2026 Vauxhall Vivaro: Everything You Need To Know
Much like its long-time foe, the Ford Transit Custom, the Vauxhall Vivaro has established itself as something of a British institution across the van industry.
It goes a long way to explain why the two models have been steadfast in holding status as the UK’s most popular medium vans for many years now.
While there is still a gulf in outright numbers between the two modes - 49,774 Ford Transit Customs in 2025 compared with 12,315 Vauxhall Vivaros - they remain comfortably clear of the opposition.
With this in mind, are van drivers missing out by defaulting to the Transit Custom instead of choosing the Vivaro? It’s time to take a closer look at Vauxhall’s offering...
Why Buy a Vauxhall Vivaro Over Other Medium Vans?
If you have even a passing interest in commercial vehicles, then you’ll know the Vauxhall Vivaro isn’t a standalone model in its current guise.
In fact, it has an extended family of closely related siblings also built under the Stellantis Group umbrella, with which the Vivaro shares identical dimensions, weights, capacities, performance and electric range.
These comprise the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and FIAT Scudo, plus the Toyota Proace, while the Iveco eJolly will make it six models based on the same platform later in the year.
So why choose the Vauxhall over its stablemates? Well, Vauxhall trumps the other brands in terms of dealership network coverage, with almost 200 sites spread across the UK, while it also has the benefit of receiving aftersales care from any one of the Stellantis brand locations.
Beyond that, you might have a preference for Vauxhall’s treatment of the front-end, which is the only externally distinguishing element that separates the Vivaro from its fellow Stellantis models.
2026 Vauxhall Vivaro: Dimensions, Loads & Weights
The Vauxhall Vivaro comes with the option of two distinct lengths – known as Panel Van (L1) and XL (L2) – while there are two six-seat Crew Van variants, which Vauxhall refers to as Doublecab and Doublecab XL.
In Panel Van guise, the Vivaro features a 4981mm overall length with a 3275mm wheelbase, while the XL version sees this rise to 5331mm overall but with the same wheelbase.
It means the extended length of the XL is found behind the rear-axle, unlike other L2 vans where the extra inches are added to the wheelbase. This is a way to improve rear access with a wider aperture that isn’t affected by the wheelarch housings being so close to the doors.
The Vivaro also comes with sliding doors on both sides, a feature not offered by other popular mid-sized vans.
In Panel Van (L1) size, the Vivaro’s load bay stretches 2512mm, which while not the longest in the class, can be extended with the addition of a load-through bulkhead hatch placed on the passenger side (available as standard on Pro and GS trims).
By folding the two-seat passenger bench to the floor, the load-through hatch can extend the load length to 3674mm (Panel Van) or 4026mm (XL), making it ideal for those who regularly carry long items, such as timber or poles.
Overall load capacity without the bulkhead hatch is 5.3 cubic metres (Panel Van) or 6.1 cubic metres (XL), though with the load-through hatch installed, this increases to a competitive 5.8 cubic metres or 6.6 cubic metres respectively.
2026 Vauxhall Vivaro: Engine, Performance & Powertrains
The Vauxhall Vivaro is available with the choice of either turbodiesel or electric powertrains, ensuring it has one of the more comprehensive engine and battery line-ups in the medium van class.
At the entry point to the range, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine generating 120bhp is available, but for more power a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine – available with either 150bhp or 180bhp – are the more popular options.
Vauxhall claims between 43 and 44mpg fuel returns across each of the three engines, as well as similar CO2 emissions outputs (187g/k to 191g/km).
What distinguishes the trio of diesel engine offerings is the 1.5-litre 120 is gets a manual transmission, the 2.0-litre 150 comes with the choice of either a manual or automatic gearbox, while the 2.0-litre 180 is automatic only.
For those looking to make significant savings on their running costs, the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric makes use of the Stellantis Group’s well-proven 75kWh battery, which is capable of returning up to 230-miles on a single charge (WLTP Combined).
This puts the Vivaro Electric on a par with the Ford E-Transit Custom and is more durable than the likes of the Mercedes e-Vito and Renault Trafic E-Tech.
2026 Vauxhall Vivaro: Specification, Features & Safety
The Vauxhall Vivaro comes with the choice of three trim levels, though the flagship GS is available only with the 180bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
Standard equipment on the Vauxhall Vivaro Prime, includes:
- Multimedia Pro, including 10-inch colour touchscreen
- Wireless mirror screen
- Voice control
- DAB digital radio
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Reach and rake adjustable steering wheel
- Cruise control with speed limiter
- Six-way adjustable driver’s seat
- Dual passenger bench seat with under-seat storage
- Electrically adjustable/heated door mirros
- Electric front windows
- Rear parking sensors
- Nearside and offside sliding-access doors
- Deadlocking
- Driver/passenger airbags
- Electronic stability control with traction control
- ABS
- Advanced emergency braking system
- Hill start assist
- Automatic lighting control
- Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers
- Lane keep assist
- Driver attention assist
Standard equipment on the Vauxhall Vivaro Pro, includes [in place of or in addition to Prime]:
- Multimedia Pro NAVI, including fully-integrated satellite navigation system
- 10-inch colour touchscreen
- FlexCargo load-through bulkhead
- Fold-flat centre seat backrest with flat work surface
- Electrically foldable door mirrors
- ECO LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights
- 17-inch steel wheels
- Body-coloured bumpers
- Dynamic Surround View, including digital rear view mirror, front and rear park assist, Visiopark 180-degrees, blind spot detection, foldable mirror
- Remote control security alarm system
Standard equipment on the Vauxhall Vivaro GS, includes [in place of or in addition to Pro]:
- Hand-crafted eco-leather seats
- Embossed GS logo and red stitching on seats
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- GS body kit
- Dual-zone electronic climate control
- Keyless start and entry
- Wireless charging
- Heated leather steering wheel
- Heated driver’s seat
- Side airbags
- Metallic pain
The Vauxhall Vivaro has a four-star safety rating from EuroNCAP. The most recent assessment was carried out in 2025 and followed the method of testing the Vivaro’s safety features and crash avoidance systems.
It received a 75% rating for safe driving, 52% for crash avoidance and 80% for post-crash safety.
See Deals on Vauxhall Vivaro Vans
Lease A Vauxhall Van With Vansdirect
Leasing a new Vauxhall commercial vehicle with Vansdirect has never been easier and better value.
Get the right Vauxhall van at the right deal, fast and hassle-free with the best Vauxhall leasing deals available across the full range, including the Vauxhall Combo, Vauxhall Vivaro and Vauxhall Movano.
Speak to our expert team today and you could be driving a new Vauxhall for less than you think.
