Compare Vans For Van Life: Comparison Charts, Images, Key Information

The best vans for van life offer the most freedom, and when you choose a CDJR model like the Ram ProMaster EV, your driving capabilities open wide. Cars are a great fuel-efficient way to get around town, and SUVs offer great maximum cargo space, but a well-equipped van can maximize your daily life and weekend fun in ways you never thought possible – especially when you choose one with an electrified powertrain.

If traditional vehicles don't offer the flexibility you need, consider converting to a van lifestyle. You might never look back! When you're on the hunt for an all-encompassing option that can transport your family and friends, help you explore the great outdoors, or enjoy long road trips and staycations, you may just love a well-equipped van from South Shore CDJR.

Are you ready to find your best van for van life and start living the dream? Take a stroll through the specs and features of each model, or skip to the bottom of the page for gas- and electric-model comparison charts!

Ram ProMaster & Ram ProMaster EV

The Ram ProMaster series has long been hailed as a camper base vehicle throughout Europe and the United States. Three cargo height options and four cargo bed lengths highlight the Ram ProMaster series, not to mention cargo- and window-panel options and a long list of upfit accessories, giving you the flexibility you need to make custom van conversions that fit your lifestyle.

2024 Ram ProMaster

Meet the 2024 Ram ProMaster, one of the best vans for van conversion because of its flexible interior. Choose the available Crew Van Package for six convenient passenger seats, or remove the rear benches for overnight adventures! The new Ram ProMaster has the tallest and widest cargo space in its class,¹ with its Super High Roof Van option providing a stunning 86 inches of cargo height. That's enough space for any adult to stand at full height!

Imagine packing up and relaxing for a long weekend at a local campground, knowing your massive van interior can accommodate cooking equipment, a mattress, and genuine ProMaster LED cargo lighting to illuminate even the darkest nights. You could navigate to your favorite scenic spot with the standard Uconnect 5 touch screen and power up devices with dual smartphone wireless connectivity. Once you arrive and settle in for the night, create a calming cabin ambiance with wireless Apple CarPlay® and fall asleep beneath the stars.

The class-exclusive front-wheel drive reduces maintenance costs, and the standard 276-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine can tow up to 6,910 pounds.² Peruse the multiple ProMaster 1500, 2500, and 3500 models in our new Ram ProMaster inventory to start enjoying stress-free outdoor adventures.

2024 Ram ProMaster EV

Spicing up the ProMaster lineup is the all-new 2024 Ram ProMaster EV. This electrified model is undoubtedly one of the best electric vans for van life because of its EPA-estimated 162 miles³ of city driving range. This EV still maintains a muscular towing capacity and a payload of up to 3,020 pounds, so you aren't losing much strength. In fact, the only thing you'll be losing is tailpipe emissions and trips to the gas station!

Slated to hit dealerships later this year at the time of this writing, the new Ram ProMaster EV is a near-identical match to the European FIAT E-Ducato, yet it carries a larger battery. This 2024 van is powered by a 400-volt G1200 – the most powerful electric motor in its class⁴ – and generates 268 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. This van is equipped with regenerative braking to recycle battery power, and the heavy-duty suspension offers a smooth ride no matter the road conditions.

The 2024 ProMaster EV is also easy to charge with its Charging Station Locator and EV Dynamic Trip Prediction functions. You'll find more than 64,000 Level 3 public charging stations nationwide, and once you plug in, your van can power up in less than an hour.⁵ Campgrounds across the country are also adding Level 2 charging stations to their list of amenities, so take in the views at the Meadowbrook, NY, site while you recharge your van overnight.

Last but certainly not least, the luxurious Ram ProMaster EV cabin sports high-end features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, an Alexa In-Vehicle Assistant, and a digital rearview mirror. With two roof heights, two cargo lengths, and two body styles to choose from, you can gain up to 524 cubic feet of cargo volume⁶ to use however you see fit. The standard pocket door makes entry and exit a breeze, and because there's no cargo partition to complicate van conversions, the ProMaster EV trims are top-notch electric vans for van life.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van & the eSprinter from Mercedes-Benz

Interested in leveling up your van life game with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van conversion? This luxury model hauls cargo, stows gear, and is capable of intensely sophisticated uplifts, so if you can dream it, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can handle it. Most models offer two wheelbase lengths and standard or high roof options, so your van conversion options are quite versatile.

