The Best Cars For Delivery Drivers In 2025

Picking the right delivery vehicle is one of your biggest business decisions. The wrong choice can cost you money and create safety risks. But choose well, and you'll get: 

• Better delivery speed 
• Lower fuel costs 
• Safer, more comfortable delivery drivers

In this 2025 guide to delivery cars and trucks, we'll look at the main factors you need to consider when choosing the best delivery vehicle for your business. We’ll also review a selection of the best cars and vans for solo delivery drivers. 

We’ve included vehicles available in North America, as well as in Europe and Asia.

The biggest change we’ve noticed in 2025? Electric and hybrid vehicles now dominate the lists. 

💡 No matter what vehicle you choose, route optimization makes your deliveries more efficient. Routific’s easy-to-use route optimization and delivery management platform is designed with small to medium-sized businesses in mind. You can try it it free for 7 days — no credit card needed!

What to consider when choosing a delivery vehicle

Your delivery work decides what kind of vehicle you need. For example, if you deliver meals in the city, you don’t need four-wheel drive. On the other hand, if you’re offering a last mile delivery service in rural areas, then an electric car might not work for you.

Keep these points in mind:

• Solo drivers: Focus on cost and fuel use. These affect your daily profits the most.
• Small fleet owners: Look at cargo space and value along with basic costs. You need to get the most from every vehicle you buy.
• Large fleet managers: Pay special attention to cargo space and fuel efficiency. With many vehicles on the road, these costs add up fast.

No matter your fleet size, you need to keep delivery costs low while keeping drivers safe and comfortable.

Which is better for delivery vehicles: electric, gas, or diesel?

Your driving patterns should guide your choice:

• Making city deliveries with lots of stops? A small electric vehicle might work best. These delivery vehicles handle city streets well and cost less to run.
• Driving long highway routes? Look at diesel vehicles. They offer better fuel efficiency on highways and can carry heavy loads.
• Gas-powered cars sit in the middle for mpg and performance, provided they have good gas mileage.

Each type has trade-offs. Electric vehicles cost more upfront, but save money on fuel and maintenance. Diesel engines give you great fuel efficiency but might struggle in very cold weather. Gas engines offer reliable performance in most conditions.

💡Pro tip: Things are changing fast! The total cost of ownership of electric vehicles is coming steadily down. There are also lots of second-hand electric and hybrid options on the market, thanks to the popularity of models like the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf. Unless you live far outside urban areas where the charging infrastructure is limited, we’d think twice before buying gasoline or diesel in 2025.

You should also consider local rules and regulations when you make your choice. Some cities and countries have already announced bans on diesel vehicles, for example.

Should you choose a car, a truck or a van for deliveries?

Again, the kind of work a delivery driver does decides what vehicle they need. A delivery car that works for an Amazon Flex driver might not work for a medical courier, for example.

Here are the three major things to consider before you choose:

1. Cargo space and payload 

Trucks and cargo vans fit more than cars. If you deliver large or heavy items, you'll need the extra space. Ask yourself:

• How big are your typical packages?
• Will you move whole pallets?
• Do you need space for loading equipment like ramps or trolleys?
• Are there weight limits in your delivery area?
• Do you need refrigeration for food delivery?

💡Pro tip: If you mostly deliver small packages in a small area, you might not need a car at all. A cargo bike or scooter could work better, and cost a lot less.

2. Maneuverability, comfort and safety 

Each vehicle has its strengths on the road:

• Cars: Easy to park and drive in the city. Often have the newest safety features.
• Cargo vans: Comfortable for long delivery routes, and easy to move around in. Keep packages safe and dry.
• Trucks: Best for rough roads and areas with poor road surfaces.

3. Total cost of ownership

Think about all your costs over time:

• Fuel costs. Cars have the best fuel efficiency. Trucks come next, then vans. But a new truck might have better mpg than an old car — so it very much depends on the model and year you choose.
• Repairs and maintenance. There are two things to consider here. First, bigger vehicles cost more to fix — so choose the smallest vehicle that will serve your needs. Second, the older your vehicle gets, the more repairs you'll need. If you want a cheaper, older vehicle, choose brands that have a good network of repair specialists in your area. 
• Daily costs: Think about parking fees, tolls, and insurance. These add up fast in city areas.

If you plan to grow your business, also think ahead about what you will need in five year’s time. You want to strike a balance between over-investing in a big vehicle now, vs being held back when you want to grow in future.

