What Is The Best Small Van To Buy In 2026?

In this guide, we’ll be comparing four of the best small van models that businesses should buy in 2026 and beyond. 

Small vans. Nippy, compact, fuel-efficient, perfect when manoeuvrability is a priority.

Whether you’re delivering parcels or transporting animals, small vans are ideal for small businesses and anyone navigating busy urban areas.

With so many choices on the market, fresh facelifts, and new technologies, what is the best small van you can buy right now?

Like in our best medium van and best large van guides, we’ll be comparing four popular models across five key categories that, in our experience, matter most to van buyers.

But first, a few housekeeping rules.

All vehicle data in this guide will be based on a standard panel van, unless stated otherwise. Crew vans and MPVs aren’t included.

We will also only be using data from ICE vehicles (Petrol, Diesel, or Hybrid) as these are still the most widely used. Information for full-electric versions will not be included.

Under each entry is a section titled “same van, different badge”. Many van manufacturers collaborate when building their vehicles. Some brands even belong to the same parent company (e.g. Peugeot and Citroen are both owned by Stellantis), sharing vehicle platforms to make manufacturing more efficient.

This means while two vans might look slightly different, under the hood, they’re the same. The same engines, same gearboxes, same infotainment systems – the lot. The only physical difference is the badge and branding.

“Same van, different badge” outlines all other models built on the same platform. This helps broaden your search when shopping for a new small van. If you prefer the aftercare support of a certain brand or have a particular main dealer closer to you, you can also use this information to your advantage.

Finally, we’ll be finding out which is the best small van for the following categories:

• Payload: How much weight your van can legally carry.
• Load Area Capacity: The space in the back of a van, measured in cubic metres.
• Price: The recommended retail price for each model, taken directly from the manufacturer’s website.
• Fuel Economy: How much fuel your van uses, measured in miles per gallon (WLTP combined).
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: The standard new van warranty supplied by each manufacturer.

Without further ado, here are four of the best small van models fleet operators should consider in 2026:

1. Ford Transit Connect

Same van, different badge: VW Caddy (post-2023)

Up first, the Ford Transit Connect.

The Transit Connect is the second smallest in Ford’s van range, designed to bring the iconic Transit styling and performance to a more agile form factor for urban businesses.

First launched in 2002, it’s helped Ford dominate the UK van sector, contributing to the brand’s 20% market share in Europe, according to Autocar.

The most recent iteration of the Connect is essentially a rebadged VW Caddy. This is because Ford and VW signed a manufacturing agreement in 2020 that would see them collaborate on several new commercial vehicles.

As a result, the new VW Caddy and Ford Transit Connect are virtually the same, as well as the post-2023 Transit Custom and post-2025 VW Transporter.

So how does the Transit Connect hold up in our five main categories? Let’s take a look.

Ford Transit Connect Load Area Capacity

L1 Variant

Load area capacity: 3.10 m³

L2 Variant

Load area capacity: 3.70 m³

Ford Transit Connect Fuel Economy

Diesel fuel efficiency: Up to 52.3 mpg

PHEV fuel efficiency: Up to 157.3 mpg

Most efficient model: Van Trend SWB 1.5L EcoBoost 150PS 6-speed Auto Plug-In Hybrid

Ford Transit Connect Manufacturer’s Warranty

All new Ford Transit Connects come with a 3-year, up to 100,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

This is consistent with the rest of Ford’s van lineup. Extended warranties are also available on request.

Ford Transit Connect Payload

Max payload: Up to 771 kg

Variant with the highest payload: Van Trend LWB 2.0L EcoBlue 122PS 7-speed Auto

Ford Transit Connect Recommended Retail Price

Models from: £23,600 +VAT +RFL

Cheapest model: Van 220 Trend SWB 2.0L FWD EcoBlue 102 PS 6-Speed Manual

2. Citroen Berlingo 

Same van, different badge:  Peugeot Partner, Vauxhall Combo, Toyota Proace City, Fiat Doblo

Next, the Citroen Berlingo.

