Almost all vans are bought primarily as a tool, a device to get people, materials and tools to and from a job site. Even a quickly-repaired breakdown can cost thousands of pounds in lost work and missed deliveries. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the most reliable vans currently available in the UK.

Data for this article is courtesy of Fleet News’ 2024 report on motoring and fleet trends.

Jump to:

• Most Reliable Large Vans
• Most Reliable Medium Vans
• Best Small Vans

Most Reliable Large Vans

Many of these long wheelbase vans have a load length of over 4m, and can be specified with the high roof, giving an enormous amount of room. 

Mercedes Sprinter - from £48,500

The Sprinter is considered the gold standard for LWB vans, with its dependable 2.0 diesel engine and over 1,200kg carrying capacity. In 2024, the Sprinter made no.2 on the most reliable van list, the first time in a decade it didn’t win 1st place!

If diesel feels a little old-fashioned for you, Mercedes offers a fully electric version, with up to 272 miles of range from its 100 or 150w motor. Need even more hauling capacity? The EV version of the Sprinter can tow a 2,000kg trailer, too.

Ford Transit - from £32,350

Alongside the Sprinter, the Transit is one of the most common LWB vans in use on UK roads. Between the options of wheelbase, height and bed type, and drivetrain, there are dozens of options available for the Transit, so there’s sure to be one to suit your business’s needs. 

Now available with an 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old 6-speed unit, but most are likely to be optioned with the traditional 6-speed manual. 

Most Reliable Medium Vans

In addition to the two above, which are also available as short-wheel-base versions, these vans are medium-sized panel vans that give a large amount of space, whilst being easier to park. They are a favourite of tradies and those looking to build a campervan.

Volkswagen Transporter - from £32,250 

In 2024, the Transporter took the top spot for reliability from the Sprinter, in a bold move from second place for a number of years. Its reliability is said to stem from its dependable time-served diesel engines and robust build quality. 

The Transporters of 2025 and onwards will be replaced with badge-engineered Ford Transits, which typically place much lower, so be quick to buy if you’re set on a VW.

Inside the van, the VW has everything you can expect in a modern commercial vehicle, DAB and electric windows as standard, with a whole host of additional safety and convenience features on the higher trim levels. 

Vauxhall Vivaro - from £27,555

As it’s been on our roads now for nearly 25 years, the Vivaro is almost as well-known as the Transit for being a tradesman's van of choice. Since 2019, Vauxhall's partnership with Renault ended, and the new vans were based on a Stellantis design, being shared with 4 other marques.

Despite this cost-cutting measure, the Vivaro still regularly places around 5th in the reliability rankings, strangely 4 places above one of its sister vehicles, the Toyota Proace. Despite the new design looking slightly smaller than the old one, the Vivaro can carry an impressive 1,384kg, and has a choice of two diesel and one electric powertrains.

Best Small Vans

These small vans are ideal for those needing a dedicated cargo area, but without the need to carry particularly long or large items. Often using the engines and suspension setups from medium-sized passenger cars, they tend to drive better than larger vans, too. 

VW Caddy - from £29,113

Landing at number 3 on Fleet News’ reliability ranking, the Caddy is just as reliable as its bigger brother, the Transporter. The current model, released in 2021, is based on the current model of Golf, meaning it offers great ride quality and comfort. 

Payload weight is limited, at only 780kg, but the clever floor design gives a very low floor in the back, making it easier to load heavy items by hand. From the driver's seat, it’s hard to tell you’re in a van, with premium materials, an appealing steering wheel and a usefully large infotainment screen. 

Ford Transit Connect - from £23,500 + VAT

Launching in 2021, the current generation of Transit Connect is a re-badged Volkswagen Caddy, another aspect to the Ford-VW deal we discussed earlier. Styling is, therefore, very similar, with the two being almost indistinguishable from the rear.

This means the new Connect has roughly the same load area, payload and specs as the Caddy, although it is a little cheaper to purchase. One notable difference is the presence of a plug-in hybrid option for the Connect, which is not offered alongside the VW-badged van - something to consider.

Have Your Van Fixed at Zero-Percent interest

Regardless of make, model or size of van, Bumper's auto repair finance lets you split the cost of repairs into monthly payments, completely interest-free. Available at a wide selection of commercial repairers across the country. Apply online before your visit on the Bumper website.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.