2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans

The Mercedes-Benz name carries a legacy of style and class, and this 2024 van continues that tradition. You can choose from four configurations to meet your passenger and cargo carrying needs: Cargo Van, Crew Van, Passenger Van, or Cab Chassis. The Cargo Van holds two to three passengers, while the Passenger Van can hold 12 to 15. While you could keep all seats in place and transport 12 or 15 passengers, you could also convert the cargo area to a lush living room with vinyl plank flooring, side-turned seats that face one another, and end tables for beverages and phone charging.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van's AWD system offers enhanced steering and maneuverability while maintaining the same ground clearance as its previous 4x4 system. Torque on-demand splits power evenly between the axles, and the innovative 9G-TRONIC transmission offers quick shifting and a quiet engine. Cargo, Passenger, and Crew Van models are equipped with four-cylinder diesel engines that increase output and payload as you move through the lineup.

Stunning exterior paint colors aside, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cabin is brimming with technology that's perfect for long road trips or entertaining guests in your converted cargo hold. An MBUX Multimedia System wirelessly plays your favorite media while optional wireless charging and navigation keep you connected. Use the "Hey Mercedes" keyword to activate your MBUX and comfortably drive with cushy leather armrests.

2024 eSprinter from Mercedes-Benz

Some automakers just know how to deliver what customers want, and the Mercedes-Benz brand delivers in more ways than one. Yes, its starting MSRP is higher than some of the other models in this comparison, but its high-end interior and EPA-estimated electric range of up to 248 miles⁷ more than justify the additional cost.

The new eSprinter from Mercedes-Benz saves time and money with its 113-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery and multiple levels of regenerative braking. The eSprinter from Mercedes-Benz does have a slightly lower tow rating at 4,100 pounds,⁸ but if you don't need to attach a trailer to make your van conversion dreams come true, then this van's luxe cabin amenities are what truly matter.

Through their ExpertSOLUTIONS upfit program, you can also convert your van in a simple, straightforward process that tailors your model to your needs. Plan to transform your eSprinter from Mercedes-Benz into a road trip-worthy van? You'll be pleasantly surprised to find the cabin outfitted with electric adjustable seats, wireless phone charging, and Remote EV Services that include cabin preconditioning. You'll also gain a long list of driver-assist features to keep you comfortable on long road trips, including Cruise Control, Rescue Assist, and Crosswind Assist.

Ford Transit & E-Transit

The Ford Motor Company produces some of the toughest workhorses on the market. If you're a plumber, electrician, painter, or delivery service operator and your van conversion dreams include creating a mobile workstation, the new Ford Transit and E-Transit vans could be fantastic solutions.

2024 Ford Transit

The new Ford Transit cargo area is ideally suited for a mobile office uplift, putting this van in the running for the best vans for van life – even if your van life includes running your own small business. The Transit van offers low, medium, or high roof heights and incredible seating for up to 15, but removing the third and fourth rows opens up the space and allows you to create a functional workstation. Bolt a bookcase with drawer storage, hooks for power cables, and even a compact desk, and you're ready for the job.

The 2024 Transit van is available in three iterations: the Cargo Van, a Passenger Van XL, and a Passenger Van XLT. These are all equipped with FordPass Connect, a Safety Canopy System, and optional Intelligent AWD. The glove box locks for the safekeeping of small valuables while you work, and three 12-volt outlets (including one in the rear) can power up small tools and equipment.

The primary difference between the Ford Transit XL and XLT models is their engines: While the XL carries a 3.5-liter PFDi V-6 with 260 pound-feet of torque, the XLT is fitted with a more muscular 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that generates a massive 400 pound-feet of torque with its dual turbochargers.

