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Last updated: 20 March 2026
If you’re wondering which vans are most common on UK roads, the best starting point is the latest SMMT new registration data. While popularity doesn’t automatically mean “best for your job”, it can hint at what fleets and trades are actually buying — and which models may be easiest to source, service and support.
The UK’s most popular vans and pick-ups (latest full-year list)
SMMT’s full-year 2025 “Top New Models” list (new registrations) shows:
- Ford Transit Custom — 49,774
- Ford Transit — 30,353
- Ford Ranger — 17,462
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — 13,605
- Vauxhall Vivaro — 12,315
- Renault Trafic — 11,703
- Volkswagen Transporter — 10,827
- Volkswagen Crafter — 9,778
- Citroën Berlingo — 9,487
- Peugeot Partner — 9,450
“Right now” snapshot: January 2026 top models
The latest month shown on SMMT’s LCV registrations data page (January 2026) had this top 10:
- Ford Transit Custom — 2,740
- Vauxhall Vivaro — 1,374
- Volkswagen Transporter — 1,108
- Renault Trafic — 795
- Nissan Primastar — 763
- Ford Transit — 723
- Ford Ranger — 710
- Vauxhall Combo — 579
- Land Rover Defender — 533
- Citroën Berlingo — 496
(That’s a useful “moment-in-time” view, but full-year results are usually the better guide.)
What the rankings tell you (and what they don’t)
1) Large vans still dominate overall volume
SMMT reports 315,422 new LCV registrations in 2025 (vans, pickups and 4x4s), and notes large vans remained the biggest segment (by share), even as volumes fell year-on-year.
2) Ford’s two-van strategy still shows up in the data
With Transit Custom and Transit taking the top two spots in 2025, it’s clear why you see so many on the road — but the “right” van still depends on payload, load length, towing needs and your typical routes.
3) EV vans are growing, but still not the majority
SMMT says battery-electric van registrations rose to 30,169 in 2025 (a record annual volume), but EV share was 9.5% for the year.
If you’re choosing a van: a better way to decide than “most popular”
Before you copy the league table, match the van to the job:
- Payload and gross vehicle weight: what do you actually carry (and how often)?
- Load space shape: length/height matters more than litres on paper.
- Route type: city stop-start vs motorway miles (and whether EV charging fits your day).
- Towing: check braked towing limits and real-world stability.
- Insurance use class: trades, carriage of own goods, or hire & reward delivery can price very differently.
Popularity can be a helpful shortlist — but your total cost and day-to-day usability usually come from getting the spec right.
Sources
- SMMT — “Van market shrinks in 2025 despite EV growth” (6 Jan 2026) including 2025 top models year-to-date list and full-year market context
- SMMT — LCV registrations data page (January 2026 top models)
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