Finally, consider how easy it will be to sell the vehicle later. Models with high resale value should be near the top of your list.

New vs used delivery vehicles: What to consider

1. Money matters

• Upfront costs: A new delivery vehicle costs about $10,000 more than a used one. While banks offer better interest rates on new vehicles (often 2-3% lower), your monthly payments will usually be higher.
• Running costs: New vehicles offer better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Used vehicles need more repairs — budget at least $2,000 per year for this.
• Value over time: New cars lose 20-30% of their value in the first year alone. Used vehicles lose value more slowly, but still drop over time.

2. Reliability and maintenance

• Warranty coverage: New vehicles come with 3-5 year warranties that cover almost everything except routine maintenance. Used vehicles might have some warranty left, or you can buy extra coverage.
• Repairs and downtime: With a used vehicle, you'll spend more time (and money) at the repair shop. Set aside money for repairs, and have a backup plan for when your vehicle is off the road.
• Latest features: Newer models have better mpg ratings, and added features like backup cameras and smartphone integration. But vehicles just 2-3 years old often have similar tech at a much lower price.

3. Business needs

• Starting out: If you're a new delivery driver, a used car lets you keep more money free for other startup costs.
• Customer image: Some delivery services, especially those serving high-end clients, prefer newer vehicles. But a clean, well-maintained used vehicle works fine for most businesses.

Used vehicles, especially popular models that have a strong aftermarket, can be a cost-effective choice if you’re just starting out. 

💡Pro tip: You can start saving for a delivery vehicle long before you start your business! Reddit user @alex_hiddel suggests: “Start making a car payment. Figure out what your theoretical new vehicle would cost each month, and start putting that amount into a savings account. That will offer you a 0-risk chance to see what life would look like with that payment, and you’re saving towards either a down payment or just buying a car outright at some future date.”

Top 5 cars for delivery drivers

1. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid tops our list as a perfect delivery car. It offers exceptional fuel efficiency, with a range of up to 44 miles in all-electric mode, and a MPGe rating of up to 127. (According to Kelley Blue Book, “a gas-powered car earning 35 miles per gallon is considered to be great. EVs can get 100 MPGe with ease.”).

The Prius works well for both solo drivers and small fleets for several reasons:

• Great mpg saves money on fuel.
• Compact size makes city parking easy.
• Plenty of cargo space with the rear seats down.
• Strong resale value when it's time to upgrade.

There's a reason the Prius is so popular with Lyft and other rideshare drivers, as well as delivery services like Uber Eats, Instacart, and Postmates  — it's practical, reliable, and cheap to run.

The plug-in hybrid costs more upfront than the classic Prius, and you’ll get the best value from it if you have a charging station at home. If not, check out the standard hybrid Prius instead.

2. Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Chevy Bolt EV has had a tumultuous couple of years: Chevrolet said in 2023 it would discontinue production, then changed its mind, and now there’s a new-generation Bolt due to launch sometime in 2025. 

So the future is a little uncertain — but in the meantime there’s a thriving market for used Bolt EVs, and it’s still an excellent choice for full-time delivery drivers. It's an affordable car with an impressive range of up to 259 miles per charge, which means Bolt drivers can complete all their delivery jobs for the day without worrying about frequent charging stops.

The compact size of the vehicle makes it easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces. This makes it a good fit for direct-to-consumer delivery for drivers who are using apps like Doordash, Grubhub and Uber Eats.

Finally, the Bolt EV offers ample cargo space. This makes it suitable for solo drivers and small fleets alike.

A used Bolt can be an especially good value. Pre-2019 models can be found for under $10,000, with the average price sitting around $17,000.  This makes it one of the most affordable ways to start a delivery business with an electric vehicle.

3. Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid, recently named Edmunds Top Rated Car 2025, offers delivery drivers a great mix of efficiency and practicality. With fuel economy ratings of 50 mpg city and 47 mpg highway, it helps keep costs low on long delivery shifts.

The Civic works particularly well for delivery work for a few reasons:

• Strong performance from its 204-hp hybrid engine.
• A spacious interior that fits plenty of packages.
• Advanced safety features like a lane-keeping assist to help on long shifts.
• Built-in navigation and smartphone connections.
• Honda's legendary reliability means less downtime.

