August 2025 is a tale of two statistics as far as the sale of new vans and commercial vehicles goes. The overall demand dropped once again, but there was a marked increase in the number of electric vans registered compared with the same month in the previous year. Here are the top 10 most popular vans in the UK in 2025 for this month and so far, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
August is traditionally a quiet month, thanks to a combination of summer holidays and the impending registration plate change, but the 14,365 registrations represents a fall of 13.3% fall versus August 2024 when the sector managed 16,575 sales. Sales for 2025 to date are down by 11.4%, so this is a slightly bigger dip than other months in the year so far, proportionally speaking. Every sector saw a double-digit drop in numbers compared to last year, with pickups once again the biggest loser.
The tax changes that took effect in April are continuing to have a drastic impact, with pickup truck sales dropping by 25.8%, which is even more than in previous months. However, the large van sector was once again the one that saw the biggest drop in numerical terms, with sales down to 10,398 from 11,753 – a fall of 11.5% or 1,355. The 2.0-tonne to 2.5-tonne medium category was down 14.0% while small vans were down 17.6%.
The big and welcome exception to all this negativity as far as the industry is concerned is that the sales of electric vans have more than doubled compared with the same month in the prior year. This comes with the caveat of August being a low-sales month, but the 109.5% increase is a positive sign for manufacturers that are aiming to meet tough targets. The 13% market share for the month is a big step in the right direction, but the share for the year to date is still down at 9.1%, which remains some way short of the government’s zero emission vehicles mandate that is at 16% for 2025. Even more is still needed.
What the industry says
SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: ‘August is conventionally a low volume month for the new LCV market so while the continued decline is disappointing, the focus is on September to deliver the fleet investment and growth that would reflect a healthy business environment. A thriving market is also essential for decarbonisation, given the vast choice of electric van models already available to suit almost every need. Manufacturers need greater volumes to ensure investment in innovation continues unabated.’
Below, you’ll see the UK’s top 10 most popular vans in August 2025, in reverse order. You’ll also find full year data for the years 2018 to 2024, so you can see what the most popular vans and pickups were in those years.
All this is useful because it means you can see which vans make the most sense to other businesses, so they may also make the most sense for you. What’s more, it gives you an idea of the most available used vans of a particular age.
Top 10 bestselling vans and pickups August 2025
10. Citroen Dispatch (456 sold)
If you squint, then you could easily mistake the Citroen Dispatch for one of its very similar looking equivalents from Peugeot, Fiat, Toyota or Vauxhall. Like the others, the Dispatch is a decent medium van with plenty of payload, likeable engines and lots of safety kit, although more recent rivals have overtaken it in some areas.
The cabin is one of those areas – we’d prefer a roomier cab with a less offset driving position for example – but the value is strong and there is an electric model, the e-Dispatch, as well.
Find a Citroen Dispatch for sale near you
9. Peugeot Expert (494 sold)
Is there something a little familiar about the Peugeot Expert? It’s one of five vans to offer the same fundamental shape with a few tweaks to badging and trim, sharing most elements with the Citroen Dispatch, Fiat Scudo, Toyota Proace and Vauxhall Vivaro, some of which you might well see popping up on the best-sellers list as well.
As with those vans, the cabin is not the best in the class, but the payloads and driving experience are excellent. There is also an electric version, which offers a lot of the same benefits as the standard van but without the need to keep it topped up with diesel. We’d like the electric driving range to be more predictable though.
Find a Peugeot Expert for sale near you
8. Renault Trafic (516 sold)
The Renault Trafic last had a major update in 2022, with loads of new safety features and a revised look helping to keep it fresh and maintain its appeal. As of 2025 the medium-sized van is feeling its age a little, though, largely due to some strong contenders in its class that have moved the game on when it comes to the cabin and technology on offer. Despite this, the Trafic still has plenty in its favour.
An E-Tech electric version is available, but it isn’t too long for this world – the all-new electric-only Renault Trafic will go on sale in 2026. However, that new version will be offered alongside the existing diesel model.
Find a Renault Trafic for sale near you
7. Volkswagen Crafter (535 sold)
The Volkswagen Crafter is a multiple former Parkers Award winner and a big favourite with us. It has a well-thought-out cabin, is great to drive and has a strong set of engines. It is much more modern than some of its large-van rivals, too, with some excellent tech on offer. It’s a shame that it won’t come with an electric version until the next-generation model arrives but it is proving popular with buyers nonetheless.
It was updated in 2024 but the refresh was a real blink-and-you-miss-it affair, with the outside remaining unchanged and most of the new bits relating to the infotainment in the cabin.
