The 10 best small vans in 2025

Small vans have become the go-to choice for tradespeople, delivery drivers, and businesses that need versatility without the bulk of a full-size model. They’re easier to park, cheaper to run, and packed with clever features that make everyday jobs simpler.

Whether you run a thriving trade or simply need more space than a car can offer, a small van is the smart alternative. In this guide, we’ve rounded up our choice of the best small vans you can buy in 2025. We’ll look at payload, load space, fuel economy, and standout features so you can find the perfect fit for your business. Read on!

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Note: figures are shown for the highest maximum payload / load volume version of each van. Specifications vary by model and configuration.

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1. Citroen Berlingo

The Citroen Berlingo remains the UK’s best-selling compact van, and it’s easy to see why. With a generous load space (up to 4.4 cubic metres), a strong payload, and wide rear doors paired with a low loading height, it’s built for practicality. Inside, you’ll find clever storage solutions and seats that offer real comfort on long motorway trips. The range-topping BlueHDi 130 diesel engine is our pick, delivering smooth power for distance driving while staying efficient.

Add advanced safety tech, driver assistance features, and the option of a slick automatic gearbox, and you’ve got a cracking all-rounder that handles everything from tools to daily errands with ease. The only limitations with the Berlingo is the lack of a high-roof option, which limits load height, and its three-year warranty feels short compared to some rivals. Citroën is part of the Stellantis group, and is one of the four small vans on this list that share the same core engineering beneath the surface.

2. Toyota Proace City

Sharing the same platform as the Berlingo, the Proace City brings Toyota styling to a proven formula. Powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine delivering up to 54.4 mpg, it’s efficient, good to drive, and built with an interior that feels durable. Cargo space is generous, and its payload capacity is among the best in this class, making it a serious workhorse. The van comes well-equipped as standard and has a warranty that can be extended to up to 10 years, beating most rivals.

Safety tech includes pre-collision and pedestrian detection, adding confidence on busy roads. The 98 bhp diesel suits most drivers, while a 74 bhp version offers a lower-cost option. It’s a smart, comfortable, and practical van, though engine choice is limited and there are only two trims with few extras. Yet for reliability and kit, this van stands out.

3. Peugeot Partner

The Peugeot Partner also shares its nuts and bolts with the vans above, so it delivers the same solid mix of comfort and agility on the road. It’s well-built, easy to handle in tight city streets, and just as capable on rural routes, making it a versatile choice for businesses. Inside, the cabin feels modern and well-equipped, with decent standard kit and a layout that works for everyday use.

You can choose between economical diesel engines or an all electric version, but for most tradespeople, the 1.5 BlueHDi 100 Professional Plus Van strikes the right balance of performance and efficiency. Add impressive fuel economy and a reliable reputation, and you’ve got a practical all-rounder that’s ready for work.

4. Renault Kangoo

The Renault Kangoo offers competitive pricing and plenty of kit across most trims, making it a strong contender in the small van market. Inside, it’s spacious and versatile, with a large load area and clever touches like the Easy Inside Rack for storing long items like ladders along the roof. It feels car-like to drive thanks to its compact dimensions and smooth powertrain, which makes long hours behind the wheel far more enjoyable.

Safety tech such as Lane Keeping Assist, Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Monitoring adds confidence on the road, while the choice of petrol, diesel, and electric powertrains gives buyers real flexibility. For the best fuel economy, go for the 95 bhp 1.5-litre diesel with manual transmission. Downsides? Service intervals and warranty aren’t class-leading, there’s no pull-out glovebox, and the handy ‘Open Sesame’ door isn’t available. But overall, this is a practical, well-equipped van that ticks plenty of boxes.

5. Mercedes Citan

The Citan is Mercedes’ smallest van, and it brings a touch of prestige to the compact segment. Sharing its platform with the Renault Kangoo and Nissan Townstar, it still manages to stand out thanks to superior fuel efficiency, especially in the 110 L1 Manual trim with its 1.5-litre diesel engine delivering over 55 mpg. There’s only one engine option, but it feels lively in town and impressively quiet.