Starting at around $30,000, it costs more than some options on our list. But its combination of fuel efficiency, cargo space, and dependability could make it worth the investment for busy delivery drivers.

4. Hyundai Kona Electric

The Kona Electric combines quality and value. It's a smart choice for delivery drivers, costing less than similar vehicles and winning “2025 Best Electric SUV for the Money”. 

Here's why the Kona beats other options (including its bigger sibling, the Sonata):

• More cargo space — up to 63.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.
• Better handling in city traffic, thanks to its compact SUV design.
• Good fuel economy: 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
• A choice of engines lets you pick between power and efficiency.
• Costs less to buy and run than the Sonata.

You can get it with either a standard 2.0L engine (147 hp) or a punchier 1.6L turbo (190 hp). For delivery work, we recommend the 2.0L — it hits the sweet spot between power and fuel efficiency.

The Kona's smaller size might seem like a drawback, but for most delivery drivers, this actually helps. It's easier to park, uses less fuel, and still fits plenty of packages.

5. Golf GTI (gasoline)

The Golf GTI offers an interesting mix of performance and practicality for delivery drivers. With fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, it balances power with reasonable running costs. Some drivers report getting up to 37 mpg on highway routes.

What makes the GTI work for delivery:

• Flexible cargo space — up to 35 cubic feet with seats down.
• Quick and responsive in city traffic.
• Easy to park and maneuver.
• Comfortable for long shifts.
• Modern tech helps with real-time navigation.

While it's not the most fuel-efficient option on our list, the GTI could be right for delivery drivers who want something more fun to drive while still getting their work done efficiently.

Top 5 vans and trucks for deliveries

1. Ford E-Transit and Transit Connect

The Ford Transit is the Swiss Army knife of work vans. Whether you choose the traditional or electric version, there's probably a Transit that fits your needs. Let's look at both models:

The E-Transit cargo van works best if you:

• Make city deliveries under 126 miles per day.
• Have reliable charging at your base.
• Want lower running costs and zero emissions.
• Value quick, quiet acceleration.

The gas or diesel Ford Transit Connect might suit you better if you:

• Drive long routes or irregular hours.
• Need quick refueling.
• Want lower upfront costs.
• Prefer a proven track record.

Both versions offer:

• Three roof heights (low, medium, high)
• Two wheelbase lengths
• Long, regular and extended body lengths
• Up to 487 cubic feet of cargo space
• All-wheel drive options
• Various door configurations
• Advanced safety features

The new Transits also feature a comfortable driver area with features like front and side airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. 

To sum up: For urban deliveries, the E-Transit's silent operation and instant torque make it especially good for stop-and-start traffic. But if you're regularly driving more than 100 miles a day, stick with the traditional Transit Connect.

2. Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is a fully electric cargo van designed to meet the demands of full-time delivery drivers and small fleets. With a range of up to 252 miles per charge (with the larger battery), the eSprinter is well-suited for urban delivery routes. Its big storage space and configuration options allow flexibility. The eSprinter also features advanced driver-assist technologies. This enhances safety and makes it an attractive option for delivery services.

Based on current information, the eSprinter is a better choice for most delivery operations than the ICE Sprinter because:

• Lower fuel and maintenance costs
• Smooth, quiet operation in city traffic
• Most delivery routes are under 150 miles daily
• Government incentives can offset the higher purchase price
• Mercedes is moving all Sprinters to electric by 2030

The ICE Sprinter might work better if you:

• Need to carry very heavy loads (up to 6,812 lbs vs eSprinter's 2,624 lbs)
• Drive in areas without reliable charging
• Can't make the higher upfront investment (starts at $63,545 vs $53,195)

Both versions offer multiple configurations for wheelbase and roof height, plus advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

3. Rivian 

The Rivian Commercial Van (RCV) stands out with its driver-first design — everything from the heated seats to the storage layout was planned with delivery drivers in mind. 

Amazon has also invested heavily in Rivian vans, with over 20,000 vehicles in its US fleet at the beginning of 2025.

The van comes in two models:

• Delivery 500: 487 cubic feet of cargo space, 161-mile range
• Delivery 700: 652 cubic feet of cargo space, 153-mile range

What makes the RCV special:

• Driver-focused cockpit with heated seats and steering wheel.
• Custom shelving options for different delivery needs.
• Fast charging (up to 100 kW).
• Smart safety features like 360-degree cameras.
• Easy access with automated doors.

