Best Work Vans in the UK

If you only need a van for one-off use, or you’re not sure what’s best for your business, you could start by checking out our general-purpose vans for business and commercial hire. Browse our selection, starting with the top picks we’ve identified below. You could also get in touch with us and request a call-back, and we’ll talk you through the options.

Ford Transit Connect

The Connect version of Ford’s hugely popular Transit van is an ideal solution for a huge variety of general business needs. Like the majority of vehicles made by the American giant, the Ford Transit Connect handles extremely capably, with smooth steering and a dependable gearbox. It’s also a great performer when taken off-road. The cabin is stylish and comfortable (though it’s not the largest), and there’s plenty of storage space in the back – the 2019 model offers over 75 cubic feet with the rear passenger seats folded down. The payload is also impressive for a smaller van, at almost 1000 kg.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is a strong contender for the best van for business and commercial hire. It’s certainly one of the most technologically-advanced vans ever released, offering a voice-controlled sat-nav, a highly sophisticated MBUX infotainment system, and some cutting-edge safety kit as standard with all models. There are over 1000 variants available, depending on your specific needs, so it’s an incredibly versatile vehicle. You can opt for rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or 4WD, and there are a number of speedy 2-litre petrol and diesel engines available, as well as a 3-litre V6 turbodiesel at the top of the range. Perhaps the only drawback is its relatively weak payload, when compared to similarly-sized vans.

Renault Master

Renault’s Master vans have been best-sellers for decades, primarily due to their neat handling and impressive practicality. Recent LWB (large wheelbase), FWD (front-wheel drive) versions offer a whopping 4-metre load length, as well as payload limit of over 1500 kg, making this the best van for builders who need to haul a lot of gear regularly. It’s worth picking out a model from 2019 onwards, so you can take advantage of the new safety tech and the comfier interior, which offers a handy work desk at the front. Later models also have a sharp, modern aesthetic, to bring that extra touch of professionalism and class when you’re heading out to jobs.

Volkswagen Transporter

With its sleek headlights and angular design, the Transporter is probably the best-looking practical work van currently available. It also has the comfy, sophisticated interior that VW is known for, with smooth leather, a stylish dashboard, and an advanced infotainment system. Underneath the bonnet, you can choose from a variety of powerful engines, with a 204hp TDI turbodiesel engine sitting at the top of the range. You can get a load length of up to 3 metres on the LWB versions of the van, which allows you to fit up to three standard Euro pallets, and its rear wing doors open up to 180 degrees.
 

Renault Trafic

Renault Trafic’s great combination of practicality and performance makes it one of the best vans for plumbers or electricians who want to carry out their business as efficiently as possible. With around 3 metres of load length, it’s an ideal size for a plumber, allowing you to fit in most pipes with ease. As of 2019, its top-end engine is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that provides up to 170bhp. Offering around 50 miles to the gallon, it’s a highly cost-effective choice for your business, and it’s usually cheaper to buy than rival vans. The van handles smoothly, with a well-balanced suspension, and there’s an automatic transmission option available for better driving comfort.

Vauxhall Vivaro

This UK-built van is particularly popular with electricians and heating engineers, with its great value for money being a major contributing factor. If you don’t need a huge amount of cargo space, this is one of the best all-rounder medium vans on the market. Both its 1.5-litre and 2-litre turbocharged diesel engines offer a decent amount of power, and its great handling and relatively compact dimensions make it an easy van to take around town. The larger models can carry up to 1450 kg, and the load length is around 2.4 metres. The interior cabin is a little smaller than many rivals, but it’s nice and stylish for the price point, and you can get an advanced infotainment system on the more expensive trims.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

For sheer style, this is the best passenger van on the market. The luxury German manufacturer has kitted out the interior with plush leather seats, great infotainment, and a variety of convenient features that your passengers will love, like pop-up tables and fold-out storage trays. It’s an impressive thing to behold from the outside, it handles capably, and its 2.1-litre diesel engine offers a refined ride as well as decent efficiency.  There’s also an impressive versatility to its seating arrangements, including the option of turning the middle row backwards, offering a more social ambience for longer trips. All this elegance and convenience doesn’t come cheap, but the commercial appeal of the prestige Mercedes label could end up paying for itself.

Citroen Berlingo

Citroen has sold over a million Berlingos since it was first launched back in 1996, and it popularised the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) as a new type of people carrier. With sliding doors and around 775 litres of cargo space, it’s an incredibly practical option if you don’t want to opt for a full-sized van. Perhaps the most appealing part of the vehicle is its handling, with agile steering, great body control, and soft suspension. There’s also a decent amount of safety and infotainment equipment, even at the lower trims.