A comprehensive guide to the different types of vans

Choosing the right van can feel overwhelming with so many options available, whether you plan to use it for your business, or simply personal use. From luton vans to tipper vans, each type is designed for a specific purpose, whether that’s hauling heavy loads, transporting passengers, or creating a mobile workspace.

In this guide, we'll break down the most common types of vans in the UK, including key features, what each van is best suited for, and what to consider when buying a van. Let's get started.

What's covered:

• How many types of vans are there?
• 14 common types of vans in the UK
• What to consider when buying a van
• Types of van sizes
• How does my type of van affect insurance costs?
• FAQs

How many types of vans are there?

There are many different types of vans, all of which cater to different purposes. These include:

• Luton Vans

• Camper Vans

• Pickup Trucks

• Minibus & MPV Vans

• Electric Vans

• Box Vans

• Panel Vans

• Tipper Vans

• Combi / Crew Vans

• Chassis Cab

• Dropside Vans

• Refrigerated vans

• Curtainside vans

• Car-derived Van

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14 common types of vans in the UK

Next, let's take a look at each van type in more detail:

1. Luton van

A Luton van has an enclosed body with a tall, box-shaped cargo bay and a separate cab that’s usually wider than a panel van. It looks similar to a box van, but the load area extends over the cab, giving even more space for bulky goods. This design makes it popular with couriers and delivery drivers because the square shape is ideal for transporting large parcels and awkward loads.

Access is normally through rear doors, and many models include a tail lift to make loading heavy furniture or appliances easier. Originally named after the town where they were first built, Luton vans remain the top choice for moving big items like sofas, white goods, and other large household pieces.

2. Camper van

Brits are increasingly turning to camper vans for the freedom to travel and stay wherever the road takes them. These vehicles are either purpose-built or converted for living and camping, often equipped with sleeping areas, cooking facilities, and smart storage solutions.

Also read: Is campervan insurance cheaper than van insurance?

Camper vans offer ample cargo space, but the appeal lies in creating a cosy, self-contained home on wheels. Popular models include the Volkswagen California and Ford Transit Custom Camper, both designed to make life on the move practical and enjoyable.

3. Pickup truck

Pickup trucks have an open-air cargo bed behind the cab, giving plenty of space for tools and equipment. They’re available in two- or four-wheel drive and come with either a single or double cab. The low-sided flatbed makes loading easy, while the cab can seat two to six people.

Popular for both work and leisure, pickups have grown in demand because they drive like a car yet offer serious practicality.

4. Minibus & MPV vans

Minibuses and MPVs are designed for passengers, not cargo, making them ideal for large families and group travel. They usually offer seating for 9 to 16 people, with some seats folding flat for extra flexibility.

These vans feature multiple rows and are commonly used for shuttle services, school runs, and taxi fleets. Popular models include the Ford Transit Minibus and Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer.

5. Electric van

Electric vans are becoming increasingly popular as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. They use battery-powered electric motors, offering a quieter and cleaner option that reduces emissions and lowers running costs.

With zero emissions, they’re exempt from road tax and congestion charges, making them a smart choice for city driving. Charging points are growing across the UK, and home charging setups are widely available for convenience. Advances in battery technology have boosted range, so modern electric vans now rival internal combustion models for reliability and usability.

Also read: The 10 best electric vans in 2025

6. Box van

Box vans feature a fully enclosed, box-shaped cargo area that’s separate from the cab. Unlike a Luton, the shape remains consistent without extra storage over the cab, but the design allows the load space to be wider than the cab for maximum capacity.

The cargo area sits on the chassis, so it can feel high off the ground, yet this layout provides generous space for bulky goods. Couriers, logistics firms, and home removal companies often choose box vans for their practicality and reliability.

7. Panel van

Panel vans have a fully enclosed cargo area, making them secure and perfect for transporting goods that need protection from the weather. They’re the most popular vans on UK roads, widely used by tradespeople and increasingly chosen for van life or conversions.

Available in various sizes with options for roof heights and wheelbases, they often lack side or rear windows for added security. Inside, the space is versatile and can be customised with shelving or racks to suit business needs. Large cargo areas and sliding doors provide easy access, and popular models include the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter.

8. Tipper van

Tipper vans are built for quick and efficient unloading of bulk materials, making them a favourite in construction and waste management. They feature a rear platform that can be raised at an angle to dump contents, operated by a hydraulic arm.

Essentially a dropside with extra functionality, the flatbed lifts from the front so everything slides out effortlessly. The side panels can also fold down, allowing loading from the rear or sides. Perfect for heavy or oversized cargo, a tipper combines the convenience of a pickup with the capacity of a van.

9. Combi / Crew vans

Crew vans, also known as combi vans, also called are designed to carry both people and cargo comfortably. They include a second row of seats behind the driver, making them ideal for anyone who needs extra passenger space while still having room for equipment.

