Truck Topics

What’s New in Cargo Vans for Expediters in 2021

If you run cargo vans for your expedite business, you’ll want to stay on top of any developments that could impact your vehicle purchase decisions. This way, you gain insight into whether you should pull ahead a purchase sooner than you planned, hold off for now, or try a different van make or model than you currently own.

So, as you evaluate your options, here are the highlights of what’s new in cargo vans for 2021.

Ford Transit
An electronic parking brake replaces the manual parking brake on the floor by the driver’s seat in all Transit vans up to 9,500 pounds GVWR. This change widens the aisle clearance between the front seats by 50%. An optional center console with a right-side shifter further improves aisle clearance and offers more than seven inches of additional driver legroom. The overhead shelf is now optional, providing more headroom when standing.

The new Parcel Delivery Package adds 50/50 hinged rear doors with a wider 253-degree opening and full interior lighting to improve visibility for early morning and late evening deliveries. The package also includes driver and passenger seats without armrests to allow easier access to the cargo area.

Dual-rear-wheel Transit cargo van models now offer a new maximum GVWR of 11,000 lbs. You can choose from the standard 3.5-liter PFDi V6 and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gas engine, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Also standard is an embedded FordPass Connect modem with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and connectivity for up to 10 devices.

Mercedes Sprinter
Mercedes-Benz Vans introduced the new 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder diesel engine for Sprinter, which produces 161 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission - to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and generate high torque at low speeds.

Standard features for the 4-cylinder diesel Sprinter include Mercedes PRO connect digital fleet solutions, keyless start, brake-hold functionality and charging capabilities with two USB-C sockets in the dashboard.

RAM Promaster
New for 2021 is Crosswind Assist, which is now standard on RAM Promaster, to ensure vehicle stability in windy conditions. Other new safety options include Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection and Forward Collision Warning with Emergency Brake Assist. And a digital rearview mirror is now available to replace the traditional rearview mirror with a 9.2-in.-wide LCD monitor.

Chevrolet Express/ GMC Savana
For 2021, GM’s Express/ Savana cargo van configurations are now available with a new 6.6L V-8 gas engine, replacing the 6.0L. The new engine is rated at 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, boosting horsepower by 17 percent and peak torque by 24 percent.

According to GM, about 70 percent of current Express owners opted for the 6.0L V-8 option, and the company expects a similar ownership percentage with the new 6.6L engine.