Best Mid-Size Vans

Why a mid-size van?

Mid-size vans are like a multifunctional pocketknife that you can always rely upon. You can carry large loads while driving around comfortably. Most modern mid-size vans provide many of the technology features and luxuries of family cars.

They can be as practical as large vans, with high storage room, allowing you to deliver those goods with high payloads and large volumes. At the same time, you don’t have to worry you’ll get stuck or you’ll struggle on those really narrow city streets.

The best mid-size vans are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to cover all your needs. They are the best choice for vehicle fleets that operate inside busy cities and have large payloads to deliver or carry around.

What are the best mid-size vans on the market?

The offer on the market is really varied. There are so many types and models of mid-size vans that things can get easily confusing. If you’re having trouble choosing the best mid-size van for your business, our guide can shed some light.

1. Ford Transit Custom

The Transit Custom is a versatile mid-size van with a large load capacity. It’s well known for its reliability and functionality. The Ford Transit is one of the best mid-size vans for any job.

• Fuel: Diesel
• Payload: 686-1,459kg
• Gross weight: 3,000kg
• CO2 emissions: 167 g/km

Ford Transit Custom is a very popular van, and the best-selling vehicle in 2021. That says a lot about how great this mid-size van is!
It is available in different roof and wheelbase combinations, covering a wide range of business needs. You can get it in L1 and L2 lengths and choose from H1 or H2 roof heights.

The Transit Custom is a very reliable and safe mid-size van, easy to drive and handle. It earned five stars from the Euro NCAP safety rating, so trust us when we say it’s quite safe. It comes equipped with some cool features like ESP, traction control and emergency brake assist.
A plug-in hybrid is also available – Ford Transit Custom PHEV. It uses the 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo petrol engine connected to an electric motor. The battery offers a driving range of up to 30 miles.

Add the Ford Transit Custom to your fleet without the hassle of buying one.

2. Mercedes-Benz Vito

It wouldn’t be a good “best mid-size vans” list without the Mercedes Vito on it. When you hear Mercedes, you think prestige, luxury. The Mercedes Vito may not be as luxurious as the V-class people carrier, for example, but keep in mind it is a commercial transport vehicle. You still get the Mercedes prestige and quality that surpass the typical van stereotypes.

• Fuel: Diesel
• Payload: 1,029kg
• Gross weight: 2,800kg
• CO2 emissions: 157-175g/km

This is a mid-size van that covers a wide range of needs. The Mercedes Vito comes in different sizes and models. You can choose your panel van or crew van from three different lengths, according to your needs – 4,895mm, 5,140mm or 5,370mm. It is available in 3 trims – progressive, premium, and sport although the sport version is available on crew vans only.

The Vito is quiet, comfortable, reliable, and safe, just as you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz van. It’s a bit lower than its competitor vans and it feels more like driving a car. The twin sliding doors feature is always a nice addition to any van.

Ready to move to electric? You’re in luck. Check out the next van on our list.

The price range for this mid-size van varies between £27,400 and £40,000. Seems expensive? Add a rental Mercedes Vito to your fleet.

3. Mercedes Benz eVito

Thinking about going green and reduce the number of diesel vans in your fleet? We recommend you check out the Mercedes eVito.

• Fuel: Electricity
• Payload: 807kg
• Gross weight: 3,200kg
• Driving range: 162 miles

The eVito is available in about the same dimensions as its diesel counterpart but brings some advantages to the table. It’s exempt from ULEZ and Clean Air Zone charges, you don’t have to pay vehicle tax for it, and it could save you more than £2,300 yearly on fuel.

This mid-size van is perfect for urban businesses and sole traders. With a battery capacity of 66kWh, it takes about 6 hours to charge. If you’re in a hurry, opt for the L3 model, which can rapidly charge to full battery in 35 minutes at 80 kwh.

It is a safe and pleasant to drive van, rising up to the Mercedes name. In comparison to its fuelled sister, the running costs are lower.

If this is not enough to convince you to go for the electric van, think about the benefits on the environment. Plus, it’s good for your company’s image. The future is electric – get in trend!

4. Volkswagen Transporter

The Volkswagen Transporter inspires refinement, class. It stands out in terms of technology and comfort. It is definitely a star for VW and one the best mid-size vans on the market.

• Fuel: Diesel
• Payload range: 713 – 1,309kg
• Gross weight: 2,800kg
• CO2 emissions: 157-175g/km

The Transporter may not provide all the luxuries and features other vans offer in terms of technology, but it is one of the most reliable mid-size vans on the market.

The newly updated Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 was awarded the Best Value for Ownership in Medium Van category in 2022.

Volkswagen has always been renowned for its safety and the Transporter is no different. It is a safe van, the standard model including features such as adaptive cruise control, brake assist, automatic braking, hill start assist, driver alert, and crosswind assist.

It comes in two wheelbases, with three roof heights, delivering load volumes of 5.8-9.3 m3.

Its reliability and large capacity make it a popular choice among many those who need space and safety.

5. Vauxhall Vivaro

It wouldn’t be a complete best mid-size vans list without the “made in Britain” Vauxhall Vivaro.

It has always been one of the popular choices for buyers, and we completely understand why. The Vivaro brings an overall user-friendly package that appeals to mid-size van users who prefer more of a car-like driving experience.

• Fuel: Diesel
• Payload: up to 1,458kg
• Gross weight: 2,800kg
• CO2 emissions: from 159g/km

Vauxhall Vivaro is a very practical mid-size van with a load volume of up to 6.6 m3. For those looking to transport bulky stuff, this may be the right choice of van.

It’s shorter and a bit narrower than the previous model, but with load volumes slightly bigger and better payloads. This makes it a great choice if your business operates in busy cities with narrow streets.

It is a safe van, having earned the silver medal from the Euro NCAP rating. However, unlike other mid-size vans, the standard version includes less features. If you want more luxuries, be willing to pay extra.

In terms of driving, the Vivaro is one comfortable mid-size van to drive. It offers a car-like driving experience, perhaps more so than other vans in the category. It has great stability and is pretty quiet even at higher speeds.

6. Vauxhall Vivaro-e

How about switching to electric? Vauxhall Vivaro-e is one of the best medium-sized vans when it comes to electric vehicles.

• Fuel: Electricity
• Payload: 1,000kg
• Gross weight: 3,100kg
• Driving range: 143-205 miles, depending on battery type

The full electric Vivaro-e is a versatile van suitable for many tasks. With added benefits, such as zero emissions, low maintenance costs, and zero congestion charge or ULEZ.

It’s got great payload, similar to its diesel counterpart, so you can count on it to get the job done. It’s a great choice for your urban business.

You can choose from two battery options, the 50kWh one that offers a range of up to 143 miles and the 75kWh one that allows a range of up to 205 miles. If you use a public charger of 100kWh, you can charge the battery at 80% in about 30 minutes.