2023 Ford E-Transit

Today, we're exploring the benefits of a 2023 Ford E-Transit conversion, but if you're intrigued by the upcoming 2024 model, we'll receive these at our dealership soon. The 2024 E-Transit is slated to provide an enhanced-range battery with an EPA-estimated overall range of 159 miles.⁹

The 2023 E-Transit edition has incredible value, offering three roof heights, three body lengths, and three body styles: Chassis, Cutaway, and Cargo. Boasting 40% fewer scheduled maintenance costs¹⁰ and zero tailpipe emissions, the 2023 Ford E-Transit delivers an EPA-estimated electric range of up to 126 miles.⁹

If your small business is contracting, building, landscaping, or anything in between, the 2023 Ford E-Transit gives you the cargo space to build on-the-job storage for tools and supply boxes so you can arrive at every job organized and ready to go. The available Pro Power Onboard system generates enough charge to power tools and equipment without an inverter. A 12-inch SYNC 4 screen comes standard, so you can navigate to your work site with ease, and enhanced voice recognition gives you hands-free access to media and music.

Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana

Are you an outdoor concert enthusiast and crave the ability to drive up, camp out, and enjoy the music all from the comfort of your converted van? With their expanded cargo space, uplift-ready floors, and very accessible price points, the Chevy Express and GMC Savana might just be the perfect choices.

2024 Chevy Express

Before we dive into the cabin amenities of the new Chevy Express, let's daydream about its cargo capabilities in its Passenger configuration: Imagine putting its 218.5 cubic feet of rear storage space to optimum use by installing bunk beds, cabinetry, and even a working sink. Yes, this retrofitting will take effort, but the result could be your very own tiny apartment that lets you travel cross-country to your favorite music venues, festivals, or events!

Aside from the Passenger configuration, the 2024 Chevy Express is also available as a Cargo van. The Chevy Express can generate up to 464 pound-feet of max torque in the Passenger model and offers two powerful engine choices: The Express 2500 and 3500 house a 4.3-liter V-6, while Express 2500 Passenger and 3500 Passenger variants elevate your engine power with an available 6.6-liter V-8. While towing specs for the standard engine are unlisted, the available V-8 upgrade can tow up to 9,600 pounds.¹¹

With seating for up to 15, the Chevy Express Passenger van has high upfit capabilities. Rear swing-out doors and hinged cargo doors come standard, but you can add a sliding side cargo door for easier access.

2024 GMC Savana

Work smarter, not harder, in a 2024 GMC Savana cargo van. Passenger-side doors are available in swing-out 60/40 split or sliding side variations for maximum loading ease, and solar-ray tinted glass windows and an optional security screen help protect valuable work equipment from theft. Available in 2500 and 3500 models and with regular or extended wheelbases, the GMC Savana is an excellent option for contractors looking to make the change to a van lifestyle.

The 2500 model with an extended wheelbase comes with black rubberized vinyl flooring and six D-ring tie-downs in its 283.6 cubic-foot cargo area, so you're already well on your way to customizing it for your work needs. The standard 4.3-liter V-6 engine (the same one you'll find in the Chevy Express) provides 298 pound-feet of torque, but fit this van with the available 6.6-liter V-8, and the torque gets a boost to 464 pound-feet. The Tow/Haul driving mode helps you pull up to 7,400 pounds,¹¹ giving the Savana van the highest towing capacity in this comparison – and it also has an accessible MSRP.

Conversion Van Comparison Chart

	2024 Ram ProMaster 1500	2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo 2500	2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van XL	2024 Chevy Express Passenger	2024 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van
Base Model MSRP	$44,960¹²	$49,900¹³	$53,620¹⁴	$44,900¹⁶	$40,700¹⁷
Max Exterior Length/Width/Height	195.4 / 80.3 / 91.7 in	234 / 92 (w/ mirrors) / 100 in	237.6 / 81.3 (w/o mirrors) / 82.4 in	223.95 / 79.25 / 84.5 in	244.05 / 79.25 / 84.25 in
Interior Cargo Capacity	259 cu ft	319 cu ft	256.4 cu ft	218.5 cu ft	283.6 cu ft
Base Model Engine	3.6L V-6	2.0L 4-Cyl Diesel Standard Output	3.5L PFDi V-6	6.6L V-8	4.3L V-6
Drivetrain	FWD	RWD	RWD / DRW	RWD	RWD
Max Towing Capacity	6,910 lbs²	5,000 lbs⁸	4,500 lbs¹⁵	9,600 lbs¹¹	7,400 lbs¹¹