Find a Volkswagen Crafter for sale near you
6. Toyota Hilux (540 sold)
One of the best-known pickups, the Toyota Hilux has been respected as a tough and durable workhorse since 1968. It is a previous holder of the Parkers Pickup of the Year award, although rivals have moved ahead of it in many areas now. The Hilux isn’t the cheapest model on the market but it has lots going for it.
It has a comfortable ride, a versatile set-up, and a wide ranging selection of safety equipment, which all makes this pickup an appealing consideration. The fact there’s up to 10 years warranty available doesn’t hurt either.
Find a Toyota Hilux for sale near you
5. Vauxhall Vivaro (564 sold)
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a long-established name in the UK van world, and this third generation is one that remains a common sight on the nation’s roads. Sadly it is no longer made at the firm’s factory in Luton, with production having stopped there in spring 2025. Despite this, the UK’s buyers retain some loyalty to the model.
It’s now one of many similar vans, as Vauxhall is owned by automotive giant Stellantis. This means there is little differentiate it from the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and the Fiat Scudo, nor the Toyota Proace, which is also the same van fundamentally.
Find a Vauxhall Vivaro for sale near you
4. Vauxhall Combo (746 sold)
The Vauxhall Combo is a decent small van. Its biggest problem is that it is almost exactly the same as the equally great and almost identical vans from Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Toyota. Vauxhall has lots of dealers, however. If one of those is nearby, then that could well be all the reason you need for picking a Combo over its siblings.
It’s as good as its relatives though, so you won’t feel shortchanged, with a big payload and a comfortable cabin.
Find a Vauxhall Combo for sale near you
3. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (826 sold)
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a fantastic and popular large van that crops up regularly in the best-selling list. It has often topped the list of the most reliable vans as well, and is one of the most technologically advanced and versatile vehicles in its class.
It’s available with a vast number of different versions, including an electric model with the largest battery in its class.
Find a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for sale near you
2. Ford Transit (1,733 sold)
The Ford Transit is the household name for vans in the UK. This latest version has increased payload, upgraded engines, a revised interior and even more technology. It remains easy to drive, comfortable, and there are plenty of specialist dealers around to keep you on the road.
The Ford E-Transit set new standards for electric vans when it was launched, although some rivals – like the Renault Master – have now since caught up with it.
Find a Ford Transit for sale near you
1. Ford Transit Custom (1,850 sold)
The chances are that the next time you head out on the road you will see a Ford Transit Custom. The medium van is dominant in the UK van industry and is an almost ever-present at the top of the charts. This latest model is a notable improvement over almost all of its rivals and boasts some clever and really useful features throughout the cabin and in the loading bay.
We reckon it justifies its popularity, and it has won several Parkers van awards – we named it our 2024 Parkers Commercial Vehicle of the Year and the 2025 medium van of the year.
Find a Ford Transit Custom for sale near you
Bestselling vans and pickups of 2024
This table shows the bestselling vans and pickups for all of 2024:
| Sales position | Model | Number sold | Parkers review link |
| 1 | Ford Transit Custom | 46,967 | Ford Transit Custom review |
| 2 | Ford Transit | 31,322 | Ford Transit review |
| 3 | Ford Ranger | 19,695 | Ford Ranger review |
| 4 | Mercedes Sprinter | 18,753 | Mercedes Sprinter review |
| 5 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 18,581 | Vauxhall Vivaro review |
| 6 | VW Transporter | 15,425 | VW Transporter review |
| 7 | Renault Trafic | 15,799 | Renault Trafic review |
| 8 | Peugeot Partner | 12,828 | Peugeot Partner review |
| 9 | Vauxhall Combo | 12,584 | Vauxhall Combo review |
| 10 | Citroen Berlingo | 12,229 | Citroen Berlingo review |
Bestselling vans and pickups of 2023
This table shows the bestselling vans and pickup for all of 2023:
| Sales position | Model | Number sold | Parkers review link |