The Berlingo is the smallest of Citroen’s van lineup, joining the mid-sized Dispatch and larger Relay models.

One of many brands under the Stellantis umbrella, Citroens are extremely popular amongst UK van drivers due to their competitive pricing.

According to Citroen themselves, the Berlingo was the best-selling small van in the UK in Q1 2025.

Since entering production in 1996, the Berlingo has become a bit of an icon both as a Light Commercial Vehicle and Multi-Purpose Vehicle.

Now one of the big dogs in the Stellantis line-up, the latest Berlingo shares a platform with the Peugeot Partner, Vauxhall Combo, Toyota Proace City, and Fiat Doblo.

But does the Berlingo manage to offer more than just lower prices and a wide support network? Let’s find out.

Citroen Berlingo Load Area Dimensions

L1 (M) Variant

Load area capacity: 3.10 m³

L2 (XL) Variant

Load area capacity: 3.70 m³

Citroen Berlingo Fuel Economy

Diesel fuel efficiency: Up to 50.2 mpg

Most efficient model: M Diesel 100hp Manual

Citroen Berlingo Manufacturer’s Warranty

All new Citroen Berlingos come with a 3-year, up to 100,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

Citroen Berlingo Payload

Max payload: 982 kg

Model with the highest payload: Berlingo Van M Diesel 100hp Manual or Berlingo Van M Diesel 130hp automatic.

Citroen Berlingo Recommended Retail Price

Models from: £19,255 +VAT +RFL

Cheapest model: M Berlingo Van M PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed Manual Enterprise

3. Nissan Townstar

Same van, different badge:  Renault Kangoo, Mercedes Citan

The next van in our list is the Nissan Townstar.

Reintroduced in 2022, the Townstar took the place of the old NV200 as the smallest option in Nissan’s van lineup.

It shares a platform with the Renault Kangoo and the popular Mercedes Citan. But Nissan’s 5-year / up to 100,000-mile new van warranty makes it a standout option compared to its rebadged siblings.

Unlike the Connect and Berlingo, the Townstar doesn’t come in a diesel variant, only petrol or electric.

This may reduce fuel efficiency compared to diesel options for other vehicles. But the short, stop-start journeys typical of urban driving often make a petrol van a practical choice for city-based businesses.

Diesel vans need a good runout every so often to avoid DPF or EGR complications. So if you’re a city-based business doing frequent short trips and often stuck in traffic, a petrol van could be a great option. The Townstar even comes in an all-electric variant if you’d rather do away with ICE vehicles entirely.

But how does the Townstar fare when it comes to load space, fuel economy, warranties and other key buying factors?

Nissan Townstar Load Area Dimensions

L1 Variant

Load area capacity: 3.3 m³

L2 Variant

Load area capacity: 4.3 m³

Nissan Townstar Fuel Economy

Petrol fuel efficiency: Up to 41.5 mpg

Most fuel-efficient model: L1 Petrol 1.3 130ps (Manual)

Nissan Townstar Manufacturer’s Warranty

All new Nissan Townstar vans come with a 5-year / up to 100,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

Nissan Townstar Payload

Max payload: Up to 774 kg

Model with the best payload: L2 Petrol 1.3 130ps (Automatic)

Nissan Townstar Recommended Retail Price

Models from: £22,075 +VAT +RFL

Cheapest model:  L1 TCe 130 Manual Front Wheel Drive Acenta

4. Ford Transit Courier

Same van, different badge:  N/A

The final van in our list is the Ford Transit Courier.

First launched in 2014, the Courier is the smallest vehicle in Ford’s van lineup (excluding the Fiesta van). While the Transit Connect is designed for ‘no nonsense productivity’, Ford markets the Courier as bold and versatile.

