Choosing the best small van will depend on the needs of your business, where you’ll be driving, how often you’ll be using it, and your budget.
Popular small vans
- Ford Transit Custom – known for its reliability and toughness, as well as a range of smart technology features
- Renault Trafic – a solid option for hauling businesses and recognised for its efficiency, power, and safety features
- Citroen Dispatch – popular for its fuel economy, this van also has ample space and storage despite being compact
Whether it’s new, second-hand, or you’re leasing, choosing a van for your business is a big decision. However, comparing all the different options on the market can be difficult.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve taken a look at some of the best small vans for 2025, from Ford Transits and Peugeot Partners to Renault Trafics and Citroen Dispatches.
Read on to find out which van could be the best for your business based on important features such as size, reliability, and value for money.
The 10 most popular small vans in the UK
According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the 10 best selling light commercial vehicles in 2024 were:
- Ford Transit Custom
- Ford Transit
- Ford Ranger
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Vauxhall Vivaro
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Renault Trafic
- Peugeot Partner
- Vauxhall Combo
- Citroen Berlingo
What is the best small van for 2025?
The sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders give an indication of the most popular vans, while experts at Vansdirect have identified three of the best vans for tradespeople:
- Ford Transit Custom – chosen for its reliability and toughness, as well as a range of smart technology features to keep you connected
- Renault Trafic – identified as a solid option for hauling businesses. The experts also praised its efficiency, power, and safety features
- Citroen Dispatch – Known for its fuel economy and suitability to city driving, this van also has ample space and storage despite being compact
Ultimately, choosing the best small van to buy second hand or new will depend on the needs of your business, where you’ll be driving, how often you’ll be using it, and your budget.
Compared: 6 of the best small vans for 2025
Here are some more details on six of the most popular small vans, including sizes, models, features, and starting prices.
Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom comes with a range of body styles to choose from. The ‘Van’, the ‘Double Cab-in-Van’, the ‘Multicab’, or the ‘Kombi’.
The Van has a max loadspace of 6.8m³, with a max payload capacity of 1,327kg. Known for being robust and reliable, the Transit Custom also has useful parking, safety and security features.
How much does a Ford Transit Custom cost?
Depending on the type you choose, a new small Transit van could cost £30,000 to £35,000. Second-hand buyers of a small Ford van could pay up to £20,000.
Vauxhall Combo
The Vauxhall Combo has a choice of two models: the Panel L2H1 and the Panel L1H1, which are both available in diesel or electric.
The max length of a Vauxhall Combo is 4.7 metres, with payloads (the maximum weight the van is legally allowed to carry) ranging from 665kg to 1,002kg. The load length for this van ranges from 1.5 metres to 2.1 metres and it has a maximum load height of 1.2 metres.
Both versions of the Combo have rear doors, while the Panel L2H1 has an extra side sliding door for loading and unloading.
How much does a Vauxhall Combo cost?
The price of a new Vauxhall Combo starts at just under £22,000 for a diesel van and from £33,000 for an electric one.
If you’re looking to buy one second-hand, it could cost up to £15,000.
Renault Trafic
The Renault Trafic comes in two versions: a crew van with six seats and a panel van with three seats.
The Trafic has a loading length of 4.15m and a max payload of 1,122kg for the crew van and 1,017kg for the panel van. The max load volumes are 4.3m³ for the crew van and 5.8m³ for the panel version.
Renault describes the Trafic as the ‘van for all trades’ due to its modular structure that can be customised based on your business.
How much does a Renault Trafic cost?
Pricing for the Trafic starts at around £35,000.
If you’re buying second-hand, the best van deals for a Renault Trafic are likely to be for between £10,000 and £20,000.
Peugeot Partner
The Peugeot Partner comes in different sizes and models. There’s an option for a crew van that holds up to five people or a panel van if you need more storage space. You can also choose between a standard and long length.
The two models are the Professional Premium+ and the Asphalt Premium+. The latter has a range of extra technology, comfort, and lighting features.
Depending on the model and size you go for, the Peugeot Partner has a maximum load space of up to 3.8m³ and a maximum load length of up to 2.1 metres.
How much does a Peugeot Partner cost?
The price for a new Peugeot Partner van starts around £20,000. If you’re looking to buy one second-hand, you could pay between £5,000 and £15,000.
Citroen Dispatch
The Citroen Dispatch is available in two sizes: ‘M’ and ‘XL’. There are also three types of diesel engine to choose from (there’s also a version with an electric engine).
This van has a max loading volume of 6.6m³ and a max load length of 4.02m. Drivers benefit from a 10-inch touch screen and 16 driving aids, such as ‘Dynamic Surround View’ to help with parking and blind spot awareness.
How much does a Citroen Dispatch cost?
The cost of a new Citroen Dispatch starts at £27,000. A second-hand buyer could pay between £10,000 and £15,000.
More guides for business van drivers
- Six new driving laws for 2025: a business guide
- What is business breakdown cover?
- Commercial vehicles – what van should I buy?
- What does business van insurance cover?
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