According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 49,505 light commercial vehicles were registered in March 2026, including vans, pickups and 4x4s. So, which models are proving most popular with British buyers?
Here are 10 of the vans, in no particular order, continuing to make an impact.
1. Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom has become a familiar sight on UK roads, and for good reason. It sits in a sweet spot between outright load-carrying ability and everyday drivability.
A choice of body configurations, a well-equipped cabin and practical dimensions make it suitable for everyone from independent tradespeople to larger fleets. Its popularity also means there is plenty of experience and support available for owners.
2. Vauxhall Vivaro
The Vauxhall Vivaro is another strong contender in the medium sized van market. It offers businesses a useful combination of carrying capacity, sensible running costs and a comfortable driving position.
With both conventional and electric versions available, the Vivaro can also suit businesses looking to adapt their vehicles to different operating requirements.
3. Volkswagen Transporter
The Volkswagen Transporter has built a reputation that extends well beyond the commercial vehicle market. Its solid construction, refined driving experience and smart interior have helped it develop a loyal following over several generations.
It works equally well as a working van or as the starting point for more lifestyle-focused conversions, making it one of the more versatile choices in its class.
4. Renault Trafic
Renault’s Trafic continues to be a popular option for businesses that need a capable medium-sized van without going overboard on size.
Its spacious load area and straightforward cabin design make it particularly appealing to tradespeople. Add reasonable fuel economy and a comfortable ride, and it’s easy to see why the Trafic remains a regular feature on UK roads.
5. Nissan Primastar
The Nissan Primastar shares much of its underlying engineering with the Renault Trafic, but brings its own styling, equipment and branding to the formula.
For buyers, that means a practical medium van with a good amount of interior space, efficient engines and a cabin designed around day-to-day commercial use. It can be an attractive alternative for businesses comparing several closely matched vans.
6. Ford Transit
Few names are as closely associated with the van market as the Ford Transit. The full-sized Transit continues to appeal to operators who need serious load-carrying capacity and plenty of configuration choices.
There are numerous versions available, allowing businesses to tailor the van to their particular requirements. Its established reputation for durability has also helped make the Transit a staple of Britain’s commercial vehicle fleet.
7. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is slightly different from the vans on this list, but its popularity as a working vehicle makes it impossible to ignore.
Its combination of towing ability, load-carrying practicality and four-wheel-drive capability gives it an advantage for users who regularly work away from paved roads. At the same time, its increasingly sophisticated cabin makes it comfortable enough to double as an everyday vehicle.
8. Vauxhall Combo
For businesses operating in towns and cities, a smaller van can often make more sense than a large commercial vehicle. That’s where the Vauxhall Combo comes in.
Its compact footprint makes it easier to manoeuvre and park, while the interior provides useful space for tools, equipment and deliveries. Buyers can also choose between conventional engines and an electric version, depending on their needs.
9. Land Rover Defender
The Defender has evolved considerably from its agricultural roots, but its ability to deal with difficult terrain remains a major part of its appeal.
Modern versions combine genuine off-road capability with a much more luxurious and technology-filled interior. That makes the Defender an unusual proposition for buyers who need a vehicle capable of handling demanding work while still providing a premium experience on the road.
10. Mercedes Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been one of the most recognisable large vans on UK roads. Available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, it can be tailored to suit everything from local deliveries and trades work to larger commercial operations.
Inside, the Sprinter combines a practical load area with a modern cabin designed to make long working days more comfortable. Its range of engines, body styles and equipment also gives businesses plenty of flexibility when choosing the right specification.
For operators looking for a large van that offers plenty of carrying capacity, strong road manners and a well-established reputation, the Sprinter remains a popular choice.
Why are these vans so popular?
There isn’t one single reason behind the success of these models. Businesses have very different requirements, from carrying heavy equipment and towing trailers to making hundreds of short urban deliveries.
The large vans dominating registrations demonstrate that carrying capacity remains a priority for many operators, while small vans such as the Berlingo and Combo show that there is still a place for smaller, more manoeuvrable vehicles.
For buyers, the best van isn’t necessarily the biggest or most powerful one. Payload, fuel or energy costs, reliability, insurance, driving position and the type of work the vehicle will be used for can all make a significant difference.
With the commercial vehicle market continuing to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether today’s most popular models can maintain their positions as businesses increasingly consider electric alternatives and look for ways to keep operating costs under control.