Starting at $83,000, it's one of the pricier options on our list. But its combination of smart design, decent range, and driver comfort could make it worth the investment for delivery fleets ready to go electric. 

4. Ram ProMaster City

The Ram ProMaster City is a versatile and efficient choice for solo delivery driving. Its compact size allows for easy navigation in city traffic, and it boasts decent fuel economy - averaging 24.7 MPG, with some drivers reporting up to 29.9 MPG.

What makes the ProMaster work for delivery:

• Can drive 386 miles before refueling
• Easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces
• Practical cargo space for most urban deliveries
• Starts at around $30,500 - less than bigger vans
• Customizable to fit different delivery needs

However, delivery drivers should note some concerns: Recent reports suggest limited production availability for new ProMasters, and some drivers report transmission issues around 40,000 miles. While the ProMaster City can work well for last-mile deliveries and solo drivers, those planning to put on high mileage might want to consider alternatives like the Ford Transit, which current ProMaster owners say has better build quality and parts availability.

5. Chevrolet Express: The reliable American work van

The Chevy Express has earned its spot as a trusted name in work vans by keeping things simple and dependable.

While newer cargo vans might look fancier and offer more configurations, the Express wins over business owners with its solid build and easy-to-find parts. It's perfect for companies that need a tough, no-nonsense van that can handle heavy-duty jobs without costing too much.

Size and space:

• Cargo capacity of up to 284 cubic feet.
• Carries up to 4,280 lbs.
• Choose from two lengths: a standard 135-inch wheelbase and an extended 155-inch wheelbase.

Key features:

• Choice of V6 or V8 engines.
• Built tough.
• Strong frame design.

Business benefits:

• Costs less up front.
• Easy to find service.
• Parts are everywhere.
• Proven durability.

If you're in the business of delivering express cargo, then a mid-size van probably offers the best compromise between size, speed and flexibility.

Cars, trucks, and vans for delivery drivers in Europe

European drivers need vehicles that offer efficiency and reliability, along with the ability to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spaces. Here’s our selection of vehicles that fit the unique demands of the European market, updated for 2025:

Best cars for delivery in Europe

1. Renault 5: Named Car of the Year for 2025, this new electric vehicle edges out the older Renault Zoe. It’s one of the most affordable electric vehicles in its class.  With a range of up to 400km, it can also charge from 20-80% in 30 minutes. It’s compact for getting around tight city spaces, with cargo space of up to 959l when the rear seats are folded down. 
2. Toyota Prius: Still a great choice! A reliable workhorse that is environmentally friendly, has a spacious hatchback design and is built for the urban environment.
3. Volkswagen Golf TDI (diesel). The Golf remains a practical choice for European delivery drivers in 2025, especially in its diesel version. The TDI engine combines excellent fuel economy with long range between fill-ups - perfect for high-mileage delivery work. Its hatchback design offers good cargo space, while the latest diesel engine runs smoother and quieter than older versions. If you're doing mostly city deliveries, consider the plug-in hybrid GTE version instead, which offers 30 miles of electric-only range.

Best trucks and vans for delivery in Europe

1. Renault:  The Kangoo is still a massively popular option: A fully electric commercial van with a spacious cargo area and various configuration options. It’s perfect for diverse delivery needs, and there are many second-hand options. If you want the latest model, the new Master was named 2025 Van of the Year!
2. Mercedes-Benz eSprinter: The EU version is slightly smaller than the US version, designed for urban delivery routes. This one remains a strong contender.
3. Ford Transit Custom: Ford has expanded its range to include the new electric E-Transit Custom, but the diesel van is still versatile and reliable. It has several configurations, with a cargo capacity up to 3.6 cubic metres.

Conclusion

Choosing the right delivery vehicle is a critical investment that directly impacts your business success. Consider your specific needs - urban vs. rural routes, cargo requirements, and daily mileage. While electric vehicles are ideal for urban deliveries, diesel options remain strong for long distances and heavy loads. Factor in total ownership costs and local regulations that might affect your vehicle's long-term viability.

Before making your choice:

• Test drive vehicles in your target category
• Calculate expected operating costs
• Research local regulations
• Consider your business's future growth needs

Remember: the best vehicle combined with smart route optimization will maximize your delivery efficiency and profitability. Choose wisely, and your vehicle will become a valuable asset in growing your delivery business.

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