Best Medium Vans to Buy in 2025

29/08/2025 15:18 Share

Best Medium Vans to Buy in 2025

As the best-selling commercial vehicle segment in the UK, Medium Vans really do form the backbone of Britain’s roads – but which are the best medium vans you can buy right now?

Of the 4.2 million vans currently criss-crossing the UK on Britain’s roads, medium vans make up the vast majority.

Capable of blending huge load carrying capacity and payload versatility with car-like driving manners that can still squeeze into your average multi-storey car park, medium vans present the best-of-both-worlds when it comes to commercial vehicles.

It’s therefore no surprise that models like the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro, Peugeot Expert and Renault Trafic count themselves among the most popular vans with businesses each and every year.

It also means competition is very fierce among manufacturers to prove their mid-size vans are the pick of a talented crop – but which do Vansdirect consider to be the best medium vans you can buy right now?

Buy A New Small Van With Vansdirect

Buying a new medium van with Vansdirect has never been easier or better value for your business

Get the right van deal, right now on the van you want, including the Citroen Dispatch, Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter and Vauxhall Vivaro.

Speak to our expert team today and you could be driving a new van sooner than you expected for less than you think.

How Big Is a Medium Van?

Medium vans are broadly available with the choice of L1 and L2 body configurations, though they may be referred to differently according to each manufacturer.

The load sizing guide of a van is determined by the length at floor between the bulkhead and the door, as demonstrated below, as well as the entire cargo volume measured in cubic metres.

The measurements here are generated using a standard H1 (Height) body style, though some Medium Vans – such as the Maxus Deliver 7, Nissan Primastar and Renault Trafic – are available in taller H2 configuration.

Check our Load Sizing Guide full dimensions of each Medium Van on Vansdirect and how they compare with rivals, or select each model below.

Which Engine Is Best for a Small Van?

- Turbodiesel

A turbodiesel engine is the most popular choice for medium vans and is thus widely available across the segment. Diesel engines are renowned for strong torque lower in the rev range, making it ideal for hauling heavy payloads, and delivering superior fuel economy

- Electric

With zero exhaust emissions and requiring only the cost of recharging either at home or with a public device, electric medium vans greatly reduce running costs and are significantly kinder to the environment.

- Which Electric Vans Have the Best Range?

- Plug-in Hybrid

Often paired with a petrol engine, plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds with a small battery unit enabling up to 40 miles of driving on electric power alone (Ford Transit Transit Custom PHEV), while retaining the reassurance of engine power too.

Top 6 Best Medium Vans in 2025

Ford Transit Custom

Body Styles: L1, L2 – H1
Engines: 2.0-litre 110 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 136 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 150 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 170 (Diesel), 2.5-litre (Petrol/Plug-In Hybrid), 65kWh 136 (Electric), 65kWh 218 (Electric), 65kWh 285 (Electric)
Payload Capacity Range: 846-1407kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 2000-2800kg

To describe the Ford Transit Custom as the dominant player in the UK commercial vehicle industry would be a major understatement. In fact, the Transit Custom occasionally ranks as the best-selling vehicle in the UK outright.

While the ‘Custom’ nomenclature – which was devised to differentiate it as a medium-sized van alongside the full-size Transit – is relatively new, the Transit part of the moniker can trace its heritage through decades of reliable service to the business industry.

Today’s latest generation model is no exception to that rule but recent updates have served to prove itself in other areas too. With just over three-metres of load bay length in L2 configuration and offering a vast 5.8 cubic metres overall even in its smallest L1 guise, the Transit Custom gets the basics of outright space spot on.

Moreover, there are myriad trim levels to suit every budget, whether you just need the essentials with the entry Leader model, prefer a bit more class with the Trend/Limited versions or want to go off-road with the Trail. There is even the visually arresting MS-RT performance version.

Coupled with a wide choice of powertrains – including turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid and full electric – and boasting a premium, technologically savvy interior, and the Transit Custom remains the benchmark in the medium van class.

VERDICT: The nation’s favourite van consolidates its popularity by offering class-leading levels of cargo space and flexibility, plus more power and trim choices than any other mid-size van.

- Ford Transit Custom vs. Vauxhall Vivaro: Which Is The Best Medium Van?

- 2025 Ford Transit Custom Trims and Engines Explained

Volkswagen Transporter

Body Styles: SWB, LWB (L1, L2) – H1
Engines: 2.0-litre 110 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 150 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 170 (Diesel), 65kWh 136 (Electric), 65kWh 218 (Electric)
Payload Capacity Range: 805-1276kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 2000-2800kg

Based on the same platform as the Ford Transit Custom, it stands to reason that the seventh generation of the wildly successful Volkswagen Transporter showcases a similar breath of talent.

On paper there is little to split the two models – they offer the same dimensions and if you blocked out the badging, it’d be hard to tell which model you’d be sat behind the wheel of.

In the Ford’s corner is a greater range of engine and body style options, but the Volkswagen is arguably the more premium looking – if that sort of thing matters to you.

