Small vans can be the perfect step on from lugging things around in the back of a car. Whether it’s a van based on a car or a dedicated panel van, the small van can be an essential tool for business and private use. We’ve identified the best small vans currently available in the UK.
Depending on your needs, there is a good mix of petrol and diesel engines as well as electric options. They might be small but some of the best small vans can offer payloads in excess of 1,000kg, making it easier to tackle big jobs without needing to make multiple trips.
To decide our top small vans, we’ve driven all the models available in the UK and ranked them based on our detailed van reviews. Our list also takes into account the 2025 Parkers New Car Awards with our Best Small Van winner taking first place here too.
If you’re ready to make the switch to electric, make sure to check out our best electric vans guide to help you decide which electric van is right for you. New and used van listings can be found on our vans for sale pages and mustard.co.uk is our partner business for insurance quotes.
The best small vans UK 2025
1. Ford Transit Courier
Best Small Van in the Parkers Van and Pickup Awards 2025
The Transit Courier is the entry-level to Ford’s commercial vehicle range now the Fiesta Van has been discontinued. Beneath its panel van exterior is the same underpinnings as the Ford Puma which gives the Transit Courier a car-like driving experience.
For the newest generation the Courier has grown to offer greater load space for two Euro pallets. Payload is competitive for this price point and size of van and inside Ford has brought its commercial vehicles more in line with its passenger car interiors.
Petrol and diesel versions are available to purchase now with an all-electric E-Transit Courier coming soon. The electric version is expected to have lower payload and towing capacities. Ford has announced the electric Courier will be able to tow up to 750kg compared to the petrol’s 1,000kg and the diesel’s 1,100kg.
Price new: £16,200*
Loadspace: 2.9 cubic metres
Max payload: 849kg
Fuel economy: 39.7-54.3mpg
Read our full Ford Transit Courier review
2. Toyota Proace City
A former Parkers small van winner
The Proace City has long been a Parkers favourite with the model claiming the Parkers Small Van of The Year award four years in a row from 2021 to 2024. It’s available with a diesel engine or all-electric powertrain and gains an update for 2025.
Although Toyota is not part of the Stellantis group, like the Proace medium van, both are rebadged Stellantis models. For the small Proace City, the vehicle shares the same DNA as the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Vauxhall Combo Cargo and Fiat Doblo.
What sets the Proace City apart from its Stellantis counterparts is a 10-year warranty as standard. This impressive warranty period also helps to protect used prices compared to alternatively branded versions of this model. The Proace City is included in the Toyota Relax warranty programme which is beneficial for owners of both new and used Toyota vans.
Price new: from £22,411.67*
Loadspace: 3.8-4.4 cubic metres
Max payload: 1,000kg
Fuel economy: 46.3-51.3mpg
Read our full Toyota Proace City review
3. Renault Kangoo
Best small electric van in the UK
In 2023, the all-new Renault Kangoo brought about a huge leap for the brand’s smallest van, complete with a modernised cabin and refreshed exterior design. Alongside its combustion-engine options, Renault launched a second generation version of the electric Renault Kangoo E-Tech which we also scored highly.
Renault has equipped the Kangoo with a heavy-duty rear axle, so the biggest model offers the best payload. Although the long wheelbase version has better payload capacity, the right-hand drive version misses out on some of the features that the left-hand drive model benefits from. The European model gets a large glovebox and flexible load space options to maximise capacity.
Price new: from £20,750*
Load space: 3.3-4.2 cubic metres
Max payload: 975kg
Fuel economy: 40.9-54.3mpg
Read our full Renault Kangoo review
4. Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner / Fiat Doblo / Vauxhall Combo Cargo
Best small van all rounders
Under the ownership of the Stellantis group, small van models from Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall are all essentially the same van. There are far fewer differences than similarities, with the main variations being badging and exterior styling. As a group, the four models focus on comfort, refinement and practicality.
Depending on what the van will be used for, there are petrol, diesel and electric variants to suit the application. Stellantis also offers crew-cab versions which bridge the gap between the need for passenger space and van-like load room.
Inside, cab space is generous and payload capacity can be in excess of 1,000kg. As this platform has been updated, the vans now feature more advanced features and safety systems to make them safer and easier to drive.
Price new: from £19,555*
Loadspace: 3.3-4.4 cubic metres
Max payload: 1,059kg
Fuel economy: 37.1-46.0mpg
Read our full reviews of the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo, Peugeot Partner, and Vauxhall Combo
5. Ford Transit Connect
Best small hybrid van
In 2024, Ford introduced the new Transit Connect model with plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains. In a panel van specification, there is two trim levels to choose from as well as a flexible double cab solution that allows you to move the bulkhead to maximise cargo volume when the rear seats are not in use.
The plug-in hybrid has an impressive official electric-only range of 73 miles. While this figure is likely to be slightly lower in real world conditions, it should be more than enough to provide zero-emission driving in city or urban environments. To get the most out of a plug-in hybrid model it needs to be regularly charged to see the benefit, so charging at home or work would be ideal.
The hybrid comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, or the diesel can be specified with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. Our best hybrid vans guide has more information on the vans that are available with hybrid powertrains.
