Van Dimension Comparison: Top 10 Popular Vans in the UK

When selecting a commercial van for your business or personal use, understanding the precise dimensions is crucial.

Quick Comparison Table

Key Insights:

• Largest capacity: Mercedes Sprinter (17m³) and Ford Transit (15.1m³)

• Best payload: Ford Transit Custom (1,407kg) and Stellantis family (1,384kg)

• Most compact: Vauxhall Vivaro at 1,904mm height ensures car park access

• Highest versatility: Renault Trafic offers H2 high roof (8.9m³) unlike other medium vans

• Weakest payload: Mercedes Vito (978kg) trades capacity for premium refinement The right van can make the difference between efficient operations and daily frustrations. In the UK market, certain models have established themselves as favourites among businesses and tradespeople, and for good reason. This comprehensive guide compares the dimensions of the ten most popular vans currently dominating British roads, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific space and cargo requirements.

1. Ford Transit Custom

The Ford Transit Custom holds the crown as the UK's best-selling vehicle outright, not just among vans. With over 46,000 units sold in 2024 alone, its popularity is undeniable.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 4,972mm (L1) to 5,339mm (L2)

• Width: 2,030mm (excluding mirrors), 2,275mm (including mirrors)

• Height: 1,964mm (H1) to 1,998mm (H2)

• Wheelbase: 2,933mm (SWB) to 3,300mm (LWB)

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,554mm (L1) to 2,921mm (L2)

• Load Width: 1,775mm (maximum), 1,351mm between wheel arches

• Load Height: 1,406mm (H1) to 1,778mm (H2)

• Load Volume: 5.4m³ (L1H1) to 7.7m³ (L2H2)

The Transit Custom's dimensions make it an ideal medium-sized van, particularly with the H1 low roof variants all sitting comfortably below the critical 2-metre height restriction found in most car parks. Maximum payload reaches 1,407kg in certain configurations, making it one of the most capable vans in its class.

2. Ford Transit

The larger sibling to the Custom, the Ford Transit ranked second in UK sales with 31,322 units sold in 2024. This full-size van offers significantly more space for those who need it.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 5,531mm (MWB) to 6,704mm (longest panel van)

• Width: Approximately 2,050mm (body), wider with mirrors

• Height: Multiple options from standard to high roof

• Wheelbase: Various configurations available

Internal Load Space:

• Load Volume: Up to 15.1m³ (maximum configuration)

• Multiple body lengths and heights available

• Superior load capacity compared to medium vans

The Transit's versatility is its strongest asset, with four different lengths, three heights, and various cab configurations. It bridges the gap between medium vans and true large vans, offering substantial carrying capacity whilst remaining manageable for most drivers.

3. Vauxhall Vivaro

Consistently ranking in the top five best-sellers, the Vivaro is manufactured at Vauxhall's Luton plant and offers excellent value for money.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 4,959mm (L1) to 5,309mm (L2)

• Width: 1,920mm (body), 2,204mm (with mirrors)

• Height: 1,904mm (L1) to 1,935mm (L2) - single roof height only

• Wheelbase: 3,275mm (single option)

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,512mm (L1) to 2,862mm (L2)

• Load Width: 1,636mm (maximum), 1,258mm between wheel arches

• Load Height: 1,397mm (all models)

• Load Volume: 5.3m³ (L1) to 6.1m³ (L2)

The Vivaro's standout feature is its innovative FlexCargo load-through bulkhead system with a 500mm x 300mm opening gate - the largest in its class. Maximum payload capacity reaches an impressive 1,384kg. The consistent height of just over 1.9m makes it one of the lowest mid-sized vans, ensuring easy access to underground car parks.

4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Mercedes Sprinter represents the premium end of the large van market, offering unmatched versatility with over 1,700 different configurations.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 5,267mm (L1) to 7,367mm (L4)

• Width: 2,020mm (body width)

• Height: 2,351mm (H1) to 2,825mm (H3)

• Wheelbase: 3,665mm to 4,325mm

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,732mm (L1) to 4,810mm (L4)

• Load Height: Varies by roof height configuration

• Load Volume: Up to 17.0m³ (maximum configuration)

• Load Width: Sufficient for Euro pallets

The Sprinter's exceptional range of sizes makes it suitable for everything from urban deliveries to long-distance haulage. The L4 extra-long wheelbase model offers one of the longest load lengths available in a 3.5-tonne van. However, the taller H2 and H3 models cannot access most height-restricted areas.

5. Volkswagen Transporter

The VW Transporter has earned its reputation for reliability and quality, crowned as the UK's most reliable van in 2025. The latest T7 generation is now based on the Transit Custom platform but maintains its distinctive VW character.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 4,904mm (L1) to 5,304mm (L2)

• Width: 1,904mm (body)

• Height: Various roof height options

• Wheelbase: Standard and long options

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,324mm (L1) to 2,724mm (L2)

• Load Width: Approximately 1,700mm

• Load Height: 1,410mm (H1) to 1,940mm (H3)

• Load Volume: 5.8m³ (L1H1) to 9.3m³ (L2H3)

The Transporter offers an excellent driving experience that feels more like a car than a commercial vehicle. Maximum payload reaches 1,280kg for diesel models, placing it behind some rivals but still adequate for most applications. The comprehensive "5+ Promise" includes five years of servicing, warranties, and roadside assistance.

