Best medium vans 2026 – tried and tested
Medium vans need to be able to carry substantial loads, plus the best are comfortable to travel in and cheap to run. Here we name our favourites, plus the model to avoid...
Whether it’s the plumber fixing your leak or the courier dropping off yet another parcel, you can’t move for medium-sized vans these days. They are the backbone of British business. In fact, the Ford Transit Custom is already the UK’s best-selling van so far in 2026. It dominates a sector that is, frankly, a minefield for the unprepared buyer.
But what actually makes a mid-sized workhorse the gold standard? Space is the obvious starting point. You need a load bay that is usefully organized, not just a vast, empty cavern. Then there's the matter of the interior. Nobody wants to spend eight hours a day in a cabin that feels like a budget flight from the nineties. It needs to be cheap to run, sure, but it shouldn't feel cheap to sit in.
To sort the best from the rest, we’ve spent hundreds of hours behind the wheel on public roads and tested each medium van back-to-back against its key rivals at our private test track to see which ones actually deserve your signature on the dotted line. In each case, we'll also show you how to pick up a bargain with our used van deals – just follow the links to find out more. And you can find out more about how we test and rate vans in our dedicated feature.
Best medium vans to buy now – and how to get the best deal
| Make and model | Price from (excl. VAT) | Rating | Used van deals |
| Volkswagen Transporter | £32,965 | 5 | Best used deals |
| Ford Transit Custom | £33,750 | 5 | Best used deals |
| Toyota Proace | £29,603 | 4 | Best used deals |
| Citroën Dispatch | £28,890 | 3 | Best used deals |
| Peugeot Expert | £28,890 | 3 | Best used deals |
The best medium vans for you
The name which most springs to mind in this sector will be the Ford Transit Custom, which impresses by being easy to drive, and being available in diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric forms.
Yet it's the Volkswagen Transporter which tops our list here. It's based on the same underpinnings as the Transit Custom, so shares many of that van's strengths, yet adds to its considerable appeal with a more car-like interior and a comprehensive after-care package.
For a slightly lower budget, the Toyota Proace offers a huge payload capacity and a comfortable interior. Plus, it's genuinely fun to drive, which isn't something you can say about many vans.
Best medium vans 2026
1. Volkswagen Transporter
Star rating 5
You might be surprised to see the big-selling Ford Transit Custom de-throned from the top of this list, but all is not as it seems. That's because the latest Volkswagen Transporter is based on the Transit Custom, yet goes even further to look after its occupants.
With a longer and wider cargo area than in the previous-generation model, the latest Transporter can easily accommodate three Euro pallets in its load space. And with maximum payloads ranging from 1038kg in the electric e-Transporter to 1280kg in the diesel-engined models, it's punchy enough to haul around whatever you might need to carry. And, as we've just alluded to, there should be a version to suit most businesses, including those who want to go green with an electric van.
It's inside where you'll notice the biggest upgrade over the Transit Custom, thanks to a revised layout which feels more car-like than the Ford, and ensures you have plenty of storage for your odds and ends. And while most of the interior is still coated in plastics, there are variations in texture and appearance to give it a more upmarket look. And if you go for a mid-range version, you get luxuries including heated seats and wireless phone charging.
When you've bought a Transporter, you'll be impressed with the fact that five scheduled services, three MOT tests, give years of roadside assistance and a five-year warranty are all bundled into the price. That's a more comprehensive package than many rivals.
All things considered, we think the latest Transporter is the best medium van around.
For Reassuring after-care package | Impressive ride, handling and refinement | Almost car-like interior
Against Pricier than rivals from Peugeot and Vauxhall | Some of the controls are fiddly
“More kit, improved backup, and a lower cash price? Even a die-hard Ford fan must be tempted by the Transporter…” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer
Read our full Volkswagen Transporter review >>
2. Ford Transit Custom
Star rating 5
The Transit Custom is one of Britain's best-selling vans – and we think it's also the best medium-sized van you can buy. It drives brilliantly, is comfortable on the road and is available in a mind-boggling number of permutations. It's the van with the biggest payload capacity here – up to nearly 1.5 tonnes – making it the most versatile medium-sized van you can get in the UK. And s ince getting an upgrade to Euro-6d engines, it's more fuel-efficient than ever.
The range includes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and an electric version, the Ford E-Transit Custom .
For Best payload capacity in its class | Great ride and handling balance | Available as an electric van
Against Needs a better automatic gearbox | Loadspace protection could be better | PHEV is expensive
“I was impressed with the Ford Transit Custom’s tight turning circle. It made negotiating tight roads and manoeuvring in yards surprisingly easy.” – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor
Read our full Ford Transit Custom review >>
3. Toyota Proace
Star rating 4
You might not think of Toyota as being a big name in vans, but perhaps you should. You see, the Proace is a very comfortable medium van, with suspension that does a good job of soaking up the ruts and bumps of British roads, and an interior that's as much about keeping you comfortable as it is about making sure you always have somewhere to put your odds and ends. There are only two engine options, which is less than for most rivals, but the generous payload capacity makes up for that.
