Which Small Vans Have The Largest Payload 2025?
Did you know, size isn’t ‘everything’ when it comes to leasing a van? After all, small things can come in heavy packages so if you’re choosing a van, you’ll want to make sure there is a generous maximum payload available to you.
Indeed, a small van – such as the Ford Transit Connect and Renault Kangoo - suffices for many in terms of size for their daily cargo needs, while having the advantage of these models being easy to manoeuvre and more affordable to run.
Nevertheless, there is a disparity in the payload weight that each small van model is able to carry. Moreover, it is important to note that the capacity differs according to which trim, engine and body configuration you opt for.
As such, we have identified which small vans offer the largest payload in the small commercial vehicle sector. We also show you the range of payload each model offers and identify which specific trim in each range has the most generous maximum.
What Is A Maximum Payload?
Only two things are required to work out your van's maximum payload capacity; the GVW (Gross vehicle weight) and its kerbweight.
Both of these figures can be found in your vehicle's manual. GVW is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including the vehicle itself, operational fluids like fuel and oil, cargo and passengers. Kerbweight is weight of the vehicle alone.
To calculate your payload capacity, simply subtract your kerbweight from your GVW.
Let's imagine we have a van with a GVW of 2000kg. The kerbweight of the van is 1400kg, which means you can safely carry a payload of 600kg. This figure includes the weight of the driver and any other passengers.
Why It Is Important To Know Your Van’s Maximum Payload
It's important to know what payload your van can handle as overloading a vehicle can have all sorts consequences. Not only does it put a massive strain on the engine and transmission, it also places you, your passengers and other road users at risk.
Travelling in a van that exceeds its maximum gross vehicle weight is a serious offence that can leave you with a heavily damaged vehicle or, if it is involved in a crash, could cause greater damage or injury.
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Small Van Maximum Payloads
| Pos. | Small Van Model | Max Payload | Trim |
| 1. | Maxus eDeliver 3 | 1045kg | 50kWh Electric SWB |
| 2=. | Citroen Berlingo | 984kg | 1.5HDi 130 8-Auto M |
| 2=. | FIAT Doblo | 984kg | 1.5MultiJet3 130 Auto L1 |
| 2=. | Peugeot Partner | 984kg | 1.5HDi 130 Professional 8-Auto STD |
| 2=. | Vauxhall Combo | 984kg | 1.5TDi 130 Auto STD |
| 6. | Renault Kangoo | 975kg | 1.5dCi 95 Blue L2 |
| 7. | Ford Transit Connect | 790kg | 2.0TDi EcoBlue FlexCab Trend LWB |
| 8. | Mercedes-Benz Citan | 789kg | 1.5TDi 112 Crew Van L2 Manual |
| 9. | BYD ETP3 | 780kg | 45kWh Electric |
| 10. | Nissan Townstar | 774kg | 1.3TCe 130 Acenta Auto Petrol |
| 11. | Volkswagen Caddy Cargo | 740kg | 1.5 PHEV 150 SWB Commerce Plus |
| 12. | Ford Transit Courier | 698kg | 43kWh Electric Trend |
12. Ford Transit Courier
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 614kg | 698kg | 43kWh Electric Trend |
To be entirely fair to the Ford Transit Courier, it is the very definition of a small van in that it sits in a category of one for its dimensions.
The purpose of the Transit Courier is to be provide a more compact, nippy alternative to the similarly positioned Ford Transit Connect, so it stands to reason that shorter dimensions will result in a smaller maximum payload than other models in this ranking.
That said, given its size – which is 4.3 metres long in terms of external length – the Transit Courier offers a well-packaged load space and is still able to accommodate a Euro pallet.
Unusually, however, the largest payload is available with its 43kWh electric powertrain, rather than the turbodiesel. While there are other electric models in this ranking, this is the only model that has a superior payload on electric power over an equivalent diesel version in the same range.
It means that if you are committed to choosing electric power for your small van, the Transit Courier 43kWh Trend’s 698kg payload is actually better than many other battery-powered small van payloads in the class.
11. Volkswagen Caddy Cargo
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 631kg | 740kg | 1.5 PHEV 150 SWB Commerce Plus |
One of the older models in the small van sector, the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo now lags behind its rivals for outright payload capacity on account of the vehicle itself having a heavier kerbweight than most.
In fact, it took the recent introduction of the 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid for the Caddy to earn a better maximum payload of 740kg.
While the Caddy isn’t yet available as an electric-only model (expect the next generation version to rectify that), opting for the more versatile plug-in hybrid means the 740kg is superior that of most electric vans in this class.