Many models feature stowable seats to increase load capacity when required, so switching between tasks is simple. With generous cargo space at the rear and seating for multiple passengers, crew vans remain a practical choice for commercial use and families alike.

10. Chassis cab

A chassis cab is a vehicle that includes only the cab and the chassis rails, leaving the rear open for customisation. There’s no flatbed or cargo space initially, which means users can fit a body that suits their needs, from box vans and flatbeds to specialist setups like cranes or fire engines.

This flexibility makes chassis cabs popular with commercial operators who require unique configurations. With looks similar to a pickup truck, they provide a blank canvas for businesses to create the perfect vehicle for their work.

11. Dropside van

Dropside vans are designed for quick loading and unloading, thanks to sides and rear panels that drop down to open up the flatbed. This makes them ideal for carrying heavy or bulky items like construction materials or landscaping supplies.

An extension of a chassis cab, they feature a flatbed mounted on the ladder chassis with drop-down sides for easy access. Tradespeople, especially builders, favour these vans because they allow fast loading from any angle and handle oversized loads with ease.

12. Refrigerated van

Refrigerated vans, often called reefer vans, are designed to keep perishable goods chilled or frozen during transit. They use internal refrigeration units to maintain a controlled temperature inside the cargo space, which drivers can adjust to suit the load.

These vans are essential for transporting fresh produce, dairy, meat, and frozen foods. They are normally available in different sizes and many models include electric standby systems to keep cooling active when the engine is off.

13. Curtainside van

Curtainside vans feature flexible curtained walls that slide open, allowing cargo to be loaded and unloaded quickly while keeping it protected from the weather during transit.

Curtainside vans are popular with those who need to transport goods on pallets and keep their cargo dry, such as wholesale delivery services.

14. Car-derived van

As the name suggests, car-derived vans are adapted from standard cars to provide extra storage space and the practicality of a van. The rear seats and side windows are typically removed, creating a simple cargo area for light loads.

They offer more room than a car but can’t carry heavy loads like larger vans. These vehicles are popular with small courier services for quick deliveries. Common models include the Vauxhall Astra and Corsa, as well as the Ford Fiesta.

What to consider when buying a van

There are many factors to consider when buying a van, and the type of van you'll need will depend on how you'll use it and the nature of your business. Common factors you should consider include:

• Purpose: commercial use or personal use

• Purchase price: new vans will typically cost more than used vans

• Running costs

• Fuel type

• Size of van (small, medium or large)

• Payload capacity

• Load space

• Wheelbase: the distance between the front and rear axles. Affects handling, stability, and how weight is distributed.

• Roof height

• Number of passengers

• Gross vehicle weight (GVW)

• Safety and technology: such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and GPS systems.

Next, let's break down the different types of van sizes available:

Types of van sizes

Small vans

Small vans, often called compact vans or city vans, are perfect for urban driving thanks to their short wheelbase and excellent manoeuvrability. They’re easy to park, fuel-efficient, and ideal for navigating tight streets.

Cargo capacity is limited compared to larger vans, but they’re a great fit for small businesses, couriers, or tradespeople who carry light loads. Popular models include the Citroën Berlingo, which combines practicality with low running costs.

Also read: The 10 best small vans in 2025

Medium vans

Medium vans strike the perfect balance between size and practicality, offering generous storage without feeling bulky. They drive much like a passenger car, making them easy to handle on busy roads. Popular choices include camper vans and panel vans such as the Ford Transit Custom.

They’re among the most common vans in Britain thanks to their reliability and adaptability. Many models feature combi or crew layouts with extra seating for passengers, while fuel efficiency keeps running costs low.

Large vans

Large vans provide the most payload space and feature a long wheelbase for a smoother, more stable drive. They’re ideal for substantial deliveries, moving services, or businesses that need serious storage. Common examples include Luton and box vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, all drivable on a standard UK licence.

Large vans often feature practical features like wide-opening rear doors and sliding sides for easy loading. While running costs are higher than smaller vans, the sheer volume they can carry makes them worth it. If maximum load space matters, a large van is the best choice.

How does my type of van affect insurance costs?

The type of van you drive will invariably influence how much you'll pay for van insurance. Larger, heavier vans tend to be more expensive to insure as they tend to increase the severity of accidents, increasing their risk. Similarly, vans with more powerful engines and higher top speeds are more likely to be involved in accidents and viewed as higher risk, so are usually more expensive to insure. Other factors influencing insurance costs include:

• Policy type and level of cover

• Driver age and experience

• Gross vehicle weight (GVW)

• Driving history

• Vehicle value

• Type of business

• Overnight location and storage

• Security

• Number of required drivers for business purposes

Also read: How to save money on your van insurance: 20 practical tips

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.

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