UK’s best van? Most reliable vans to buy now

Written by Tom Webster Published: 3 November 2023 Updated: 6 November 2023

What is the most reliable van in 2023? The latest FN50 survey can reveal what the top 10 most reliable models are, and what brand comes out on top. The survey is run each year by our sister company Fleet News and goes into huge amounts of detail, looking at UK van reliability across all the major makes and models, from the best large vans to the best small vans and everything in between.

The information comes from real-life data from some of Britain’s largest fleets, the sort of companies that run thousands of vehicles so they have a wide range of examples, with vans working across a variety of tasks.

So if you want to make sure you get the best van for reliability, then read on.

How does the FN50 determine the best vans for reliability?

As the FN50 name suggests, the data comes about as a result of the Fleet News teams asking 50 of the UK’s biggest leasing companies to rate the commercial vehicles on their fleets for warranty and breakdown issues. This data then dictates the top 10 most reliable vans you can buy.

The leasing companies also rate the van manufacturers in order, and which van dealers they consider to be the best performers.

The latest data is from November 2023, but we have put the previous eight annual FN50 survey results in as well so you can see which manufacturers and vehicles have performed better or worse over time.

This is also helpful for those looking to buy a used van as you can look back at how that model performed in the year in which it was made. It also shows which vans and van makers build the most consistently dependable models and which brands might have upped their game.

Although it is a vital factor, reliability doesn’t tell the complete story about a van, so combine this data with the annual Parkers Awards to get a full picture of which are the best vans in all areas. The awards include our recommendations for the best vans in every size category, as well as the best pickup and best electric van, and you’ll find yourself with a best van list that’s second to none.

Top 10 most reliable vans

In reverse order, these are the UK’s top 10 most reliable vans according to the latest FN50 fleet van reliability survey.

10. Mercedes-Benz Vito

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The Mercedes-Benz Vito has had a bit of a tumble down the list this year, but remains in the top 10. This is a slip from its fourth position last year, but an improvement on the previous year when it didn’t make the top 10 at all. It’s fair to say it has yo-yo’d a little therefore. The latest version has been on sale since 2015 but was updated in 2020.

It is arguably the most premium of the medium vans, although the new Ford Transit Custom ramps things up a notch. There is also a fully electric version, the Mercedes e-Vito, which got a notable boost in 2022 with a new battery and motor that improved its range and performance.

Variants: three trim levels, two lengths, one roof height
Engines: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (136-190hp),
Drivetrain: RWD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 5.5-6.6 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 943kg
Maximum towing capacity: 2,500kg
Price from: £30,010*

Find a Mercedes-Benz Vito for sale near you

9. Ford Transit Custom

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The previous generation Ford Transit Custom was rarely off the top of the sales charts, outselling its rivals by many thousands. It wasn’t always as regular a fixture at the top of the reliability charts, though, but it has been kicking around the top 10 throughout recent years.

We use the past tense, though, as 2024 brings a bit change for the model, with the launch of the all-new Ford Transit Custom. This might bring some new factors in some areas, it will remain unchanged in others as it carries over the same diesel engines to start off with.

Variants: seven trim levels, two lengths, two roof heights
Engines: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (102-131hp), plug-in hybrid (126hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 6.0-8.3 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 1,459kg
Maximum towing capacity: 2,800kg
Price from: £31,545*

Find a used Ford Transit Custom for sale near you

8. Nissan NV200

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Here’s an unusual one – the Nissan NV200 is no longer on sale as a brand-new van, but those that are out on the road have clearly made an impact on its owners as it has remained a fixture in the top 10. Its age might be starting to show now, as it has fallen from third to eighth this year. It was on sale for well over a decade, before the diesel was withdrawn from sale, leaving the electric-only e-NV200.

That was finally taken off the market in 2021. It was a pure Nissan product, with its NV250 replacement (also since discontinued) a rebadged Renault Kangoo. The replacement is the Nissan Townstar, and is a joint development with the Renault Kangoo and Mercedes Citan.

Variants: three trim levels, one length, one roof height
Engines: electric motor (109hp). 1.5-litre diesel (86hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, automatic, five-speed manual
Load volume: 4.2 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 705-770g
Maximum towing capacity: 400kg
Price from: £3,500*

Find a Nissan NV200 for sale near you

7. Ford Transit Connect

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The Ford Transit Connect has remained on sale a little longer than anticipated, with the replacement slightly delayed. Ford’s confidence in its second-smallest panel van’s abilities is justified by another appearance in the top 10 most reliable list.

The replacement should hopefully carry on in a similar vein, as it will essentially be a rebadged Volkswagen Caddy, which sits one place above the Ford in this year’s list.

Variants: five trim levels, two lengths, one roof height
Engines: 1.0-litre turbo petrol (100hp), 1.5-litre turbodiesel (75-100hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 3.7-4.4 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 952kg
Maximum towing capacity: 1,390kg
Price from: £22,891*

Find a Ford Transit Connect for sale near you

6. Volkswagen Caddy

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The Volkswagen Caddy has long been a feature of the FN50’s list, and is now the most reliable small van on sale today. The latest generation joined us in 2021 and picked up where the old model left off it would appear.

It is a smart-looking and well-equipped small van, although it does fall behind some of its rivals in that it doesn’t offer an electric version and there are no plans to do so. It has a lower payload than some of its competitors, too, but it has clearly impressed owners where it matters.

