Revealed: Top 10 Best Vans You Can Buy in the UK – Prices, Specs & Reviews
Bottom line: The Ford Transit Custom tops our list of the ten most practical, reliable and value‑for‑money vans on the UK market today.
Revealed: Top 10 Best Vans You Can Buy in the UK – Prices, Specs & Reviews
Image: Revealed: Top 10 Best Vans You Can Buy in the UK – Prices, Specs & Reviews – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
From compact city run‑abouts to full‑size workhorses, the ten vans on our shortlist cover every shape and size. The Ford Transit Custom and Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter look the part for a professional fleet, while the Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo sport a friendly, urban silhouette that blends well with city traffic. All models feature modern LED lighting and generous glass areas for better visibility.
Performance & Mileage
Each van offers a mix of diesel, petrol, hybrid or fully electric powertrains. The larger Sprinter and Crafter deliver strong torque for heavy loads, whereas the smaller Caddy and Courier give city drivers up to 45 mpg (combined) on efficient diesel units. Electric versions such as the Renault Kangoo E‑Tech and Ford Transit Custom Hybrid cut running costs dramatically while still hauling a tonne‑plus payload.
Price & Rivals
Prices range from around £15,000 for entry‑level models like the Peugeot Partner up to £45,000 for top‑spec Sprinter or Crafter variants. Most of the vans sit comfortably between £20,000 and £30,000, offering a compelling blend of payload, interior space and resale value that beats many rivals in the same segment.
| Van | Engine | Mileage (mpg) | Price (£) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit Custom | 2.0 L EcoBlue diesel | 35‑38 | £24,500‑£32,000 | Multiple wheelbases, hybrid option, high payload (up to 1.5 t) |
| Ford Transit Courier | 1.5 L EcoBlue diesel / EV | 38‑45 | £19,900‑£27,000 | Compact footprint, 3 m³ cargo, high‑payload variant (845 kg) |
| Volkswagen Crafter | 2.0 L TDI diesel | 30‑34 | £28,000‑£42,000 | Up to 18.4 m³ load volume, 1.5 t payload, robust chassis |
| Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter | 2.2 L diesel | 28‑32 | £30,000‑£45,000 | 10‑17 m³ cargo space, excellent resale, extensive dealer network |
| Renault Master | 2.3 L diesel / E‑Tech hybrid | 30‑36 | £26,000‑£38,000 | 15 m³ cargo, Luton body option, strong electric variant |
| Renault Kangoo | 1.3 L petrol / electric | 40‑55 | £16,500‑£24,000 | Wide body, 4.2 m³ cargo, up to 1 t payload |
| Vauxhall Vivaro | 2.0 L diesel | 32‑35 | £22,000‑£30,000 | British‑built, 6 m³ cargo, 1.4 t payload |
| Peugeot Partner | 1.5 L diesel / electric | 38‑45 | £15,900‑£22,500 | Compact, 4.4 m³ interior, optional zero‑emission |
| Volkswagen Caddy | 1.6 L TDI diesel / hybrid | 37‑43 | £18,500‑£26,000 | 800 kg payload, 4.2 m³ cargo, high resale |
| Ford Transit (Full‑size) | 2.0 L EcoBlue diesel | 30‑34 | £26,000‑£40,000 | Over 100 configurations, up to 5 t GVW, all‑wheel‑drive options |
FAQ
- What is the best fuel‑efficient van in the top ten? The Renault Kangoo E‑Tech electric version and the Ford Transit Courier diesel both deliver the highest combined mpg/MPGe figures, topping 45‑55 mpg.
- Is the Ford Transit Custom worth buying for a small business? Yes – its flexible wheelbases, payload up to 1.5 t and hybrid option make it a versatile workhorse that holds its resale value well.
- Which van offers the biggest cargo space? The Volkswagen Crafter leads with up to 18.4 m³ of load volume, closely followed by the Mercedes‑Sprinter’s 17 m³.
What van would fit your daily workload? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
