Best large panel vans 2026

Large panel vans are ideal workhorses for businesses and fleets which need to haul big loads in a light commercial vehicle. As the name suggests, they can carry more cargo than small or mid-size vans and they usually come in a wider range of different bodystyles to cater for more business requirements. 

In 2026, the very best large vans offer plentiful cargo space, rugged build quality, top reliability and punchy engines – helping you keep your business running day-to-day and your drivers happy. They can fill a range of roles from ferrying parcels around town to transporting tradesmen and their tools or driving cross-country as mobile maintenance vehicles. 

There’s lots of choice out there so which model should you choose? Our experts have tested every large panel van on the UK market to help you find the perfect commercial vehicle for your business, and you’ll find our recommended options below.

Compare the best large panel vans

The best large van currently on the market is the Renault Master. It was named our Large Van of the Year in both 2025 and 2026. The Ford Transit is a stalwart of the class and with a wide range of body options, powertrains and competitive pricing, it’s not difficult to see why it’s one of the most popular vans on UK roads.

Click the links in our table above or keeping reading to find our road testers' verdicts on the best large vans you can buy in the UK..

1. Renault Master / Nissan Interstar

The Renault Master really does live up to its name as it’s the best large van you can currently get.

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• Prices from £35,405 (Interstar, excl. VAT)
• Maximum payload: 1,625kg
• Maximum load volume: 14.8 cubic metres
• Auto Express Large Van of the Year 2025 and 2026

The latest Renault Master and Nissan Interstar are two of the freshest models on the current large-van market having both arrived in 2024. 

This relative youth compared to the majority of long-serving rivals works in Nissan and Renault’s favour, because both vans are surprisingly refined machines to drive, they also offer a generous amount of room in the back of up to 14.8 cubic meters. 

Each van shares the same design and characteristics, so the best choice will largely depend on any tempting deals that you can find when it’s time to buy (or lease).

There’s plenty of options when it comes to the configuration of your ideal Master or Insterstar, too, because there are three length and height combinations to choose from, as well as the option of a crew cab. 

On top of this, there’s also a selection of powertrains that range from diesel to fully electric power. 

The electric powertrain in the Master can officially return up to 285 miles on a single charge, although we saw closer to 250 in the real world when driving a Master E-Tech with a 400kg payload. Diesel Masters can achieve between 33 and 34mpg depending on engine specification.

“On the road, a lofty driving position gives you a clear view ahead, while the weighting of the controls, noise levels and ride comfort, helps the Master to be an intuitive and comfortable van to drive, both on the motorway and around town.” - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor

2. Ford Transit

With its generous load volume, cargo carrying capacity and reasonable price, it’s not difficult to see why the Ford Transit is one of the most popular vans in the UK.

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• Prices from £43,085 (excl. VAT)
• Maximum payload: 2,447kg
• Maximum load volume: 15.1 cubic metres

With the latest Transit, Ford divided up the range so that the largest model is called Transit, with the Transit Custom catering for the medium panel van sector. That has allowed Ford to concentrate on producing a large van that's perfect for work use, while constant updates have helped to keep the Transit fresh.

The latest EcoBlue diesel engine is far more efficient than the old TDCi unit, and this will allow you to travel much further between fill-ups without any compromise when it comes to payload. Ford claims that the smallest Transit models can achieve up to 43mpg which is pretty impressive for a large van.

Opt for the 10-speed auto gearbox and this offers efficiency and pulling power in equal measure. Of course, if efficiency and low emissions are at the top of your list of priorities, there’s always the electric E-Transit to consider.

Where the Transit differs from other large vans is out on the road. From behind the wheel it feels very car-like to drive and is quite comfortable for a commercial vehicle. Add into the mix a lofty driving position, smart dashboard design and a good amount of driver safety tech found in Ford’s passenger cars, and it’s a fine option.

