: 1,874 lbs
Engine: 2L 4-cyl gas with 208 hp at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,250 – 4,000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed transmission
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Wheelbase: 126"; 135"

Nissan

For the 2018 model year vans, including the heavy duty cargo, passenger and compact cargo vans, Nissan announced rearview monitoring will come standard.

Nissan (nissanusa.com) is Japanese manufacturer of cars, trucks and commercial vans.

The NV1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD Cargo vans come in standard or high-roof options.

GVWR: Up to 9,901 lbs
Maximum payload: 3,700 lbs
Engine: 4.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 with 261 hp at 5,600 rpm and 281 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm; Endurance 5.6L DOHC 32-valuve V8 with 375 hp at 5,800 rpm and 387 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic; 7-speed automatic
Brakes: 14.2" front vented disc, 14.4" rear vented disc

The NV 3500HD (S, SV and SL) Passenger vans come in standard or high-roof options.

Passenger seating: 12
GVWR: Up to 9,520 lbs
Maximum payload: 2,490 lbs
Engine: 4.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 with 261 hp at 5,600 rpm and 281 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm; Endurance 5.6L DOHC 32-valuve V8 with 375 hp at 5,800 rpm and 387 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic; 7-speed automatic
Brakes: 14.2" front vented disc and 14.4" rear vented disc

The NV200 Compact Cargo and NV200 Taxi vans come in standard or high-roof options.

Passenger seating: 12
GVWR: Up to 4,772 lbs
Maximum payload:1,480 lbs
Engine: 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with 131 hp at 5,200 rpm and 139 torque lb-ft at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic; 7-speed automatic
Brakes: 11.1" front vented disc and 9" rear drum

Ram

The Ram ProMaster is Ram's entry vehicle into the Class 2 full-size van segment. Ram’s full-size van has a front-wheel-drive system, reducing weight and complexity by locating all components beneath the cab. This keeps the cargo load floor height and step-in height low, which aids in vehicle stability on low-traction surfaces, like snow. Coupled with gas and EcoDiesel powertrain options, the van is customizable for commercial customers and upfitters. A rear backup camera is now standard on all models.

GVWR: Up to 9,350 lbs
Maximum payload: 9,400 lbs
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 280 hp at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 3L EcoDiesel I-4 with 174 hp at 3,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 1,400 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic; Dual Active Drive 6-speed automated manual
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
Wheelbase: 118"; 136"; 159"

The model lineup includes: ProMaster 1500, 2500, 3500 Cargo Van (with low-roof, high-roof and extended body options); Promaster 3500 Chassis Cab (with extended body options); Promaster 3500 Chassis Cab Cutaway (with extended frame options).

The Ram ProMaster City is a Class 1 compact van offering designed for the hauling or delivery of cargo. It is available in two configurations (in two different trims): the two-seat Tradesman Cargo or five-seat Passenger Wagon. The ProMaster City offers a cargo area width of 60.4", height of 51.8" and a step-in height of 21.5". A backup camera is standard on all 2018 models.

GVWR: Up to 5,395 lbs
Maximum payload: 1,883 lbs
Engine options: 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir I-4 with 178 hp at 6,400 rpm and 174 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock front ventilated disc and rear drum

Conclusion

As van manufacturers continue to introduce new models, driver safety will continue to remain a top priority, with several making rearview monitoring standard on the 2018MY.

"At Ford, we continue to develop new driver assist technology for our vans to help our customers maximize efficiency on the job and minimize downtime," Ellenberger says.