| 1 | Ford Transit Custom | 40,865 | Ford Transit Custom review |
| 2 | Ford Transit | 28,280 | Ford Transit review |
| 3 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 20,477 | Vauxhall Vivaro review |
| 4 | Ford Ranger | 18,679 | Ford Ranger review |
| 5 | VW Transporter | 17,487 | VW Transporter review |
| 6 | Renault Trafic | 16,041 | Renault Trafic review |
| 7 | Mercedes Sprinter | 15,799 | Mercedes Sprinter review |
| 8 | Citroen Berlingo | 14,065 | Citroen Berlingo review |
| 9 | Toyota Hilux | 10,888 | Toyota Hilux review |
| 10 | Ford Transit Connect | 10,856 | Ford Transit Connect review |
Bestselling vans and pickups of 2022
This table shows the bestselling vans and pickup for all of 2022:
| Sales position | Model | Number sold | Parkers review link |
| 1 | Ford Transit Custom | 42,215 | Ford Transit Custom review |
| 2 | Ford Transit | 33,203 | Ford Transit review |
| 3 | Mercedes Sprinter | 17,034 | Mercedes Sprinter review |
| 4 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 16,830 | Vauxhall Vivaro review |
| 5 | Ford Ranger | 16,827 | Ford Ranger review |
| 6 | VW Transporter | 15,164 | VW Transporter review |
| 7 | Ford Transit Connect | 8,218 | Ford Transit Connect review |
| 8 | Peugeot Expert | 8,131 | Peugeot Expert review |
| 9 | Renault Trafic | 8,085 | Renault Trafic review |
| 10 | VW Crafter | 7,455 | VW Crafter review |
Bestselling vans and pickups of 2021
This table shows the most popular vans and pickups for all of 2021:
| Sales position | Model | Number sold | Parkers review link |
| 1 | Ford Transit Custom | 49,671 | Ford Transit Custom review |
| 2 | Ford Transit | 31,083 | Ford Transit review |
| 3 | Mercedes Sprinter | 20,862 | Mercedes Sprinter review |
| 4 | VW Transporter | 20,033 | VW Transporter review |
| 5 | Ford Ranger | 16,376 | Ford Ranger review |
| 6 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 16,004 | Vauxhall Vivaro review |
| 7 | Citroen Berlingo | 11,109 | Citroen Berlingo review |
| 8 | Ford Transit Connect | 11,001 | Ford Transit Connect review |
| 9 | Peugeot Partner | 10,553 | Peugeot Partner review |
| 10 | Vauxhall Combo | 9,886 | Vauxhall Combo review |
Bestselling vans and pickups of 2020
The most popular vans and pickups of 2020 in a table.
| Sales position | Model | Number sold | Parkers review link |
| 1 | Ford Transit Custom | 43,551 | Ford Transit Custom review |
| 2 | Mercedes Sprinter | 23,506 | Mercedes Sprinter review |
| 3 | Ford Transit | 21,724 | Ford Transit review |
| 4 | VW Transporter | 15,856 | VW Transporter review |
| 5 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 15,530 | Vauxhall Vivaro review |
| 6 | Ford Ranger | 13,097 | Ford Ranger review |
| 7 | Citroen Berlingo | 12,159 | Citroen Berlingo review |
| 8 | Ford Transit Connect | 11,344 | Ford Transit Connect review |
| 9 | Peugeot Partner | 11,174 | Peugeot Partner review |
| 10 | Vauxhall Combo | 11,118 | Vauxhall Combo review |
Bestselling vans and pickups of 2019
This is the top 10 list of the bestselling vans (and pickups) of 2019 in total.
| Sales position | Model | Number sold | Parkers review link |
| 1 | Ford Transit Custom | 52,512 | Ford Transit Custom review |
| 2 | Ford Transit | 26,237 | Ford Transit review |
| 3 | Mercedes Sprinter | 25,862 | Mercedes Sprinter review |
| 4 | VW Transporter | 19,608 | VW Transporter review |
| 5 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 18,029 | Vauxhall Vivaro review |
| 6 | Ford Ranger | 16,459 | Ford Ranger review |
| 7 | Ford Transit Connect | 15,477 | Ford Transit Connect review |
| 8 | Peugeot Partner | 14,605 | Peugeot Partner review |
| 9 | Citroen Berlingo | 13,492 | Citroen Berlingo review |
| 10 | Vauxhall Combo | 12,944 | Vauxhall Combo review |
Bestselling vans and pickups of 2018
This is the top 10 list of the most popular vans (and pickups) in all of 2018.
| Sales position | Model | Number sold | Parkers review link |
| 1 | Ford Transit Custom | 54,806 | Ford Transit Custom review |
| 2 | Ford Transit | 32,694 | Ford Transit review |
| 3 | VW Transporter | 21,763 | VW Transporter review |
| 4 | Mercedes Sprinter | 21,278 | Mercedes Sprinter review |
| 5 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 19,232 | Vauxhall Vivaro review |
| 6 | Ford Transit Connect | 17,495 | Ford Transit Connect review |
| 7 | Ford Ranger | 16,440 | Ford Ranger review |
| 8 | Peugeot Partner | 15,056 | Peugeot Partner review |
| 9 | Citroen Berlingo | 13,428 | Citroen Berlingo review |
| 10 | Peugeot Boxer | 11,731 | Peugeot Boxer review |
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