The results are in for the annual Parkers New Car Awards 2022, so let’s take a closer look at the van and pickup award winners.
This year there are six awards: one for each of the major van categories, plus another for electric vans, as well as our choices for the overall van and pickup of the year.
So which models are our winners? Time to find out.
Parkers Small Van of the Year 2022: Toyota Proace City
Winner of the 2022 Parkers Small Van of The Year award is the Toyota Proace City.
While fundamentally identical to the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo Cargo, this year we’ve singled out the Toyota because the firm is now offering it with an amazing 10-year warranty programme.
Beyond this, the Proace City offers great payload ratings, a comfortable and refined driving experience, and a recent update to the range brings more choice as well. It’s also well-supported by the growing Toyota Professional dealer network. A very worthy winner.
Runners up in this category are the very closely matched Berlingo / Partner / Combo Cargo trio, and the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo.
Parkers Medium Van of The Year 2022: Ford Transit Custom
Winner of the 2022 Parkers Medium Van of The Year award is the Ford Transit Custom – the UK’s bestselling van, and one of the most versatile models on the market, at any size.
The Transit Custom is loved by owners and operators because it looks great, drives well and has a very un-van-like cabin – something that it achieves without losing sight of practicality – with lots of modern touches and technology.
But more than this, the Transit Custom is available in such a wide range of trims and types that there is sure to be something to suit you. From basic vans to lifestyle versions – now not only including the long-standard Sport model but also the new Trail and Active variants (and you can buy an MS-RT from any Ford dealer now) – this Ford has got it covered. There’s even a Plug-In Hybrid version.
The runners up in this category are the Volkswagen Transporter and the Toyota Proace.
Parkers Large Van of The Year 2022: MAN TGE
Winner of the 2022 Parkers Large Van of The Year award is the MAN TGE. The TGE is the sister van to the Volkswagen Crafter; the two are technically identical beneath the branding, and have previously been awarded this honour jointly.
However, for the 2022 award we’ve made the decision to recognise the TGE alone on the strength of MAN’s aftersales network. Because the firm is principally a truck manufacturer, it’s able to offer TGE buyers extended workshop opening hours. As a result, we’ve seen repeated instances of customers expressing their amazement at just how quickly MAN has been able to get them back on the road.
Elsewhere, the TGE’s strengths include being incredibly easy to drive and comfortable, with a very intelligently designed cab. A wide range of body sizes and types means there’s something for all kinds of van customers, too.
The runners up in this category are the Volkswagen Crafter and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Parkers Electric Van of The Year 2022: Toyota Proace Electric
Winner of the 2022 Parkers Electric Van of The Year is the Toyota Proace Electric. Toyota’s 10-year Relax warranty programme helps it secure another victory here, setting this electric van aside from its technically identical cousins, the Citroen e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e.
While the Proace doesn’t come in quite such a wide range of sizes and trim levels as these others, you can choose between both battery pack sizes, which means you can optimise the van for payload or driving range, depending on your priority.
Both elements are right at the top of their class, too, with maximum payload in excess of 1,200kg and maximum driving range a WLTP-endorsed 205 miles per charge. Add a pleasant driving experience and some keen pricing, and the Proace Electric is another deserving winner.
Runners up in this category are the e-Dispatch / e-Expert / Vivaro-e, and the Maxus e Deliver 3.
Overall Parkers Van of The Year 2022: Ford Transit Custom
The overall Van of the Year winner in the 2022 Parkers New Car Awards is the Ford Transit Custom.
Winner for the second-year running, once again the strength and depth of the current Transit Custom range shines through. Whether you need a basic working van or something to take pride of place on your drive and among your family, there’s a Transit Custom to suit you. It is a really complete vehicle.
Well done, Ford. And keep it up.
Parkers Pickup of The Year 2022: Ford Ranger
The accolades aren’t over for the blue oval, as it also scoops the 2022 Parkers Pickup of The Year award with the remarkable Ford Ranger.
The Ranger is another example of Ford’s completeness. The line-up covers everything from straightforward working vehicles right up to premium lifestyle models, topped by the high-performance off-road orientated Raptor, while the options list means you can build a Ranger that’s totally suited to what you do.
But whatever model you choose you’ll get brilliant refinement, great road manners and comfort, an inviting interior, and plenty of technology – in combination with payload strength and 3.5-tonne towing capability.
Runners up in this category were the Toyota Hilux and the Isuzu D-Max.
