The Best vans to drive

We can’t do this list without the Ford Transit, can we? Often seen as the go-to van, the Transit has provided practical transportation to the masses for decades. These days, the Transit is more car-like than ever with a high-quality interior and a variety of different powertrains. 

Plus, Ford recently added a new plug-in hybrid version of its mid-size Transit Custom, bringing lower running costs to this spacious van in the process. Combining a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, the Transit plug-in hybrid can travel for up to 30 miles on electric power alone, making it a great option for those who are doing lots of smaller inner-city journeys. It’s just another option on top of a wide variety of Transit variants.

Volkswagen has fought at the top of the van market for some time now. But whereas models like the Ford Transit lean on all-around usability, the Transporter aims to bring a more car-like experience than any of its rivals. 

With a high-end interior and loads of technology, the Transporter feels a good deal more upmarket than many of the other options available today. However, it backs this up with a focused approach to practicality, while an efficient range of engines accompanies it too. Volkswagen has recently introduced a fully electric version too – the ABT e-Transporter – which, despite its small range, could be a good option for those who do shorter drives each day. However, for the vast majority of people, the diesels will remain the go-to choice owing to their good efficiency and refinement, as well as the robustness they bring.

Mercedes is well known for its high-quality and luxurious passenger cars, but it also has a strong reputation for creating very reliable vans, too. The Sprinter is one of its most popular, sitting above the smaller Vito in the firm’s range. Much like others on this list, the Sprinter is easily adaptable to all manner of jobs but is also good to drive and comfortable too. 

The latest Sprinter models also benefit from MBUX – Mercedes’ latest infotainment setup. It takes many of the learnings made in the firm’s passenger cars and applies them to the Sprinter, ensuring that this system doesn’t just look great but is easy and intuitive to use, too. It really does help to elevate the look and feel of the Sprinter’s cabin while also providing more connected functions, all relayed via a high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen.

Our first of the electric vans in this list, the Peugeot e-Boxer shows that EV power really does have a place in the van world. In fact, owing to its more than 130-mile range, the e-Boxer is a great alternative to a conventional petrol or diesel car and has very few drawbacks, too. Plus, because the e-Boxer emits no CO2, it is completely exempt from emissions charges and low-emissions zones, meaning it could be a great option for those companies or users trying to save money when driving in the city. 

Thanks to rapid charging capability, the e-Boxer’s battery levels can be taken from zero to 80 per cent in as little as an hour, meaning that there’s no need to wait around for a long time in order to get a full charge. Certainly, if you time these charges for when you’re likely to be stopped – such as when loading or unloading the van – they can prove incredibly cost-effective.

Citroen has made a considerable foray into the van world of late, with the Relay acting as one of the firm’s chief offerings. It’s available in four lengths and three heights – ensuring that there’s a version for everyone – while a payload of up to 1,870kg means that it’s more than up to the job in hand. Plus, Citroen recently added a new electric version – the e-Relay – giving buyers a battery-powered option should they fancy making the switch to an EV. 

A clever feature is the optional pneumatic suspension. When fitted to the Relay, it allows the van to drop the rear from 70mm to 60mm, making it easier to load larger items into the van. It’s a really clever touch and shows how focused Citroen has been on ease-of-use when it comes to the Relay.

Vauxhall’s Vivaro is a mid-size van with a wide range of features and highlights. Vauxhall has also designed the Vivaro from the off to drive like a car, which is why you’ll find many traits that you’d expect to find in one of the firm’s passenger models here. The exterior has some nicely upmarket touches too, such as chrome detailing around the headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels on certain models. 

Plus, as we’ve seen on other Group PSA models, the Vivaro is also offered with an electric powertrain in the Vivaro-e. With over 200 miles between charges, the Vivaro-e brings one of the best electric ranges around, meaning this isn’t an electric van limited only to use in the city. Certainly, if you’re a high-mileage van driver looking to cut back on fuel costs, this electric version could make a great deal of sense.  

Volkswagen’s compact Caddy has been a hit with buyers for some time now. It offers all of the same high-end functions that you get on the firm’s larger models such as the Transporter and Crafter but in a smaller package. For those who don’t need a large or medium-size van the Caddy will make a lot of sense, while its more compact proportions make it a great option for those who plan on using it in the city where space is at a premium. 

A new Caddy was introduced recently too, taking its underpinnings from the latest eighth-generation Golf. More technology-focused than ever, this latest Caddy brings a high-quality interior but doesn’t lose focus on why people opt for this model in the first place – its high level of practicality and flexible loading solutions.

Want to go a little outside the box with your next van choice? The Renault Zoe van could be the vehicle for you. Based on the standard Renault Zoe, this fully electric van does without the rear seats of the production car, freeing up one cubic metre’s worth of storage. But, because the powertrain has been kept the same, the Zoe van returns the same impressive range as the passenger car – up to 245 miles from a single charge. So not only could the Zoe van be a good option for those in town, but it could be a great choice for those who venture further afield too. 

The Zoe is also capable of charging at speeds of up to 50kW, meaning that a zero to 80 per cent charge can be achieved in 70 minutes. Opting for a slower 22kW charger will result in a full charge taking around three hours.

Continuing the electric theme we go to the Nissan e-NV200. It’s a compact van with an electric powertrain, capable of travelling for up to 124 miles on mixed roads, or up to 187 miles if you’re mainly moving around the city. Plus, rapid charging capability means that a 20 to 80 per cent charge can take as little as 40 minutes, while a full charge using a home wallbox will take seven and a half hours – short enough for overnight plug-ins at home. 

The e-NV200 offers plenty of load space, mind you, accessed via handy sliding doors. Plus, it can be configured to use a variety of different racks and loading options, or there’s a Combi version for those who would like more passenger space. This variety means that you can tailor the e-NV200 to your needs while still keeping that efficient electric powertrain.

Fiat may not be the first manufacturer which springs to mind when it comes to vans, but with the Talento it’s one well worth considering. A medium-size van, the Talento van can be specified as a regular panel van, crew cab van or with a floor cab option. It’s got loads of features to check out inside, too, with a central touchscreen incorporating navigation, as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which make syncing your phone up to the display a breeze. 

You get a wide variety of engines to choose from too with all of them being efficient and clean. There’s also the option of either a manual or DCT transmission, the latter of which could prove to be a good option for those who do longer motorway journeys.