All things considered, the Proace is a more well-rounded product than its sister vans from Stellantis' other brands, which is why we've put it ahead in our rankings here.
For Comfortable interior | Fun to drive | Huge payload capacity
Against Not a great choice of engines | Compromised visibility | Safety options come at a price
“I found getting comfortable in the Proace to be easy, because there's lots of adjustment in its seat and steering wheel.” – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our full Toyota Proace review >>
=4. Citroën Dispatch
Star rating 3
The Dispatch is a badge-engineered van that shares lots of parts with three other models – the Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Expert, the Toyota Proace and the Vauxhall Vivaro – but it stands out from the others because of the sheer amount of equipment you get for your money. Even entry-level models come with everything you're likely to need, and upgrading to a mid-range version won't cost the Earth. Add in a car-like ride and handling balance, and enough space to move pretty much anything, and the Dispatch is easy to recommend.
For Can carry a heavy load and tow plenty behind it | Pleasant driving experience | Lots of equipment for a competitive price
Against Twisted driving position can cause trouble | No high roof option | Cargo volume is lower than rivals
“Don't feel like you're missing out too much by going for a basic version of the Dispatch, because even though you don't get sat-nav, you can use your phone through the infotainment screen instead.” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer
Read our full Citroën Dispatch review >>
=4. Peugeot Expert
Star rating 3
Thanks to the sheer variety of engine, body and equipment variations on offer for the Expert, this medium van offers something for everyone. We like its classy interior, which features high-quality materials and a comfortable yet adaptable driver's seat. As with the Dispatch and its other badge-engineered siblings, the Expert is also incredibly practical, and no matter what you've moving, the chances are that it can help.
For Impressive payload capacity | Good ride and handling balance | Entry-level model is well equipped
Against Small cargo box limits ultimate cargo volume | One roof height limits options | Awkward driving position
“During our test drive of the Expert we carried 250kg in the back, with two robust passengers in the front, which hardly stretches the van to its limits. However, any difference in performance from empty was imperceptible” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer
Read our full Peugeot Expert review >>
=4. Vauxhall Vivaro
Star rating 3
Alongside its badge-engineered siblings, we think the Vivaro is one of the most practical medium-sized vans on the market. It can carry items that are more than 3.6 meters long thanks to the inclusion of a load-through bulkhead, and can carry up to 1446kg in its load area. We also like the Vivaro's wide choice of engines and its comfortable ride, which makes long motorway journeys less of a chore.
For Can carry more weight than rivals | Drives and rides well | Useful equipment and tech fitted as standard
Against Offset driving position can be a literal pain | Load volume falls short of others | Only one roof height
“Unfortunately, Vauxhall doesn't offer a high-roof version of the Vivaro, but the positive is that the 1.9m high-Vauxhall will fit into most car parks and other restricted-height areas.” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer
Read our full Vauxhall Vivaro review >>
7. Renault Trafic
Star rating 4
The Trafic is closely related to the Nissan Primastar, but we think the Renault is the more well-rounded van of the two. It's available with a choice of engines to suit different needs, and the higher-output options are our recommended choices if you'll regularly be moving heavy cargo. There's also a good suite of safety and driver assistance kit. It's quiet on the move, which helps to take some of the stress out of long journeys. Unfortunately you have to put up with a slow-witted infotainment touchscreen.
For Good range of engines | Plenty of safety kit | Quiet interior
Against Rivals can carry more | Poor infotainment | Entry-level engine lacks power
“If you order a Trafic in Business+ trim or above, you get a workbench on the back of the central seat, which also includes a clever clipboard that can be angled towards the driver.” – Darren Moss, Deputy Editor
Read our full Renault Trafic review >>
8. Nissan Primastar
Star rating 3
The Nissan Primastar is effectively a rebadged version of the Renault Trafic, sharing its engines, underpinnings and interior. That means it benefits from a well-proven medium van package with strong refinement, good road manners and competitive running costs. It’s also comfortable over long distances and easy to drive.
Load capacity is competitive rather than class-leading, but the square load area and sensible dimensions mean it's suitable for most trades. The cab is practical and user-friendly, with good storage and a straightforward infotainment system, although it lacks the polish, technology and modernity of newer rivals.
Newer vans such as the latest Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter move the segment forward, but the Primastar remains a solid and dependable – if unexciting – choice.
“The Primastar may not be the newest van in the class, but its proven Trafic-based underpinnings make it a dependable choice for everyday work.” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer
For Strong refinement | Good road manners | Competitive running costs
Against Rivals can carry more
9. Mercedes Vito
Star rating 3
If you can get past its relatively high purchase price, there is lots to like about the Mercedes Vito. For a start, its interior feels properly premium, with high-quality materials and the same 10.25in infotainment system which we've praised in the larger Mercedes eSprinter.