10. Nissan Townstar
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 486kg | 774kg | 1.3TCe Acenta Auto Petrol |
The Nissan Townstar differs to its rivals in the small van sector by offering a petrol-powered engine alongside an electric equivalent, part of a commitment from the manufacturer to phase out diesel across its entire range.
In terms of payload capacity, the Townstar therefore relies on its petrol version – a 1.3-litre turbocharged unit – to offer the largest weight capability at 774kg, though it needs to be mated to an automatic gearbox.
9. BYD ETP3
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 780kg | 780kg | 45kWh Electric |
With just a single trim available, it is easy to see what you’re getting from the BYD ETP3 straight away.
Offered only with an electric powertrain – in this case a 45kWh battery – the BYD ETP3 eschews the familiar small van format by being more slender but taller than many of its rivals here.
Making it ideal for city jaunts where that slim body can dart down dicey streets and back alleys, the ETP3 backs its frugal powertrain by offering a useful 780kg in payload.
8. Mercedes-Benz Citan
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 486kg | 789kg | 1.5TDi 112 Crew Van L2 Manual |
Based on the same platform as the Nissan Townstar (and Renault Kangoo), the Mercedes-Benz Citan enjoys a more favourable maximum payload than its Japanese sister by virtue of being available with a diesel engine.
However, it is worth pointing out that the Citan trim with the most generous payload is its five-seat Crew Van in L2 configuration. As such, it will have a smaller load bay than the standard panel van, while you will also need to take into account the payload weight generated by potentially carrying five passengers in addition to your load.
7. Ford Transit Connect
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 593kg | 790kg | 2.0TDi EcoBlue FlexCab Trend LWB |
Based on the same platform as the aforementioned Volkswagen Caddy, it is therefore a surprise that the Ford Transit Connect offers a more generous maximum payload of 790kg from one of its models.
Moreover, it is generated by the 2.0-litre turbodiesel model, whereas the Caddy’s biggest payload is on the 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid.
Like the Mercedes-Benz Citan at number eight though, this maximum payload comes from the FlexCab Trend LWB, which offers five seats.
As such, there is a smaller cargo area than the panel van, while the ballast of up to five passengers will have to be considered within that 790kg payload if you happen to be carrying them. This will reduce the payload available to the cargo itself.
6. Renault Kangoo
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 608kg | 975kg | 1.5dCi 95 Blue L2 |
Despite being based on the same platform as the Nissan Townstar and Mercedes-Benz Citan, the Renault Kangoo offers a superior maximum payload capacity across its range.
Also unique in offering petrol, diesel and battery powertrains across its range, as well as standard L1 and extended L2 body configurations, the 1.5dCi Blue 95 (diesel) in L2 trim rivals the best in class at 975kg, while MWB (L1) offers a payload of almost 900kg too.
2=. Citroen Berlingo - FIAT Doblo - Peugeot Partner - Vauxhall Combo
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 642kg | 984kg | Berlingo: 1.5HDi 130 Enterprise 8-Auto M |
| 642kg | 984kg | Doblo: 1.5MultiJet3 130 Auto L1 |
| 642kg | 984kg | Partner: 1.5HDi 130 Professional 8-Auto STD |
| 642kg | 984kg | Combo: 1.5TDi 130 Auto STD |
While they may have different design traits to one another, the quartet of Stellantis-backed small vans – the Citroen Berlingo, FIAT Doblo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo – are otherwise bang on identical in specification.
As such, there isn’t even a kilogram to choose between them in terms of payload range, going from 642kg at its lowest to 984kg at the highest.
Notably, that highest payload is available on the same equivalent trim in each of the four different models, that being a 1.5-litre 130PS diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and in Medium (L1) body configuration.
Moreover, since the Maxus eDeliver 3 ahead blurs the lines between what is categorised as a small or a medium van, the Citroen/FIAT/Peugeot/Vauxhall quartet stand apart as offering the most generous payload of any conventional small commercial vehicle.
1. Maxus eDeliver 3
| Lowest Max Payload | Largest Max Payload | Highest Max Payload Trim |
| 1045kg | 1045kg | 50kWh Electric SWB |
While the unconventional dimensions of the Maxus eDeliver 3 put is closer to a medium van than its rivals here, the upshot is it therefore offers the most generous payload of any model in this sector space.
In terms of outright length, the eDeliver 3 is a meagre 1155mm longer than a Berlingo M, but then also 1195mm shorter than the extended Berlingo XL.
Nevertheless, the eDeliver 3 – which is only available with an electric powertrain – benefits from being taller than other small vans, allowing for a superior cargo space and therefore larger maximum payload capacity.
Moreover, there is even a LWB Chassis Cab version for Luton box customisation which can go all the way up to 1405kg.
