Why Delivery Driving is Gaining Popularity
One of the primary reasons many individuals in the U.S. and across the globe are shifting away from traditional office roles in favor of delivery driving is the thrill and independence associated with the job. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, the range of options for the ideal delivery vehicle is extensive. However, it’s crucial to note that not every type of car or truck is suitable for delivery work.
Investing in a new or pre-owned vehicle for delivery purposes is a significant commitment, as it serves as the essential tool that keeps your income flowing. This is especially true if you’re using it as a food delivery car for a side hustle, a common practice among many. Should you opt for a spacious truck or a compact, fuel-efficient hatchback? The variety of choices can indeed be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about selecting the best car for delivery work.
Table of Contents
- 1. Chevy Bolt EV
- 2. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 3. Toyota Prius
- 4. Cargo Vans
- 5. Light-Duty Trucks
- 6. Volkswagen Golf and Jetta Sportwagen
- 7. Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus
1. Chevy Bolt EV
For delivery professionals, fuel efficiency is a significant advantage over larger box trucks. If purchasing a bigger vehicle isn’t financially feasible, it becomes even more critical to prioritize efficiency over extensive cargo capacity. The Chevy Bolt EV stands out in this regard, being a fully electric vehicle that offers top-tier efficiency in the industry.
This model provides an impressive estimated range of 240 miles on a full charge. While this may not be adequate for long-haul or cross-city routes, it typically exceeds the requirements for last-mile deliveries or local neighborhood runs. There’s a strong availability of used Chevy Bolt EVs, both online and at dealerships, often priced below $16,000.
2. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
If you live in a densely populated area where delivery distances are relatively short, electric vehicles are an excellent choice. However, for those whose daily driving exceeds 200 miles, hybrids become a more practical and efficient option. Among hybrid models, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is particularly notable for its blend of spacious trunk capacity and impressive fuel economy.
This vehicle delivers approximately 36 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 mpg on highways, with new models achieving even higher efficiency. On average, a Sonata Hybrid can be found listed for around $15,000 in online marketplaces, making it a competitive option in the hybrid vehicle market.
3. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is widely regarded as the top choice for delivery drivers in the U.S. and is one of the most recognizable four-door hatchbacks on the market. With the Prius, delivery workers benefit from an excellent combination of superior fuel economy and ample cargo capacity.
This 4-cylinder, 1.8-liter sedan is known for its durability, with many owners reporting that their Prius models exceed 200,000 miles without significant repairs. Toyota vehicles are celebrated for their longevity and reliability, often achieving around 50 miles per gallon in city driving. With the growing network of charging stations, drivers need not worry about losing charge on the road.
Additionally, consider exploring other options in the Toyota Prius lineup, including:
- The standard Prius liftback models
- The compact Prius C, inspired by the Yaris, ideal for lighter loads
- The more spacious Prius V
4. Cargo Vans
For those delivery drivers who need more space than a standard five-door car offers, a mid-sized cargo van like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or the Ford Transit Connect may be the best option. Cargo vans typically come equipped with both side and rear doors, facilitating easier access to medium- to large-sized packages.
Smaller vans, such as the Ford Transit Connect, excel at navigating narrow streets or crowded urban settings, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is designed for multiple delivery stops. However, it’s worth noting that upgrading to a cargo van may sacrifice some fuel efficiency. These vehicles can be more challenging to park and may require more physical effort due to frequent bending and lifting. Nevertheless, if you regularly handle bulky loads and feel comfortable behind the wheel, cargo vans are certainly a practical choice.
5. Light-Duty Trucks
Light-duty trucks, often referred to as midsize or two-ton trucks, provide an excellent alternative to cargo vans or SUVs. Models such as the Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado are all strong contenders in this category. These trucks offer good fuel economy for their weight, averaging around 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway.
One advantage of using a light-duty truck is the extended bed length, which typically ranges from 5 to 7 feet, surpassing what most midsize vans can accommodate. The open truck bed design facilitates the transportation of bulkier or oddly-shaped items, making light-duty trucks especially practical for retail deliveries.
6. Volkswagen Golf and Jetta Sportwagen
In 2015, when Volkswagen’s plan to introduce a new diesel lineup fell through, many assumed their older Golf and Jetta diesel models would fade from the market. However, the opposite has occurred; many delivery drivers still find affordable VW diesel hatchbacks available nationwide.
Diesel cars can be excellent choices for delivery due to their longevity and often lower prices compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. While you might sacrifice a bit of fuel efficiency—typically 2 to 5 mpg less for both city and highway driving—the durability and spacious trunk make these vehicles ideal for transporting heavier loads.
7. Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus
Concluding our list of recommended delivery vehicles are the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus, two hatchbacks that stand out in the market. These models are widely recognized for good reason: they offer ample trunk space, perform exceptionally well in urban settings, and achieve impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 31 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Much like the other hatchback options discussed, Ford’s models strike a commendable balance between fuel economy and cargo capacity. Furthermore, the Fiesta and Focus are also excellent choices if your cargo consists of people, thanks to their high ratings for comfortable interiors.
Whether you’re in search of a speedy, fuel-efficient delivery sedan, a light-duty truck, or a functional cargo van, the array of options can be daunting. This guide aims to provide clarity and assist you in determining which makes and models qualify as the best cars for delivery, tailored to your specific needs. With a competitive market for delivery sedans, finding a pre-owned vehicle from this list with fewer than 35,000 miles for around $15,000 is well within reach. All that remains is to choose the model that aligns with your budget and the type of cargo you plan to transport.