Nissan NV200 Price: $22,215 - $23,115

Cargo vans aren’t usually regarded as exciting vehicles, but to the hard-working men and women of America, a well-designed van can be critical. The NV200 is more nimble and thrifty than larger full-size vans, yet it offers a 1500-pound payload capacity, seating for two in carlike surroundings, and a 131-hp, 2.0-liter four with a continuously variable transmission. It’s available in taxicab livery as well, with rear seating, a partition, and side windows. Modern workers deserve a modern choice.

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Chevrolet City Express Price: $23,400 - $24,510

Lurking behind the bow tie on the grille is a Nissan NV200, but that’s not all bad. It’s a bow tie, not a black tie, since the City Express is a cargo carrier. The Chevy has a 1500-pound payload and shares the NV200’s unitized body, 131-hp 2.0-liter four, continuously variable automatic transmission, and 123 cubic feet of cargo space. What does Chevrolet bring to the table? A five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, two years/24,000 miles of free maintenance, and a 3200-dealer sales network.

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Mercedes-Benz Metris Price: $26,990 - $33,895

Slotted between its full-size sibling, the Sprinter, and smaller vans like the Ford Transit Connect, the Metris offers relatively nimble dimensions with the cargo-carrying ability of larger vans. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 208 hp with a seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive; the interior can be configured to carry cargo or passengers (seven standard or eight optionally). There’s plenty of tech, too, including Crosswind Assist and load-adaptive stability control.

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Ford Transit Connect Price: $24,005 - $31,320

Focused on utility and economy, this van is available in two wheelbases with seats for up to seven in three rows. There’s more than 100 cubic feet of cargo room; when properly equipped it has a payload of 1620 pounds and can tow 2000 pounds. The base engine is a 169-hp 2.5-liter four; a 178-hp 1.6-liter turbo four is optional. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are standard. With minimal extra power and minimal added fuel economy, we feel the 1.6-liter is not worth the extra cost.

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Toyota Tacoma Price: $25,280 - $43,920

The Tacoma’s ruggedly handsome looks and available off-road gear almost redeem its tight interior and so-so fuel economy. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder making 180 lb-ft of torque is standard and pairs with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic; a 3.5-liter V-6 (265 lb-ft) is optional and mates to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. When properly equipped, the V-6 can tow 6800 lb. For serious adventurers, a TRD Pro trim adds a bevy of appearance upgrades and a heavy-duty suspension.

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