One of the key reasons many individuals in the U.S. and around the globe are leaving traditional office roles in favor of delivery driving is the excitement and independence that come with the job.
For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, the options for the ideal delivery vehicle are vast. However, not every type of car or truck is suitable for delivery work. There is a wide selection of delivery vehicles to explore.
Purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle for delivery purposes is a significant commitment. Your vehicle is the very tool that keeps your income flowing (especially if you’re using it as a food delivery car for a side hustle, as many people do).
Should you choose a large truck or a compact, fuel-saving hatchback? The variety of choices can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the best car for delivery work.
1. Chevy Bolt EV
For those working in delivery, fuel efficiency provides a distinct benefit over using larger box trucks. And if purchasing a bigger vehicle isn’t financially viable, it becomes even more critical to prioritize efficiency over extensive cargo capacity.
The Chevy Bolt EV, being fully electric, offers top-tier efficiency within the industry.This model delivers an estimated 240 miles per full charge.
While that might not suffice for long-haul or cross-city routes, it’s typically more than enough for last-mile deliveries or local neighborhood runs.
There’s a strong availability of used Chevy Bolt EVs both online and at dealerships. These electric models frequently go for less than $16,000.
Also Read: 10 Hybrid Supercars That Combine Power and Sustainability
2. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Electric delivery vehicle options are ideal for those who live in highly populated regions where the distance between delivery points is relatively short.
However, if your daily driving exceeds 200 miles, hybrids become a far more sensible and efficient choice. When it comes to hybrid models, the Sonata Hybrid stands out for its combination of spacious trunk room and strong fuel economy.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delivers approximately 36 miles per gallon during city driving and 40 mpg on highways. “But brand new models get more.”
On average, you can expect to find a Sonata Hybrid listed for around $15,000 in online marketplaces. With so many hybrid vehicles like the Sonata available, the market tends to be competitive, which means more affordable deals are often easy to find.
3. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is considered the top choice for delivery drivers throughout the U.S. and it’s also one of the most widely recognized four-door hatchbacks available.
With the Prius, delivery workers benefit from an ideal mix of excellent fuel economy and ample cargo capacity.
This 4-cylinder 1.8-liter sedan is known for its durability, with many owners reporting their Prius models lasting well beyond 200,000 miles without requiring significant repairs.
Toyota vehicles are renowned for their longevity and dependability. Achieving around 50 miles per gallon in city driving is not out of the question.
“Toyota charging stations are becoming widespread in many cities, too, so you don’t have to worry about losing a charge on the road.”
Additionally, it’s worth exploring other options in the Toyota Prius lineup, such as:
- The Prius liftback models
- The compact Prius C, inspired by the Yaris (great for lighter loads)
- The roomier Prius V
4. Cargo Vans
If you’re the type of delivery driver who requires more room than what a five-door car offers, then a mid-sized cargo van such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or the Ford Transit Connect is likely your best bet.
Most cargo vans come equipped with both side and rear doors, making it easier to access medium- to large-sized packages.
Smaller vans like the Ford Transit Connect are ideal for maneuvering through narrow streets or crowded urban environments, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter operates more like a vehicle built for multiple delivery stops.
“You’ll sacrifice fuel efficiency if you step up to cargo vans for the best cars for delivery.” These vehicles are generally more difficult to park and may involve more physical strain due to frequent bending and lifting.
However, if you’re handling bulky loads and comfortable behind the wheel, cargo vans are definitely the right choice.
5. Light-Duty Trucks
Light-duty trucks often referred to as midsize or two-ton trucks due to their two-ton payload capacity offer an excellent alternative to cargo vans or SUVs.
Models such as the Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado are all solid choices. “They all have high fuel economies for their weight (expect 18 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway.)”
One of the advantages of using a light-duty truck is the extended bed length, which typically ranges from 5 to 7 feet more than what most midsize vans can offer.
Additionally, the open truck bed design makes it easier to transport bulkier or oddly-shaped items. For those making retail deliveries, light-duty trucks can be an especially practical and reliable option.
6. Volkswagen Golf and Jetta Sportwagen
When Volkswagen’s plan to launch a new diesel lineup fell through in 2015, many assumed that their older Golf and Jetta diesel models would vanish from the market.
However, the opposite has happened plenty of delivery drivers are still able to find affordable VW diesel hatchbacks available across the country.
“Diesel cars are the best car for delivery because they last longer, and they’re often available for lower prices than traditional gas cars.”
While you may give up a bit of fuel efficiency typically 2 to 5 mpg less for both city and highway driving the trade-off is worth it. These cars offer a large trunk space combined with a durable build that makes them ideal for transporting heavier loads.
7. Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus
Wrapping up our list of delivery vehicles are two standout hatchbacks from Ford the Fiesta and the Focus. “These cars are all over the place, and for good reason.”
They offer generous trunk space, perform exceptionally well in urban environments, and boast impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 31 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Just like the other hatchback options mentioned here, Ford’s models strike an excellent balance between fuel economy and cargo capacity.
“The Fiesta and Focus is also an excellent car if your cargo is people, as these cars get high ratings for their comfortable interiors too.”
Whether you’re after a speedy, fuel-efficient delivery sedan, a light-duty truck, or a practical cargo van, the number of choices can be overwhelming.
This guide was created to provide some clarity and help you decide which makes and models qualify as the best cars for delivery based on different needs.
“Price matching for delivery sedans is easy. It’s a buyer’s market, too, since these types of sedans have flooded the used car market.”
Finding a pre-owned delivery sedan from this list with fewer than 35,000 miles for around $15,000 is well within reach. All that’s left is to pick the model that fits your budget and the kind of cargo you plan to carry.
