Medium and Small Refrigerated Vans: Your Guide to the Best Options

If you’re searching for a medium or small refrigerated van, you’re likely trying to decide which one is the best fit for your needs. Whether you’re in the food industry, pharmaceutical sector, or any business requiring temperature-controlled transportation, choosing the right van is crucial for your operations.

 

 

What Are Medium and Small Refrigerated Vans?

Medium and small refrigerated vans are specialised vehicles equipped with refrigeration units designed to maintain a specific temperature range within the cargo area. 

These vans are essential for transporting perishable goods, such as food, beverages, flowers, and medical supplies, ensuring they remain fresh and safe during transit. 

Their compact size makes them ideal for businesses that require flexibility, easy manoeuvrability, and efficiency in urban and suburban settings.

 

The 5 Best Medium and Small Refrigerated Vans

In this section, we’ll explore the top five medium and small refrigerated vans available in the market, detailing their features, advantages, and the types of businesses that would benefit from them.

 

Toyota Hiace Refrigerated Van

The Toyota HiAce is a reliable workhorse with a reputation for longevity and excellent resale value. Built with a semi-bonnet design for improved safety and driver comfort, this van is a favourite in Australia’s light commercial segment.

Redefined exterior and easy access: The semi-bonnet design improves safety and driver comfort, while the lower, wider front doorstep allows for easy entry and exit.

Spacious cargo area: The Hiace LWB van offers 6.2 cubic metres of cargo space, while the SLWB variant provides 9.3 cubic metres, making it suitable for businesses that need to transport large quantities of goods.

Powerful and efficient: The 2.8L turbo diesel engine delivers a smooth, powerful performance with 7.4L/100km fuel consumption (combined, LWB Van Turbo Diesel Manual). It also boasts a braked towing capacity of 1,900 kg, 130 kW of max power, and 450 Nm of max torque, ensuring it can handle demanding tasks.

Advanced safety features: The Hiace is equipped with a Pre-Collision Safety system, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Departure Alert, providing peace of mind on the road.

Ideal for: Businesses in the food delivery, catering, and logistics sectors that require a reliable and spacious van with a high resale value.

 

 

Hyundai iLoad Refrigerated Van

Powerful engine options: The Hyundai iLoad is powered by a turbo-diesel engine, available in two variants: 2.5 CRDi Manual and 2.5 CRDi Automatic. With a maximum power of 125 kW and maximum torque of 441 Nm, it delivers robust performance for demanding tasks.

Ample cargo space: The iLoad offers a cargo length of 2375 mm, width of 1620 mm, and height of 1340 mm, with a total cargo area of 4426 litres, making it suitable for transporting bulky items.

Advanced safety and comfort features: The iLoad comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Traction Control System (TCS). It also features cruise control (on automatic variants), tilt and telescopic steering column, and a well-equipped cab that makes it comfortable and easy to drive.

Versatile and practical: Based on the i800 people carrier, the iLoad is available as a crew van, making it adaptable for both passengers and parcels.

Ideal for: Small businesses that need a versatile van capable of handling both cargo and passengers, such as florists, small catering businesses, and local delivery services.

 

Ford Transit Custom Refrigerated Van

Designed for multitasking: The Ford Transit Custom is perfect for drivers who need their van to function as a mobile office. The flexible front passenger seat and steering wheel can be adjusted to create a practical workspace for daily tasks.

Last-mile delivery assistant: The Delivery Assistance System, integrated with a 13” touchscreen, optimizes tasks during each delivery, saving time and increasing efficiency. The system can be customised to meet your business needs, from parking brakes to engine shutdown and window closure.

Multiple body styles: Depending on your business requirements, you can choose from the Van, Double Cab-in-Van (DCiV), MultiCab, or Kombi body styles. The Van seats three passengers in the front, while the DCiV accommodates up to six people with a spacious second row. The MultiCab and Kombi offer 5 and 9 seats, respectively, with varying cargo lengths.

Dual-zone climate control: The Transit Custom’s DEATC system automatically maintains your preferred air temperature, humidity, and airflow levels, ensuring comfort for you and your passengers.

Driving modes for every need: The Transit Custom offers six driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Tow, and Trail) to adapt the vehicle’s performance to different conditions, ensuring optimal driving efficiency.

Engine options:

• All-Electric: Offers up to 327 km of electric driving range, with a maximum towing capacity of 2.3 tonnes and fast charging capabilities.
• Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): Features a 2.5L petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid battery, offering up to 57 km of electric-only driving range and 2.3 tonnes of towing capacity.
• EcoBlue Diesel: Powered by a 2.0L diesel engine, available with manual or automatic transmission, offering up to 2.8 tonnes of towing capacity.
• Ideal for: Businesses involved in last-mile delivery, mobile services, and those looking for a versatile van with multiple configuration options, such as courier companies, service providers, and construction businesses.

 

Mercedes-Benz Vito Refrigerated Van

Engine performance: The Vito is powered by a 1.95L 4-cylinder engine, compliant with Euro VI standards, delivering 134 Hp, making it a powerful yet efficient option for various business needs.

Safety first: The Vito is equipped with an Adaptive ESP® Stability Program, ensuring control in risky situations. The van also features Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control, and Attention Assist, which detects fatigue and alerts the driver to take a break, enhancing safety during long trips.

Convenient dimensions: With a total length of 5370 mm, a height of 1926 mm, and a cargo volume of 6.6 cubic metres, the Vito offers ample space for various types of cargo, making it an ideal choice for businesses that require both space and mobility.

Hill Start Assist: This system prevents the van from rolling backward on slopes, providing added safety and ease of driving in hilly areas.

Ideal for: Businesses that prioritize safety and reliability, such as pharmaceutical companies, florists, and food delivery services that need to maintain high standards during transportation.

 

 

Renault Trafic Refrigerated Van

Designed for comfort: The Renault Trafic offers adjustable seats and a steering wheel, multiple storage compartments, and a variety of equipment to ensure optimal comfort for the driver.

New and improved engine: The Trafic features a new 2.0L turbo diesel engine that complies with Euro 6 standards. This engine is designed for both city driving and long-distance travel, with fuel savings of up to 10% thanks to Eco mode and auto start-stop functionality.

Spacious cargo area: With a cargo volume of 6.0 cubic metres and a maximum cargo length of 2639 mm, the Trafic provides ample space for transporting a wide range of goods.

Enhanced stability and traction: The Trafic is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS), ensuring safe and stable driving under various conditions.

Ideal for: Businesses that require a reliable and efficient van for urban and long-distance transportation, such as catering companies, and retail businesses.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right medium or small refrigerated van is essential for your business’s success. Each of these top five vans offers unique features and benefits that cater to different business needs. Whether you prioritize safety, versatility, or comfort, there’s a van on this list that’s perfect for you.

Ready to make a decision? Visit Tranzfreeze to explore these options and find the perfect refrigerated van for your business needs.