Best-selling vans in the UK: medium van sales double in October

No matter your medium van needs, the chances are that Ford makes a version of the Transit Custom to suit you. Whether you're looking for petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power, this is a truly versatile van. And the all-electric Ford E-Transit Custom is coming soon, too.

That versatility extends to the load space, too. The Transit Custom's maximum payload weight of up to 1459kg is higher than that of many other vans in its class, and the option to add a second side-loading door on most models means the space is easy to access.

The mid-range 128bhp diesel engine will officially return up to 40.9mpg, helped by mild hybrid technology that helps the engine out with gentle electrical assistance.

October sales 2841

Read more: Ford Transit Custom review

The Transit became an icon of British roads because of its car-like handling and high load capacity, and the current model retains those qualities. It’s manoeuvrable enough for tight spaces, and the entry-level 103bhp engine has enough power unless you’re using the full 2200kg load capacity.

There's a version of the Transit to meet most needs, with seven body weights, optional four-wheel drive and a Ford E-Transit electric van, too. The E-Transit has a long electric range and all the practicality you'd expect – it's so good that we named it as our 2023 What Car? Van of the Year.

October sales 2148

Read more: Ford Transit review

Fittingly, given its name, one of the key attractions of the Sprinter is its range of punchy engines, and there’s a version to suit almost everyone. 

The 143bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine is our preferred choice in the Sprinter. If you'd rather go electric, there's also the Mercedes eSprinter, although that has a rather short official range (up to 95 miles).

The Sprinter shines when it comes to its interior; the materials used inside are nicer than most rivals offer. The plastics, for example, are soft and textured, and the 10.3in infotainment touchscreen you get on high-end versions looks suitably premium and is, for the most part, easy to get along with.

October sales 1743

Read more: Mercedes Sprinter review

The Transporter is a favourite among private buyers and small businesses alike because of its high resale values (and the resultant low leasing prices) and modest running costs.

Beyond that, it offers composed handling and brisk enough performance, even if you’re hauling the maximum payload. There’s even a sporty version (inspired by the VW Golf GTI hot hatch) that has more aggressive styling, a 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and lowered suspension.

Inside, the Transporter features a few luxury touches, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and pleasingly textured plastics, resulting in an interior that feels a cut above rivals'. The standard 6.5in infotainment screen is easy to get along with too.

October sales 1658

Read more: Volkswagen Transporter review

One of the few vans to be built in the UK as well as sold here, the Vivaro is based on the same underpinnings as the Citroën Dispatch and Peugeot Expert.

Don't think that sharing parts with other models makes the Vivaro any less practical, though. In fact, its maximum payload of 1458kg is impressive in the medium vans market. 

There are the usual petrol and diesel engines to choose from in the Vivaro, but there's also a fully electric Vauxhall Vivaro-e with an official range of up to 205 miles, which could be more than enough if your business is based mainly in town.

October sales 1527

Read more: Vauxhall Vivaro review

The Ford Ranger is the best all-round pick-up truck we've ever tested, outdoing all of its rivals including the closely related Volkswagen Amarok.

It’s very practical, even by pick-up truck standards; its cargo bay is large, its maximum payload high and its interior roomy. Thanks to the shared underpinnings, these qualities are also found in the Amarok, but unlike that pick-up the Ranger is available in a variety of body styles, allowing you to prioritise interior or load space to suit your needs.

On top of that, the Ranger is great to drive, with a range of gutsy engines and a settled ride.

October sales 1416

Read more: Ford Ranger review

If you're looking to own your van rather than lease one, the Renault Trafic is a good option because of its low price, generous equipment and variety of engine options.

It comes with lots of safety kit, too, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. Renault also lets you add adaptive cruise control as an option, helping you to keep pace with the ebb and flow of traffic and easing driver workload on longer journeys.

You'll find less space to store your odds and ends in the Trafic than you would in some rivals, however, and its infotainment system can be frustratingly slow to respond.

October sales 977

Read more: Renault Trafic review

As a commercial tool, the Hilux compares favourably with its key rivals. Upgrading to the 2.8-litre engine gets you punchy performance, while outstanding off-road performance and Toyota’s impressive reliability record mean you’re unlikely to be left stranded in your Hilux.

However, with more and more people using their pick-up trucks as both working vehicles and family wagons, a pick-up needs more than just rugged dependability to really excel: it has to be comfortable, refined and good to drive, too.

Unfortunately, the Hilux is much harder to recommend to comfort-conscious buyers. The Hilux isn’t as plush inside as a Ford Ranger, nor is it as enjoyable to drive.

October sales 869

Read more: Toyota Hilux review

Number nine – the Maxus Deliver 9 – is a versatile and well equipped large van. The Deliver 9 can be had in either diesel or electric form, with the latter dubbed the Maxus e Deliver 9.

As well as offering up to 11m³ of rear load volume, the Maxus has lots of space up front for the driver and passengers. However, the maximum payload is fairly limited on electric versions.

The diesel-powered Deliver 9’s low price means it might make a smart buy for some, but the e Deliver 9's high cost means that van loses out to better value electric rivals like the Ford E-Transit.

October sales 783

Read more: Maxus e Deliver 9 review

The Citroën Berlingo is very closely related to the Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo Cargo, but it’s hard to see where it fits into the family tree – it’s more expensive than the Vauxhall, but misses out on the more interesting interior of the Peugeot.

Nevertheless, the Berlingo is still a very versatile small van – there are two wheelbase options to choose from, as well as a trio of diesel engines.

For those who plan to use their Berlingo around town, we’d recommend the BlueHDi 100 engine for its balance of power and fuel economy. However, drivers doing more motorway journeys will be better off with the more powerful BlueHDI 130 engine, with its six-speed manual gearbox (or optional eight-speed automatic).

October sales 760

Read more: Citroën Berlingo van review

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