“The Transit can't quite match some of the advanced safety and connectivity tech that's available on rivals such as the Mercedes Sprinter, but it still offers car-like technology in the cab, a surprisingly entertaining drive and decent running costs.” - Sam Naylor, Auto Express contributor

3. Peugeot Boxer / Citroen Relay / Vauxhall Movano

If you’re after a versatile van with an eye for value, the Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay or Vauxhall Movano should be on your shortlist.

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• Prices from £32,735 (Boxer, excl. VAT)
• Maximum payload: 2,115kg
• Maximum load volume: 17 cubic metres
• Best for value

The Citroen Relay, Vauxhall Movano and Peugeot Boxer are all essentially the same van, but with different badges on the nose. Thankfully, there's plenty of variety in the range, so finding the right version to suit your needs. 

There are four lengths in three wheelbases and three roof heights on offer, which means cargo volumes range from 8-17 cubic metres, while maximum payload of over tonnes is available if that's what's important to you.

As with their rivals, there are off-the-shelf conversions also available, with Luton, dropside, tipper, box body and even curtainside versions available direct from dealers. Electric versions of the Relay, Movano and Boxer are also all available and can travel up to 261 miles on a single charge. 

The interior is fairly basic when compared with the very latest large vans, but it's functional, robust and roomy enough for three passengers. The diesel-powered vans are fitted with BlueHDi engines that offer various power outputs, and while these engines are a bit noisy, they’re not too thirsty and get the job done.

“The diesel models are properly old school, with plenty of noise, but good power, too, while the electric version is a bit more refined, but still a big, heavy workhorse that gives few concessions to comfort.” - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor

4. Volkswagen Crafter / MAN TGE

If you need a large van which can haul the largest and bulkiest items, the Volkswagen Crafter has you covered.

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• Prices from £39,145 (Crafter, excl. VAT)
• Maximum payload: 2,573kg
• Maximum load volume: 18.4 cubic metres
• Best for cargo capacity

If the MAN TGE looks familiar, it should, because aside from the MAN badges, it's essentially a rebadged Volkswagen Crafter. MAN is part of the VW Group, and while the maker is best known for its trucks, it has added the TGE to the line-up to cater for truck users who need something a little smaller to bolster their fleet. There’s little difference between these two vans besides the badge, but this means both are equally capable.

Both the Crafter and TGE offer the same level of quality inside, and they use the tech you'll find in the VW passenger-car range. This means air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are on offer, while self-parking including trailer assist is also available. 

The Crafter and TGE are surprisingly car-like to drive, too. They feel nimble and handle well for such a large van, while still offering the high driving position and clear view of the road ahead that these machines are known for. 

Running costs shouldn’t break the bank either as medium wheelbase vans fitted with the entry-level 2.0-litre TDI powerplant should see around 33mpg according to VW, and with lengthy service intervals you won’t need to keep stopping to book your van in at the garage, either.

“The Crafter and TGE's suspension is well resolved, and the van doesn't bounce around quite as much as rival vans when it's unladen. It still smooths out when you have a payload on board, but without anything being carried the TGE feels relaxed and smooth.” - Sam Naylor, Auto Express contributor

5. Toyota Proace Max

The last thing you want is your van breaking down, don’t worry though as Toyota’s great warranty should give you peace of mind.

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• Prices from £33,128 (excl. VAT)
• Maximum payload: 1,460kg
• Maximum load volume: 17 cubic metres
• Best for warranty

The Toyota Proace Max is another recent arrival onto the large panel van scene, but it probably looks familiar because it shares the same basic design as Stellantis’s large vans; the Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Vauxhall Movano. 

You might be wondering why you should choose the Toyota Proace Max over its Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall rivals but the Proace Max really outshines its siblings as it comes with Toyota’s longer 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Provided that your Proace Max is serviced at a Toyota-approved workshop either yearly or every 10,000 miles, you should enjoy a stress-free life when it comes to maintenance and comes at no additional cost. 

