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Best Large Van | Parkers Van and Pickup Awards 2024

Best Large Van Award in partnership with Mustard 

What makes a good large van? Affordability, versatility and a huge loadbay are key. But we’d also argue that technical innovation is increasingly important, especially given the immense pace of change in the motoring world right now. Our Best Large Van, the Ford Transit is doing its bit for the future as well as doing their best to haul goods right now.

Written by Tom Webster Updated: 14 November 2023

Ford Transit 

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Best Large Van - Ford Transit
Best Large Van - Ford Transit

The best-known van in the UK retains its Best Large Van title thanks, once again, to the excellence and breadth of its offering. There are large vans that are potentially newer and fresher in terms of their cabin, but none offer the Transit’s variety. 

This is down, in a large part, to the fantastic E-Transit, which is streaks ahead of the rest of the class when it comes to an all-electric van. But there is so much more to the Transit than that. 

It is well equipped, has front-, rear- and four-wheel drive versions, is supported by a comprehensive dealer network and the ever-expanding Ford Pro proposition and it is excellent to drive. It is, in short, a consummate all rounder that justifies its position as the nation’s most famous name in commercial vehicles. 

Read the full Ford Transit review

  • To celebrate the 2024 Parkers New Car Awards, we’ve partnered up with Smart Home Chargers to give one of you the chance to WIN £1,000 cash. Simply follow this link for your chance to win!

How much is it to insure?

Based on a 43-year-old male the Ford Transit would cost £832.19 to insure.

*Insurance quotes are from mustard.co.uk and are based on a 43-year-old, employed married male living in Stowmarket with nine-years’ NCD and no claims or convictions. Insurance quotes will vary depending on individual circumstances.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Volkswagen Crafter 

Volkswagen Crafter - Best Large Van

The VW Crafter has picked up the Best Large Van award several times in the past, but has had to be satisfied with a runners-up position in recent years. This is not to take anything away from the physical Crafter vehicle, though, as it is an excellent large van in many ways. It is great on the road, has a fantastic cabin and is really simple to use, making driving a large van remarkably accessible. 

It is the lack of an electric version that sees it lose out to the Transit, though, with nothing planned until the new model arrives in 2026 at the earliest. This means it can’t be all things to all buyers, but if you need a standard Crafter then you’ll likely be more than happy with your choice.  

Read the full Volkswagen Crafter review

MAN TGE 

MAN TGE - Best Large Van

The MAN TGE is much the same van as the Crafter – the two are built alongside one another in the same factory and it is only really the badging that is different. However, crucially they are sold and serviced through a different set of dealers, hence we treat the two separately.  

Because MAN is more used to working with truck customers, its dealer network is more geared towards later opening hours and is more focused on minimising downtime. On the flip side, it’s easier to find a VW Commercial Vehicle dealer, so both have their appeals. Underneath it is still the same excellent van as the Crafter, so on a daily basis you will be rewarded with a fantastic vehicle to drive and work with. 

Read the full MAN TGE review