VERDICT: The Transporter and Transit Custom are very much alike, so if badge kudos is important, the Volkswagen makes a very worthy alternative

- 2025 Volkswagen Transporter: Everything You Need To Know

Citroen Dispatch
FIAT Scudo
Peugeot Expert
Toyota Proace
Vauxhall Vivaro

Body Styles: M, XL or L1, L2 or Standard, Long or Panel, XL – H1
Engines: 1.5-litre (Diesel), 2.0-litre 150 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 180 (Diesel), 75kWh (Electric)
Payload Capacity Range: 927-1384kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 1000-2500kg

There is precious little to separate the Stellantis (+Toyota) medium van quintet, so we’ve grouped them together here as one entity.

Comprising the Citroen Dispatch, FIAT Scudo, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace and Vauxhall Vivaro, choosing one over the others will come down to whether you happen to live closer to a particular dealership or have a certain affinity with the minor design tweaks each presents.

Whichever you choose, there are strengths in abundance. Though not the largest models in the category, the load bays are well-packaged and have some nifty touches – such as the load-through hatch – while the L2 models place the extended length behind the rear axle to assist with loading accessibility.

Any one of the five is also a competitive option in electric trim with a class-leading (among conventional vans) 230 miles of range purported to be possible. They’re also a doddle to drive and are well kitted out in higher trims.

VERDICT: Easy to drive and easy to get along with, the Stellantis/Toyota medium van quintet are ubiquitous and quality options versus Ford, Volkswagen et al.

- Master of its Trade: 2025 Peugeot E-Expert Review

- 2025 Toyota Proace: Everything You Need To Know

- Ford Transit Custom vs. Vauxhall Vivaro: Which Is The Best Medium Van?

Renault Trafic
Nissan Primastar

Body Styles: L1, L2 – H1, H2
Engines: 2.0-litre 130 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 150 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 170 (Diesel), 52kWh (Electric – Trafic only)
Payload Capacity Range: 881-1032kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 2500kg

Though getting on in years, it’s a measure of how well the Renault Trafic and its Nissan Primastar sister have stood the test of time well that they remain such popular medium van options.

Vast cargo bays – which at 5.8 cubic metres in L1 form remains among the class-leaders – earmarks the Trafic and Primastar as solid, well-thought-out business tools.

A new Renault Trafic E-Tech is on the way in 2026, but the current generation is set to continue on sale in diesel form offering superior space.

The Primastar, meanwhile, does without the electric powertrain option but gets a five-year warranty compared with the Trafic’s standard three-year one.

Moreover, unlike the Ford/Volkswagen and Stellantis medium vans, both the Trafic and Primastar can be had in taller H2 configuration for class-leading cargo space.

VERDICT: The Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar are among the most spacious in the class despite their age, more so if you choose the even larger L2/H2 variant

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Body Styles: L2, L3 – H1, H2
Engines: 2.0-litre 114 (Diesel), 2.0-litre 116 (Diesel), 66kWh (Electric)
Payload Capacity Range: 740-905kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 2500kg

Considered the premium medium van option, the Mercedes-Benz Vito is another model that is due for an imminent replacement but there is still much to like about the current variant.

Unlike its rivals, the Vito is offered in an L3 length (alongside the entry-level L2), which blurs the margins between medium and large van.

In L2 form, the Vito offers competitive load space and arguably the highest-quality interior of any model in the medium van class.

VERDICT: The Mercedes-Benz Vito continues to live up to the German marque’s premium reputation, while not forgetting its hard-working roots.

Maxus Deliver 7

Body Styles: L1, L2 – H1, H2
Engines: 2.0-litre (Diesel), 77kWh (Electric), 88kWh (Electric)
Payload Capacity Range: 1125-1220kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 1500-2000kg

A relatively new interloper that makes do without the heritage generated by names like Transit, Transporter and Trafic, the Maxus Deliver 7 is here to prove it isn’t an oddball medium van choice.

Much like other models in the Maxus commercial range, the Maxus Deliver 7 doesn’t quite fit in the margins of what defines a medium van like its rivals.

Available in L1 (electric only) and L2 configuration, the Maxus Deliver 7’s respective 5.9 and 7.2 cubic metres of load space exceeds its rivals here, while there is even an H2 version to expand it out even further.

Moreover, Maxus was one of the first manufacturers to get behind electric commercial vehicles, leading to the Maxus eDeliver 7 that can achieve up to 230 miles on a single charge from its 88kWh battery.

VERDICT: While not as upmarket as some of its rivals, the Maxus Deliver 7’s huge load bay in either body style will suit those who need cargo space above all else.

Honourable Mentions

Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo

Body Styles: L1 – H1
Engines: 59kWh (Electric), 79kWh (Electric)
Payload Capacity Range: 607-712kg
Braked Towing Capacity: 1000-1800kg

The spiritual successor to the original Volkswagen Transporter – better known as the ‘Volkswagen Campervan’ or ‘Kombi’ – the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo exists as an aesthetically pleasing option that is perfect for promoting your business.

Combining retro-infused styling and very modern electric powertrain technology, the ID.Buzz Cargo sees old meet new in a very intriguing way.

Only available in electric, flagship versions of the ID.Buzz Cargo complement its from-the-ground-up EV design by offering a class-leading 277 miles of range.

It’s not the most spacious medium van with 3.9 cubic metres of cargo space, but then you’d buy a Transporter if you needed the room.

Instead, put your business on the side of an ID.Buzz Cargo and watch as heads turn towards you.

VERDICT: It can’t rival other medium vans for outright space but that isn’t the point... the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo is a visible talking point to promote your business

- 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo: Everything You Need To Know