There’s also the choice of diesel or fully electric power, and both versions are generously equipped. The Max is less daunting to drive than its looks suggest, too, and a rear-view camera makes up for the lack of rear windows which is really handy when backing into tight loading bays.

Unsurprisingly for a van of this type the driving position is high, but it’s easy to get used to and gives a great view of the road ahead. It’s easy to see around you with the big, well-positioned convex wing mirrors.” - Charlie Harvey, Auto Express contributor

6. Fiat Ducato

If you’re after a rugged workhorse, look no further than the Fiat Ducato.

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• Prices from £32,735 (excl. VAT)
• Maximum payload: 2,000kg
• Maximum load volume: 17 cubic metres

While the Fiat Ducato looks similar to the Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer on the outside, it’s on the inside where these vans differ, because the Fiat uses the brand’s own engines and tech. 

The Ducato’s 2.2 Multijet 3 diesel is available with either 138 or 178bhp, and both have the choice of a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic gearbox. Alternatively, an all-electric Fiat e-Ducato is also available, and this has a claimed battery range of up to 263 miles.

As well as the panel van, there's a spacious crew van variant, along with a dropside or tipper – the latter of which comes in either single or double-cab forms. 

Whichever version you choose, the Fiat can be had with a traction-control system that can compensate for off-road driving, while the stability control automatically adjusts according to the amount of payload and its distribution in the load area. 

Unfortunately, the Ducato is far from being the most sophisticated large van to drive, but what it lacks in refinement it makes up for in sturdiness. Its interior should easily withstand daily abuse from muddy boots, tools and high frequency of people getting in or out of the van as it feels suitably robust. It’s also a very capable load lugger, too.

“The Fiat Ducato has been on sale in its current form for a long time if you don’t count the facelifts it’s had over the years. This means it feels older than it looks to drive, especially when it comes to comfort and refinement.” - Sam Naylor, Auto Express contributor

7. Iveco Daily

With its 3,820kg maximum payload the Iveco Daily is one of the most capable large vans currently on the market.

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• Prices from £38,888 (excl. VAT)
• Maximum payload: 3,820kg
• Maximum load volume: 17.5 cubic metres
• Best for payload carrying capacity

While Iveco is more suited to making trucks for heavy haulage, the Iveco Daily is the smallest vehicle that the manufacturer builds and it has one of the largest maximum payloads in the large van class. 

The Daily comes with a choice of engines, with the light-duty versions featuring a 2.3-litre diesel, and the heavy-duty vans coming with a 3.0-litre diesel with up to 204bhp. That latter engine is offered in vans that exceed the 3.5-tonne LCV weight limit, so you'll need a CV licence to drive one. There’s also a pure-electric model called the eDaily.

The basic design of the Daily can be traced back to 2016, but a raft of updates have kept it competitive with its rivals. The latest round of updates have seen the Iveco Daily get a subtly revised look. This wasn’t purely for cosmetic reasons, either, because it’s actually been designed to deliver greater efficiency.

You can get the Daily with the option of a 2.3-litre or 3.0-litre engine, both of which are available with different power outputs. There’s also a fully-electric Iveco e-Daily available which, unlike some electric van rivals, offers the same cargo capacity and towing limits as the diesel vans.

Driving the Daily isn’t too stressful, despite it being one of the largest panel vans on the market, as it’s fitted with useful tech such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and crosswind monitoring. These have been added to make driving a bit easier and safer. Iveco’s connected services also make the Daily a good choice for fleet operators.

“No matter which size of Iveco Daily you drive, there’s little escaping this van’s sheer bulk. However, it’s not as intimidating to drive as it may first seem, and the rear-wheel-drive powertrains allow for a surprisingly tight turning circle that makes this large van remarkably easy to swing around tight bends.“ - Shane Wilkinson, senior content editor

8. Mercedes Sprinter

Not all vans have to be utilitarian workhorses, the Mercedes Sprinters adds a little extra class. 