The latest iteration of the Transit Courier, launched in 2023, features ‘an enhanced loadspace, security, and the next-gen connectivity’.

Like the Nissan Townstar, the Courier comes in a petrol variant, featuring the popular 1.0 EcoBoost engine found in most of Ford’s smaller cars. 1.5-litre diesel and 100KW all-electric versions are also available, making it the only van in this list with petrol, diesel, and electric options.

It’s the only model on this list that does not share components with other vans. However, the newest generation Courier does use Ford’s Global B-car platform, which the Puma and Fiesta are built on.

Does the Transit Courier warrant its place in the Ford van lineup, or are drivers better off opting for a Transit Connect? Let’s crunch some numbers.

Ford Transit Courier Load Area Dimensions

Load area capacity: 2.9 m³

Note: Unlike other small vans in this list, the Transit Courier only comes in one size variant (L1). 

Ford Transit Courier Fuel Economy

Petrol fuel efficiency: Up to 43.46 mpg

Diesel: Up to 51.36 mpg

Most fuel-efficient model: Leader 1.5L EcoBlue 100PS 6-speed manual Diesel

Ford Transit Courier Manufacturer’s Warranty

Unlike the rest of Ford’s van lineup, the new Ford Transit Courier comes with a 3-year, up to 60,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

Ford Transit Courier Payload

Max payload: Up to 848 kg

Model with the highest payload: Leader 1.0L EcoBoost 100PS 6-speed Manual High Payload Option

Ford Transit Courier  Recommended Retail Price

Models from: £17,700 +VAT +RFL

Cheapest available model: Leader 1.0 Ecoboost 100PS 6-Speed Manual Petrol 

The Results

Best Small Van By Load Space

1. Nissan Townstar: 3.3m³ (L1) / 4.3m³ (L2) – winner
2. Ford Transit Connect & Citroen Berlingo: 3.1m³ (L1) / 3.7m³ (L2)
3. Ford Transit Courier: 2.9m³ (L1 only)

Best Small Van By Fuel Economy (Petrol & Diesel Only)

1. Ford Transit Connect: 52.3 mpg – winner
2. Ford Transit Courier: 51.36 mpg
3. Citroen Berlingo: 50.2 mpg
4. Nissan Townstar: 41.5 mpg

 Best Small Van By Warranty

1. Nissan Townstar: 5 years / up to 100,000 miles – winner
2. Ford Transit Connect, Citroen Berlingo: 3 years / up to 100,000 miles.
3. Ford Transit Courier: 3 years / up to 60,000 miles.

Best Small Van By Payload

1. Citroen Berlingo: 982 kg – winner
2. Ford Transit Courier: 848 kg
3. Nissan Townstar: 774 kg
4. Ford Transit Connect: 771 kg

Best Small Van By Price

1. Ford Transit Courier: From £17,700 +VAT +RFL – winner
2. Citroen Berlingo: From £19,255 +VAT +RFL
3. Nissan Townstar: From £22,075 +VAT +RFL
4. Ford Transit Connect: From £23,600 +VAT +RFL

*Disclaimer* All information for each van model was taken directly from the manufacturer’s brochure and is correct at the time of writing. Figures such as price will be subject to fluctuation as per the manufacturers’ appraisals. Please note also, vehicle details may vary in line with new facelift updates or other alterations made in the vehicle assembly process.

Summary: What Is The Best Small Van?

So there you have it, our list of the four best small van options available on the market right now.

There isn’t a single ‘best’ option. Every user is different. Instead, we recommend looking at which category matters most to you – fuel economy, payload, warranty etc. – and choose the option that best suits your needs.

If you have any questions or ideas for topics you’d like us to cover in the future, feel free to leave a comment below.

We’ll catch you in the next one.

Read next:

• Best Medium Van: The Definitive List For 2025
• The 4 Best Large Van Models To Buy In 2025
• What Is The Most Economical Van You Can Buy In 2026?