6. Citroen Dispatch

Built at the Vauxhall Luton plant, the Dispatch shares its platform with the Peugeot Expert, Vauxhall Vivaro, and Toyota Proace, but distinguishes itself with Citroën's characteristic French flair.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 4,959mm (M) to 5,309mm (XL)

• Width: 1,920mm (body), 2,204mm (with mirrors)

• Height: 1,940mm (standard - single height option)

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,512mm (M) to 2,862mm (XL)

• Load Width: 1,636mm (maximum), 1,258mm between wheel arches

• Load Height: 1,397mm (all variants)

• Load Volume: 5.3m³ (M) to 6.1m³ (XL)

The Dispatch matches its Stellantis siblings for dimensions but adds distinctive styling and Citroën's ergonomic cab design. The lack of a high-roof option limits ultimate carrying capacity but ensures accessibility to restricted-height areas. Maximum payload capacity reaches 1,384kg, matching the Vivaro.

7. Peugeot Expert

The Peugeot Expert is mechanically identical to the Dispatch and Vivaro but offers its own styling approach and typically strong equipment levels.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 4,959mm (L1) to 5,309mm (L2)

• Width: 1,920mm (body)

• Height: 1,948mm (standard)

• Wheelbase: 3,275mm

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,512mm (L1) to 2,862mm (L2)

• Load Width: 1,636mm maximum

• Load Height: 1,397mm

• Load Volume: 5.3m³ to 6.1m³

The Expert emphasises payload capacity and fuel efficiency, with the 1.5-litre diesel achieving excellent economy figures. Like its siblings, it features dual sliding side doors as standard and Euro pallet-compatible dimensions. The consistent dimensions across the Stellantis family make parts and accessories readily interchangeable.

8. Renault Trafic

The Renault Trafic has exceeded 2.2 million sales globally and remains Australia's largest export market outside Europe, testament to its versatility and reliability.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 5,080mm (L1) to 5,480mm (L2)

• Width: 1,956mm (body)

• Height: 1,967mm (H1) to 2,498mm (H2)

• Wheelbase: 3,098mm (L1) to 3,498mm (L2)

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,537mm (L1) to 2,937mm (L2)

• Load Width: Approximately 1,662mm

• Load Height: 1,387mm (H1) to 1,898mm (H2)

• Load Volume: 5.2m³ (L1H1) to 8.9m³ (L2H2)

Unlike many competitors, the Trafic offers a genuine high-roof option, significantly increasing load volume. The H2 model provides 8.9m³ of cargo space in L2 configuration, substantially more than rivals limited to standard height. The standard H1 model's 1,967mm height keeps it below the crucial 2-metre threshold.

9. Toyota Proace

The Toyota Proace is built by Stellantis and shares all mechanical components with the Dispatch, Expert, and Vivaro, but benefits from Toyota's legendary warranty and service network.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 4,981mm (Medium) to 5,331mm (Long)

• Width: 1,920mm (body), 2,204mm (with mirrors)

• Height: Standard roof only

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,512mm (Medium) to 2,852mm (Long)

• Load Width: 1,636mm maximum

• Load Height: 1,397mm

• Load Volume: 5.3m³ to 6.1m³

The Proace's standout feature isn't its dimensions - which match its Stellantis siblings exactly - but rather its warranty coverage. Toyota offers a standard five-year/100,000-mile warranty, extendable to ten years with scheduled servicing, providing exceptional peace of mind. Maximum payload capacity reaches 1,375kg.

10. Mercedes-Benz Vito

The Mercedes Vito represents the premium option in the medium van segment, offering build quality and refinement that justify its higher price point.

External Dimensions:

• Length: 4,895mm (L1) to 5,370mm (L3) - note: L1 discontinued

• Width: 1,910mm (body), 2,249mm (with mirrors)

• Height: 1,910mm (single height option)

• Wheelbase: 3,200mm to 3,430mm

Internal Load Space:

• Load Length: 2,586mm (L2) to 2,831mm (L3)

• Load Width: Approximately 1,650mm

• Load Height: 1,391mm

• Load Volume: 5.5m³ (L2) to 6.0m³ (L3)

The Vito's single roof height of 1,910mm ensures easy access to height-restricted areas. However, payload capacity is the Vito's weakness, with maximum ratings around 978kg for the L2 - approximately 400kg less than the best medium van rivals. The Vito compensates with Mercedes' renowned build quality, refined driving experience, and premium cabin appointments.

Choosing the Right Van

When comparing these dimensions, consider your specific requirements:

For maximum payload capacity: The Ford Transit Custom (1,407kg) and Stellantis family (1,384kg) lead the medium van class, whilst the Transit offers class-leading capacity in the large van segment.

For load volume: The Mercedes Sprinter's 17m³ maximum capacity dominates, followed by the Ford Transit at 15.1m³. Among medium vans, the Renault Trafic's 8.9m³ (L2H2) provides the most space.

For urban manoeuvrability: The Vauxhall Vivaro, Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Toyota Proace offer the most compact dimensions whilst maintaining good payload capacity. Their sub-2m heights ensure car park access.

For versatility: The Mercedes Sprinter's 1,700+ configurations provide unmatched flexibility, whilst the Ford Transit Custom's balance of size, capacity, and refinement makes it the UK's favourite for good reason.

For long-term value: The Toyota Proace's ten-year warranty and VW Transporter's five-year comprehensive coverage provide excellent long-term peace of mind.

Each of these vans has earned its place in the UK's top ten through a combination of practicality, reliability, and suitability for British commercial needs. Your final choice should balance external dimensions for manoeuvrability, internal load space for capacity, payload limits for weight requirements, and overall height for access restrictions. Consider where you'll be parking, what you'll be carrying, and how far you'll be travelling, and you'll find the perfect van among these ten excellent options.