If you’re responsible for your own delivery vehicle and looking to get a new one, there are a few things to think about: comfort is important, so is value for money and of course good cargo space.
We’ve decided to focus this list on ranking some of the most reliable delivery vehicles. Because there’s no point having a new vehicle that looks good unless it stays the course and doesn’t let you down or stop you from earning.
We haven’t ranked our top picks, but all the vehicles listed have been chosen with delivery drivers in mind.
10 delivery vehicles worth thinking about, based on reliability.
1. Larger vans
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
When asked, drivers often rate this Merc the best for reliability, comfort and being easy to drive. There are lots of options to suit your payload and cargo needs, along with the high standard spec and the safety and security features you’d expect from any vehicle with the Mercedes badge. There’s an all-electric version now too.
More info: https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/en/sprinter
Volkswagen Transporter
Known for its strong engine, comfort to drive and holding its value, the Transporter has been popular for years. The latest T6.1 version improves on running costs, has good looks and a nice interior, and is backed up by systems to keep drivers safe. More cargo space and useful tech features are some of the extra benefits.
More info: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/transporter-panel-van.html
Vauxhall Vivaro
This UK-manufactured mid-sized van is powerful and quiet with impressive fuel economy (there’s an electric version too) and good build quality. It provides a nice balance of space, payload and mobility, and the low roof design is great for urban driving. Overall a very practical choice when you don’t need the larger cargo space of other vans.
More info: https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vans/vivaro/model-overview.html#_panelvan
Volkswagen Crafter
Commercial vehicles from Volkswagen are always in the running for best reliability, and the Crafter is up there in terms of being both practical and economical, plus its ‘active safety’ systems. Versatile and comfortable, drivers rate it highly for its well thought-out cargo and load capabilities and what it’s like in the cab. Clever touches such as the reduced height of the cargo area sills add to the feeling that they’ve given a lot of thought to how drivers will use it.
More info: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/crafter-panel-van.html
Citroen Relay/Fiat Ducato
A great workhorse when carrying large loads, the Relay has one of the widest cargo bays and can cope with nearly two tonnes in payload. Running costs are good, as is the comfortable and roomy interior, small turning circle and plenty of fixing points for items. It is powerful yet calm to drive with its soundproofing – the electric version is even more smooth and quiet. Three roof heights are available, so you can trade off a higher cargo volume against a lower roof for getting around towns and cities more easily if needed.
More info: https://business.citroen.co.uk/models/relay.html
2. Smaller vans
Volkswagen Caddy
What’s billed as the fifth generation Caddy is still reliable, comfortable and practical, but now has lots of new features – from a cool design to driver assist systems and fully digital instruments. Always a good choice if you need a compact and versatile van, it’s nice to drive all day with this VW’s car-like handling. There are petrol and diesel versions available.
More info: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/caddy.html
Ford Transit Connect
Impressively reliable even though it’s been around a long time, this smaller version of the Ford Transit is easy to drive, spacious, well laid-out, offers good mileage and running costs, and copes with high payloads. It has comfortable suspension, and an inside quality that feels like you’re in a car. Diesel and petrol vehicles provide extra choice, alongside standard and long wheelbases.
More info: https://www.ford.co.uk/vans-and-pickups/transit-connect
Citroen Berlingo
This small van offers a great driving experience and high payload (over 1,000kg in some cases), plus some smart safety and security tech such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist and blind spot monitoring. With a strong engine, lots of interior space, and the Berlingo’s distinctive modern design, it’s easy to see why this is one of the biggest sellers across Europe. Overall, it’s great for making delivery rounds in cities and towns, and an electric version is available too.
More info: https://business.citroen.co.uk/models/berlingo-van.html
3. SUVs
Skoda Kodiaq
A big, tough car like the Kodiaq may be exactly right if your deliveries don’t call for the higher capacity of a van. Excellent cargo space is combined with high build quality, great high position visibility, driver comfort and good miles per gallon. An automatic gearbox helps with stop-start journeys, and it’s powerful enough when loaded. Assisted parking can be useful in busy locations.
More info: https://cc.skoda-auto.com/gbr/en-GB
Kia E-Niro
An all-electric minivan style SUV with a large carrying capacity, the E-Niro has a good range between charges and has the power and convenience to move your delivery items quietly. It’s big but agile in traffic, and has forward collision-avoidance assistance for safe and confident urban driving. It may not be built for a beauty contest, but it pulls its weight as a sensible option for drivers looking to get the job done well.
More info: https://www.kia.com/uk/new-cars/e-niro
10 TOP PICKS RECAP:
(All vehicle images sourced from Wikipedia and subject to copyright.)
For more ideas, here’s some other delivery vehicle recommendations worth checking out (plus other blogs from us if you’re looking to flex between delivery and private hire work):
https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/best/most-reliable-vans/
https://www.vanarama.com/blog/vans/the-best-vans-for-couriers-and-delivery-drivers-revealed
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/vans/98413/best-small-vans-on-sale
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/vans/97780/top-10-best-big-panel-vans-2022
At INSHUR, we offer smart, flexible insurance made for delivery drivers. We also cover food delivery too. To get a quick quote online, visit INSHUR.