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• Prices from £49,520 (excl. VAT)
• Maximum payload: 2,479 kg
• Maximum load volume: 15.5 cubic metres

The Mercedes Sprinter offers all of the payload, cargo volume and configurations you could possibly need from a large van, while it also features plenty of tech from the brand’s car range. In short, there’s plenty to like, but all of this comes at a pretty significant cost.

The Sprinter was the second model from Mercedes to receive the MBUX infotainment system (after the Mercedes A-Class), and the van's connectivity means it's easy for fleet operators to monitor and track their vehicles via dedicated software. 

Throw in modern safety kit and highlights such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, and the Sprinter is a reassuring place to be. Go for a high-spec version and it's plush, too. 

There’s also the option of the fully electric Mercedes eSprinter, and this can cover up to 272 miles on the WLTP combined cycle.

“The first thing that strikes you about the Sprinter is how light the steering feels. That's because it now comes with speed-sensitive power steering that adjusts its assistance according to how fast you are going. At low-speeds, the assistance is ramped up significantly so that parking and doing three-point turns is a doddle.” - Dean Gibson, senior road test editor.

How we choose the best large panel vans

Large vans have come a long way in recent years, with engineering and technological developments making these vehicles far more refined to drive than ever before. These improving standards are at the forefront of our expert road testers’ minds when they drive every large van you can buy in the UK. During our in-depth testing procedure, we carefully inspect areas including ride quality, manoeuvrability and the weight of the controls to determine just how easy a van is to drive every day. 

Ride quality and comfort

If you’re munching up plenty of miles on a very regular basis, it’s only right that you should feel comfortable, but this shouldn’t come at the cost of durability. We thoroughly test every van’s build quality to ensure that it’ll stand up to the test of time while keeping its occupants cosy. Great tech that informs as well as it entertains bodes well for a van, too, while a full suite of modern safety features is another big plus.

Cargo capacity

Of course, a pleasant driving experience is only one piece of this large puzzle, and cargo-carrying capacity remains as crucial as ever. So, naturally, every van’s payload, load volume and towing capacity plays a key role in determining its ranking on this list.

Choosing the right large panel van for you

While diesel engines are still the most common powertrain in the big van sector, there's now an increasing number of electric vans available for those looking for a zero-emissions vehicle. Many drivers will find these electric versions even easier and more comfortable to drive than their diesel counterparts, too, because they're automatic and move in relative silence. 

Even better, the latest big vans are packed with technology, with some featuring the kind of kit you'd usually find in cars, as well as the latest telematics tech, so operators can get the most out of busy fleets.

Choose your bodystyle

The majority of large vans are offered with various body lengths (wheelbases) and roof heights, while chassis-cab variants in different lengths offer a wide range of conversion options to buyers. 

If you're going down the conversion route, some variants are available directly from the factory, but there are also plenty of approved companies who can build a vehicle to your exact requirements.

In addition, there are single and twin-wheel rear axle options available for carrying the heaviest payloads, front-wheel drive to maximise payload volume, and even 4x4 vans with a raised ride height for more rugged work.

How many passengers are you carrying?

Multi-seat crew van and crew cab variants are also on offer, as are tipper and pick-up versions, while multi-seat minibus versions cater for the private-hire market and schools. 

Conversions also allow you to fit out the interior of a panel van however you want – including adding racking and other useful features. The latest large vans are prepped to an industry standard so they're ready to be kitted out from the factory.

Do you have the right driving licence?

It’s worth noting that the size of the van you can drive depends on your driving licence. Anyone with a regular category B licence can drive a van weighing no more than 3.5-tonnes. Generally speaking, if you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you’ll also have the additional C1 category on your licence, allowing you to drive vans weighing up to 7.5-tonnes. 

Payload vs cargo volume

If payload rather than cargo volume is important to you, and depending upon any licence restrictions, it could be worthwhile looking at a slightly smaller van so you don't break the limit.

Thinking of making the switch to electric power? These are the best electric vans...