Most popular vans and pickups - the UK's bestselling vans in 2023

Want to know which are the UK’s best selling large vans? Curious about how electric vans are selling? These are the top 10 most popular vans according to official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The latest figures show which vans and pickups were the most popular in November 2023.

November takes us one month shy of a year’s continuous growth, as it marks the 11th month in a row where sales have grown compared with the previous year. This time around, registrations are up 12.7% compared to 2022.

This takes the overall figure to 27,433, and this is another month where the result is higher than the most recent pre-pandemic equivalent month – it is 4.6% up on November 2019.

In addition to figures from 2023, on this page you’ll also find the full year data for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018, so you can see what the most popular vans and pickups in those years.

All this is useful because it means you can see which vans make the most sense to other businesses, meaning 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 November 2023

10. Renault Trafic (816 sold)

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The Renault Trafic had a major update in 2022, with loads of new safety features and a new look helping to keep it fresh and maintaining its appeal. The medium-sized van has some strong contenders in its class, with the Ford Transit Custom and VW Transporter to name but two, but it has plenty in its favour.

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9. Maxus Deliver 9 (819 sold)

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This is a turn-up for the books – the Maxus Deliver 9 is not a regular presence in the best-selling-vans list, but it is a mark of how far the brand has come. The model is becoming a more common sight on our roads, with deals with delivery companies helping boost its registrations.

Find a Maxus Deliver 9 for sale near you

8. Toyota Hilux (934 sold)

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One of the best-known pickups, the Toyota Hilux has been respected as a tough and durable workhorse since 1968. As things stand, it is one of the best out there, too, as it is the current holder of the Parkers Pickup of the Year award. While the Hilux isn’t the cheapest model on the market, a comfortable ride, versatile set-up, and a substantial increase in safety equipment make 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

7. Citroen Berlingo (1,311 sold)

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The small Citroen Berlingo is a regular feature in the best-seller list, and it is easy to see why. The small van is practical, great to drive, has an excellent cabin and represents good value for money. There is a strong electric model in the range too.

Find a Citroen Berlingo for sale near you

6. Volkswagen Transporter (1,416 sold)

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The Volkswagen Transporter’s appeal is down to the wide range of models on offer. Coupled with a strong choice of engines, this is one medium-sized van that has something for everyone. Plenty of safety systems and a respectable level of comfort help the Transporter hold its value well too. It’s no longer available to order, though, with the new VW Transporter on its way in 2024, so all sales will be versions held in stock. Going by its continued presence in the top 10 there are plenty left, though.

Find a Volkswagen Transporter for sale near you

5. Mercedes Sprinter (1,525 sold)

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The Mercedes Sprinter continues to set incredible standards, and remains one of the best large vans you can buy, especially given the cutting-edge technology that’s now included on-board. Popular particularly in the delivery industry, it has exceptional reliability, though the Mercedes eSprinter electric van has poor driving range compared with rivals.

Find a Mercedes Sprinter for sale near you

4. Ford Ranger (1,624 sold)

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The all-new Ford Ranger has picked up where the previous version left off, as the UK’s most popular pickup truck. It has notably moved the game on from its predecessor, though, as it is excellent to drive, comfortable and well equipped inside and offers a wide range of practicality. There are loads of versions to choose from, including the outrageous Ford Ranger Raptor.

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3. Vauxhall Vivaro (1,783 sold)

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The latest Vauxhall Vivaro is still proudly built in Britain, even though the firm is now part of the massive Stellantis group of companies. Cousin to the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace, it can carry vast amounts of payload, offers great fuel economy and is now available as a Vivaro Electric as well.

Find a Vauxhall Vivaro for sale near you

2. Ford Transit (2,222 sold)

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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. It’s also setting new standards for electric vans, with the Ford E-Transit the best out there by a country mile and the addition of this version has elevated the Transit range as a whole to the extent that it is the winner of the 2023 Parkers Van of the Year Award.

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1. Ford Transit Custom (3,266 sold)

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The new Ford Transit Custom only went on sale in late 2023 but it is very much business as usual for the brand’s sales team as it takes up where the old one left off at the top of the charts. This all-new model is a notable improvement over all of its rivals and its predecessor, so this is little surprise. It’s also no shock, therefore, that it is also our 2024 Parkers Commercial Vehicle of the Year.

Find a Ford Transit Custom for sale near you

November 2023 van market report

November 2023 takes us one month shy of a full year of continuous growth in the van market, with the final figure of 27,433 continuing the upward trend and taking the sales for the year so far up to the highest level for two years.

This means that 2023 has recorded 311,754 registrations so far, with just one month left. This is driven by an increase in product availability and ongoing demand.

The rise has been down to a surge in demand for medium-size vans – sales more than doubled in this sector, growing from 1,744 to 4,554, which represents a growth of 161.1%.

Large vans might represent the largest sector of the market, as is usually the case, but they actually saw a slight dip in registrations. The figure fell 1.6% from 18,367 to 18,070.

There were modest changes in the other parts of the market, with small vans growing by 10.4%, pickups by 14.9% and 4x4s by 6.5%.

IT was another tough month for EV sales, though, with months sales falling 17.4% compared to 2022. This hasn’t dented the overall year-to-date figure, though, which remains 15.0% up on 2022 to the end of November.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: ‘An 11th month of growth in Britain’s van sector is hugely positive, especially given fleet renewal is key to decarbonisation. It is crucial that operator demand also translates to zero emission van uptake, driving down CO₂ emissions to meet Britain’s ambitious environmental targets.

‘These are severely threatened by Rules of Origin requirements due in less than four weeks’ time, so it is essential that a pragmatic solution is found, and fast.’

Bestselling vans and pickups of 2022

This table shows the bestselling vans and pickup for all of 2022:

Bestselling vans and pickups of 2021

This table shows the most popular vans and pickups for all of 2021:

Bestselling vans and pickups of 2020

The most popular vans and pickups of 2020 in a table.

Bestselling vans and pickups of 2019

This is the top 10 list of the bestselling vans (and pickups) of 2019 in total.

Bestselling vans and pickups of 2018

This is the top 10 list of the most popular vans (and pickups) in all of 2018.