Variants: two trim levels, two lengths, one roof height
Engines: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (75-122hp), 1.5-litre turbo petrol (114hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, AWD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 3.1-3.7 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 711kg
Maximum towing capacity: 1,500kg
Price from: £24,010*

Find a VW Caddy for sale near you

5. Vauxhall Vivaro

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The Vauxhall Vivaro has had a mini resurgence this year – having fallen to 10th in the previous list it’s now back to the midway point of the top 10. The latest model is now part of a group of five vans made by the Stellantis group and outperforms many of its close siblings, although this could be aided by historical performance too.

The latest version has massive payload capacity and is also available as the all-electric Vivaro Electric.

Variants: four trim levels, two lengths, one roof height
Engines: 1.5-litre turbodiesel (100-120hp), 2.0-litre turbodiesel (120-180hp), electric (136hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 5.3-6.6 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 1,458kg
Maximum towing capacity: 2,500kg
Price from: £27,986*

Find a Vauxhall Vivaro for sale near you

4. Toyota Proace

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The Toyota Proace has a big trick up its sleeve when it comes to reliability, in the form of its 10-year Toyota-backed warranty. This doesn’t necessarily make it less likely to break down than the very closely related Citroen Dispatch, Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Expert and the Vauxhall Vivaro, but that cover will provide a great deal more reassurance.

Variants: three trim levels, two lengths, one roof height
Engines: 1.5-litre turbodiesel (100-120hp), 2.0-litre turbodiesel (120-180hp), electric (136hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 4.0-6.1 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 1,400kg
Maximum towing capacity: 2,500kg
Price from: £26,462*

Find a Toyota Proace for sale near you

3. Ford Transit

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The Ford Transit is the biggest name in UK vans, and as a result meets a wide range of needs – some much more demanding than others. To be named in the top 10 most reliable models is a reassurance and an achievement as a result. The big van is a strong performer all round, too, with loads of versions and the Ford E-Transit is the best electric van you can buy, of any size. Thanks in part to this addition to the range, which was launched in 2022, it is also the Parkers Van of the Year 2023.

Variants: four trim levels, three lengths, two roof heights
Engines: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (105-185hp), electric (184-269hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, RWD and 4WD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 9.5-15.1 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 1,340kg
Maximum towing capacity: 3,500kg
Price from: £38,860*

Find a Ford Transit for sale near you

2. Volkswagen Transporter

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The Volkswagen Transporter is making second place its own, having finished in this position for five years out of the last six. It only lost out to the smaller VW Caddy in its off year, making it the most reliable medium van you can buy according to the survey.

The T6.1 version has styling that appeals to non-business buyers, a smart cabin and a strong range of versions with broad appeal. This is the last year before the new model arrives, though, which will share much with the all-new Ford Transit Custom.

Variants: two trim levels, two lengths, two roof heights
Engines: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (110-204hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, AWD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 5.8-9.3 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 1,278kg
Maximum towing capacity: 2,500kg
Price from: £28,355*

Find a VW Transporter for sale near you

1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

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The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a fixture at the top of this list, as 2023 marks the ninth year in a row that it has taken the number one spot. Factor in that that is over two generations of Sprinter, after the new model was introduced in 2018, and this is a fantastic achievement and a sign that Mercedes is doing something right.

The warranty covers you for three-years over unlimited mileage and you also get up to 30 years of free roadside recovery.

Variants: three trim levels, four lengths, three roof heights
Engines: 2.0-litre turbodiesel (143-190hp)
Drivetrain: FWD, AWD, manual and automatic
Load volume: 7.8-17.0 cubic metres
Maximum payload: 1,404kg (at 3.5 tonnes)
Maximum towing capacity: 3,500kg
Price from: £32,465*

Find a Mercedes Sprinter for sale near you

*All prices not including VAT and correct as of November 2023.

And what is the most reliable brand overall?

This year has seen change at the top, with Ford leaping up two spots to claim the title as the most reliable brand overall in the UK. Mercedes might have the most reliable model in the Sprinter, but Ford has the most individual vehicles in the top 10, with three making into the list.

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Ford has also claimed the top spot in the list of best van dealerships too. Ford has put a lot of effort into its Ford Pro service in recent years, with increased support for customers, so this looks to be bearing out.

What’s the Parkers verdict?

Reliability will be the factor that will make or break a van in many buyers’ eyes, and it is certainly what will help keep your business on the road. There are other things that are needed to make a van a great one, and it is excellent to see some vehicles we rate highly at the top of the list. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a deserved winner, but it is also brilliant to see multiple Parkers Award winners such as the Ford Transit up at the top too.

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Best vans for reliability over time

For further reassurance and comparison, these are the top 10 most reliable vans going right back to 2014.

Most reliable van manufacturers

Ford has taken top spot in the brands list for the first time since 2016, breaking the Mercedes/VW hold on the title. The pair have to be satisfied with spots two and three on the podium instead.

Citroen has fallen from fourth to ninth in the list, while Peugeot has had a rise from eight to five.

Best van dealers

The fleets that complete the FN50 survey are also asked to rank dealers for performance, and here we have results for the last nine years (the data stops at 2015 for this one). Mercedes has dropped off the top spot here as well, with Ford having steadily risen up the rankings in recent years to take top spot for the first time since 2017.

Nissan and Toyota are the other climbers, heading up to fourth and fifth respectively.