Electric Van Comparison Chart

	2024 Ram ProMaster EV	2024 eSprinter from Mercedes-Benz	2023 Ford E-Transit Cargo Van
Base Model MSRP	$86,995¹²	$71,886¹³	$51,495¹⁴
Max Exterior Length/Width/Height	250.6 / 80.3 / Unavailable	274 / Unavailable / 107.1 in	219.9 / 81.3 (w/o mirrors) / 82.2 in
Max Interior Cargo Capacity	524 cu ft⁶	488.1 cu ft	487.3 cu ft
EPA-Est. Electric Range	162 mi³	248 mi⁷	126 mi⁹
Base Model Engine	400V G1200 Electric w/ 110-kWh Battery	Electric w/ 113-kWh Battery	Electric w/ 68-kWh Battery
Drivetrain	FWD	RWD	RWD
Max Towing Capacity	6,410 lbs²	4,100 lbs⁸	Unavailable

Find the Best Vans for Van Life at South Shore CDJR

Trust South Shore CDJR for all your van conversion needs. We're here to help you with any gas-powered or electric van conversions, including the highly popular 2024 Ram ProMaster EV.

Our team works hard to deliver the best possible financing and lease terms, including Ram ProMaster special offers, and we would love to bounce ideas back and forth to help you create a custom conversion plan for your van's cargo hold!

If a van just doesn't seem like the right fit, expand your options with other exciting models like these Jeep vehicles with a third row. No matter your style, preferences, and budget, we're certain we can find the van or vehicle you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which van is best for van life?

The best vans for van life are the makes and models that offer the features you want at the price you need. The GMC Savana has a very accessible MSRP and a large cargo area, while the 2024 Ram ProMaster EV offers an all-electric driving range and a 6,410-pound towing capacity.² Find your best-fit van at our dealership and start enjoying the van lifestyle!

What is the most common van to convert?

DIY and professional converters tend to choose highly reliable models like the Ram ProMaster, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Fort Transit to convert for personal or work use. However, with the introduction of electric vans like the Ram ProMaster EV to the market, we expect to see owners upfitting these energy-efficient battery-powered models just as frequently. Explore all your options at South Shore CDJR!

What type of vans are used for van life?

Passenger and Cargo vans are most often used for van life because they offer the largest cargo volume while still providing high-end cabin amenities and safety features. For example, the 2024 Ram ProMaster offers up to 86 inches of cargo height with its Super High Roof, the tallest in its class,¹ and gives drivers standard access to the automaker's signature Uconnect 5 system for navigation.

Explore More CDJR Research

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¹Class is based on large commercial van segment (Class 2). Based upon the latest available current competitive information.

²When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

³EPA estimate. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

⁴Based on FCA US LLC All-Electric Large Van (Class 2b) segment. Based upon the latest available current competitive information.

⁵Charging times may vary and are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and the overall condition of the vehicle. For precise information on charging times for a specific vehicle model, please contact our dealership.

⁶This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ram-introduces-all-new-promaster-electric-van-302035067.html#:~:text=Ram%20today%20introduced%20the%20new,industry%27s%20best%20options%20to%20market

⁷EPA estimated driving range with a fully charged battery. Driving range may vary based on model, terrain, temperature, driving style, optional equipment, use of vehicle features, and other factors.

⁸With optional trailer hitch. Read Operator's Manual before towing. In some states, aftermarket trailer brakes are required. See dealer for details.

⁹Based on full charge. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, driving behaviors, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and state of health.

¹⁰Scheduled maintenance costs based on recommended service schedule as published in the Owner's Manual. Analysis reflects Ford Motor Company's standard method for calculating scheduled maintenance cost and reflects data available in 2019 and 2020.

¹¹Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.

¹²MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

¹³Starting price is MSRP, or Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, license, tag, preparation and documentary service fees, insurance charges, and Dealer add-on products, accessories and associated labor and installation charges. MSRP for a base model prior to customer build also excludes charges for optional equipment, products, packages, and accessories. Actual vehicle price and availability may vary by Dealer and should be confirmed with the dealer selected by customer.

¹⁴MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. All Mustang Shelby GT350® and Shelby® GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.

¹⁵Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.

¹⁶The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges.

¹⁷The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. See your GMC dealer for details. Click here to see all GMC destination freight charges.