The Best Small Vans in 2024

Ford is, of course, one of the biggest names in the commercial vehicle segment. Much of this is centred around the famous Transit, but it has also applied much of this award-winning ability to its smaller model, the Transit Connect. You get the same great attributes as the full-size Transit – including the impressively car-like driving experience – which help to make this compact van very practical yet good to drive.

The Transit Connect also gets Ford’s clever infotainment system so you still getting plenty of tech, even in this more practical model. Some reliable engines power the whole affair, too, ensuring that the Connect will never let you down.

As with others here, Volkswagen has a fine backstory when it comes to vans. Naturally, the iconic camper springs to mind, but it has been models such as the Transporter and larger Crafter which have cemented this brand as a go-to for practical vans. The Caddy Cargo, meanwhile, brings Volkswagen into the small van portion of the market.

The Caddy is just as well-built as any other Volkswagen model but, most importantly, has a very spacious rear load area which, thanks to a low lip, is easy to access – particularly if you’re putting heavier items in there. The Caddy is also accompanied by some really strong diesel engines which work just as effectively around town as they do on the motorway.

If you’re after a slightly alternative small used van, then why not consider the Suzuki Jimny Commercial? Just like the regular passenger-focused Jimny, this Commercial version is lightweight, great off-road and packed with character. But in its switch to this more work-focused layout, the Jimny has lost its rear seats to free up a rather usable load area. It’s all coated in a hard-wearing material, too, so you don’t need to worry about what you throw in there damaging the interior.

Naturally, it’s not the largest option out there in terms of outright load-carrying ability, but if off-road credentials are more important – or if you frequently travel over difficult terrain – then the Jimny’s ability to scramble over pretty much any surface could prove invaluable. The small-capacity engine under the bonnet will make this model cheap to run and insure, too.

Toyota knows a thing or two about making hard-wearing commercial vehicles and the aptly named Corolla Commercial is a great example of that. It’s essentially a stripped-out version of the firm’s Corolla estate, which means that this small van feels great to use during daily driving and is particularly intuitive to those who might be new to commercial vehicles.

We’re big fans of the way the Corolla Commercial drives, with its low seating position meaning it feels far less intimidating to pilot than other ‘normal’ vans. Toyota also has an exceptional reputation when it comes to reliability, so you should not have too many concerns in the mechanical department for the Corolla Commercial. It’s also got an efficient ‘regular’ hybrid setup which should help reduce fuel costs regardless of the types of jobs you’re using it for.

Citroen’s Berlingo is a well-known name in the compact van segment, but these days it shares an awful lot in common with other models on the market. The reason? Well, these models all fall under the wider Stellantis group brand and, in order to save money, they’re all sitting atop the same platform. It means that regardless of which option you go for – be that Citroen or Peugeot or even Toyota, you’re getting largely the same model underneath.

That’s not a bad thing, however, as all of these compact vans are comfortable and versatile. You’ll also find electric versions available across the board, which could prove to be a very cost-saving option – particularly for those who might be using their vans in the city.

The Renault Kangoo is yet another commonly-talked-about small van and one which you’ll find plenty of in the used section of the market. Low running costs and a generally robust build quality help to make the Kangoo into a van that’ll prove invaluable day-to-day, while its plastic-clad exterior means that repairs shouldn’t cost the earth if the odd car park prang occurs.

This second-generation Kangoo got a sleeker front end than its predecessor, but most importantly it remained just as usable thanks to the option of a number of body lengths. There’s also an electric version but because of its short range, it might not be the best choice for busy drivers who value their time and don’t want to be charging.

The current generation Land Rover Defender may be one of the more recognisable and luxurious cars on sale today, but this model – the Hard Top – takes this high-riding model right back to its more utilitarian roots. It does away with the rear seats that you’d find in the standard Defender – a bit like other car-based models on this list – and this frees up a whole lot of boot space to take advantage of. For added security, the side windows are also replaced with metal panels to stop eager eyes from spying inside.

The good news is that all of the Defender’s clever off-road technology remains intact, so it’ll still go just as far as its more conventional stablemates. With a cool range of classic-inspired colourways, this is a commercial vehicle that is great for drivers who want to stand out, too.

The Citan is actually based on the Renault Kangoo but unlike other platform-sharing models here, it has undergone quite a significant change in its transformation into a Mercedes. As you might expect from a model coming from this brand it feels significantly more upmarket, with a refined driving experience helping to while away those longer journeys.

It’s also remarkably efficient, with some of the most fuel-sipping diesel models able to return well over 60mpg combined. There’s also the option of three different wheelbases, with Long versions the best choice for those drivers who value outright carrying capacity above all else. The Citan’s premium approach to the compact van driving style is what really helps it to shine through here, however.

The NV200 has been one of Nisan’s most popular models, with this smaller van’s no-nonsense approach, good build quality and efficiency-focused setup ensuring it appeals to all kinds of drivers. This popularity means that there’s loads of availability when buying used, too, and with reasonably low prices it makes sense if you’re on a budget. There’s even an electric version – the e-N200 – to help cater for those who fancy a small van with a more battery-powered focus.

The NV200 has a well-proven track record when it comes to reliability, too, while its load area offers some excellent space – far more than many rivals, in fact. The NV200’s clever packaging ensures that elements such as the suspension don’t intrude on the van’s carrying capacity, yet it’s still just as comfortable and easy to drive as a standard car. What’s not to like?

With a rather adorable name, the Bipper is one of the most affordable used vans out there. Like others here, it’s got a robust, hard-wearing approach to design with a cabin that’ll handle plenty of abuse. Thanks to its boxy, upright shape the Bipper can deliver a lot more load area than you might expect, while a low-loading lip makes it a breeze to access – heavier items are much easier to put in as a result. The split-opening doors make things even simpler while inside you’ll find a variety of lash-down points to ensure that anything you put inside doesn’t slide about.

Thanks to its design the Bipper feels exceptionally nippy to drive around town, with its handily small turning circle ensuring that it’s a great fit for those driving in the city.