Best selling vans in the UK: the Ford Transit remains king

The only competitor to the Ford Transit is its own slimline version: the Transit Custom. It won our 2025 Medium Van of the Year Award, not just for its versatility (you can have diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric options), but also because it’s practical and just as refined to drive as any of its rivals. 

Where the Transit Custom really delivers is with load space, providing a maximum payload of up to 1459kg. That’s superior to almost every van of its size. Add to this the option of a second sliding door, a generous standard kit list and many safety systems, such as lane-keeping, traffic-sign recognition and front/rear parking sensors, and you can see why the Transit Custom is a winner. 

Clearly the market agrees, because Ford has sold just over 30,400 units in 2024 alone. The distance between the two Ford Transits and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is vast. 

Read our full Ford Transit Custom review

August 2025 sales: 1850

So far in 2025, Ford has managed to shift over 18,000 Transits. That averages out at almost 2000 per month; a solid showing on the market. And what makes it more impressive is that the Transit has frequently ranked at the top — if not near — ever since its arrival to British roads in 1965. 

These days, the Transit name is split across a few models, including the Transit Connect, Transit Courier, and two all-electric models. Still, the original act remains as strong as ever. 

The payload capacity isn’t class-leading, but where the Transit recovers is drivability: its snappy steering, surprising agility and versatile nature, what with its huge range of body, engine and weight options, makes it the perfect van for everyone. For a more comprehensive understanding of just why… 

Read our full Ford Transit review

August 2025 sales: 1733

Rounding off the top three finishers, and it’s a familiar face in the Mercedes Sprinter: a long distance hauler with a touch of class to it. Now in its third generation, the Sprinter posted 746 new registrations last month. That’s still a very strong number of course, but it has started to lag behind Ford’s dominant vans — partly due to price. 

But what you do get for the extra money is a bit more luxury: the interior gets a 7.0 or 10.25in screen, lots of cubbyholes for storage and those flashy air vents seen on practically every Mercedes-Benz model these days. 

And much like the earlier Volkswagen Crafter, there are an abundance of body styles to choose from: four lengths, three heights, two cab types and one diesel engine with three power outputs (141bhp, 148bhp and 187bhp). Our personal favourite is the mid-spec, which delivers just the right amount of performance. Alternatively, there is the eSprinter, which manages up to 271 miles of official WLTP range. Very nice. 

Read our full Mercedes Sprinter review

August 2025 sales: 826

The first Stellantis van on August’s list creeps just outside of the podium with 564 sales racked up. It’s a popular thing in both its powertrain choices: a 1.5-litre turbodiesel or as an all-electric alternative, boosted by a 52kWh battery which delivered around 175 miles of range on a full pack during our tests. 

Generally speaking, the Combo shares its platform underpinnings with a number of passenger cars, which means it benefits from plush ride quality and superb handling. Throw in commendable practicality, class-leading cargo capacity and competitive payload limits, and it’s small wonder the Combo continues to position so highly.

Read our full Vauxhall Combo review

August 2025 sales: 746

The second Vauxhall product in a row, which shares its underpinnings with the Citroen Dispatch and Peugeot Expert. Overall, it was the fifth best-selling van of 2024, so it more or less retains its position on the charts as of now. 

Two key highlights are a maximum payload of 1458kg and an interior focused on delivering ideal ergonomics. The materials featured are robust but plasticky, and so combined with the dual digital screens and physical switchgear, the Vivaro’s cabin is a mixed bag. Again, fully electric options do exist, offering a peak of 205 miles of range on a full charge — plentiful for local jobs. 

Read our full Vauxhall Vivaro review

August 2025 sales: 564

The Toyota Hilux is the only pick-up truck making it into the August list. It’s unsurprising, considering the Hilux is famed for its reliability and capability off-road. The most recent iteration looks to add another layer of appeal to its arsenal by improving daily usability with better comfort and more technology. 

Two four-cylinder engine choices are available. We’d strongly recommend the punchier 2.8-litre with 201bhp, mated to the six-speed automatic gearbox (as opposed to the manual); a combination which results in a 10.7sec 0-62mph sprint. The Hilux does however have some flaws with its handling and ride, neither of which are the worst in its class, but not exactly the best. For more details… 

Read our full Toyota Hilux review 

August 2025 sales: 540

The only Volkswagen to crack August’s top 10 sellers list was the big-boned Crafter, which saw 535 new registrations. The large van is no longer just a rebadged version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, but these days, has its own personality. You can choose from three lengths, three heights, three weight classes, and as a single or double cab. 

It doesn’t stop there either: the Crafter is available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with up to four power levels (between 100bhp and 174bhp), paired with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, and either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. In short, the Crafter is about as customisable as the average Power Ranger. Click below to see what £60,000 gets you. 

Read our full Volkswagen Crafter review

August 2025 sales: 535

The Renault Trafic has never truly been a class-leader, but it has consistently been in the mix for solid mid-sized van options thanks to its low price. Positioned between the smaller Kangoo and the larger (and excellent) Master, the Trafic is Renault’s best-selling van for August by a fair margin. 

Its strengths lie in a healthy choice of engines, generous standard equipment list and range of safety systems, such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW) and blind-spot monitoring. 

Though its cargo volume isn’t quite as capacious as some of its rivals, and its infotainment system isn’t perfect, so we’d suggest reading the road test for a fuller picture. Or, check out these new Renault electric vans coming out next year. 

Read our full Renault Trafic review

August 2025 sales: 516

The Peugeot Expert raked in close to 500 sales last month. It has been subject to some big changes over the last few years, including a big facelift which brought it closer cosmetically to other Stellantis vans. 

It shares powertrains and platforms with the Dispatch, so the bulk of the differences remain inside. The Expert gets Peugeot’s i-Cockpit instrument cluster, meaning a smaller steering wheel and different infotainment systems. 

Peugeot will also offer the Expert in electric form, plus a Sport trim, which adds a suite of bumpers and motorsport-inspired vinyls. Precisely what you want in your commercial workhorse, no?

Read our full Peugeot Expert review

August 2025 sales: 494

The final entrant on this list is the Citroen Dispatch medium-sized van. The mechanically identical relative to the Fiat Scudo managed 456 new registrations in August, and the appeal is easy to see. Inside, you’ll find a crisp 10in multimedia touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six-way adjustable lumbar-supported seats and generous cargo volumes. 

Mechanically, it’s a choice of two engines - 118bhp or 142bhp - and the option of either a manual or automatic gearbox. Generally speaking, we found the Dispatch to be really easy to drive, with plenty of torque and comfort for those long hauls. There is the option of the e-Dispatch too, should you want to go green. If not… 

Read our full Citroen Dispatch review

August 2025 sales: 456

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more: Best-selling cars >>