Inside, the cabin is a cut above most rivals, with soft-touch materials and a slick infotainment system adding real sophistication. Comfort and safety tech are strong points, and the unlimited mileage warranty is a bonus. The newest model also has a generous upgraded payload of 854kg. While the price is higher than its siblings, the refined drive, plush interior, and prestige badge make it appealing for those who value image and quality.

6. Fiat Doblo

The Fiat Doblo is the final small van of the Stellantis quartet on this list, sitting alongside the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, and Toyota Proace City. Like its siblings, it offers the same practical strengths (efficient engines, decent payload, and a comfortable drive) but there’s little to set it apart beyond minor styling tweaks and small differences in pricing and spec. If you like the idea of a proven platform with Fiat branding, the Doblo delivers exactly that, but don’t expect anything radically different from its stablemates.

7. Ford Transit Connect

The Transit Connect is a well-rounded small van that blends car-like handling with everyday practicality. Sharing its underpinnings with models such as the Volkswagen Golf, it feels agile on the road, with direct steering and a comfortable ride. You can choose from two punchy 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines producing 101bhp or 120bhp, or opt for the plug-in hybrid with an official electric range of up to 74 miles - perfect for completing commutes or delivery routes without using petrol.

All versions can carry two standard Euro pallets, and the load bay offers up to 3.7 cubic metres, which is reasonable but less generous than some rivals. Inside, the cabin is sturdy and well thought out, although the infotainment system can be slow to respond. With flexible engine options, decent handling, and a practical design, the Transit Connect suits businesses looking for efficiency and versatility, even if payload and loadspace aren’t class-leading.

8. Nissan Townstar

Sharing its platform with the Renault Kangoo and Mercedes Citan, the Townstar is a great all-rounder that shines in several key areas. Ride comfort is a real highlight, thanks to soft suspension that smooths out bumps, light controls, and accurate steering. You have the choice between a petrol engine or an electric equivalent, as part of Nissan's commitment to phase out diesel engines across its entire range.

The green Townstar EV combines punchy performance with calm handling, while the petrol-powered 1.3-litre turbo engine offers the highest payload at 774kg when paired with an automatic gearbox. Standard equipment is generous even at entry level, and the range-topper feels almost luxurious. Safety tech is strong, and the five-year or 100,000-mile warranty adds peace of mind. With thoughtful load-space touches and competitive capacity figures, this van combines practicality with refinement, making it a smart choice for drivers who value comfort and versatility.

9. Ford Transit Courier

The Transit Courier might be the smallest member of Ford’s Transit family, but it certainly punches above its weight. With 2.9m³ of loadspace (enough for two Euro pallets) and a payload that can stretch to 849kg with the optional upgrade, it’s a practical choice for small businesses and urban deliveries. Petrol and diesel engines are available, though the diesel is the better bet for its extra pulling power.

Car-based underpinnings make it sharp and enjoyable to drive, while advanced safety tech and assistance systems helped it earn a Platinum Euro NCAP safety award. It’s competitively priced, economical, and now sits closer to the Transit Connect in size without losing its edge in affordability. More basic versions feel stripped back in terms of trim and equipment, interior storage could be better, and the lack of physical buttons might frustrate some drivers. Despite this, the Courier is a nimble, well-equipped van that’s hard to ignore.

10. Volkswagen Caddy Cargo

Based on the latest Golf family car, the Caddy Cargo combines car-like handling with a compact size that’s perfect for city driving. Inside, the cabin feels high in quality and packed with tech, including safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Traffic Alert, making every journey feel safer and more relaxing. It offers up to 3.1 cubic metres of loadspace, but its maximum payload of around 700kg is on the low side for this class, leaving it behind rivals like the Toyota Proace City and its badge-engineered siblings.

While it has impressive residual values, entry-level models feel basic and road noise is noticeable. Practicality has improved from previous versions, but payload limitations and fewer options for versatility mean it’s not the most capable choice for heavy-duty work.

Top 3 small vans by maximum payload

Top 3 small vans by load space

Top 3 small vans by fuel economy

Diesel engines

Petrol engines

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This is a marketing article from Howden Insurance. The information in this guide is intended for general guidance only and is accurate at time of publication. Specifications, features, and availability may change, so always confirm details with manufacturers or dealers before making a decision.

Sources:

• What Car?

• Heycar

• Auto Trader

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