Price new: from £23,500*
Loadspace: 3.1-3.7 cubic metres
Max payload: 782kg
Fuel economy: 48.8-52.1mpg
6. Mercedes-Benz Citan
Best small van for interior quality
Like its predecessor, the second generation Mercedes-Benz Citan is based on the Renault Kangoo. This time though, Mercedes had more involvement with the vehicle’s development to produce a high quality feeling small van.
Inside, the Citan keeps pace with Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter models and doesn’t feel too dissimilar to the A-Class and C-Class. It benefits from a new dashboard design and the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system.
For the second generation, Mercedes-Benz has launched the eCitan, an all-electric version. Its official range is 176 miles, the vehicle maintains the same 3.6 cubic metres load space as the diesel version and it can carry payloads up to 616kg.
Price new: from £21,575*
Load space: 2.9-3.6 cubic metres
Max payload: 686kg
Fuel economy: 51.3-55.4mpg
Read our full Mercedes-Benz Citan review
3. Volkswagen Caddy Cargo
Best small van for car-like driving
Previously called simply the Volkswagen Caddy, the fifth generation is now dubbed the Caddy Cargo. The van shares the same MQB platform that is found under many Volkswagen cars, which gives the Caddy Cargo better driving characteristics and access to more technology.
Since Volkswagen has focused its commercial vehicle electrification on the ID Buzz there are no plans for all-electric powertrains for the Caddy Cargo. Instead, it comes with diesel or petrol engines. A plug-in hybrid version is on the way though.
Although the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo impresses in its driving experience and range of options, it comes further down on our list due to its payload limitations. The majority of the range is only rated to carry under 700kg while many competitors offer payloads of 1,000kg or more.
Price new: from £24,025*
Load space: 3.1-3.7 cubic metres
Max payload: 725kg
Fuel economy: 40.2-52.3mpg
Read our full VW Caddy Cargo review
8. Nissan Townstar
Best non-diesel small van
The Townstar is another example of a small van based on a shared platform, this time with the Renault Kangoo and Mercedes Citan. This collaboration allows Nissan to benefit from scales of economy to offer competitive pricing compared to Stellantis vans.
As the eNV200’s successor, the Townstar is offered as an electric vehicle or with a petrol engine. It’s likely to suit drivers who will predominately operate in urban environments.
The van market currently follows the car sector with more expensive prices for all-electric models. The base Townstar EV starts from £33,995, rising to £38,295 for the long wheelbase crew cab version.
Price new: from £21,825*
Load space: 3.3-4.3 cubic metres
Max payload: 774kg
Fuel economy: 41.5mpg
Read the full Nissan Townstar review
9. Toyota Corolla Commercial
The best car-derived small van
While our list focuses on small panel vans, the car-derived van Toyota Corolla Commercial deserves a mention in the small van category. As you’d expect, in the front it’s very similar to the passenger Toyota Corolla while the back seats have been removed to create a flat load space.
Obviously, payload and load space can’t compare to panel van models, but the Corolla offers an economical hybrid engine and a familiar entry-point to those needing to transition to a van. Unlike the Ford Transit Connect, the Corolla Commercial uses a conventional hybrid system, so it doesn’t need plugging in to top up the battery.
Price new: from £24,565*
Load space: 1.3 cubic metres
Max payload: 465kg
Fuel economy: 55.6-61.4mpg
Read our full Toyota Corolla Commercial review
Further small van buying advice
Why buy a small van?
In recent years, small vans have moved on leaps and bounds to be far more comfortable and well equipped than their predecessors. As well as load space and payload drivers can now choose a small van that prioritises safety, technology, and exterior styling.
Most small vans will spend a lot of time in urban environments and cities thanks to their manoeuvrability. Many come with camera systems which make things far simpler and there’s an increasing number of greener options with hybrid and electric models.
For those who plan to travel further distances, diesel models might still be the way to go for added power and efficiency. Diesel models tend to offer the best payload capacities as well.
Like any vehicle purchase, we recommend working out the space, payload and power required to get the job done. Finding the right van for your needs will save a potential headache later on if the vehicle fails to deliver on an important characteristic for your business.
Petrol, diesel or electric?
The majority of manufacturers offer diesel engines which has been the traditional fuel of choice for vans. Petrol models are better suited to frequent short trips and save the added maintenance requirements of diesel particulate filters.
While electric vans can have a higher starting price points, the plug-in van grant (PIVG) can help towards the cost of the vehicle. These vans are typically enthusiastic at low speeds, make traffic easier to navigate, reduce in-cab noise and offer low running costs if you have access to affordable charging at home or work.
Compared to diesel or petrol alternatives, electric vans have limited driving ranges. For drivers that travel similar routes every day, an electric van could offer enough range to complete a day’s work. If you’re considering an electric van, our best electric vans page dives into the topic in more detail.
What is the best secondhand small van?
When it comes to choosing a secondhand small van, the same rules apply with a few additional considerations. It’s a good idea to work out your payload, load space and powertrain requirements first. This will help narrow down which models to consider.
With basic criteria in hand, the next step is to look for well-equipped examples and signs of an easy life. Low mileage can be a good indicator that a van has been well looked after but it’s also worth talking to the owner to understand how the vehicle was used during their ownership. Light cargo and fewer miles are likely to mean less stress on the van.
Make sure to look for vehicles accompanied by a full-service history and any signs of wear and tear in history files. For added protection, the Toyota Proace City has a 10-year warranty which can provide some peace of mind.
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