Which Large Vans Have The Biggest Load Volume 2025
When in the market for a large van, bigger is arguably better. If that's the case, then which is the best of the biggest?
After all, if you’ve committed to the biggest van possible in terms of external dimensions, there is a strong chance it’s because you need the expanded load volume that can’t be satisfied by a medium van.
It means load volume – or cargo space – certainly matters if your business requires such a vast area, so it’s worth understanding which models in the sector meet that brief.
Not that there is simply a one-size fits-all large van per se. Indeed, while these models are larger in dimension to that of a medium van – such as a Ford Transit Custom or Vauxhall Vivaro – these big load luggers come in varying sizes too.
What Are The Different Large Van Sizes?
As a general rule, manufacturers separate the types of van they offer into a lettered-numeric size guide: L for length and H for height.
This is then broken down further into a numeric 1-2-3-4-5 depending on the external dimensions of that vehicle.
Take the Citroen Relay for example. It offers six variations on that large van body style: L2/H1, L2/H2, L3/H2, L3/H3, L4/H3 and L4/H4. These different size options allow for different load volumes as a result.
It should be noted that not all large panel van follow this pattern but this is a generally accepted practice to help differentiate between the models and ensures you know exactly what you’re getting.
Lease A Large Van With Vansdirect
Buying or leasing a new large van with Vansdirectleasing a new large van with Vansdirect has never been easier and better value.
Get the right large van at the right deal, right now with the best van leasing deals available across a wide range of models, including the Ford Transit, MAN TGE and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Speak to our expert team today and you could lease a new large van sooner – and for less - than you expect.
Load Volume Of Each Large Van
*Load volume in cubic metres
| Model | L2/H1 | L2/H2 | L2/H3 | L3/H2 | L3/H3 | L4/H2 | L4/H3 | L4/H4 |
| Citroen Relay | 10 | 11.5 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 17 | ||
| FIAT Ducato | 10 | 11.5 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 17 | ||
| Ford Transit | 10 | 11.2 | 11.5 | 13 | 15.1 | |||
| Iveco Daily | 9 | 10.8 | 12 | 13.4 | 16 | 18 | ||
| MAN TGE | 9.9 | 11.3 | 14.4 | 16.1 | 16.4 | 18.4 | ||
| Maxus Deliver 9 | 11.5 | 12.9 | ||||||
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 10.5 | 14.0 | 15.5 | |||||
| Nissan Interstar | 10.8 | 13.0 | 14.8 | |||||
| Peugeot Boxer | 10 | 11.5 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 17 | ||
| Renault Master | 10.8 | 13.0 | 14.8 | |||||
| Toyota Proace Max | 10 | 11.5 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 17 | ||
| Vauxhall Movano | 10 | 11.5 | 13 | 15. | 15 | 17 | ||
| Volkswagen Crafter | 9.9 | 11.3 | 14.4 | 16.1 | 16.4 | 18.4 |
1. Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE
If it’s a huge cargo bay you’re seeking with your large van, you can’t go wrong with the Volkswagen Crafter and its sister model, the MAN TGE.
Rather than stipulate the usual L2/H2 et al. format, VW Crafter and MAN TGE line-ups are distinguished by three different wheelbase lengths (Medium, Long, Long Maxi) and three roof heights (Low, High, Super-High), though these equate to approximations of L2/H2 etc.
Provided you choose the L3 (Long) wheelbase versions of either model, the Crafter and TGE represent superior load volume compared to rivals.
In L3/H2 guise (Long/High), the Crafter and TGE offer a vast 14.4 cubic metres of space, rising all the way to 18.4 cubic metres for the largest (Long Maxi/Super High) model.
As well as being spacious, the Crafter and TGE stand out for their high-quality interiors, generous payloads and towing ability.
2. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
A stalwart of the large van game and still one of the most popular models in the sector, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter holds its own with a large cargo bay.
Available in three body configurations in a standard 3.5-tonnes platform (4 and 5-tonne version is also on offer), the Sprinter comes as L2/H2, L3/H2 and L4/H2.
These generous dimensions in terms of length give the Sprinter its cavernous size with 14 cubic metres available with the L3/H2 version.
Unusually, the Sprinter’s L4/H2 configuration is the only kind of its class and gives it a maximum load volume of 15.5 cubic metres.
3. Citroen Relay/FIAT Ducato/Peugeot Boxer/Toyota Proace Max/Vauxhall Movano
There is nothing to choose between the Stellantis (plus Toyota) vans, with all five models being equal in both dimension and cargo volume.
The Citroen Relay, FIAT Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Toyota Proace Max [pictured] and Vauxhall Movano therefore have identical cargo volumes, so choosing between them will come down to which brand is perhaps more convenient to you for servicing... or whether you particularly prefer one of the subtle design treatments over the others.
What the five models also offer is impressive breadth with six variations of size available, including the most compact iteration in the class, an L2/H1 version.
The popular L3/H2 versions, however, are competitive with 13 cubic metres of cargo volume, which rises all the way to 17 cubic metres for the largest L4/H4 versions of each model.
4. Renault Master/Nissan Interstar
The all-new Renault Master and Nissan Interstar are the most recent updates to the large van class and both all-but-match their Stellantis rivals for cargo volume.
In L3/H2 guise, the sister models offer the same 13 cubic metres of space, though they are slightly smaller than the same Stellantis options in L2/H2 and L3/H3 guise.
Where the Master and Interstar make up ground though is their impressive interior packaging with both models offering up to 66 litres more space in the cabin alone.
5. Iveco Daily
Best-known for their large goods trucks, the same philosophy for heavy-duty commercial models filter down into the Iveco Daily van range.
With 7.2GVW and raised-suspension 4x4 versions of the van available, the Daily compensates for this do-anything, go-anywhere ability by being offered a variety of different body styles too.
In the middle of the range is the L3/H2 model, which offers up a cargo load of 12 cubic metres, making it competitive versus its rivals here.
However, at its largest L4/H4 size, the Daily really gives the Crafter/TGE a run for money with a full 18 cubic metres on offer.
6. Maxus Deliver 9
Arguably the best value large van on the market, it is little surprise the Maxus Deliver 9 has proven a popular hit with businesses looking to haul more for less.
Just two body styles are available with the Deliver 9 – L3/H2 and L3/H3 – with the former offering 11.5 cubic metres, while the latter holds 12.9 cubic metres.
Though down on its rivals here, the Deliver 9 makes up for this with a quality interior and heaps of standard kit.
7. Ford Transit
According to this ranking, the large van class has outgrown the sector’s perennial favourite: the Ford Transit.
That’s not to say the iconic model – which has gone largely unchanged over the past decade – isn’t competitive with 11.5 cubic metres from the L3/H3 model still plenty enough for most.
It is unusual, however, in offering an L3/H2 version of the Transit, while the largest L4/H3 model is comparative with rivals too.
Moreover, it has one of the best quality interiors in the class, is loaded with tech and benefits from a vast dealer and maintenance network too.
