10 Reasons Why 2026 will be a Great Year for Vans and Pick-Ups
We are now just days away from bidding cheerio to 2025 but we're getting ready to say a fine ‘how do you do’ for what promises to be an exciting 2026 for vans and pick-up trucks.
There is certainly a feeling of cautious optimism going forward on the back of a year defined by a reluctant new van market. Indeed, only December stands in the way of an entire year of declining UK van sales with each month.
There is some good news, however with sales of electric vans creeping up in 2025. It is little surprise then that it is in this area that major manufacturers are investing their attention in 2026 in an effort to pull the overall market up.
Coupled with an extended grant for electric plug-in vans, more investment promised for charging facilities and a boost in claiming capital allowance, 2026 is shaping up to be an ideal time to upgrade your commercial vehicle.
1. Major Capital Allowance Boost
November’s much discussed 2025 UK Budget wasn’t all doom and gloom, as it turns out. In fact, it was good news for van drivers after the government confirmed businesses will now be able to claim a 40 per cent First Year Allowance on a van.
Under new measures coming into force on 1 January 2026, leased assets – such as a van – will be included among capital allowances. It will make leasing a van a more attractive proposition for businesses by providing an upfront tax relief for a big saving.
Vansdirect are experts in van leasing with the best van lease deals available across our full range of stock, from small vans to large vans, pick-up trucks to electric vans.
2. Eagerly Awaited Mercedes Vito EV Unveiled
It won’t be the only new van hitting the road in 2026, but the much-vaunted new Mercedes-Benz Vito is arguably the most important.
This will be the fourth generation of Mercedes’ mid-sized van, which sits below the top-selling Sprinter in the German marque’s commercial vehicle range.
Significantly, the Vito will be built on one of two brand-new state-of-the-art platforms Mercedes-Benz have been developing in recent years – the VAN.EA platform for the VLE luxury people mover and VAN.CA for the Vito van.
The Vito has been developed from the outset as an electric van but conventional diesel-powered engines will be made available later down the line. We are still waiting on the finer details of predicted range, but Mercedes-Benz have made a clear target to establish a new benchmark, so expect more than 300-miles on a single charge.
While its unveiling in production form due early next year, disguised endurance-testing prototypes and the lavish Vision V Concept provide a few hints of what to expect from the design.
3. All-New Renault Trafic E-Tech and Friends Debut
Another arrival heading both into its fourth generation and coming – at least initially – with an electric powertrain, the Renault Trafic E-Tech is set to bring futuristic styling and smart packaging solutions to the medium van class.
A major reboot for the enduringly popular French model, the latest Renault Trafic gets a striking new look defined by its under-floor batteries, which in turn allows for competitive cargo space without taking up too much room on the road.
Range is quoted at a class-leading 280-miles (before the new Vito arrives, anyway) while particular attention has been paid to minimising downtime with 15-80% recharge times of just 20 minutes.
The Trafic E-Tech won’t be the only new van from Renault in 2026 with the Estafette and Goelette nameplates being dusted off for respective slim-yet-tall urban delivery and compact box van models too.
Also, keep an eye out for the Trafic’s identical sister, the (as-yet-unnamed) Panel Van from Flexis, a new brand formed out of a collaboration between the Renault Group, Volvo and logistics firm CMA CGM.
4. The Kia PV Family Set to Grow
Few vans have entered the market with such fanfare as the Kia PV5, the Korean automotive giant’s ambitious first foray into the commercial vehicle market.
Boasting genre-busting dimensions, impressive range, eye-catching looks and lots of Kia patented smart tech, the PV5 has been sweeping up rave reviews and awards – including International Van of the Year – on a global scale.
It’s a winning formula Kia will look to continue in 2026 with the unveiling of the PV7, the next model to be spawned from its PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) architecture. Set for its official reveal in 2026 with sales starting in 2027, it will be a rival to the Ford E-Transit Custom in the mid-size van sector.
Kia won’t stop there either with the even larger PV9 pencilled in for 2028 to rival the Renault Master E-Tech et al.
5. Electric Range & Payload Up, Charging Times Down
We had Farizon and Kia in 2025, now Renault and Mercedes-Benz are due to lead the ‘charge’ (geddit?) in 2026 for pushing the boundaries of electric capacity in the commercial vehicle market.
As technology continues to evolve, the newer generation of electric vans are set to improve range and speed up recharging times. Moreover, better packaging should ensure higher payload and towing capacities more in line with their diesel counterparts.
Tech upgrades should also be supported by greater investment in public recharging stations, as well as simpler processes for fleet groups to install points at their business base.
6. Plug-In Van Grant Extended
The Electric Car Grant may have hit the headlines in 2025, but a similar initiative – the Plug-In Van Grant (PiVG) - has been in place for commercial vehicles for some time already.
It’s a scheme that was due to end in early 2026 but has now been extended to run until 2027 in an effort to stimulate EV van sales on the back of several new arrivals.
7. Mitsubishi L200 Pick-Up Returns to the UK
It only bid sayonara to the UK five years ago, but storied manufacturer Mitsubishi has confirmed it will return to these shores in 2026 with a refreshed range of new and familiar models.
One of those old favourites confirmed for a comeback will be the much-loved Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck.
A mainstay in the sector for decades, the L200 gained popularity in the new Millennium as it moved from its traditional workhorse roots towards a more lifestyle-oriented package, a tactic echoed by rival manufacturers in the ensuing years.
Despite its popularity, however, the L200 departed with the brand in 2021. Nevertheless, it is back next year to put a dent in the Ford Ranger’s dominant market share having since progressed into a more muscular-looking seventh-gen iteration, known as the Triton in other markets.
8. Toyota Hilux EV Ushers in New Era for Pick-Up Stalwart
The pick-up truck sector - known for the grunty diesel engines slinging mud and ploughing through fields - has understandably been slower than others with the advent of electric power, but this is all set to change in 2026.
The Ford Ranger PHEV arrived in 2025 to offer a taste of more fuel efficient motoring, but 2026 will see at least three brand-new pure electric pick-up trucks hit the market - the Toyota Hilux EV, the Isuzu D-Max EV and the KGM Musso EV.
The unveiling of an electric-only Hilux at the unveiling of its ninth generation era caught many by surprise, not least because the nameplate has made a reputation globally as a go-anywhere workhorse with pulling power.
Rest assured, there will be diesel versions of the Toyota Hilux available too and they will benefit from a rugged new look, overhauled interior and a host of new off-roading features, but the EV represents a discerning alternative. Interestingly, Toyota have consciously opted to maximise the Hilux's generous payload and legendary off-road ability, so have limited range to a modest 150-miles only.
9. Isuzu to Launch First EV, KGM Plots Double Musso Attack
It won't have this new market to itself though with perennially popular Isuzu D-Max EV arriving to propel the no-nonsense off-roader into a new chapter. Like the Hilux, there is no decline in off-road ability other than it being much quieter, while it goes a little further too at 163-miles.
Finally, KGM looks set to spin the Musso into its own pick-up brand and launch two new models. The first, the Musso EV [pictured], is already on sale in Korea and offers an impressive 235-miles of range, but is smaller in size to rivals. Better still, a conventional full-size diesel Musso is also set to make its debut in 2026.
10. 365 Days of Vansdirect Quality Service & Unbeatable Van Deals
It may be a new year but Vansdirect will be picking up in 2026 where it leaves off from 2025 by continuing to provide expert advice, bring you top deals across all major manufacturers, and ensure quality customer service on all 365 days.