Twin-sliding rear doors make loading your cargo easy, but it's worth noting that plenty of medium van rivals, including the VW Transporter further up this list, can carry more than the Vito.
Every Vito is rear-wheel drive, and buyers can choose between three 2.0-litre diesel engines with outputs of up to 184bhp. Most engine options come with a slick nine-speed automatic gearbox.
For Fine engine options | Sharp handling | Good interior build quality
Against Expensive | Firm ride | No high roof option
“I like the way the Vito drives, but newer rival vans have surpassed it in that area now.” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer
Read our full Mercedes Vito review >>
10. Fiat Scudo
Star rating 2
It's a shame that despite being every bit as practical as its Stellantis siblings, leasing costs for the Fiat Scudo are considerably higher – a by-product of Fiat's weaker resale values here in the UK.
Still, if you do manage to get a good deal on one, you'll be working with a mostly capable medium van. Twin-sliding side doors make access to your cargo easy, while the rear doors can open up to 180-degrees, which is ideal if you plan on using a forklift to load or unload your cargo. When it comes to payload, though, the Scudo is beginning to lag behind key rivals – something that's especially true if you go for the all-electric E-Scudo.
Fiat has clearly spend a good deal of effort on upgrading the latest Scudo's interior, which now includes a 10in infotainment touchscreen. It's a shame that those updates haven't really increased oddment storage, though, which continues to lag behind rivals. Most medium van rivals also feel that bit more spacious for passengers.
For Larger infotainment screen is a much-needed update | Smooth and refined under most conditions | Strong cargo volumes
Against Payload limits are lower than rivals | Costs more to lease than other Stellantis vans | Offset driving position is irritating
“I'd say the 143bhp engine and a manual gearbox is the one to choose. It’s a Jack of all trades and doesn’t sacrifice performance or economy against the other options.” – Phil Huff, Van Reviewer
Read our full Fiat Scudo review >>
And the one to avoid...
LEVC VN5
Star rating 2
This range-extending van has a flexible range and decent practicality, but it costs a lot and its interior quality could be better.
Read our full LEVC VN5 review >>
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FAQs
As the name suggests, medium-sized vans are usually larger than small vans , which means they can carry heavier or longer loads, but can't quite match the size or carrying capacity of large vans. The most popular medium vans include the Ford Transit Custom, the Renault Trafic and the Vauxhall Vivaro.
Comfort can be measured in different ways, but we think the Vauxhall Vivaro ticks most of the right boxes for most people. You see, unlike some of its rivals, the Vivaro has a comfortable ride whether you're driving it empty or fully laden.
Alternatively, if comfort to you means having the most supportive driver's seat which won't make you tired on longer journeys, then we'd point you in the direction of the Volkswagen Transporter .
With a carrying capacity of nearly 1.5 tonnes, the Ford Transit Custom has the largest payload of any medium-sized van. In fact, it challenges some large vans in that respect too.
Maximum load lengths for the Transit Custom range from 2254mm for the short-wheelbase version to 2921mm on long-wheelbase models.
Exact dimensions depend on which version of either van you go for, but generally speaking, for short-wheelbase versions of both vans, the Ford Transit Custom is longer than the Vauxhall Vivaro, but the Vivaro is slightly wider than its Ford rival. In terms of height, the Transit is a little taller than the Vivaro.
How we choose the best medium vans
To test medium-sized vans, we put ourselves in the shoes of the driver and owner. Our experienced testers examine every element of every van to deliver the best reviews in the business. And that testing – and continual reassessment – underpins our list of the best medium vans on sale.
Yet we know that all things aren’t equal, and through understanding both the vans and the people who buy and run them, we’re able to focus on the areas that really matter. For medium-sized vans, these include:
There are many factors to consider when buying a new van, including buying, running and ownership costs. We take each of these into account when testing medium vans – whether it's powered by a combustion engine, an electric motor or both – to see what you get for your money, and how much you can expect to spend on fuel, repairs and other running costs. Where applicable, we also report on how reliable each van is and how long the warranty lasts for.
A medium van must be practical, which is why we measure the cargo capacity and payload against key rivals. Elsewhere, we assess the van’s features, such as the number of tie-down hooks, as well as how far – and how easily – all the doors open. We also look at the practicality of the cab to find out if a van can make your life easier as a driver or passenger.
Considering the amount of hours you can spend behind the wheel of a van, interior comfort is vitally important. That’s why we look at elements such as the steering wheel and seat adjustment, as well as how supportive the seats are. We also take into account the interior layout, the size of mirrors and active safety systems, because the number of blind spots in a van can make driving more stressful than it otherwise could be.
To help with your van buying decisions, we continuously update our list of the best medium vans by following a strict programme of testing (and retesting) every van on the market. To find out more about how we do this, you can head to our how we test vans page.
