Vans are now more practical, comfortable, and safer than ever before and there are a vast range to pick from. Options include small vans for the city, medium-size vans for larger loads, and enormous vans that have a staggering capacity. We've picked out our favourites in the quick quide.
Ford: small van
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Transit Courier Van |
| Version | Leader 1.5 litre Duratorq TDCi 75PS 6-Speed Manual |
| Cargo capacity | 2.4m³ |
| Payload | 535.9kg |
| Special skill | Low cost workhorse |
| Price | £21,916.64 including VAT |
The Ford Transit is cheap to buy and run. It averages 56.5mpg which minimises expense at the pump. It has low emissions too, so it gets into the London Ultra Low Emission Zone and other Clean Air Zones around the country for free. You can check the ULEX and CAZ status of any vehicle you won here. This workhose also has a fairly basic equipment specification, so there is less to go wrong than in a complicated van. that could save you a small fortune once the warranty expires.
Renault: small van
| Make | Renault |
| Model | Zoe Van E-Tech Electric |
| Version | Business R110 E-Tech 50 |
| Cargo capacity | 1.0m³ |
| Payload | 457kg |
| Special skill | Zero emissions |
| Price | £29,240 including VAT |
The Renault Zoe is fully electric so it doesn't emit any exhaust pollutants. the 108PS motor is powered by a 52kWh battery, and the maximum range per charge is 245 miles. You can then charge it from 0 to 100% in only three hours, at 22kW. For peace of mind, the battery has an eight year/100,000 mile warranty.
Toyota: small van
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Proace City |
| Version | Design 1.5 130PS Diesel 8-Speed Automatic |
| Cargo capacity | 3.3m³ |
| Payload | 1,000kg |
| Price | £31,950 including VAT |
This Toyota has a lot of equipment for a small van. Standard features include the reversing camera that makes it easy to manoeuvre, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, cruise control, and a tyre pressure warning system. The van can also brake on your behalf if you fail to respond to a hazard.
Mercedes-Benz: medium-size van
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Vito Panel Van L3 |
| Version | Premium 119 CDI, 9G-TRONIC, Real-Wheel Drive |
| Cargo capacity | 6.6m³ |
| Payload | 917kg |
| Special skill | Reassuring safety features |
| Price | £42,198 including VAT |
The Mercedes-Benz Vito has countless safety features so you feel confident behind the wheel. Crosswind assist corrects the van's course if it gets blown offline. Attention assist monitors your driving for signs of fatigue such as minor steering errors. If necessary, the system suggests you stop for a rest. The van can also automatically control its own speed to maintain a safe distance to the next vehicle. Optional extras include more airbags.
Toyota: medium-size van
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Proace Electric |
| Version | Icon 100kW motor and 75Wh Battery Automatic |
| Cargo capacity | 5.8m³ |
| Payload | 1,000kg |
| Special skill | Peace of mind |
| Price | £49,054 including VAT |
This Toyota is built to last and has a tremendous warranty that guarantees peace of mind. As standard, it lasts three years. However, when the van is serviced the manufacturer extends its warranty by one year of 10,000 miles - whichever is first. You can continue on this basis until the van reaches 10 years old or 100,000 miles. there is a further perk that eliminates worry. The van comes with roadside assistance for five years.
Fiat: medium-size van
| Make | Fiat |
| Model | Scudo |
| Version | LWB MultiJet 2.0 180HP Auto Business |
| Cargo capacity | 6.1m³ |
| Payload | 1,398kg |
| Special skill | Italian flair |
| Price | £44,256 including VAT |
This Fiat adds a little 'Italian Flair' to the working day in its styling but it's still very much a workhorse. Standard features include metallic paint that can help your business to stand out on the road but this van if you need to, phone integration, plus an acoustic windscreen to make the cabin quieter.
Mercedes-Benz: large van
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sprinter |
| Version | 519 Van L3 H2 AWD Premium |
| Cargo Capacity | 14m³ |
| Payload | 2,628kg |
| Special skill | Gets you anywhere |
| Price | £74,508 including VAT |
The Mercedes-Benz van has all-wheel drive so it can deliver whatever the terrain. Compared to front or rear-wheel drive, the system gives you extra grip in treacherous weather, on uneven roads, and at building sites where there are many hazards. The vehicle also has decent ground clearance which is invaluable on uneven surfaces. It is 219mm unladen. The van's prestigious badge, quality feel, and decent equipment specification add to its appeal.
Ford: large van
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Transit 500 L4 H3 |
| Version | Leader 2.0L EcoBlue HD 170PS RWD 10-Speed Automatic |
| Cargo capacity | 15.1m³ |
| Payload | 2,320kg |
| Special skill | Easy to manoeuvre |
| Price | £58,284 including VAT |
Despite its size, this van is easy to manoeuvre thanks to a range of optional extras. Enhanced active park assist automatically steers into bays while you operate the throttle, gearbox, and brakes. The system steers out of spaces, too. The van is also available with a front mounted camera that gives you a good view left and right, making it easier to drive out of tricky junctions or partially sighted driveways.
Vauxhall: large van
| Make | Vauxhall |
| Model | Movano Panel Van |
| Version | L4 H3 Dynamic Panel Van Euro 6D (6.3) |
| Cargo capacity | 17m³ |
| Payload | 1,305kg |
| Special skill | Extremely spacious |
| Price | £41,003.33 including VAT |
This Vauxhall is enormous so it carries items too large for most vehicles. At floor level, the load length is 4,070mm which is greater than a 2022 Vauxhall Corsa. The van's load height is impressive, too at 2,172mm. The Corsa is only 1,433mm tall. Standard equipment includes a document holder, sat-nav, air-con, cruise control, plus a speed limiter that keeps you within the law.
